Chapter Summaries

Merlin visited Dark Spirit Space with Mage Helsius to exchange Destructive Wind for a Pandora Demon Energy. He chose Earth Fusion Magic Energy for its ability to strengthen his earth-type defensive spells, but its cultivation required the rare Lava Soil.

• Mage Helsius introduced Merlin to the mysterious Guardian Mage, who inspected Destructive Wind and approved an exchange for Magic Energy of equal value.
• The Guardian Mage opened a rune-sealed doorway to the stored Pandora Demon Energies and explained that Merlin could choose one and study it for two hours.
• Merlin compared the available choices and selected Earth Fusion Magic Energy, which could merge into earth-type defensive spells.
• Merlin used Matrix to record Earth Fusion Magic Energy’s cultivation method and learned that mastery required Lava Soil and could boost defensive spells three to six times.
• The Guardian Mage declared that time was up and ordered Merlin to return Earth Fusion Magic Energy to its jade box.

Merlin obtained the Earth Fusion Demon Energy and learned that cultivating it required Lava Soil found in the Kordomansla Archipelago. Knowing the dangerous region was beyond his current strength, he stayed in his tower to build up his Mental Power, and by the end of the chapter he was ready to construct Dark Tide.

• Merlin returned from Dark Spirit Space with Earth Fusion Demon Energy, and Leo confirmed it suited him.
• Merlin used Matrix to learn that Earth Fusion Demon Energy required Lava Soil, which could be found in volcanoes in the Kordomansla Archipelago.
• Merlin decided to strengthen himself before traveling to the dangerous archipelago and planned to construct the second-level darkness spell Dark Tide.
• Merlin meditated in his tower until the Mental Power avatar in Bell Space reached its limit, then fused it into his own Mental Power.
• Merlin’s Mental Power surged, leaving him able to construct Dark Tide.

Merlin constructed the Second-Level dark spell Dark Tide, selected five more spells from the Tower of Myriad Phenomena, and prepared to travel to the Kordomansla Archipelago. Great Mage Leo agreed to let him go but asked him to return after three days to receive a lifesaving item, and Merlin waited outside Leo’s residence when the time came.

• Merlin used Matrix to construct Dark Tide, his first Second-Level Spell.
• Merlin chose Hellfire Sea, Earth Curtain, Windlight Technique, Flashing Lightning Light, and Frozen Area at the Tower of Myriad Phenomena and had Matrix record them.
• Merlin told Great Mage Leo he planned to travel to the Kordomansla Archipelago for Lava Soil, and Leo warned him that help would be far away before agreeing to the trip.
• Great Mage Leo told Merlin to wait three days so he could make him a lifesaving item.
• Merlin spent the three days teaching Emma about constructing Spell Models, then arrived early at Leo’s residence to wait for the item.

Mage Leo gave Merlin a one-use bracelet containing the Dark Eye’s power before Merlin departed the Dark Spirit Domain for the distant Kordomansla Archipelago. After a long journey across forests and grasslands, Merlin reached the sea, bringing him closer to his destination.

• Mage Leo gave Merlin a bracelet powered by the Dark Eye and warned him to save it for a crisis.
• Merlin told Lorinka and Emma he would be away for months or longer, urged Emma to pursue a fourth Zero-Level Spell, and asked them to check on the Wilson Family.
• Merlin left the Dark Spirit Domain and traveled through mountains and forests, replenishing his mana with Elemental Crystals.
• Merlin passed a group of praying Barbarians and later watched tens of thousands of beasts stampede across a grassland, which stirred thoughts of creating a new spell.
• After more than a month of travel across varied terrain, Merlin reached the sea and saw that the Kordomansla Archipelago was near.

Merlin reached the shore seeking the Kordomansla Archipelago, where he encountered a Two-Headed Infant and fought the sea beasts it summoned. He slaughtered the beasts but failed to capture the infant, then noticed two Spellcasters hiding nearby.

• Merlin found no sign of the Kordomansla Archipelago and followed the sound of an infant crying along the beach.
• Two Second-Level Spellcasters hid behind a boulder, fearing the Two-Headed Infant and hoping someone would draw its attention away.
• Merlin resisted the Two-Headed Infant's mental illusions and attacked it, killing a frog-like beast that shielded it.
• The Two-Headed Infant summoned sea beasts from the beach, sea, and sky, then fled when Merlin unleashed Dark Tide.
• Merlin trapped and slaughtered the summoned beasts, but the Two-Headed Infant escaped into the sea.
• The two hiding Spellcasters watched in disbelief as Merlin noticed their hiding place.

Merlin reached the Kordomansla Archipelago with Jerison and Della, learning about its dangerous sea beasts and powerful factions. He searched for Lava Soil but found none in the local shop, and Jerison claimed Udon Fort could help him obtain it if he joined.

• Merlin revealed himself to Jerison and Della after driving away the Two-Headed Infant, then agreed to leave the dangerous beach with them.
• Jerison explained the sea-beast attacks and introduced Udon Fort, the Gray Feather Alliance, and the Tower of Mages as the archipelago’s three major factions.
• Merlin arrived with Jerison at the main island and asked where he could buy alchemy materials without deciding which faction to join.
• Merlin asked the shop attendant for Lava Soil, but she said it was scarce and unavailable throughout the archipelago’s shops.
• Jerison told Merlin that obtaining Lava Soil would not be difficult if Merlin joined Udon Fort.

Merlin agreed to join Udon Fort after learning that its volcano map could help him search for Lava Soil safely. Though his First-level Spellcaster rank earned him only Black-Robed Mage status, he chose to challenge a Fourth-level Alchemical Monster, drawing the Gray-Robed Mages’ attention.

• Jerison persuaded Merlin to join Udon Fort by offering access to its detailed map of the Kordomansla Archipelago’s volcanoes.
• Jerison explained Udon Fort’s ranks and led Merlin to the hall where newcomers’ strength and status were assessed.
• Merlin identified himself as a First-level Spellcaster, and the Gray-Robed Mages initially prepared to grant him Black-Robed Mage status.
• After learning that challengers could earn higher ranks by defeating stronger Alchemical Monsters, Merlin selected the Fourth-level monster.
• A Gray-Robed Mage accepted Merlin’s challenge and led him toward the Fourth-level Alchemical Monster’s room.

Merlin defeated a Fourth-level Alchemical Monster with Extreme Ice Finger, qualifying to become an Elementary Gray-robed Spellcaster at Udon Fort. After explaining Udon Fort’s unity, a Gray-Robed Mage offered him the chance to challenge a Fifth-level Spellcaster and earn Intermediate rank.

• Merlin entered the transparent room and evaded the Fourth-level Alchemical Monster’s chain with Freedom’s Wind.
• Merlin froze the monster with two casts of Extreme Ice Finger, then shattered it into fragments.
• The Gray-Robed Mages recognized Merlin’s Pandora Demon Energy and assured him they would not covet it.
• A Gray-Robed Mage explained that Udon Fort’s strength came from unity and praised the close friendship of its three Fort Lords.
• After Merlin qualified as an Elementary Gray-robed Spellcaster, the Gray-Robed Mage invited him to challenge a Fifth-level Spellcaster for Intermediate rank.

Merlin agreed to challenge a Fifth-level Spellcaster to qualify as an Intermediate Gray-robed Spellcaster at Udon Fort, but learned he would have to wait for Great Mage Sakvila to finish preparing a potion. While waiting, Merlin merged a mental power avatar and began constructing the defensive Second-Level Spell Earth Curtain.

• Merlin agreed to challenge a Fifth-level Spellcaster after deciding Dark Tide might let him contend with one.
• A Gray-Robed Mage explained that Merlin would face Great Mage Sakvila, who would stop if Merlin admitted defeat, but Sakvila needed two or three days to finish preparing a potion.
• Merlin accepted the delay and settled into a guest room at Udon Fort.
• Merlin merged the mental power avatar that had reached its limit in Bell Space, increasing his mental power close to the peak of the Third Level.
• Merlin chose Earth Curtain as his next Second-Level Spell and used Matrix to analyze its Spell Model.
• Merlin selected a compatible, stable Spell Model and began constructing Earth Curtain in his Sea of Consciousness.

Merlin completed the Earth Curtain Spell Model and met Wadelak and Bella, two spellcasters considering joining Udon Fort. As the three explored the main island, Wadelak explained how Udon Fort, the Gray Feather Alliance, and the Tower of Mages differed, then he and Bella reacted sadly to the mention of Mage Arien.

• Merlin spent two days simulating the Earth Curtain Spell Model and used Elemental Crystals to fill it with magic power.
• Wadelak and Bella discussed joining Udon Fort after Dono joined the Gray Feather Alliance, making it harder for them to kill him.
• Merlin introduced himself to Wadelak and Bella and invited them to explore the island with him.
• Merlin saw the island’s busy spellcaster market and learned that the three major factions jointly enforced a ban on fighting.
• Wadelak described the Gray Feather Alliance’s resources, the Tower of Mages’ powerful members, and Udon Fort’s unity, then he and Bella showed sadness when he mentioned Mage Arien.

Merlin learned that the Kordomansla Archipelago had become a formidable power with an Archmage, then witnessed Wadelak and Bella confront Dono, who had killed their mentor Arien. Dono attacked them despite their claim that they were about to join Udon Fort, leaving them in grave danger.

• Merlin asked Wadelak whether an Archmage ruled the archipelago, and Wadelak confirmed one existed but said he knew few details.
• Merlin, Wadelak, and Bella encountered Dono, who blamed Wadelak and Bella for pursuing him and threatened to settle the score.
• Dono used a Second-Level Flame Ray to injure Wadelak, while his Gray Feather Alliance mage robe withstood Bella's Wind Blades.
• Bella accused Dono of ambushing and killing their mentor, Arien, and Merlin learned that Dono had gained the Gray Feather Alliance's favor by contributing a rare alchemy material.
• Dono launched Flame Rays at Wadelak and Bella despite Wadelak saying they were about to join Udon Fort, and the two despaired that they could not avenge Arien.

Merlin intervened when Dono tried to kill Bella and Wadelak, crippling Dono’s arm instead of killing him. Flar then turned his attack on Merlin, who was only about to join Udon Fort, and unleashed a storm of flames.

• Bordeaux and several Udon Fort Spellcasters arrived to protect Bella and Wadelak, but Flar bound them while Dono attacked the two again.
• Merlin protected Bella and Wadelak with Earth Curtain, then trapped Dono in Darklight Domain and crippled his arm with Solidifying Ice.
• Flar questioned Merlin’s identity and attacked after learning he was not yet a member of Udon Fort.
• Bordeaux warned Flar that Udon Fort would retaliate if he killed the newcomers, but Flar sent a storm of flames toward Merlin.

Merlin crippled Flar and faced retaliation from a Fifth-level Spellcaster, but Waller and Udon Fort drove the Gray Feather Alliance away. Back at Udon Fort, Merlin was summoned to challenge Sakvila for the Gray-Robed Mage assessment.

• Merlin used Extreme Ice Finger and Dark Tide to defeat Flar and cripple his arm without killing him.
• A scar-faced Fifth-level Spellcaster arrived with Gray Feather Alliance members and threatened Merlin, but Waller intervened on Udon Fort's behalf.
• The scar-faced Spellcaster withdrew, and Waller escorted Merlin, Bella, and Wadelak back to Udon Fort.
• Waller urged Merlin and the others to join Udon Fort, unaware that Merlin had already defeated the Fourth-level Alchemical Monster.
• A Gray-Robed Mage told Merlin that Sakvila had finished preparing the potion and was ready for Merlin's assessment challenge.
• Waller realized Merlin was going to challenge Sakvila and learned that Merlin's success could cause a sensation throughout Udon Fort.

Merlin challenged Fifth-level Spellcaster Sakvila to prove his strength, but his enhanced Dark Tide could not trap Sakvila, so Merlin admitted defeat. Sakvila judged him nearly equal to a Fifth-level Spellcaster and applied for him to receive a gray Gold-Edged Robe, which marked exceptional strength and potential.

• Merlin entered the rune-covered room with Sakvila to undergo the challenge while Gray-Robed Mages watched.
• Merlin cast an enhanced Dark Tide strengthened by Dark Heart, but Sakvila remained lucid and revealed that the spell could not trap him.
• Merlin dispelled Dark Tide, admitted defeat, and bowed to Sakvila.
• Sakvila told the gathered mages that Merlin was nearly equal to a Fifth-level Spellcaster and said he would recommend him for a gray Gold-Edged Robe.
• Waller explained to Merlin that a Gold-Edged Robe marked the strongest Spellcaster of a level and brought special benefits in Udon Fort.
• Merlin decided to wait for Sakvila's application result and learn what benefits the robe would bring.

Merlin met Mage Wu Mo, one of Udon Fort’s three fort masters, and received its first Elementary Gray gold-edged robe, making him a core member with authority over all Elementary Gray-robed Spellcasters. After Merlin explained his existing contract with the Dark Spirit Domain, Wu Mo amended Udon Fort’s contract so it would become invalid if the two organizations ever came into conflict, and Merlin signed it.

• Mage Sakvila brought Merlin to meet Mage Wu Mo, who lived in an unguarded castle.
• Mage Wu Mo declared that Merlin was the first Elementary Gray-robed Spellcaster in Udon Fort to receive a gold-edged robe and granted him one.
• Mage Sakvila and Mage Wu Mo explained that the robe allowed Merlin to mobilize any Elementary Gray-robed Spellcaster in Udon Fort.
• Merlin told Mage Wu Mo that he had already signed a contract with the Dark Spirit Domain and could not accept conflicting obligations.
• Mage Wu Mo amended Udon Fort’s contract to release Merlin from it if Udon Fort came into conflict with the Dark Spirit Domain.
• Merlin signed the amended contract and became a core member of Udon Fort.

Merlin used his Gold-Edged Robe to obtain a volcano map and a Blue Dolphin Bubble, then chose Purplefire Island to search its dormant volcanoes for Lava Soil. As he approached, the island’s wary defenders debated whether the lone arriving figure was a reinforcement or a threat.

• Merlin obtained a detailed volcano map using his Gold-Edged Robe’s credit and bought a Blue Dolphin Bubble for underwater exploration.
• After studying the map, Merlin chose Purplefire Island for its Silent Volcanoes and set out toward the distant island.
• Spellcasters on Purplefire Island mourned their dead comrades and discussed the losses they had suffered defending against sea beasts.
• When the defenders spotted a lone figure approaching, Betton went to investigate, wary that it might be from the Gray Feather Alliance.

Merlin arrived at Purplefire Island and met its spellcasters, who were surprised to see him wearing a Gold-Edged Robe. He set out to search the island’s Silent Volcanoes for Lava Soil and finally found a large one to explore.

• Merlin reached Purplefire Island, where Mage Betton greeted him respectfully because of his Gold-Edged Robe.
• Mage Betton introduced Merlin to the spellcasters on the beach, including a short, fat mage who challenged him to spar.
• Merlin declined to fight and asked Mage Betton about Lava Soil; Betton offered to guide him, but Merlin chose to search alone.
• After Merlin left, Mage Betton and the short, fat mage wondered how he had earned his robe, while Betton warned that sea beasts might attack again.
• Merlin searched Purplefire Island for half a day, found a large Silent Volcano, and climbed down into its crater to look for Lava Soil.

Merlin searched Purplefire Island’s Silent Volcanoes for Lava Soil while a massive sea beast attack overwhelmed Udon Fort’s defenders. He rushed to join the fight, where Mage Betton spotted him as the surviving spellcasters faced near-certain defeat.

• Merlin found footprints and no valuable materials in the Silent Volcanoes, then continued searching them one by one.
• A vast horde of sea beasts attacked Purplefire Island, and Mage Betton ordered the defenders to fight while sending for Udon Fort.
• After searching eighteen volcanoes without finding Lava Soil, Merlin felt the island tremble and saw the sea beasts approaching the shore.
• Merlin hurried toward the beach to help Udon Fort’s defenders.
• The sea beasts killed most of the spellcasters, and the survivors learned that reinforcements would take half a day to arrive.
• Mage Betton spotted Merlin racing toward the battle as fewer than twenty defenders remained.

Merlin arrived at Purplefire Island and rescued Mage Betton from a Six-Eyed Venom Beast before using Dark Tide and Annihilation Flame to destroy nearly all the attacking sea beasts. After exhausting his magic power, Merlin dispelled the darkness and revealed the devastation across the beach.

• Mage Boseta led more than a dozen Fifth-level Spellcasters from Udon Fort toward Purplefire Island after receiving Betton's distress message.
• Mage Betton warned Merlin to flee, but a Six-Eyed Venom Beast crept up behind him and attacked with poisonous mist.
• Merlin froze the poison mist and told Betton he would handle the sea beasts himself.
• Merlin cast Dark Tide, trapping the sea beasts across half the beach in illusions.
• Merlin unleashed Annihilation Flame, burning nearly all the sea beasts to ashes before his magic power ran out and he dispelled Dark Tide.

Merlin saved Purplefire Island from a massive sea beast attack, and Mage Boseta arrived believing the island’s defenders had been killed. After learning what happened, Boseta agreed to warn Udon Fort’s leaders about the growing danger, while Mage Betton remained determined to stay on the island; Merlin then prepared to leave but learned Betton might know a way to find Lava Soil.

• Merlin and Mage Betton surveyed the destroyed sea beasts, and Betton began organizing the survivors to bury the fallen spellcasters.
• Mage Boseta arrived with reinforcements, mistook the devastation for the deaths of Purplefire Island’s defenders, and vowed to avenge Mage Betton.
• Mage Betton reunited with his brother Boseta and explained that Merlin had defeated the hundreds of powerful sea beasts.
• Mage Boseta agreed to report the attack to Udon Fort’s higher-ups, while Mage Betton refused to leave Purplefire Island before reaching the Fifth level.
• Merlin said he would leave after failing to find Lava Soil, but Mage Betton claimed he knew a way to obtain it.