"Wizard Riesen, what is it that you couldn't tell Wizard Bren and Wizard Sammir?"

Merlin asked as they both sat down.

Riesen looked intently at Merlin and whispered, "They only know it's an ancient monument, but not what lies within. But I know. The most precious thing in there is not a potion, casting tool or spell, but a Pandora Demon Ability instead! It was left behind by the powerful Spell Casters from over three thousand six hundred years ago!"

"Another Pandora Demon Ability?"

Merlin was shocked and asked in confusion, "How did you know that there would be a Pandora Demon Ability in the ancient monument?"

Many thoughts ran through Merlin's mind. The Pandora Demon Ability was a dark secret to keep so one would have to keep it vigilantly. How could Wizard Riesen share this secret so straightforwardly?

This left Merlin very puzzled.

"Hehe, I know there's a Pandora Demon Ability because I've entered this ancient monument before!"

Suddenly, Wizard Riesen revealed the shocking news that he had already entered this ancient monument once before.

Merlin did not look convinced so Wizard Riesen said, "I entered the ancient monument three years ago. I was trapped for some time but eventually escaped. In the ancient monument, I had found the Pandora Demon Ability. However, it was protected too powerfully, so I did not manage to retrieve it."

This was extremely shocking news. Riesen did not tell Wizard Sammir or Wizard Bren of this so Merlin was vigilant and coldly asked, "If you knew about the Pandora Demon Ability, Wizard Riesen, why didn't you enter the ancient monument alone and retrieve it yourself? Why have you told me about it?"

"It's very simple. I can't retrieve the Pandora Demon Ability alone! You've no idea how powerful the defenses are in the ancient monument. A common Third-level Spell Caster would not stand a chance. Even I've prepared for the worst. However, you showed us the strength of your Pandora Demon Ability – it may be able to break down the defenses. When we get to the Pandora Demon Ability, we'll share it without conflict. What do you think?"

Merlin hesitated for a moment before he lifted his head and replied with a smile, "Since you're so honest, how could I object?"

"Haha, brilliant. We'll discuss the specifics in ten days when we depart for the ancient monument."

Wizard Riesen said as he got up and left the courtyard.

Merlin watched as Wizard Riesen walked away. Merlin became more dignified as he coldly laughed. "Wizard Riesen has managed to keep such a deep and dark secret. He even hid it from Wizard Sammir. Hopefully, he's being honest, and really does want my help in retrieving the Pandora Demon Ability from the ancient monument, otherwise…"

Merlin thought about it more, and as he did, the cold breeze around him got stronger. He lifted his pale white finger and observed it. He had cultivated Glacial Finger, which killed Wizard DeMarco today and made Wizard Sammir and the others terrified of him.

Furthermore, Merlin's Glacial Finger had not been completely cultivated yet. He would continue to cultivate Glacial Finger over the next ten days and increased its strength. When the time came, whether it was the dangers of the ancient monument or if Wizard Riesen was to back out of his agreement, Merlin would be able to protect himself.

Hence, Merlin returned to his room. He used the elemental crystal stones that Wizard Vladi had given him and stayed up all night to madly cultivate Glacial Finger.

…

Over the past few days, the number of Spell Casters in Floating City had increased drastically. They all seemed to be in a rush as they hurried around.

"Sister Elena, there are so many people in Floating City. Is it because of the ancient monument?"

Two female Spell Casters wearing blue robes with their hair in ponytails were speaking to each other. They looked stunned as they watched the streets of Floating City filled with rushing people.

However, when Spell Casters noticed the gold signet on the hems of their cuffs, they shifted slightly.

This seemingly inconspicuous signet was, in fact, not as plain as it seemed. It represented one of the noblest Spell Caster families in Floating City, the Delman clan. Some of these roaming Wizards had come across members of such noble families before where they encountered unfavorable positions.

Although the Delman clan was not considered particularly powerful, several of the most powerful families in Floating City had united to form a huge alliance. They worked together and created a formidable force. They even had a so-called 'Law Enforcement Team'.

Of course, these 'Law Enforcement Teams' were only available in places where the families of Floating City could control. The powerful families had not yet gained control of places like this, in the South of Floating City, hence, the situation was rather chaotic.

Still, there were very few Spell Casters who dared go against the powerful families of Floating City.

Elena hesitated for a moment before she replied, "Maybe. A few days ago, the news of the ancient monument spread. These Spell Casters must be preparing to enter the ancient monument."

"Sister Elena, a few Spell Casters have already entered the ancient monument. Brother Ken has already gone to look for Brother Glen, and although he's just a Second-level Spell Caster, he's surely the most gifted in Fire City! What are we still doing here?"

The other female Spell Caster asked with a puzzled look on her face.

Elena stopped in her tracks and hesitated. "Glen is very powerful. However, the dangers that lie within the ancient monument are unpredictable. If the news I received from Vladi that the 'Wizard Merlin' he encountered is the same 'Wizard Merlin' that I encountered, we may have a better grasp of the ancient monument."

"Huh? The genius Six-Elemental Spell Caster you met in the Dark Magic Region? There are so many Spell Casters in Floating City, perhaps it's just a coincidence that they both have the same name. The Six-Elemental Spell Caster has not even become a First-level Spell Caster yet, how remarkable could he be? He's nothing compared to Brother Glen, let alone Brother Ken…"

Elena shook her head and explained no further. She looked up and saw a courtyard – it seemed like the one Wizard Vladi had mentioned where 'Wizard Merlin' lived.

Thus, Elena walked through the courtyard.

In the middle of the courtyard, there were the black-robed old man and Wizard Burton. Around them floated fluctuations of Elements.

The black-robed old man had consumed the Purple Stone Powder Potion for a long time now. He felt his Spell Models had stabilized and so, he sought out Wizard Burton to try out his spells.

After a few trials, Wizard Burton nodded and grinned. "Not bad, Hill, it looks like the Spell Models in your Awareness have finally stabilized. You shouldn't have to consume any more Purple Stone Powder Potion. However, you're unable to construct any new Spell Models…"

Wizard Burton shook his head and felt sympathetic. The black-robed old man and Wizard Burton had been through thick and thin together. Wizard Burton was a First-level Spell Caster and alchemist with hopes of one day becoming a Second or Third-level Spell Caster.

However, the black-robed old man would never be able to become a First-level Spell Caster.

"Hehe, I'm just grateful to have lived for so long. It's not such a great loss that I may never construct new Spell Models…"

The black-robed man laughed casually. He had completely let go of the idea that he may never construct new Spell Models and was not fussed about it either.

Suddenly, the black-robed old man and Wizard Burton realized the two strangers who had entered the courtyard.

"Who are you two?"

The black-robed old man asked immediately and remained vigilant.

Wizard Burton noticed the robes that the two female Wizards wore, and his heart skipped a beat. He smiled and asked, "Are you Wizards from the Delman clan?"

The younger female Wizard held her head high as she responded, "Yes, we're from the Delman clan. My name is Simi, and this is my sister, Elena."

Elena nodded and asked Wizard Burton, "We're looking for a Wizard named 'Merlin'. Is he around?"

"Why are you looking for Merlin?"

The black-robed man asked nervously.

Elena smiled warmly and said, "You both don't need to worry. If he's around, may you please ask him to come out and meet me?"

The black-robed man furrowed his eyebrows. He let down his guard as the two female Wizards did not seem like a threat.

However, he still shook his head. "Wizard Merlin has urged us not to allow any visitors. He doesn't want to be disturbed right now."

"No visitors?"

Elena looked around. Finally, she took a deep breath and shouted, "Wizard Merlin, I'm Elena from the Dark Magic Region! If you remember me, please come and meet me!"

Her voice was loud, and it echoed around the entire courtyard.

They waited for a moment but there was no response. Elena shook her head, and her face showed a hint of disappointment. This 'Wizard Merlin' could not be the same 'Wizard Merlin' that she had met.

"It seems like we've mistaken, sorry for disturbing you," Elena said to the black-robed old man and Wizard Burton as she turned to leave with the other female Wizard.

"Wizard Elena, you just got here. Why the hurry to leave?"

The door in the courtyard suddenly opened and out came a familiar figure.