Chapter 623: The First Step

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

In the secret chamber of Setoh Castle, Merlin’s surrounding was quiet. There was no one else but himself. Merlin gently shut his eyes, and examined the additional memory which had surfaced in his mind.

Darkness Eye was something Merlin had received when he was still weak. Once upon a time, it was his strongest ability. Even right now, the sixth form of Darkness Eye could rival a peak Great Wizard’s abilities.

Nevertheless, following the advancement of Merlin’s Spell Caster level as well as the improvements in his Spell Fusion, Hallucinating spell, and other abilities, the sixth form of Darkness Eye eventually lagged behind the rest of Merlin’s abilities.

As for the seventh form of Darkness Eye, Merlin came to understand over time that the key to unlocking it must be controlled by the Legend of Darkness Oflas. Unless Merlin could obtain the key, he would not be able to level-up Darkness Eye anymore.

Right now, the Blackfire Lord had finally obtained the instructions from the Legend of Darkness in order to level-up Darkness Eye to its seventh form. Naturally, Merlin was very excited. Without any delay, he began to examine the large barrage of information given to him by the Blackfire Lord.

The information in Merlin’s mind was extensive, and was all related to Darkness Eye. From the methods of cultivation to the final sixth form, the information was incredibly detailed. The Blackfire Lord must have employed some tactics that forced the Legend of Darkness to hand over the detailed instructions of cultivating Darkness Eye.

Perhaps, this was a feat that would not be achieved for the ordinary Lords. It must have been the Blackfire Lord’s unique identity and status that caused the Legend of Darkness to surrender and hand over the secrets of Darkness Eye.

Merlin only took a cursory glance through the first to sixth forms. Darkness Eye was not cultivated from the start by Merlin, and even the sixth form was cultivated with the assistance of the Blackfire Lord. Therefore, Merlin did not have a very deep understanding of Darkness Eye. The only information he wanted to know now was, how to cultivate Darkness Eye successfully, and level up to its seventh form?

Soon, Merlin found an introduction to the seventh form of Darkness Eye, and it was very detailed.

Firstly, in order to cultivate the seventh form of Darkness Eye, it was necessary to fuse it with all his Darkness-type spells. Moreover, this fusion was not the same as the fusion of Pandora Demon Abilities but a fundamental fusion into the Darkness-type Spell Model.

Thus, it would require the Spell Caster to first combine all his Darkness-type Spell Models into one. In fact, this was also an essential step that had to be undertaken by any Ninth-level Spell Caster before becoming a Great Wizard.

Generally, Spell Casters who intend to combine their Spell Models to become a Great Wizard would start with fusing Spell Models of the same type first. For example, starting with Merlin’s Darkness-type spells, he would start fusing the Zero-level Spell Model up to the Ninth-level Spell Model into one. After all, Spell Models of the same type would be able to fuse together easier than other types of Spell Models.

It was only after this step that they would consider fusing together different spell types. This method also avoided confusion. Otherwise, the random combination of dozens of Spell Models might kill even the most talented Spell Caster due to the collapse of the Spell Model.

Darkness Eye was a special Pandora Demon Ability so Merlin did not know whether it could be fused into the Darkness-type Spell Model. Nevertheless, since this was the method given by the Legend of Darkness Oflas, it would not be wrong.

Fusing it into the Spell Model was not the end. Subsequently, the Spell Caster’s Mind Power had to be completely fused with Darkness Eye. Upon successful completion, Darkness Eye would level-up to its seventh form, and possess abilities comparable to a Great Legend.

However, Merlin discovered an issue. Fusing spells and Pandora Demon Abilities was incredibly difficult, akin to walking on a tightrope on stilts. An average Spell Caster would not be able to do it. Then, even if someone were to succeed, they would have to fuse their Mind Power with it. It was probably at this critical moment that Oflas would act. He would override the Spell Caster’s Mind Power, and take control of their consciousness, thus turning the Spell Caster into one of his puppets.

This was the key that enabled the Legend of Darkness Oflas to control so many Spell Casters who were able to wield the seventh form of Darkness Eye.

“This is a clever tactic... Secretly spread the cultivation methods of Darkness Eye, step by step, and then observe the Spell Casters who are making rapid progress in cultivating Darkness Eye. Then, strike at the most critical moment! It would be a walk in the park to control a Ninth-level or Great Wizard. Instantly, the Legend of Darkness would possess a puppet that is comparable to a Great Legend.”

Merlin was able to figure out the Legend of Darkness Oflas easily. The key that enabled him to control several Spell Casters as his puppets laid in the Mind Power fusion step.

“The Legend of Darkness Oflas overrides the Spell Caster’s Mind Power to control their consciousness, and turn them into puppets. Most likely, he’s similar to the Blackfire Lord, someone studying the Mind Power system. He must be a Mind Power Master who had at least consolidated the Mind Heart!”

According to the clues, Merlin immediately inferred that the Legend of Darkness Oflas was a Mind Power Master. Only then, it would explain how he had never missed a hand.

The only time was when the Blackfire Lord had helped Merlin remove the special powers hidden inside Darkness Eye. Hence, despite using the same method to cultivate the seventh form of Darkness Eye, Merlin would not have to fear being controlled by Oflas.

Moreover, Merlin was an outstanding Mind Power Master himself. His Mind Power was incredibly powerful, and his Hallucinating spell had achieved the third step. Even if the Legend of Darkness were to strike, he might not necessarily be able to override Merlin’s Mind Power.

“This is strangely quite similar to the Illusory Heart.”

Merlin muttered softly. Unexpectedly, the moment his voice dropped, the illusion bead in his ring began to vibrate.

Merlin frowned, and retrieved the illusion bead. Then, from the inside, Titus’ apparition was projected outward.

Ever since Titus had forcibly mobilized the illusion bead the last time and sustained massive damage, Merlin no longer kept the illusion bead sealed. Therefore, Titus could observe the outside situation at any time via the illusion bead.

“Merlin, the Legend of Darkness uses Darkness Eye to override the Spell Caster’s Mind Power, and thereby control their consciousness, turning them into puppets. This is completely different from the Illusory Heart. You better not think of this as a shortcut. If you expand your effort following the Legend of Darkness’ approach, I’m afraid you’ll never be able to achieve the enlightenment of the Illusory Heart.”

Seeing the gravity in Titus’ expression, Merlin was instead relaxed. He smiled slightly. “Oh? Is it so serious? Titus, you must be watching me very closely since you seem to know what I’m thinking? So, tell me, what’s the difference?”

“The difference is huge!”

Titus paused and continued. “The Legend of Darkness’ approach is simply using a powerful Mind Power to gain control over someone’s consciousness, but what happens if you meet a more powerful Mind Power Master? Moreover, he strikes when the Spell Caster’s guard is lowered. Even when he controls them, they’re nothing but mindless puppets, how can that be compared to the Illusory Heart? The Illusory Heart enables you to use Hallucinating spells to completely trap your enemies in an unrecoverable illusion, and thus allowing you to control their minds. This is a very advanced form of control, not like the mindless puppets. In addition, your opponents can still be restored to normal after being exposed to the Hallucinating spell. This is the power of the Illusory Heart. The foundation of the Illusory Heart still lies within Hallucinating spells, which is why it’s the second stage of Hallucinating spells.”

Titus explained a lot in one breath, and Merlin nodded thoughtfully. Titus was “warning” Merlin that perfecting the Mind Power system would require a focus on Hallucinating spells. Only by achieving enlightenment on Hallucinating spells would he be able to achieve the higher realm of the Illusory Heart.

Later, Titus returned to the Illusory World. Merlin did not continue to pursue how the Legend of Darkness managed to control the Spell Casters. Instead, he began to combine all the Spell Models of his Darkness-type spells as per the Legend of Darkness’ method.

From the Zero-level spell to the Ninth-level spell, there were a total of ten Spell Models. Merlin’s Mind Power immersed in his Awareness, and saw that the Darkness-type Spell Models were like building blocks. Each of them was stacked up in a unique combination.

Even if they belonged to the same element type, there was a lot of repulsion between individual spells. Therefore, before combining Spell Models, it was necessary to first consider the repulsion between each Spell Model.

Generally, for the fusion of spells that belonged to the same type, while there was considerable repulsion, it could be directly suppressed by Mind Power. It was the fusion of different types of Spell Models that could not be forcibly suppressed or else it might explode and collapse.

Merlin began from the Zero-level Darkness-type Spell Model, and tried to forcibly fuse it with the First-level Spell Model. First, he allowed the two Spell Models slowly mingle.

“Chi chi.”

Soon, Merlin found the problem. The two Spell Models were still unable to fuse together by themselves. After all, there was a huge difference between them.

Seeing that the spells were unable to fuse together, Merlin activated his enormous Mind Power.

“Boom.”

The enormous Mind Power was like a mountain that slammed violently between the Zero- and First-level Darkness-type spells. Then, there was a bone-chilling sound, and the Zero-level Spell Model began to forcibly fuse with the First-level Spell Model.

A black mist enveloped the two Spell Models. Since they were Spell Models of the same type, a forced fusion would not pose any risk of collapse. Therefore, the Spell Casters dared to use Mind Power to forcibly combine Spell Models of the same type.

Finally, Merlin sensed that the repulsion between the two Spell Models was diminishing. At last, he gradually removed his Mind Power. The Zero-level Spell Model and the First-level Spell Model were madly fusing together like sponges.

This was not one engulfing the other but a true fusion. Merlin could sense that the newly-fused Spell Model had become more powerful than before.

However, such fusions must be done quickly. After the successful combination of the Zero-level and First-level Spell Models, the remaining Darkness-type Spell Models became like a building block structure with missing components. The entire structure was unstable. Merlin had to utilize all his Mind Power to stabilize the Spell Models.

Taking advantage this time, Merlin quickly began Second-level Spell Model fusion, and continued with the Third-, Fourth-, Fifth-, and up to Ninth-level Spell Model. One after another, they were fused together.

Merlin’s expression was very calm. The combination of same-type Spell Models was not only the first step of cultivating the seventh form of Darkness Eye but also the first step toward becoming a Great Wizard. Hence, it was a very important task that left no room for error.