An old man with grizzled hair opened the door. When he saw Merlin, a puzzled look crossed his face as he asked softly, "Who are you looking for?"

"May I ask if Heroult stays here? I'm Mr. Heroult's friend. My name is Leon. I believe Mr. Heroult knows me."

Merlin declared his identity. This unfamiliar old man sized Merlin up and then said, "Please hold on a moment. I'll ask for Sir Heroult."

It looked like this Heroult had quite a status. After all, though this castle was relatively old, it was naturally quite impressive to own such a massive castle in the Holy Dragon City where land prices were steep.

After a moment, a booming laugh came from within the castle. "Haha, is that Master Leon? You've actually come to the Holy Dragon City."

The doors opened. Heroult had changed into aristocratic apparel, exuding a noble, graceful temperament. This was not something most aristocrats could pull off. Even Count Stanwin did not have such a presence because this required an aristocratic clan with centuries of consolidation.

Heroult was always mysterious. Back in Boulder City, he had only opened the Fossil Museum, which was really strange. He had meticulous plans and was not just some aristocratic wastrel.

"Curator Heroult, we meet again!"

Although many thoughts flashed across Merlin's mind, he still remained outwardly calm.

"Master Leon, let's go in and talk."

Heroult invited Merlin into the living room, then examined Merlin all over. There was a strange glint in his eyes as he said quietly, "Not long ago, I had gotten word that Marshal Kerry was defeated by the Blackbat Militia and the barbarian tribe, and Boulder City had fallen to the Blackbat Militia. I was even worried about you, Master Leon but didn't expect that you had already arrived at the Holy Dragon City. I wonder, what is the purpose of you paying me a visit?"

Heroult was vaguely expectant, even impatient. He had been waiting for Merlin's news. After all, Merlin was a rare Host, one whose parasitism Heroult had carried out successfully. Although Heroult had obtained his data already, as someone who studied Hosts, this data was far from enough.

Merlin contemplated silently, then suddenly stood up. Since he wanted to obtain the formula and resources for the Nourishment Pond from Heroult, Heroult would discover that he had become a third-form shifter sooner or later. Merlin might as well tell Heroult first. He could even tempt Heroult more.

After all, a Host who was a first-form shifter could not be placed on par with a third-form shifter no matter what. Many people had succeeded in parasitism in the beginning, but as the shifter grew stronger, the almighty beast's will grew more powerful too. Ultimately, when they reached the second or third-form, they died from the repercussion of the almighty beast's will.

However, Merlin was now standing there within the hall in a healthy condition. Just this aspect alone was enough to fascinate Heroult.

"Swish."

Merlin rapidly shapeshifted. The aristocratic clothes he wore were torn apart as his frame enlarged swiftly. At last, he was no less than two meters tall. Furthermore, other than his upper body and his head, all parts of him were covered in a thick layer of black fur. His body had turned into a gigantic wolf.

"Third-form shifter?"

Heroult appeared astounded and almost shouted himself hoarse. It had only been a few months since he left Boulder City. Plus, Merlin was a Host who could be in danger at any time, yet he had become a third-form shifter. This was a terrifying pace of progress.

"That's right, a third-form shifter!"

Merlin slowly resumed his original appearance, only his upper half was naked, which was somewhat awkward. Heroult waved one hand and commanded someone to bring Merlin a set of clothes.

After a long while, Heroult slowly spoke, "You've obtained the Nourishment Pond formula?"

Hosts could only rely on Nourishment Ponds to improve their strength. Therefore, Heroult immediately caught onto the key point, which was that Merlin had obtained the Nourishment Pond formula.

"That's right, Curator Heroult. Don't forget that my father is a formidable peak fourth-form shifter! Although it wasn't easy to obtain this Nourishment Pond formula, it wasn't too difficult either."

Heroult nodded. Even though he had faith in his own abilities, he was still apprehensive towards Merlin's father Count Stanwin. The Deinosuchus bloodline was a mid-tier bloodline. To be able to cultivate this to the peak of the fourth-form shifter, one could be considered a contender at any place.

"Since you already have the Nourishment Pond formula, why have you come here today?"

Heroult initially thought that Merlin had come for the Nourishment Pond formula. After all, a Host would find it hard to advance without the Nourishment Pond. However, Heroult was somewhat at a loss now.

Merlin did not conceal his intentions and replied directly, "Who would complain about too many Nourishment Pond formulas? Moreover, the Nourishment Pond formula I have will eventually become ineffective. At that point, Mr. Heroult's Nourishment Pond formula would be extremely valuable. Plus, the materials of the Nourishment Pond formula aren't something everyone can afford."

Heroult was momentarily taken aback before he burst into loud laughter.

"Haha, not bad, not bad. Who would complain about too many Nourishment Pond formulas? Furthermore, the Holy Dragon Empire is in chaos everywhere now. Some of the traders' supplies are affected too. Thus, some materials of the Nourishment Pond formula are extremely costly. In addition, Master Leon, you should know by now that for a Host to increase their strength, the required materials for the Nourishment Pond alone are not something most aristocrats can afford by far."

Heroult already understood Merlin's intentions. In fact, he had come for the Nourishment Pond formula indeed. More importantly, however, was that Merlin had no way of obtaining more of those expensive materials for the Nourishment Pond formula.

Heroult knew full well of the material's costliness. Fortunately, he had special means and the problem of the materials was resolved long ago. He had his own reasons for devoting himself to researching Hosts.

Although Heroult was secretive and mysterious, Merlin could generally sense that Heroult was a contender with an almighty beast bloodline. His capabilities were probably not inferior to Count Stanwin, and he must have become a fourth-form shifter already.

However, this was seemingly Heroult's limit. It was nearly impossible for him to progress further with his almighty beast bloodline and break through this point. The peak of fourth-form shifting was his limit.

Therefore, Heroult might only have hope through the parasitism of an almighty beast's will. Nonetheless, being a Host was too dangerous, so Heroult wanted to study other Hosts thoroughly. He set a solid foundation for when he would use the parasitism of an almighty beast's will to break through to a full-shifting form.

Both of their needs were not in conflict.

"Master Leon, I can give you the Nourishment Pond formula, and I can even prepare the relevant materials for you, provided that you stay here under my study at each and every moment, so that I may record the data of a Host. All that you require shall be fulfilled!"

Now Heroult wished to know, how was Merlin still able to withstand the repercussion of the almighty beast's will despite becoming a third-form shifter.

Merlin was actually rather shocked. Heroult was talking big indeed. These materials were not that simple; they were very expensive and supplies were limited. Heroult actually promised this right away. If this was real, this meant that Heroult was supported by a massive organization.

Still, this suited Merlin's plans just fine.

"Only for a month. You can't possibly study me forever. One month and you'll prepare ten batches of the materials I need. Moreover, you must hand over your Nourishment Pond formula and prepare ten batches of materials for that as well. How's that?"

These were Merlin's conditions.

"So, twenty batches of materials in total. That's not a problem, but one month is too short. Three months at least!"

At this point, Heroult and Merlin started to haggle, finally settling on two months.

Within those two months, Merlin would allow Heroult to study him as he wished with no conditions except that Merlin was not harmed.

On the other hand, Heroult had to hand over a batch of materials after a period of time, until all twenty batches had been delivered in full.