Merlin's consciousness was immersed in the Illusory World. He had discovered that the Illusory World appeared much more stable than before. He traced the source of this change and found that it was related to the newly merged Two-headed Pterolycus' will.

"The almighty beast's will can stabilize my Illusory World? No, it's more like the almighty beast's will hastened the recovery of the natural order."

Merlin did not know the reason. Was it because of the multifaceted nature of this civilization? Then, once the Illusory World had recovered, perhaps he should consider creating an Almighty Beast civilization using the Almighty Beast world as a blueprint?

In any case, the fact that the almighty beast's will was able to promote the recovery of Merlin's Illusory World natural order, no matter how slight, was certainly good news.

"Chi."

With a single thought, Merlin's arms began to shift into two sharp wolf claws. Just a gentle slash would probably cut through solid walls.

This Two-headed Pterolycus was close to a mid-tier almighty beast. Upon transformation, its abilities were admirable. However, Merlin could only transform into the first-form. He could not wield its full abilities.

"I need to find the Nourishment Pond formula as soon as possible."

Merlin stood up. The servant girls allowed him to eat downstairs. After this body merged with the Two-headed Pterolycus' will, his appetite appeared to be slightly altered. His appetite improved tremendously. He could eat two meals worth of food in a single meal, and had a preference for meat.

At the dining table downstairs, Merlin was eating alone. Beside him, two beautiful servant girls stood in attendance. The fire in the fireplace burned steadily. The chill of winter could hardly be felt in the great hall.

Merlin used his fork to pick up a piece of meat and took a ravenous bite. Suddenly, his head bobbed up. He heard the living room door open with a "creak", then, in walked Count Stanwin and Commander Hanson. A chilly gust followed behind them.

"Father, Uncle Hanson."

Merlin hurriedly stopped his meal, and gazed inquisitively at the two dusty men. Count Stanwin and Commander Hanson had previously gone to the front line and was not supposed to return for a while. However, after just a few days, they had returned. Something must have happened.

Upon seeing Merlin, Count Stanwin's grave face finally broke into a smile. He beamed at him. "Leon, not bad, I see that your body has recovered. You even look stronger than before."

Count Stanwin's gaze was indeed piercing. Ever since Merlin had merged with the Two-headed Pterolycus' will, his body had unknowingly undergone some changes.

"Father, how come you're back?"

Merlin asked hurriedly. His instinct told him that there must be a problem.

"Leon, come with me."

Count Stanwin deliberated and thought that he should tell Merlin. After all, this was a critical matter. As his only son, Merlin had the right to know.

Merlin glanced at Commander Hanson. The latter, too, was wearing a solemn expression. Something disastrous must have happened. He stood up and respectfully followed Count Stanwin into the room.

The furnishing in the room was very tidy. Although Count Stanwin had not been home, the servants still came in to clean it. However, no one dared to touch any item in this room. Count Stanwin was quite strict with his servants.

"Leon, you probably know of the Blackbat Militia at the front line, right? The last time you were injured was caused by the Blackbat Militia."

Count Stanwin spoke to Merlin calmly.

"Father, what's the problem with the Blackbat Militia? Aren't they being stopped by Marshal Kerry's line of defense? Did something happen?"

Merlin asked in confusion. A trace of worry crept into his heart. He recalled that Curator Heroult of the Fossil Museum had left Boulder City in a hurry due to the dismal outlook at the front line.

"That's right, something happened. The Blackbat Militia has joined forces with the barbarians. Currently, Marshal Kerry's line of defense has been broken. In as soon as ten days, Boulder City would be invaded by the Blackbat Militia. Therefore, I've discussed with Hanson and decided to give up the territory. We'll leave Boulder City and escape to Holy Dragon City. After years' worth of savings, we won't be impoverished even if we escape to Holy Dragon City. However, we won't have any territory, and won't be able to live as freely as we do now…"

Merlin found out that, true enough, something had happened at the front line. Old Heroult had escaped pre-emptively. If Marshal Kerry could not stop them, what more Boulder City. If a master simply gave up a territory, it would not be considered as disobeying the empire.

However, if they escaped after the Empire's territory enlistment decree arrived, then they would be dealt with as military deserters. Even a master would not be able to escape the death penalty. Count Stanwin intended to leave Boulder City immediately to exercise this loophole. If the Empire's decree arrived, then the entire Hilderbrandt clan was doomed.

"Leon, you should pack. We'll be leaving Boulder City early tomorrow morning!"

Count Stanwin already made up his mind. If they dithered any longer, it would be too late.

"So soon?"

Merlin hesitated. He felt that he should not hide things from Count Stanwin, especially about his parasitism. There was no need to hide it because sooner or later, Count Stanwin would find out.

Moreover, he wanted to obtain more information from Count Stanwin regarding the Nourishment Pond. Perhaps, with Count Stanwin's extensive knowledge, he might know of some Nourishment Pond formulas.

Furthermore, Count Stanwin was not considered a weakling. He had achieved the fourth-form, which was very close to a full-shifter.

"Father, there's something I would like to speak with you alone."

Merlin glanced at Hanson. It was not that he distrusted Hanson, but since this was his personal secret. The fewer people who knew, the better. If not because they had to leave in a hurry, Merlin would have chosen a later time to explain to Count Stanwin properly.

"Leon, what's the matter?"

Commander Hanson had graciously taken his cue to leave. On the other hand, Count Stanwin was slightly puzzled. Hanson was his left- and right-hand man, there was nothing he could not know.

"Father, please take a look!"

Merlin held out a hand. With a single thought, his pale white hand grew a thick layer of gray fur, and a sharp claw appeared, exuding a vicious aura.

"Shifter?"

Count Stanwin seemed to come to a realization. His face changed dramatically as he said hoarsely, "Leon, you chose parasitism?"

Merlin was Count Stanwin's son. Naturally, he knew that Merlin did not inherit his Deinosuchus bloodline. Now that Merlin was able to shift, there was no doubt that Merlin chose parasitism and succeeded.

"Yes, Father, I chose parasitism. It's the Two-headed Pterolycus' will, and I've succeeded!"

Merlin said matter-of-factly. Following that, he gazed at Count Stanwin calmly.

"Did Heroult help you with the parasitism?"

Instantly, a flash of anger appeared on Count Stanwin's face as he growled madly. Parasitism, his only son had allowed an almighty beast's will to attach as a parasite. This was a road of no return.

Certainly, parasitism had its benefits but its drawbacks were even greater and more conspicuous. The slightest lapse in attention could result in death. In addition, this danger could not be removed. It would follow Merlin for the rest of his life. Count Stanwin did not want Merlin to choose parasitism. For this reason, he did not care about offending Heroult and sent him away.

Unexpectedly, it was still too late.

"Father, please don't blame Curator Heroult. I did it willingly. Moreover, I think Curator Heroult has already left Boulder City."

Merlin saw the furious expression on Count Stanwin's face and could not help but feel warm in his heart. The sincere concern he showed was similar to Old Wilson, and it made Merlin feel loved.

After a moment, Count Stanwin seemed to calm down, and accepted the fact.

"Leon, you've grown up now and have your own opinion. Parasitism is very dangerous but since it's your decision, you'll have to live with it. So, tell me, why did you choose to tell me? What do you want to know from me?"

Count Stanwin calmed down. There was a different glint in his eyes. Previously, Leon had always been protected by him. No matter what the decision, he had always chosen on behalf of Leon.

This time, however, Leon had personally made a choice. Although Count Stanwin did not agree with it, Leon still made a very significant decision. Leon was no longer the obedient boy he used to be but had gradually matured. As a father, Count Stanwin still felt quite gratified.