A Wizard's Secret

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Ossais was interested in making these Wizards his disciples but they had not passed the test and was about to take it with Merlin.

Ossais pointed at Merlin. "This is Wizard Merlin. He'll be taking the test with you."

Instantly, the three Spell Casters looked toward Merlin but they furrowed their brows in response, and were evidently puzzled. Finally, the female Wizard could not help but inquire, "Wizard Ossais, didn't you say that a rule you have for taking in disciples was that they must be a Seventh-level Wizard at least? Wizard Merlin doesn't seem to be one."

"Did I say that I'll be taking in Merlin as a disciple?"

Ossais' face turned cold, and his voice was rather forbidding. Nevertheless, such a reply caused the three Spell Casters to look at Merlin with a faintly unfavorable gaze.

"That's enough. You should know the place of the test. You've passed when you've entered the deepest level. Go forth."

Ossais waved his hand, sending off Merlin and the rest.

The two men and the woman all exchanged glances before they bowed deeply to Ossais. They then turned to leave, and Merlin followed behind them wordlessly.

These three Spell Casters were all Seventh-level Wizards, and they must be the most ordinary kind of Spell Casters who wished to pass Wizard Ossais' test, become his disciples, and learn Occult Mind Spells.

Merlin observed them for a moment until he was fairly certain about his estimation. The other three were also guessing Merlin's identity, and had their own conjectures as well.

"To be able to deviate Wizard Ossais from his original intention, and allowing a Fifth-level Spell Caster to take the test, Wizard Merlin must've something interesting about him!"

"That's right. In the Yatho Dimension, not even the Wizards who are of similar status as Ossais could make him break his rule about accepting disciples!"

"Perhaps only the Great Wizard Yatho could make Wizard Ossais acquiesce. Could this Wizard Merlin really be backed by Wizard Yatho?"

The more they thought about it, the more it made sense. They were not average Spell Casters. Although their abilities were not very strong, and could even be considered rather weak, one must not underestimate their backgrounds. Their clans were all managed by powerful Great Wizards.

It was because of this that they had the opportunity to be recommended to Ossais. They would become Wizard Ossais' disciples and learn powerful Occult Mind Spells upon passing the test.

"Swish."

Suddenly, the three of them stopped and turned around to stare at Merlin.

Merlin halted in his steps too, frowning as he looked at them. He did not know what their intentions were.

After a long moment, it was the female Wizard with a sweet face who spoke, "I'm called Damsy, and these are Fury and Giado. We're all from large Spell Caster clans of the Yatho Dimension, clans which Great Wizards oversee. However, since young, our talents aren't that good, and we only derived Seventh-level spells forcibly by relying on the various resources of our clan. However, they're so weak that they're a complete mess, and it's nearly impossible to advance further. Therefore, we were sent by our clans to Wizard Ossais so that we can learn Occult Mind Spells. We've studied under Wizard Ossais for a year, and this is the first-year test. Only by passing the test can we become Wizard Ossais' official disciples."

After the female Wizard had finished speaking, her eyes were fixed upon Merlin. Clearly, it was Merlin's turn to introduce himself.

Merlin thought about it for a moment. "I have the same goal as you, which is to learn the most advanced Occult Mind Spells!"

Merlin merely gave this simple explanation. After all, he came from the Mogan Dimension, and there was an entire story behind this that could not be summed up easily for these people.

Seeing that Merlin gave only such a simple reply, the three of them were obviously somewhat dissatisfied. Wizard Fury, who seemed relatively feeble than the rest, coldly said, "Wizard Merlin, I don't care how you make Wizard Ossais break his rule in allowing a Wizard who's not yet a Seventh-level Spell Caster like you to take the test. However, to pass this test, we must work together. So, when the test begins later, you must follow our plan."

"Follow your plan?" Merlin furrowed his brow, then nodded. "I can do that but only to a reasonable extent. I won't possibly follow you blindly if you're sending me to my death."

"That's to be expected. We won't let you risk yourself for no reason."

The female Wizard Damsy gave a sweet smile. The three of them were on the same page with Merlin for now, and Merlin was temporarily part of their little group.

With this new understanding, the four of them were not as reticent as before. Through conversations, Merlin understood many things. Ossais enjoyed a high status in the Yatho Dimension and was only second to the Great Legend Wizard Yatho. This was not merely because Wizard Ossais had formidable powers, reaching the peak of a Great Wizard. In truth, the main reason was that Ossais was a Mind Power Master.

A Mind Power Master did not really care about Spell Caster Quality. Moreover, there were far too many in the Yatho Dimension who had weak Spell Caster Quality.

If Damsy and the rest had not come from powerful clans, it would have been difficult for them to even become a Fourth-level Spell Caster. Even so, they had become Seventh-level Wizards by luck, yet were only weak Seventh-level Wizards.

Fortunately, they had another gift, which was Mind Power. One thing they had in common was that they had all condensed a Special Mind Heart, and their Mind Power was much greater than most Spell Casters. This was the most basic prerequisite for cultivating Occult Mind Spells.

Merlin was curious about Occult Mind Spells too. The three of them had studied under Ossais for a year and must know some Occult Mind Spells. When they had completed the test later, Merlin could observe their Occult Mind Spells.

"Swish."

Soon enough, the four of them came to a cave which looked relatively mysterious. The cave was covered in thick vines which nearly obscured the entrance.

"We're here. In this cave, there were spirit monsters that Wizard Ossais had mentioned lurking around. This cave is rather strange, so everyone needs to be careful. As long as we reach its deepest level, we've passed the test."

The female Wizard Damsy spoke in a low voice. One could see that this trio of Damsy, Fury, and Giado was led by Damsy. The other two usually would not object to her words.

Merlin wished to pass the test as well, so essentially, he had no conflict with their goal. He nodded too, allowing Damsy to take the lead for now.

"Very well. Cast your Defensive spells first in case we're suddenly ambushed when we enter the cave."

Damsy bore the manner of a natural leader. She thought things through thoroughly and was careful in her conduct. It was not surprising that Fury and Giado looked up to her and were willing to let her take the lead.

Merlin cast Enervating Halo silently. A circle of light immediately shrouded Merlin, emanating a mystical force. Damsy and the other two were slightly shocked upon seeing Merlin's Enervating Halo.

Although they were just Seventh-level Spell Casters, their judgment was decent. They recognized the superiority of Merlin's Enervating Halo. Many Seventh-level and even Eighth-level Spell Casters might not be able to construct such a formidable spell.

Furthermore, Merlin was merely a Fifth-level Spell Caster!

"What impressive talent. However, with talent like this, I wonder why he wants to learn Occult Mind Spells?"

Giado muttered softly. Although the other two did not speak, they clearly shared the same thoughts. In a glance, they could tell that Merlin's talent was at the level of a true genius. He had a bright future ahead of him with a great chance of becoming a Great Wizard.

That such a prodigious Wizard would come to learn Occult Mind Spells made them puzzled. After all, in general, only those who felt they had no hope of becoming an even greater Spell Caster would decide to become a Mind Power Master. This was the tragedy of Mind Power Masters.

This was despite the fact that Mind Power Masters were far stronger than Spell Casters of the same level in certain aspects. Many Spell Casters, despite their average spells, had relied on formidable Occult Mind Spells to become unparalleled in their respective levels. Even fighting beyond their level was nothing much to them.

In the past, Wizard Ossais had produced a miracle. As a Ninth-level Spell Caster, he had been locked in battle with a Great Wizard, clashing forcibly. From then on, that one battle established Wizard Ossais' battle reputation.

It was because of Ossais' exceptional performance that Mind Power Masters became more widespread once again in the Yatho Dimension. Even the most genius Spell Casters would find it hard to bypass their own level to challenge a Great Wizard.

A Mind Power Master possessed so many advantages, yet there were not many who were determined to become a Mind Power Master since young for Mind Power Masters suffered a great flaw. Namely, their achievements were limited, and they could only reach the level of a Great Wizard, unable to be on par with Great Legends.

Even the strongest Mind Power Master, with the most advanced Occult Mind Spells, would have no way of contending against a Great Legendary Wizard or battling against the gods of the dimensions.

Therefore, Mind Power Masters had became sidelined!

This was a Mind Power Master's greatest regret. They were ultimately unable to match a Great Legend, so only those Spell Casters who had no chance of advancing would decide to become a Mind Power Master.

Back then, Ossais had chosen to become a Mind Power Master due to his ordinary talent. Moreover, he had soared to great heights, becoming incomparably powerful in his journey to become a Mind Power Master. With that, he gained the attention of many parties, and was finally able to spur his cultivation as a Spell Caster, becoming a Great Wizard in the end.

It was just that the time he spent to become a Great Wizard was many times more than the Spell Casters with excellent talent. He spent more than eight centuries in becoming a Great Wizard, and he was furthermore the weakest among Great Wizards.

However, Ossais had given up on consolidating a Maxim. He had devoted himself to cultivating Occult Mind Spells, hoping that through sheer willpower, he could create the ultimate Occult Mind Spell that would give rise to a Mind Power Master who was on par with Great Legends. Still, this was an arduous, difficult process, with almost no chance of success.

Almost everyone knew about Ossais in the Yatho Dimension. Thus, even Wizard Yatho was rather respectful toward Ossais. Otherwise, as the master of the dimension, Wizard Yatho, considering his friendship with Wizard Mogan, would not seek for Ossais' permission for the small matter of requesting Ossais to pass on some Occult Mind Spells.

It was due to Ossais' relatively unique position in the Yatho Dimension that Wizard Yatho would ask for Ossais' opinion, even agreeing that Merlin should take Ossais' test.

Damsy and the rest were very respectful toward Wizard Ossais. Even if they did not pass the test, they were extremely grateful toward him. Therefore, knowing that Merlin was likely to have "forced" Wizard Ossais before, they would not treat Merlin so kindly.

"Swish swish swish."

Soon enough, the group of four entered the cave. The cave was covered all over in vines outside, which practically sealed the entrance of the cave. As a result, it was extremely damp inside the cave, stuffy and dark, with pitch-blackness all around.

"Giado, burn away the vines at the entrance! Wizard Merlin, follow behind. Your abilities are the weakest, so you'll help us monitor our surroundings."

Damsy commanded methodically. Merlin nodded slightly in response, feeling favorable toward the three of them. Although their attitudes toward Merlin were aloof on the surface, they were not bad people at least. Under such circumstances, they had worked well together and protected Merlin, and did not treat him as cannon fodder.

"Whoosh."

In no time, raging flames began to burn outside the cave. After the dense vines were gone, rays of sunlight shone into the cave, illuminating the space within.

"Squeak squeak squeak."

Nonetheless, in that instant when the cave was lit up, a huge change washed over all their expressions. At this point, they clearly saw that there were enormous "monsters" which looked like bats in the cave.

These monsters were nearly transparent. It was only under the sunlight that they left behind a faint trace. The Spell Casters immediately recalled the spirits which Wizard Ossais had mentioned.

"These are spirit monsters. Kill them!"

Damsy acted decisively and yelled a command. The three of them immediately got into an inverse triangle formation, protecting Merlin in the middle. The Mind fluctuations of the three instantly surged up like a tide, which Merlin was able to sense distinctly.

"Occult Mind Spell, Mind Storm!"

Damsy and the other two cried out in unison. It was obvious that they had cooperated in this manner for a long time, and had a great rapport. As soon as they spoke, their tremendous Mind Power immediately billowed as a terrifying storm, wildly wreaking havoc in the cave.

"Hoo hoo hoo…"

Mind Storm swept across everything in the cave. All of their Mind Power had reached a tangible stage, and they could even unleash an Occult Mind Spell. Merlin's Mind Power could clearly feel the violent storm stirred up by their Mind Power, and his heart pounded in his chest.

"How powerful, very powerful. Their combined Mind Storm instantly reached the standard of a spell at the peak of the Eighth-level. And it's impossible to guard against it. How abnormal! Is this the greatest strength of Occult Mind Spells?"

Upon witnessing their Mind Storm, Merlin's eyes burned with fervor. Had he not followed Wizard Mogan to the Yatho Dimension in order to learn the ultimate Occult Mind Spell? He had learned of the existence of Mind Power Masters, as well as the might of Occult Mind Spells, from some books.

Now that Damsy and the rest had demonstrated an Occult Mind Spell, Merlin was not disappointed indeed. Furthermore, what they had wielded was merely an average Occult Mind Spell, not the most advanced one.

The most advanced Occult Mind Spell should be even more formidable!

This gust of Mind Storm swept across the cave, and the spirit monsters were not even able to retaliate at all as they were wiped out. Damsy and the rest were wild with elation, for they had felt a sublimation of their Mind Power.

"Huh, Mind Power can absorb these spirits?"

Merlin sensed that these spirits left behind a kind of enigmatic energy after they had died. Mind Power was actually able to refine this energy for its own use to increase Mind Power.

A test like this, just as Wizard Ossais had said, was very beneficial for Mind Power Masters.

Without holding back, Merlin mobilized his Mind Heart and frantically absorbed the mysterious energy inside the cave. His Mind Heart was rapidly growing and strengthening as well.