A Wizard’s Secret

“Hehe, here comes another young fellow.”

Wizard Leo’s voice was quite unpleasant to the ears. The eye on his forehead with the color of fresh blood blinked from time to time as it continuously stared hard at Merlin.

On the other hand, Merlin felt as if his whole body had been solidified. An unparalleled, tremendous force engulfed him and pierced through every part of his body, leaving no secrets behind.

“A rather nice young man. Your name is Merlin?”

The blood-red eye on Wizard Leo’s forehead shut gradually. At the same time, Merlin felt the tense feeling around him dissipated gradually. Wizard Leo who was right in front of him also appeared less intimidating as before.

Therefore, he gave a quick nod and replied respectfully, “Yes, Tutor Leo, my name is Wilson Merlin.”

“Alright, young fellow, I’m in a hurry to finish my experiment. So, being the new temporary member of the Dark Magic Region, you’re granted a chance to obtain three Zero-level Spell Models for free. Tell me, which three Spell Models do you need?”

Wizard Leo suddenly asked in a hoarse voice, his tone appeared to be impatient.

“Free selections of Zero-level spells?”

Merlin thought for a moment. Perhaps this was a little reward for the newcomers of the Dark Magic Region but he could not think of so many Zero-level spells out of the blue. Hence, he whispered in a low voice, “Tutor Leo, I need some time to think about it before giving you an answer.”

Wizard Leo waved his hand, obviously annoyed. “Too troublesome. Alright, come to me when you’ve made up your mind.”

As soon as he finished, Wizard Leo helped Merlin out of the house. He waved his hand swiftly and the main door was shut instantly.

Merlin was still in a daze when he saw an inexplicable smile washed over Laurinka’s face. “Wizard Merlin, now you know why the gray-robed Wizard assigned us to Wizard Leo?”

Merlin nodded although he was still deep in his own thoughts. Maybe Wizard Leo was indeed very capable in strength but patience was more important in guiding students.

It seemed impossible for Wizard Leo to educate students properly with his impatience.

Laurinka heaved a long sigh. She stared aimlessly at Wizard Leo’s room and whispered, “It’s been three years since I arrived at Tutor Leo’s tower, and never have I seen him leave this place once, not to mention teaching us any knowledge about Spell Models…”

Laurinka was also very helpless. Those assigned to Wizard Leo’s tower were mainly the ones with poor qualifications. Their future seemed even bleaker when paired with a tutor who stayed in his tower all day long.

“Oh right, Wizard Leo asked me to select three Zero-level spells earlier, and I told him I need more time to think about it. Is there any place in the Dark Magic Region where I can check on some spells?”

Laurinka nodded in response. “Naturally, there are numerous spells, casting tools, and potions around the Dark Magic Region but there are some rules you need to follow. Come on, I’ll bring you to the Resource Tower which is equipped with everything you want to know.”

Then, Merlin followed closely behind Laurinka and left Wizard Leo’s tower.

…

Laurinka took to her heels after bringing Merlin to the Resource Tower.

The Resource Tower looked very different from the normal towers. It was not too tall but it occupied a large surface area, and there were many people shuttling back and forth outside the tower.

Merlin entered the Resource Tower right away. Soon, he whispered to one of the gray-robed Wizards inside the tower, “Where are spells recorded?”

The gray-robed Wizard replied nonchalantly without even looking up, “On the second floor.”

Merlin bowed slightly and then headed to the second floor.

He felt as if he had returned to his past life when he stepped foot into the second floor. Rows after rows of scarlet bookshelves were packed with numerous books which were arranged neatly.

Merlin came to the outermost bookshelf and took out a volume of thread-bound books at random.

There were some mysterious runes on the covers. Merlin found himself unable to open the books.

“Maybe I need the Dark Magic ring for this, too?”

He suddenly remembered Laurinka’s advice earlier where she said that the Dark Magic ring was an essential item in the Dark Magic Region. It was required in almost all the dealings here.

Hence, Merlin utilized Mind Power to stimulate the runes on the Dark Magic ring. Almost immediately, the ring released a ray of light that wrapped around the books in Merlin’s hand. Gradually, several Molta words surfaced on the books.

“Crimson Flame, Zero-level Fire-type spell. Can attack any enemy within 100 meters at the same time! Two contribution points!”

This was a Zero-level spell for a group attack. However, Merlin was not able to get his head around the meaning of two contribution points.

He looked up and glanced around. He noticed a slightly chubby female Wizard not far from him. She had two pigtail plaits and looked very much like a woman of quiet disposition.

Merlin went forward and asked politely, “Excuse me, can I ask you something?”

The plump female Wizard glanced at Merlin from top to bottom. Then, a kind smile washed over her face. “What would you like to know?”

Merlin hurriedly revealed the books in his hand. “What’s the meaning of two contribution points marked on the back of this Crimson Flames volume?”

The stout female Wizard gave a faint smile and two dimples appeared on her chubby cheeks. Then, she explained to Merlin in a gentle voice.

“Contribution points are redeemable. Ten thousand gold coins can be exchanged for one contribution point. You can seek the gray-robed Wizard in the Mission Hall for an exchange of contribution points. As long as you have sufficient contribution points, you can use them in exchange for this set of spells with the gray-robed Wizard downstairs.”

Merlin was stunned after listening to the female Wizard’s explanation. Ten thousand gold coins were only equivalent to one contribution point. This set of Crimson Flame was one of the few spells that required lesser contribution points among the others. If following this logic, then First-level spells and Second-level spells would easily require dozens of contribution points, which meant that an equivalent to hundreds of thousands of gold coins?

Even with the entire Wilson family’s wealth, he was not able to exchange for one First-level spell.

As if understanding Merlin’s concern, the female Wizard whispered softly, “In addition to exchanging gold coins for contribution points, they can be gained through the completion of tasks. A selection of tasks is available for grab in the Mission Hall where you can acquire some contribution points when the task is completed. You must be new to the Dark Magic Region, I assume, not knowing about these contribution points? You can check the total of your accumulated contribution points in the ring. Every new Spell Caster to the Dark Magic Region automatically obtains a minimum amount of ten contribution points upon their arrival. Feel free to take a look.”

The female Wizard left as soon as she finished speaking, leaving Merlin alone behind to digest the information he had just received.

“Ten contribution points?”

Without much patience, Merlin inspected the ring worn on his finger. Sure enough, it showed “ten” in Molta language, indicating that he now had accumulated ten contribution points.

Therefore, Merlin continued his search on the bookshelf. In general, common Zero-level spells required two or three contribution points. Of course, there were also some Zero-level spells that required five contribution points. Most of these Zero-level spells were powerful or possessed quite unique qualities, hence the contribution points needed naturally increased slightly.

Merlin also found Fireball, which required only two contribution points which indicated that Fireball was only a very common Zero-level spell.

Although there were a variety of spells in here, and Zero-level spells could even be exchanged with only a few contribution points at random, they were only allowed for members of the spell casters’ organization.

The black-robed old man, for instance, joined the army and experienced the Slaughterhouse all for the sole purpose of obtaining several Zero-level spells. Eventually, he only managed to acquire a handful of beginner level Spell Models.

On the other hand, Merilung who joined the Abyss Fort had become a Four-Elemental Wizard in the span of five years, and each of his spells was almost stronger than the black-robed old man’s. This was the benefit of joining a spell casters’ organization, and it was inevitable that countless roaming Wizards in the outside world dreamed of joining the spell casters’ organization.

However, Merlin did not choose from these dazzling collections of Zero-level spells. He shifted his attention to other bookshelves equipped with Mind Meditation Spells.

In comparison to spells, Merlin was now more eager to acquire a powerful Mind Meditation Spell!