Merlin's Guardian Monument was cast via an Enhancing casting tool, hence it was comparable to a Third-level Defensive spell; this was also Merlin's current strongest Defensive spell. If he could not defend against Wizard Sammir's Alchemy Creature, Merlin had no way of getting out of this mess unscathed.
The large silver hammer slashed through the air ruthlessly; the friction between the air and hammer even caused a series of hissing sounds.
Following that, the large hammer fell upon Guardian Monument, causing the entire Guardian Monument to shake violently. It was as if Guardian Monument was about to break into pieces in the next second. Merlin's heart jumped to his throat as he stared hard at his spell.
The light of Guardian Monument kept flashing but it did not break in the end. The spell was cast via an Enhancing casting tool which was able to block against the attack of Wizard Sammir's Alchemy Creature.
Wizard Sammir squinted his eyes slightly and a hint of shock flashed in his eyes. Thereafter, he immediately raised his hand and waved. A broiling aura headed toward Merlin furiously.
This was Wizard Sammir's Third-level spell. Merlin had just witnessed the terror of this spell. He would immediately be trapped by scorching flames should he be hit by the spell.
At the same time, he was fighting the Alchemy Creature and he could not run away from his spot at this moment. Thus, he cast Guardian Monument a couple of times and also the strengthened version of Guardian Monument with the help of an Enhancing casting tool.
After making two casts of the strengthened version of Guardian Monument with Enhancing casting tool, Merlin had used up four pieces of Earth elemental crystal stones. Luckily, he had an ample number of elemental crystal stones currently that could at least support the consumption of the Enhancing casting tool for half a day.
The Fire-type spell which Wizard Sammir had cast was only a faint line of fire at the beginning. Then, it quickly collided with Merlin's Guardian Monument.
At once, a fire broke out and a large sea of flames encompassed Merlin's entire being. Albeit it was a common spell, this Third-level spell was extremely powerful. Moreover, Merlin still had to deal with the terrifying Alchemy Creature outside the ring of flame.
"Ka-chak."
Cracks began to appear on Merlin's Guardian Monument. He instantly made multiple casts of Guardian Monument, and also of the strengthened version of Guardian Monument with the Enhancing casting tool to barely defend against Wizard Sammir's spell.
"I must leave immediately. Now!"
Merlin had the protection of Guardian Monument, so he could withstand Wizard Sammir's spell and the Alchemy Creature's attack. However, he could not drag this fight further since he would meet his end if he exhausted all of his Magic Power.
Hence, he took advantage of the opportunity right before the Alchemy Creature attacked. Intense fluctuations of Wind Element appeared around Merlin as he cast the strengthened version of Gale. Like a phantom, his entire being rapidly dashed out of the encirclement of flames.
"Speed spell? I detest Speed spell the most. He also possesses a Defensive spell that's comparable to a Third-level spell!"
Wizard Sammir frowned as he looked at Guardian Monument that kept flashing on Merlin. He did not possess any Speed spell. Once his opponent could defend against his spell and his Alchemy Creature's attack, his opponent could immediately cast a Speed spell and escape.
Initially, Wizard Sammir thought that a mere Entrance-level Spell Caster would not amount to much, but he only realized how tough Merlin was after he fought with him.
He had no way of stopping Merlin from leaving at this moment. Even if he cast a Binding spell, Merlin could simply protect himself with Guardian Monument. Hence, a Binding spell would not have much effect on him.
"Wait. Wizard Merlin, how about we make a deal?"
Upon seeing that Merlin was getting further away, Wizard Sammir suddenly shouted.
Merlin who was running away rapidly paused a little, then came to a complete halt. He shot a questioning look at Wizard Sammir and that gigantic Alchemy Creature.
Wizard Sammir smiled and then ordered his Alchemy Creature to return to his side. He said to Merlin, "Wizard Merlin, I don't possess Speed spell, so I can't do anything to you as long as you can block my spell and my darling's attack. I admit that you've made me take you seriously. That's why I'm offering you a deal!"
Merlin stared at Wizard Sammir with caution. He knew Wizard Sammir was speaking the truth. From the beginning, Wizard Sammir had not given Merlin a chance as he blasted everything right at Merlin directly.
However, since Merlin had the Enhancing casting tool, he was able to cast Guardian Monument that was comparable to a Third-level spell and nullified Wizard Sammir's attack. In addition, Merlin possessed Speed spell; Wizard Sammir could not stop him from running away.
After experiencing such a dangerous crisis, Merlin truly understood the advantage of being a Six-Elemental Spell Caster. He had an adequate number of spells to use when he faced danger. If Merlin did not possess a Speed spell, he could only hang on for a little longer with his Enhancing casting tool and Guardian Monument, and would not be able to escape. In the end, he would either be caught or killed by Wizard Sammir after he exhausted his Magic Power.
Meanwhile, Wizard Sammir was a Third-level Spell Caster. Even if Merlin had Enhancing casting tool and could block his spell temporarily, Wizard Sammir could still easily overpower Merlin should he possess a Speed Spell.
Wizard Sammir did not have the ability to construct more spells in the past, so he was also out of idea whilst fighting with the odd Merlin.
"Deal? You sent Colton to offer a deal to me as well?"
Merlin kept his eyes on Wizard Sammir as he did not dare to relax for even a moment.
Wizard Sammir nodded. "That's right. I send Colton to offer you a deal."
"Heh. Is this how you offer a deal?"
Merlin sneered. Both Colton and Wizard Sammir directly proceeded to take him by force – in what way were they offering a deal?
Wizard Sammir squinted his eyes and stared deeply at Merlin. Then, he laughed. "Wizard Merlin, do you think I have the need to talk to a mere Entrance-level Spell Caster? I can catch him directly! But the abilities that you've shown have made me take you seriously. At least I can't do anything to you now, so let's make a fair deal. If you can make a potion for me, I can give you anything precious you wish for!"
"Anything? Wizard Sammir, don't you think you're being overconfident?"
Merlin had no intention to make any deal with a dangerous person like Sammir; he only wanted to leave. However, Wizard Sammir had discreetly ordered his Alchemy Creature to stand near the black-robed old man and Wizard Burton. His intention was obvious and posed a threat to Merlin.
Merlin did not care whether Wizard Burton lived or died, but he owed the black-robed old man too much. If he could save the old man, he would have to do so.
Upon seeing that Merlin did not go, a smile appeared on Wizard Sammir's face. He continued his words. "That's right. What do you need? Elemental crystal stones? Spells? Casting tools? Or even my Mithril Alchemy Technique? I can give them all to you!"
Wizard Sammir seemed rather earnest; Merlin could see how agitated he was at this moment.
Merlin frowned. He realized that this potion might be extremely important to Wizard Sammir for him to become as agitated as he was now.
However, Merlin really did not want to be friendly with dangerous people like Wizard Sammir. Hence, he sneered. "I don't want any elemental crystal stones, spells or casting tools! Although your Mithril Alchemy Technique is quite incredible, I'm not an alchemist, so I won't need it. If you really want to offer me a deal, give me hundred years' ice bone marrow!"
Merlin had asked about it in Floating City but even Sterling House did not have it. Many Spell Casters had never heard about it before, so Merlin had completely given up on cultivating Pandora Demon Ability, Glacial Finger.
He only mentioned hundred years' ice bone marrow now to make Wizard Sammir give up on offering him a deal.
"Hundred years' ice bone marrow?"
Wizard Sammir frowned slightly. Unexpectedly, Wizard Sammir seemed to know about this item.
After giving it a long thought, Wizard Sammir raised his head suddenly. He said through gritted teeth, "Hundred years' ice bone marrow is indeed very precious. Ordinary Spell Casters may have not heard of it but I know an old guy who's in possession of this item! But this old guy has coveted my Mithril Alchemy Technique for a long time. At most, I'll simply exchange my Mithril Alchemy Technique for this item. I'll make sure to give you what you ask for!"
In turn, Merlin had to make a difficult decision now. He initially mentioned the hundred years' ice bone marrow to make Wizard Sammir give up on his intention. Little did he expect that Wizard Sammir could indeed offer hundred years' ice bone marrow to him.
The hundred years' ice bone marrow could help Merlin in cultivating Pandora Demon Ability, Glacial Finger; this was indeed an item he would be attracted to. However, Merlin hesitated out of his distrust toward Wizard Sammir.
After seemingly noticing Merlin's hesitation, Wizard Sammir immediately took a potion formula from his ring and ordered his Alchemy Creature to hand it to Merlin.
Merlin did not let down his guard and relaxed Guardian Monument at all. As soon as the Alchemy Creature made a move, he could immediately run away with Gale.
The Alchemy Creature did not do anything strange. Merlin heaved a sigh of relief and took the mysterious potion formula.
Wizard Sammir appeared to be helpless when he lowered his voice and spoke, "Wizard Merlin, I'm sure you'll understand that I'm speaking the truth after reading the potion formula. How am I going to put you in a disadvantaged situation under my current predicament?"
Merlin frowned. He did not understand Wizard Sammir's words, so he placed his gaze on the potion formula in his hands. Everything Wizard Sammir said would be explained in this potion formula.