Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Three days had passed. Merlin seldom ventured out during this period. There were suddenly fewer guards in the manor as well. Moreover, they came in and out, appearing very busy. Merlin did not know what happened for they looked more anxious.
When Merlin occasionally went down, he did so hastily. A maid noticed that Merlin’s complexion was increasingly pale but dared not ask him about it so casually. Fortunately, Count Stanwin had gone somewhere these few days, so he did not question Merlin.
“Almost there. There’s not much Mind Power left but at last, the framework of the Illusory World has been built.”
Merlin’s face was pale because his Mind Power had been severely exhausted. Over three consecutive days, he had used Mind Power to constantly repair the general framework of the Illusory World.
Luckily, he still had the most essential natural order. Repairing the framework of the Illusory World was much easier. Otherwise, to reconstruct the entire Illusory World would be impossible even in ten thousand years.
The overall framework of the Illusory World had been established. Thereafter, Merlin did not have to worry anymore. It just needed a long time to slowly recover. At that point, the natural order would derive even more natural order.
As for recovering his previous strength in the Void Zone, even surpassing the natural order and materializing illusions as reality, these were all too distant for Merlin. He was facing a more practical concern, which was his lack of self-preservation power now.
In this period, although the guards in the manor did not mention anything to him, the entire atmosphere at the manor seemed suspicious. Merlin who had keen senses could naturally perceive that this was a very tense atmosphere. Even without inquiring, Merlin could vaguely guess that something had happened at the front lines.
It was very likely that this calm lifestyle would not continue. If so, powers of self-preservation were vital.
“I’ll go and ask Heroult at the Fossil Museum once more.”
Merlin stood up, having made up his mind. Even though Count Stanwin forbade him to be parasitized, from the depths of his heart, he desired to have self-preservation powers. Only parasitism could grant him such strength, so that was all that mattered.
Nonetheless, before that, Merlin had to ascertain how it worked and not act rashly.
After leaving the room, Merlin headed directly outside the manor.
…
In the Fossil Museum, there was a bustle of activities. Many people were buzzing about in and out, moving precious fossils. Outside, there was one carriage after another, totaling more than ten. It appeared that the entire Fossil Museum was moving out of Boulder City.
“Be careful there. These are precious almighty beast fossils. Don’t break them.”
A few black-armored knights were directing things. They were the security force of the Fossil Museum. Curator Heroult was a mysterious man. After opening this Fossil Museum, he even employed an entire troop of knights for protection.
Suddenly, a splendid carriage gradually stopped outside the Fossil Museum. From the carriage, out hopped a skinny, pale-faced young man.
“What are you all doing here?”
Merlin noticed the people who were incessantly moving things outside the Fossil Museum, and his brow immediately scrunched up.
“Master Leon.”
A black-armored guard seemed to know Merlin’s identity and immediately replied respectfully, “Master Leon, Curator Heroult has asked us to move these fossils away. We’re leaving Boulder City today.”
“Moving away?”
Merlin appeared astounded. Countless thoughts flashed in his mind as if he seemed to think of something. He asked softly, “Where’s Curator Heroult?”
“Curator Heroult is inside.”
Merlin entered the Fossil Museum. Indeed, he saw Curator Heroult directing a few people to carefully move the almighty beast fossils.
“Curator Heroult, are you moving away?”
Merlin stepped forward and asked.
When Curator Heroult saw Merlin had come. His eyes brightened, following which he gave an ambiguous smile. “Master Leon, do you not know? Honorable Count Stanwin had already sent his heavy knights to warn me. If I don’t move, I’ll be responsible for the consequences! In this Boulder City, if one offends the honorable count, is there anyone who can stay on?”
Merlin had already guessed this somewhat that it was indeed his father who gave the order. He was the master of Boulder City. With one command from him, a mere curator naturally could not disobey.
Nevertheless, Merlin still felt that this Heroult was not that simple. He was not moving away for a reason like this. It was just that this might involve Heroult’s own secrets, so Merlin could not ask.
“Curator Heroult, I’m truly sorry. I didn’t think that I’ll give you so much trouble.”
Even though Heroult was very enigmatic, as of now, Merlin did not detect any evil intent on his part. Conversely, it was Curator Heroult who was implicated by Merlin.
“Haha, Master Leon. Even without the honorable count’s banishment, I’ll be leaving Boulder City as soon as I can. After all, the front lines can’t hold on for long. At that point, we might meet again.”
Heroult seemed well-informed, knowing about the situation at the front lines.
“The front lines can’t hold on? Curator Heroult, has something bad happened?”
Merlin immediately thought of his father, Count Stanwin, who had not been in the manor these few days. Even the heavy knights were fewer in number.
“Master Leon, don’t you know? The Blackbat Militia had colluded with the barbarian tribe. By now, the line of defense that Marshal Kerry had blockaded over is completely torn apart. The collapse of that defensive line is not too far behind. Therefore, no matter what, I’ll move away as quickly as possible.”
Heroult did not conceal this fact. It seemed like many people knew of this development.
Most people had heard of this. Thus, everyone in Boulder City had grown alarmed. Most of the heavy guards had been sent out to guard the city gates, reassuring the masses.
“So something this major had happened. It looked like the Holy Dragon Empire isn’t far from chaos…”
Merlin understood the entire situation of the Holy Dragon Empire. The matter of the Blackbat Militia was merely a microcosm of what was happening in the Holy Dragon Empire. All over the empire, organizations similar to the Blackbat Militia were popping up everywhere. Troubled times were coming. At that point, it was difficult to say whether Count Stanwin could protect the entire Hilderbrandt clan.
With this in mind, Merlin became more determined in his plan to gain self-preservation powers.
“Curator Heroult, I came here to ask for more details about ‘parasitism’.”
“Parasitism? Master Leon, would Count Stanwin allow you to choose an eternally doomed path like parasitism?”
Curator Heroult asked with an awkward smile. Surprisingly, he did not show the fear others typically displayed upon mentioning Count Stanwin.
“If father doesn’t allow me, am I not able to make the choice myself? Danger is lurking everywhere throughout the Holy Dragon Empire. This is an omen of impending chaos. If I don’t have the slightest power to defend myself, even father would be unable to protect me.”
Merlin spoke resolutely.
“Oh? Master Leon has such determination?”
Curator Heroult appeared taken aback as he sized up Merlin. After a moment of hesitation, he finally invited Merlin into a room in the Fossil Museum.
“Master Leon, have you decided on parasitism?”
“Of course!”
Merlin answered with steely conviction. If he had any hesitations before, they were completely gone after he heard about the Blackbat Militia breaking through Marshal Kerry’s line of defense.
Troubled times were coming. Without self-preservation powers, it would be dangerous.
Moreover, being parasitized by an almighty beast’s will was ultimately dependent on the mind. In that aspect, Merlin was unafraid. His Illusory World, despite having only a framework built, was not something most almighty beasts could destroy.
Plus, Merlin was left with some Mind Power. He was not afraid of the remnants of the almighty beast’s will.
After considering various situations, Merlin finally made up his mind. Choosing the path of parasitism was now the only plan he could think of in a short time that would gain him formidable power.
“Curator Heroult, I wish to allow an almighty beast’s will to parasitize me. I wonder if you have a way?”
Merlin stared at Curator Heroult with burning eyes. He knew that this mysterious Curator Heroult was sure to have a way, only he did now know whether Curator Heroult was willing to anger Count Stanwin.
“Heh, Master Leon, you’re making things difficult for me. Once the honorable Count Stanwin knew that I’ve brought you onto this irreversible path, he might tear me apart… Nonetheless, I’m studying parasitism. Although I don’t choose to walk this path, I’ve researched the almighty beasts’ will and parasitism for over ten years.
“I won’t deny that those who can sense the almighty beast’s will are rare. I don’t know what’s the reason, but only those who can sense the almighty beast’s will are able to choose parasitism. Therefore, I wish to let Master Leon try it as well, but do you need to think about this more carefully? After all, if you want to be parasitized, your father Count Stanwin can help you.”
Curator Heroult’s eyes were faintly zealous. He had studied parasitism for over ten years. Having met a “test subject” like Merlin delivered to his doorstep, naturally, he was overjoyed.
Even so, he still sought for Merlin’s opinion. Though he was not fearful of Count Stanwin, there was no need to offend a count who might be a peak fourth-form shifter without good cause.
“Curator Heroult, I’ve already thought this through. Plus, do you think that if I go to father, he would agree to let me choose parasitism?”
Merlin had already considered this matter. Heroult did not seem afraid of his father, so there was no one more suited to help Merlin begin the parasitism. Furthermore, Merlin did not detect any evil intent from Heroult. This was the crucial part.
Curator Heroult carefully scrutinized Merlin. After a long moment of thought, he gradually raised his head. “Very well, we don’t have much time. If we take too long, Count Stanwin will discover us. Follow me, Master Leon, I’ll help you be parasitized. This would thoroughly aggrieve Count Stanwin. I hope after you succeed, you won’t forget me.”
“If I fail?”
Merlin asked.
“If you fail… You’ll die, and your father, Count Stanwin, would turn insane as he hunts me down everywhere. Hehe, now do you see how much of a risk I’m taking due to your choice of parasitism?”
Although Curator Heroult complained over and over about this pressure he was under, Merlin could discern a frantic light in his eyes.
