There had been a recent rainstorm in the south, and the air was still damp.

In a small town near the north, no one knew that the most magnificent, mysterious ancient castle was a stronghold of the powerful Ozmu, the ruler of all the southern Spell Casters.

Although this stronghold was tiny, it was managed by a Seventh-level Spell Caster. This was the strategy of Ozmu. A small stronghold would at least have a Seventh-level Spell Caster keeping watch while a medium-sized stronghold would have a Ninth-level Spell Caster.

Most of Ozmu's strongholds were small or medium-sized but there were also a few large strongholds. These large strongholds could only be found in a few rare spots throughout the southern Spell Caster world, and they were managed by Great Wizards. Nonetheless, these Great Wizards were not around most of the time, leaving a few Ninth-level Spell Casters to handle the matters of the large strongholds.

The entire southern Spell Caster world was strictly governed by Ozmu. In a few short decades, they had full command of the strongholds, and even had remaining strength to coerce the northern Spell Casters.

At the moment, the small stronghold in the small town only had six Spell Casters. The strongest of them was a Seventh-level Spell Caster, who was idly chatting with the rest out of sheer boredom.

"We should be able to leave this place in three years, right? There's nothing significant about this stronghold. It doesn't even have any resources. In three years, we'll get to leave, and also get a huge reward from headquarters!"

These Spell Casters had been dispatched to this stronghold. Each shift was ten years long. Once that period had passed, they could leave the stronghold, and obtain various rewards in the form of resources from Ozmu Headquarters.

Therefore, even though there was nothing much to cultivate in these tiny strongholds, many Spell Casters of Ozmu were still willing to come here.

"Hoo…"

A breeze flew by. Suddenly, the sky, which had been bright and sunny, turned dark all at once. These Spell Casters looked up toward the sky.

Instantly, a great change washed over their faces!

"Oh no, it's an enemy attack!"

The Spell Casters of the stronghold started to yell. In the sky, they observed a massive shadow. It was a three-headed monster of unparalleled size, who nearly shielded half the sky as it spread its wings.

"We're here. Attack then."

Atop the three-headed monster, Merlin's cold gaze swept across the Spell Casters down below in the stronghold.

"Roar…"

The three-headed dragon was overjoyed as it opened its mouth and spat. A gale whistled downward, and the Runic Magic Circle of the stronghold flashed with a brilliant light.

"Boom."

However, the Runic Magic Circle collapsed instantly. Each of the three-headed dragon's heads was able to unleash a spell on par with a Great Wizard, so it was difficult for this stronghold to withstand the impact even for a moment.

The furious windstorm swept downward, razing the stronghold to the ground. Naturally, the Spell Casters of Ozmu within were also killed by the three-headed dragon's gale.

"Let's go. Onward to the next stronghold!"

Merlin's face was expressionless. This was the first stronghold of Ozmu he had annihilated after he came to the southern Spell Caster world. This was only the beginning. He believed that Ozmu Headquarters would surely send someone over.

At that point, naturally, it would be child's play to learn of Ozmu Headquarters!

…

"Squeak squeak."

A few shrews scurried back and forth across the moist ground, scavenging for scraps. The damp air was filled with oppressive heat, causing much distress to the Wizards.

In the dense grove, two black-robed Spell Casters stared unwaveringly at the castle in front. They dared not move a single muscle. As they could not cast spells, sweat soon drenched both of their backs.

"Dimar, why isn't the three-headed dragon here yet?"

"Just wait for it. According to reports, the three-headed dragon has already destroyed three small strongholds. Our stronghold is the nearest to it, and it'll surely reach this place today."

"I wonder who's this three-headed dragon? To dare to launch such a wide-scale attack so brazenly against our Ozmu in the southern Spell Caster world. This is the most serious provocation. Ever since we had defeated the Three Major Spell Caster organizations, we had never suffered such a grievous loss in the southern Spell Caster world."

"No matter who this three-headed dragon is, there's only one fate for it, and that's death! We'll just keep watch here. Once we see any sign of the three-headed dragon, we'll head back to report immediately."

Both were drenched and stifled within the grove. They waited for a full four or five hours, and their patience nearly waned.

"Crash."

Just then, a gale wreaked havoc in front of the stronghold, and a three-headed monster landed from the sky. It was as if the earth itself was quaking.

"It's here!"

The two Spell Casters within the grove instantly became nervous when they saw this three-headed monster.

Merlin, who was on the three-headed dragon, cast his Mind Power forward, and swiftly learned of the stronghold's situation.

"No one?"

This was the first time there was no one in the stronghold after Merlin had wiped out three of Ozmu's strongholds. Nonetheless, after he thought about it carefully, a cold smirk flitted over his lips as he mumbled, "That's right, Ozmu has lost three strongholds in a row. Naturally, they would have heard the news. I'm afraid that the Spell Casters in the surrounding strongholds must've evacuated. That really is a problem!"

If there was no one in the stronghold, then surely Merlin must look for the strongholds one after another? This deviated Merlin's initial plan for it would take up a lot of time. He would not possibly search for the strongholds one by one.

"Rustle."

Just as Merlin was feeling somewhat vexed, his sensitive Mind Power instantly detected some movement in the grove behind.

"Huh? There's still someone?"

Merlin raised an eyebrow, then splayed one great hand. He unleashed his Four-Elemental spell, which swiftly transformed into a giant net, blanketing the entire grove.

Thereafter, two puny Fifth-level Spell Casters appeared within the range of Merlin's Mind Power.

Merlin gently patted the head of the three-headed dragon. It folded its mammoth wings and rushed into the grove. The three humongous, ugly heads glared at the two black-robed Spell Casters in the grove.

"You're both from Ozmu?"

Merlin questioned icily.

The two Spell Casters eyed the three-headed dragon, and knew that if they did not speak, they would immediately be swallowed by this merciless three-headed dragon. Thus, they nodded hurriedly. "We were ordered to find out what's happening here. Once the three-headed dragon has arrived, we're to return and make our report."

"Oh? You knew that it would be a three-headed dragon? It looks like Ozmu's connections run deep indeed. Tell me, where did the Wizards of the stronghold go?"

A cold look glinted in Merlin's eyes.

"The Spell Casters in the stronghold have evacuated to the large stronghold in the Abbes Mountains."

The two black-robed Spell Casters dared not hide the truth and told Merlin everything they knew.

"The Abbes Mountains?"

Merlin thought for a moment, following which the three-headed dragon, with Merlin's permission, instantly swallowed the two Spell Casters in one gulp. These two Spell Casters did not know that even up until their deaths that they were sent to set up a trap for Merlin.

"The large stronghold of the Abbes Mountains? There must be many Spell Casters gathered there by now, waiting for me to show up in order to kill me in one move!"

A chilling smirk played over Merlin's lips. These two were not sent as scouts at all. Rather, they were thrown away as bait by Ozmu, used to lure Merlin toward the Abbes Mountains.

Nonetheless, this was in line with Merlin's desires. Since the Spell Casters from most of the surrounding strongholds had gone to the Abbes Mountains, the trouble for Merlin running around was saved. Perhaps the Spell Casters in the Abbes Mountains' stronghold would know the exact location of Ozmu Headquarters. Even if they did not, after Merlin annihilated that stronghold, he would surely cause a commotion within Ozmu. Their headquarters would naturally send someone to kill Merlin. Merlin was still able to fulfill his objective.

Therefore, the three-headed dragon stretched its wings once more, and snarled as it flew into the sky, speeding toward the Abbes Mountains.

…

In the Abbes Mountains, a tall and imposing castle towered on the peak. Normies were unable to understand why such a gigantic castle would be built on the peak.

However, Spell Casters would know very well that this was one of the rare large strongholds Ozmu had set up in the southern Spell Caster world. It was in charge of managing the northwest region.

Nonetheless, Abbes Stronghold was currently thronging with many formidable Wizards. Counting just the Ninth-level Spell Casters, there were no less than eleven of them. This was considered a tremendous number.

Even a large stronghold would never have so many powerful Wizards. This was only because all the strongholds of the entire northwest territory had evacuated to Abbes Stronghold.

"Wizard Docent, the three-headed dragon that has appeared so suddenly – is it or is it not one of the most ancient monsters of the legends?

In the hall of the stronghold, the eleven Ninth-level Spell Casters were looking towards a Ninth-level Wizard in their midst.

This Spell Caster named Docent was the real overseer of Abbes Stronghold. A large stronghold was guarded by a Great Wizard but that was only in name. Presently, Ozmu was at daggers drawn with the northern Spell Caster world. Almost all the Great Wizards had left the stronghold, moving to the headquarters.

Therefore, the large strongholds were managed by Ninth-level Spell Casters who were relatively powerful, and one of whom was Wizard Docent.

"I've looked through some books. Based on the descriptions of Spell Casters who have personally witnessed that three-headed monster, the resulting conclusion is almost for certain – it's a three-headed dragon!"

As soon as Wizard Docent had spoken, many Spell Casters began to discuss fervently. The legendary monster – the three-headed dragon – was one of the most ancient creatures. Three thousand years ago, it was a monster of fearsome reputation during the Spell Casters' most glorious era, possessing terrifying powers on par with a Great Wizard.

Therefore, these Ninth-level Spell Casters were rather anxious.

"Wizard Docent, the three-headed dragon has appeared, and it's furthermore controlled by someone who's attacking Ozmu everywhere. Come to think of it, it must be the surviving members of those spell casters' organizations of the previous southern Spell Caster world, exacting their revenge toward Ozmu! This matter must be reported to headquarters as soon as possible so that they may send a Great Wizard over here."

Many Ninth-level Spell Casters nodded in response, expressing their worry regarding the three-headed dragon.

"Don't worry, everyone. I've already reported the matter of the three-headed dragon to headquarters. However, there's no need to send a Great Wizard. As long as the three-headed dragon dares to approach Abbes Stronghold, it'll be unable to handle us if we rely upon the defensive measures of the stronghold. Don't forget, this stronghold has something that can contend against gods. The Abbes God-fighter hasn't been used for a long time…"

"The Abbes God-fighter? That's right, we still have the Abbes God-fighter!"

"With the Abbes God-fighter, we won't be afraid even if we meet the three-headed dragon."

When the Abbes God-fighter was mentioned, these Ninth-level Spell Casters seemed bolstered by confidence all at once.

"Rumble."

Suddenly, the entire castle seemed to shudder as if it would collapse anytime soon.

"It has arrived so soon? Dear Wizards, follow me as we find out what kind of Wizard is able to control a three-headed dragon."

Wizard Docent was in control of Abbes Stronghold's Runic Magic Circle. Naturally, he would know at once that it was an attack from a colossal three-headed monster outside the stronghold.