The Rumba Stele (Part One)

"So strong! I'm afraid only Lord Valon could defeat him!"

The three Sacred Domain experts exchanged looks. They were Merlin's prisoners now, and there was nothing they could do.

"You're my prisoners, but I don't intend to kill you. I came here only to obtain something a great being left behind."

"A great being?"

The three Sacred Domain experts looked at one another. Then one of them asked uncertainly, "What is this great being called?"

Merlin thought for a moment. Orumba was no secret. He had created this world, and even cities bore his name—such as Lumba City beneath their feet.

So he said calmly, "That great being called himself Orumba."

"Orumba? So it is the Rumba Stele. A great being left it behind, but no one has managed to understand it all these years."

"That's right. Countless powerful people across the generations have tried and failed. I never expected someone from another world to come for the Rumba Stele. What's more, the great Lord Valon is studying it right now."

They had mentioned Valon several times. He seemed to be another Sacred Domain expert, and they made no effort to hide his presence. Clearly, the three of them had great confidence in his strength.

"Very well. We'll take you to the Rumba Stele!"

The three Sacred Domain experts agreed to Merlin's request.

That easily?

Merlin paused. He had even been prepared to use special methods, but they had agreed so readily that he found himself hesitating instead.

One of them explained, "The Rumba Stele isn't a secret. It's been there since the founding of the Morbata Empire. Rumor has always held that it contains a staggering secret, and that anyone who understands it can break through the limits holding them back. So anyone who reaches the Sacred Domain can