A Wizard’s Secret

Merlin had already woken up in the early morning. As soon as he woke up, he felt sticky all over his body and there seemed to be an unbearable odor coming from him.

“Hmm? Sweating again?”

It was winter now, so chilly wind whistled by, bringing rain and snow with it. Weather like this could not possibly make him sweat.

Merlin touched his hands and back. He was covered in sweat. A smile slowly emerged on Merlin’s face. He had not had this feeling for a long time.

When Merlin had attained his first relief sculpture, he was covered in sweat every day he woke up since he had practiced the posture for many days continuously. It was only when Merlin’s physical attribute had slowly increased that the posture of the sculpture no longer had any effect on Merlin. Even if Merlin kept on practicing the posture later, he would not sweat anymore, nor would he feel any change.

Now, after Merlin had begun practicing the second mysterious posture, sweat had covered his body again. This showed that the posture of the sculpture was effective on Merlin. Once he persevered in the practice, his physical attribute would surely be enhanced in the future.

After that, Merlin let the maid bring him a basin of hot water. He washed himself thoroughly before walking out of his room.

“Phew…”

The wind was whistling out there. A thin layer of crystal had already formed on some parts of the ground. He had to be extra cautious when he walked on it since he might slip.

“Ha!”

Merlin faintly heard series of shouts nearby. He took a few steps forward and reached a wide yard. He saw Old Wilson, wearing his heavy armor and holding his sword. The sword was glimmering a terrifying flame.

Old Wilson was practicing his sword now. He had already reached the peak of a Second-level Fire Swordsman. He only needed a little more to become a Third-level Elemental Swordsman.

However, this also could take some time, so Old Wilson was not anxious about it. He was simply practicing his sword now. He controlled the flame well in his hands. With a slash, the whistling wind blew forward with flame, creating a strong impact.

Merlin squinted his eyes and stared closely at Old Wilson’s figure. He saw Old Wilson’s muscular body suddenly expanded like a balloon. His swelling muscle almost made the armor burst.

“Swoosh!”

Old Wilson slashed forward and the whistling sound of the wind was especially sharp to the ears. The quick speed was beyond comprehension. The more overwhelming thing was Old Wilson had not used any elemental force in his body. He was simply using the strength of his body.

“Father has gotten stronger…” Merlin murmured lowly. Seeing Old Wilson had paused, he strode forward.

“Merlin, the three postures you gave me are truly amazing. I’ve only been practicing for a few days but I already felt my strength has increased at least two-fold! Even if I don’t use the elemental force, I can also fight against a Third-level Elemental Swordsman!”

The condescending aura given off by Old Wilson was even more apparent. Even Merlin could feel it.

Upon hearing Old Wilson’s strength had increased by two-fold, Merlin was still surprised. After all, when he practiced the posture of the sculpture, his physical attribute had changed slowly. In a couple of days, there would not be any apparent change at all. However, Old Wilson’s change was great. All of this was related to the posture of the three sculptures Merlin gave to Old Wilson.

‘Maybe Father’s physical attribute is already excellent. The better the physical attribute, the better the effect of practicing the posture.’

Merlin thought about it. According to this speed, the time when Old Wilson’s strength became comparable to a Fourth-level Elemental Swordsman would soon come.

After a short while, General Prat strode toward them in big steps and reported to Old Wilson, “Sir Baron, it’s all ready. We can depart anytime.”

Old Wilson nodded and said to Merlin, “Let’s go. The earlier we reach Prakash City, the earlier we can settle down.”

Merlin returned to Count Phuman’s castle and bid him farewell. Count Phuman then took a few identity cards and letter for Count Selin.

With these identity cards in hands, they could avoid many troubles during their journey.

After bidding Count Phuman goodbye, Merlin then followed the large team and slowly left Ravens Castle.

After three days, the team had arrived in an ancient city. The walls of this city seemed antique. Some of the bricks were seriously weathered. A small gust of wind was able to bring a little grit away.

“Prakash… This should be Prakash City!”

Merlin raised his head to see the few words on the wall. These words were written in Molta language because the Kingdom of Blackmoon claimed to have inherited the pride of the Molta Empire three thousand six hundred years ago. Thus, they had even used the ancient Molta language as their own language.

However, the Molta Empire had perished for three thousand six hundred years and the Kingdom of Blackmoon was only established eight hundred years ago. Rather than inheriting the Molta Empire’s pride, they were simply boasting their own name.

“We’re finally here…”

Old Wilson, Baron Parman, and the others showed elated faces. They had gone through a harsh journey, running away from the Kingdom of Light to here. They were full of fear every day and had finally arrived at their destination now. If everything went smoothly, Prakash City would be the home for the Wilson family and the Parman family.

The team moved forward slowly until they reached the gate. A few fierce-looking guards blocked their way and said to Old Wilson, “The castellan, Count Selin, has given orders. The gate is currently closed. Without identity cards, no one can enter Prakash City.”

“What’s the matter? It’s still alright yesterday. Why close it just like that?”

“What happened? I heard something happened in Prakash City.”

Many businessmen and civilians were full of questions. The gate was usually opened and could be entered at will. Today, it was suddenly closed and identity card was needed to enter the city.

They were only normal civilians. How could they have identity cards? Identity cards were an identification that could only be given out by some nobles and large business guilds.

Old Wilson was also in front of the gate. He waved his hands to bring the team to a halt. Then, he said to General Prat, “Bring Merlin here.”

Soon, General Prat brought Merlin to the gate. Upon seeing the tight security in front of the gate, Merlin frowned and said to Old Wilson softly, “Father, don’t worry. Count Phuman has given me some identity cards. Let me talk to them.”

Then, he strode toward the guards and took an identity card out from his pocket.

The guard looked at the identity card repeatedly and asked in uncertain, “Ravens Castle’s identity card? Why do you people come to Prakash City from Ravens Castle?”

“We’re introduced to Prakash City by Count Phuman. Why? Is this identity card fake?”

Merlin did not want to give any unnecessary explanation so he asked the guard with furrowed brows.

The guards heard that they were related to Count Phuman, then carefully inspected the identity card again. After ensuring nothing was wrong with it, he handed the card back to Merlin and said softly, “This is Count Selin’s order. We have to carry it out strictly! Alright, your identity card has been verified. You can enter.”

The guard waved his hands and the gate slowly opened. Old Wilson strode forward first and brought the huge team to enter Prakash City slowly.

As opposed to Old Wilson’s excitement, Merlin was slightly worried. He looked back at the gate in tight security and murmured in a low voice, “Hopefully Count Selin is not in any deep trouble…”