Chapter 200: Patterned Spiders!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Wizard Bren’s face shifted slightly. He looked carefully at the corpse and noticed that it had been warped beyond recognition. Moreover, the body seemed to be tangled up in some white silk which was wrapped around the corpse. It was bizarre indeed.
“This seemed to be a Spell Caster who had entered the ancient monument but he had died such an unnatural death. What did he run into?”
Wizard Sammir frowned as well. They did not know what those Spell Casters, who had led the way into the ancient monument, had encountered. After all, there were all sorts of danger lurking in the ancient monument. No one could know for sure how many hazards they would come across.
“Come on, we’ll go ahead for a closer look.”
Wizard Bren seemed to have gotten some sort of message from his Alchemy Creature, and his expression changed as he spoke in a low voice.
Therefore, Merlin and the rest followed Wizard Bren’s Alchemy Creature as they walked further ahead.
After walking for a moment, the heavy stench of blood appeared once again. This time, Wizard Sammir, Wizard Bren, and Wizard Riesen were distinctly able to detect the smell, and the three of them could not help but make a face.
“Be careful. There could be danger up ahead!”
Wizard Sammir reminded them in a soft voice. Merlin did not dare act carelessly as well, and expanded his Mind Power, paying close attention to his surroundings. If there were any abnormal changes, he would be able to perceive them immediately.
Merlin and the others soon reached a room that seemed to be in a mess. Many long stone tables were placed in this room, and dust-covered equipment was set out on the tables.
Merlin was very familiar with this equipment because it was needed for potion-making. Furthermore, Merlin had never seen some of the equipment and he did not know what their functions were.
On the other stone tables, delicate porcelain flasks with tightly sealed contents were set out.
“This was the room in which the master of the tower prepared potions over three thousand years ago. These sealed porcelain flasks must contain some marvelous potion!”
Wizard Sammir was the most overjoyed. His purpose in coming to the ancient monument was to seek a potion which would thoroughly eradicate the insidious instability in his Spell Model. He did not expect to discover the place for potion-making so soon after entering the ancient monument. Hence, Wizard Sammir was naturally ecstatic.
With this in mind, Wizard Sammir was about to step forward to open the sealed porcelain flasks and see what potion was contained inside.
“Wizard Sammir, be careful. The Spell Casters on the ground seemed to have died a miserable death. They must’ve encountered something.”
Merlin lowered his voice and spoke to Wizard Sammir.
Wizard Sammir narrowed his eyes slightly and discovered that there were many corpses lying disorderly on the ground. All of them had been changed beyond recognition and were bound by loops of white silk.
Wizard Sammir hesitated for a moment, following which he stopped in his tracks. Although he was eager to examine the potion, he would not recklessly open the porcelain flasks on the desk. Thus he ordered his Alchemy Creature to approach the porcelain flasks.
“Open it!”
As soon as Wizard Sammir’s order was given, the Alchemy Creature swiftly pulled off the dust-covered black cloth which was covering the flask. In that instant, clouds of dust quickly ascended into the air, filling the entire room with a strange odor.
Clutching the porcelain flask in both hands, the Alchemy Creature tipped it upside down.
Instantly, spiders whose bodies were covered in patterns poured out of the flask.
As these patterned spiders fell on the ground, they woke up immediately. They gradually began to vibrate their bodies and darted toward the Alchemy Creature in swaying motions.
“It’s those deadly toxic spiders!”
Wizard Sammir frowned and his expression revealed his disappointment. It was not the potion that he had been looking forward to, so he simply cast a Fire-type spell.
In a second, the raging flames had quickly consumed the patterned spiders.
“Come on, let’s search the next room.”
Wizard Sammir shook his head slightly as he prepared to leave.
However, just at this moment, threads of white silk flew out from the midst of the blaze, spreading toward Wizard Sammir and the others as it covered the entire area.
“Hmm? Not dead?”
Wizard Sammir dared not wait any longer and immediately cast a Defensive spell. Merlin even cast the strengthened version of the Guardian Monument through the Enhancing casting tool.
In a moment, Merlin and the others were swaddled in strands of white silk. The white silk had strong corrosive properties, and would slowly corrode even First-level spells.
It was unsurprising that many Spell Casters had died here. They could have opened the porcelain flasks carelessly and released these patterned spiders.
“Furious Flame!”
Merlin quickly cast Furious Flame. In a flash, a surging stream of flame appeared on his Guardian Monument and began burning the while silk furiously.
The average Furious Flame was not effective against this white silk. It had to burn for a long time before it was able to break off the threads. However, Merlin cast the strengthened version of the spell right away, and the heat of the flame increased instantly. Surrounded by such a vicious blaze, the white silk emitted bursts of crackling sounds.
Finally, the white silk that had enclosed Merlin was burned away completely, and Merlin’s figure retreated swiftly.
Besides Merlin, Wizard Sammir, Wizard Bren, and Wizard Riesen had also managed to struggle out of the white silk’s clutches. However, displeasure was written on their faces. If they had not been Third-level Spell Casters with powerful spells, they really could have been ensnared by the white silk. It was very likely that they would have ended up just like the Spell Casters lying on the ground.
“Watch out, it’s those patterned spiders!”
Wizard Sammir’s face turned grim as he fixed a firm look on the patterned spiders, which he had burned with the spell he cast. These spiders were scorched black all over but at the moment, they seemed to be undergoing some incredible transformation.
The body of every single patterned spider enlarged rapidly until it was the size of a washbasin, and they looked extremely sinister and frightening.
“What kind of monsters are these patterned spiders?”
Merlin scowled. He had encountered these spiders before but it had been easily frozen by Frost, the Zero-level spell which he had cast. However, it seemed now as if these patterned spiders were far less simple than he had imagined them to be.
“Frost!”
Merlin quickly cast Frost but this time it was to no avail. These enormous patterned spiders merely had to struggle briefly to shatter the ice crystals before they darted toward Merlin and the others once more.
“Run, let’s escape for now!”
Wizard Sammir did not know that these hair-raising patterned spiders would be this terrifying so his first instinct was to retreat.
However, just as they were about to back away, they suddenly found out that behind them, a large crowd of these patterned spiders had appeared unknowingly.
“It’s those small patterned spiders from before. They’ve stealthily crept up behind us, and now they have us surrounded. How could they possess this level of intelligence?”
Wizard Sammir muttered in a low voice. The patterned spiders had them surrounded – it was clear that this was an intelligent behavior. If it was not the spiders which had high intelligence, then it could be some mysterious power which was steering these patterned spiders.
“Since we can’t retreat, just kill them!”
Wizard Bren gave a hoarse cry. They were Third-level Spell Casters so of course, they would not be petrified by these spiders. Consequently, they each cast their Third-level spells.
“Boom! Boom! Boom!”
The spells filled the room, shooting toward the patterned spiders in all directions. Perhaps First-level spells would not be of much use against these spiders for they were unafraid of ordinary attacks since their resistance was extremely strong.
However, Wizard Sammir and the others had cast Third-level spells, which were able to easily annihilate the patterned spiders. It was just that these were individual Offensive spells, so in order to exterminate such a legion of spiders, they would need to waste a lot of time.
At this point, Merlin’s large-scale Offensive spell, Thunderlight Ball, was evidently a crucial spell.
“Water Whorl!”
Wizard Sammir swiftly cast his Binding spell, which restricted the movement of most of the patterned spiders in the room. Although these spiders had great strength and could spit out such durable white silk, they were unable to break out of a Third-level Binding spell.
“Wizard Merlin, it’s up to you now!”
Wizard Sammir told Merlin in a grave voice whereas Wizard Bren and Wizard Riesen both turned to look at Merlin. Who knew how much time they would have taken if they depended on the method of killing the patterned spiders one by one? They may not even have enough Magic Power for that.
“Thunderlight Ball!”
Merlin nodded and cast Thunderlight Ball without delay. Spheres of thunder appeared immediately, flickering with bolts of thunder and lightning the size of fingers, which shot toward the bound patterned spiders.
“Pop! Pop!”
Every attack from Thunderlight Ball was only able to somewhat injure each spider but being a First-level spell, it was unable to effectively kill them off.
As he thought of this and without hesitation, Merlin cast the strengthened version of Thunderlight Ball.
In that instant, the power of the thunderbolts was clearly increased two-folds. The massive rays of lightning needed only a few hits to wipe out the patterned spiders. It seemed like the limit of the spiders’ defensive capabilities did not extend to Second-level spells.
Most Second-level spells would be enough to handle these spiders. Merlin’s strengthened Thunderlight Ball had broken the boundary and was comparable to the power of Second-level spells, so it only needed a few hits to annihilate the patterned spiders.
Seeing that Thunderlight Ball had the most desired effect, Wizard Sammir and the others heaved a small sigh of relief. Of course, with their discerning eyes, how would they not notice that from the beginning to the end, Merlin’s Thunderlight Ball clearly underwent a significant increase in power?
They immediately linked this to the mysterious Enhancing casting tool that Merlin had on him. Only that casting tool could enable the same First-level spell to undergo such a huge change.
“The Enhancing casting tool is truly a superb item!”
Wizard Bren and Wizard Sammir exchanged a glance, and a trace of impulsive desire revealed on their faces. However, when they thought of how Wizard DeMarco had ended up, their hearts trembled slightly. They immediately pushed the yearning out of their minds.
It was only Wizard Riesen, who had always been mysterious, stared at Merlin’s back as his eyes displayed an occasional, peculiar glint.
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Chapter 201: Secret Passage
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Merlin cast five strengthened Thunderlight Balls consecutively and was finally able to wipe out all of the patterned spiders in the room, which emitted a pervading burnt smell.
These patterned spiders were clearly no Elemental Monsters but strange creatures of flesh and blood. Even Wizard Sammir, who was widely experienced, did not know what these patterned spiders really were.
“In this ancient monument, we have to be careful. If it wasn’t for Wizard Merlin earlier, we would’ve been in trouble.”
Wizard Bren spoke in a solemn tone. Although he had two Alchemy Creatures and was able to kill patterned spiders as well, the number of patterned spiders was overwhelming. Wizard Bren and the others did not have large-scale Offensive spells. Therefore, other than painstakingly killing the spiders, their only option would be to force their way out of the crowd of spiders surrounding them.
However, either course of action would have wasted a lot of time. At that point, it would be difficult to predict what other dangers would appear in the depths of the ancient monument.
There were a few more flasks on the stone tables but Wizard Sammir and the others did not dare to open any of them. Perhaps they contained more patterned spiders, which would only cause more trouble.
“Come on, let’s continue our way down.”
Thus, Merlin and the others speedily headed downward. This ancient monument was a tower. They were currently in the middle of the sixth floor – there were five more floors below.
Having encountered those patterned spiders from before, Wizard Sammir was evidently more cautious as he headed downward. Still, they met more of those spiders on the fifth, fourth, and third floors.
Moreover, these patterned spiders were strong and capable. At the start, each spider only had a small build but after being attacked, their bodies would immediately swell and their strength subsequently became greater as well.
Fortunately, Wizard Sammir and the others had already developed a solid coordination. Their Third-level Binding spells would be used to restrict the movements of the patterned spiders, after which Merlin would cast Thunderlight Ball.
Therefore, despite running into danger a few times, they managed to get past these obstacles safely.
Now, they had finally reached the second floor of the ancient tower.
“We’re already at the second floor. Look, this room also contains the mysterious symbols and equipment for potion-making. Hmm? There are even spells here?”
Suddenly, Wizard Sammir came across a spacious room in the middle of the second floor. Delicate glassware, as well as books which seemed to be falling apart, were set out all around the room.
Someone seemed to have flipped through the books before casting them onto the ground but Wizard Sammir and Wizard Bren were still overjoyed at the sight.
“Potions, these are all potions!”
At each floor of the ancient tower, Wizard Sammir would not give up on searching for potions. Furthermore, they had gradually realized that it had not been just one Spell Caster who resided in this tower, but many Spell Casters.
Therefore, almost every floor had its own potion-making room. Only those rooms were either completely empty or were like the sixth floor, housing multitudes of patterned spiders.
It was only in this room of the second floor that Wizard Sammir had discovered actual potions. The potions were stored in transparent glassware and were visible at a glance. The abundance of potions here required Wizard Sammir’s analysis, one after another.
Wizard Sammir was interested in the potions whereas Wizard Bren paying attention to the opened books lying on the ground. Some unique spells had been recorded inside those books, which made Wizard Bren very excited. His main purpose for coming to the ancient monument was to search for spells.
Looking at the numerous volumes of spell books, Merlin was just about to flip through them as well when he was called by Wizard Riesen. Wizard Riesen said in a low voice, “Wizard Merlin, this is already the second floor. In general, the obstacles in the ancient tower had been cleared, so we no longer need Sammir and Bren. Come on, the mysterious Pandora Demon Ability of the ancient tower is on the first floor, and I know its specific location!”
Merlin stopped in his tracks as a passion burned in his heart. Pandora Demon Ability – he had been able to personally experience the power of Pandora Demon Ability, so even if he already had Glacial Finger, Merlin still wanted more of Pandora Demon Ability.
“Alright, we’ll think of a reason to leave Wizard Sammir and Wizard Bren for now.”
Following that, Merlin turned around and went toward Wizard Sammir.
“Wizard Sammir, Wizard Riesen and I will have a look around other places.”
Merlin came to where Wizard Sammir was facing and said in a soft voice.
Wizard Sammir lifted his head and glanced at Wizard Riesen, after which he nodded. “Sure, but be careful. Wizard Bren and I had each found what we wanted, so the both of you can search other areas. Later, we’ll gather here again and head toward the first floor together.”
Wizard Sammir and Wizard Bren who were engrossed in potions and various spells did not suspect anything. After all, both of them had already fulfilled their goals for coming here.
“Let’s go, Wizard Riesen!”
Merlin turned around, and together with Wizard Riesen, they quietly left the second floor of the tower.
After walking for a distance, Merlin asked Wizard Riesen, “Throughout this journey, we’ve bumped into many patterned spiders which posed a huge danger. How did you manage to reach the first floor the last time you were here?”
Wizard Riesen had mentioned that he had been to this ancient monument and that he knew the exact location where Pandora Demon Ability was stored. This made Merlin skeptical; during Wizard Riesen’s first time entering the ancient monument, how did he reach the first floor?
“Wizard Merlin, the last time I was here, I was only able to get to the first floor because I was lucky. However, on my way back, I ran into those patterned spiders and was barely able to escape with my life. That’s why this time around I invited Wizard Sammir, Wizard Bren, and Wizard DeMarco to enter the ancient monument with me.”
Wizard Riesen did not try to cover up anything as he replied in a low voice.
Merlin nodded – Wizard Riesen had made his meaning clear. He was taking advantage of Wizard Sammir and the others to help clear the way for him, eliminating the various obstacles that led to the first floor of the ancient monument.
“What if Wizard Sammir and Wizard Bren had insisted on coming with us to the first floor?”
Merlin narrowed his eyes as he slowed down his steps, and asked softly.
Wizard Riesen stopped as well and turned around with a cold smile on his face. “If they had insisted on following us, I think that with the power of Wizard Merlin’s Demon Ability and along with my own moves, Sammir and Bren don’t stand a chance of winning at all.”
Merlin’s heart trembled slightly. Riesen was thinking of killing Wizard Sammir and Wizard Bren just to prevent the secret of Pandora Demon Ability from being divulged.
Therefore, Merlin became even more cautious when it came to Wizard Riesen.
“Wizard Merlin, this is a secret passage which will lead you straight to the first floor of the ancient tower, the place where Pandora Demon Ability is stored. However, I’m afraid that there might be trouble. If that time comes, we’ll need the help of your Pandora Demon Ability.”
Wizard Riesen suddenly pointed to a pitch-dark, narrow passage before them, and said in a grave tone.
Merlin nodded – he had heard Wizard Riesen speak about this before. In the middle of the ancient monument, at the place where Pandora Demon Ability was stored, there would be a powerful “guardian”.
However, Merlin was not clear exactly what this “guardian” was.
Wizard Riesen led the way and walked into the secret passage, with Merlin following close behind.
...
In the ancient monument, Wizard Glen had led Elena and Wizard Ken to stealthily enter the tower. As they walked, they also carefully looked for the footprints of Wizard Sammir and the others.
Wizard Glen knew very well that only by following behind Wizard Sammir and the others, they would be safe within the ancient monument. However, they did not dare to follow too closely, otherwise, they would attract the attention of Wizard Sammir’s group.
“These corpses all belong to Spell Casters!”
“And these patterned spiders, their bodies are enormous!”
Wizard Glen came to a room in the middle of the tower. They noticed the corpses of Spell Casters disfigured beyond recognition on the ground, as well as the scorched, stinking bodies of patterned spiders.
“Let’s go, let’s go. It’s too dangerous here, and it’s very likely that Wizard Sammir and the others had a great battle here.”
Looking at the floor packed densely with corpses, Wizard Glen was shocked to the core. This meant that danger lurked in the ancient monument indeed. If they did not trace the footprints of Wizard Sammir’s group and rushed about aimlessly, they would be in a perilous situation.
“Watch out!”
All of a sudden, a huge patterned spider with the size of a washbasin dashed out from a corner of the room. Elena and Ken immediately cast their spells, which landed squarely on the patterned spider.
The patterned spider flew backward from the attack, but right after, it began swaying its way forward once more.
“First-level spells are of no use at all...”
Wizard Glen’s face changed slightly. He attacked next, and an icicle pierced through the body of the spider. After all, Wizard Glen was a Second-level Spell Caster, and that spell was a Second-level spell, which was just enough to kill the patterned spider.
However, as he arrived at the thought that there may be more than one patterned spider hidden here, Wizard Glen’s heart began palpitating, and he quickly urged the other two, “Leave this place now.”
Thus, Wizard Glen swiftly headed for the lower floors of the ancient tower.
The fifth floor, the fourth floor, the third floor...
Wizard Glen meticulously traced the trail left behind by Wizard Sammir, and finally reached the second floor safely. However, here, they lost the footprints of Wizard Sammir’s group.
“This is the second floor. Let’s go, the first floor is right below. Wizard Sammir and the others are very likely on the first floor. Perhaps below there lies some treasure left behind by the master of the tower three thousand and six hundred years ago.”
Wizard Glen could not help feeling somewhat excited as he thought of this, so he brought Elena and Ken as they quickly descended toward the first floor. However, they did not discover the secret passage that Merlin and Wizard Riesen had used but instead entered the first floor through the normal pathway of the ancient tower.
“Hmm? There’s someone on the first floor?”
Wizard Glen, who had cautiously arrived at the first floor of the tower, suddenly discovered that there were already four or five Spell Casters there, and he could vaguely hear their conversation.
Through these noises, Wizard Glen determined that these were the Spell Casters who had entered the ancient monument long before them.
“Tsk.”
Wizard Glen, who had initially crept onto the first floor quietly, suddenly saw that in the darkness behind him was a patterned spider which had appeared unknowingly. Furthermore, this spider was rapidly spitting out its white silk.
Wizard Glen instinctively cast a Second-level spell and killed the patterned spider instantly. However, the fierce Elemental fluctuations had startled the Spell Casters on the first floor.
“Who is it? Show yourself!”
A cold, reproaching voice rang out. At the same time, four or five pairs of sharp eyes locked onto the hiding place of Wizard Glen and the others.
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