Chapter 21
In this skirmish, Ethan, armed with the overwhelming advantage of his equipment, utterly dominated his opponents, leaving no room for resistance.
The enemy lacked the courage to fight to the bitter end, leaving Ethan no opportunity to test his other equipment.
Even so, the battle served as a good chance for him to gauge his combat capabilities.
"Against regular bandits in the future, not only will they be unable to harm me, but I'll also be able to counter them with ease."
This wasn't mere overconfidence, it was a solid conclusion.
Ethan retrieved two short arrows from the battlefield. These arrows were not easy to replace. If he could recover them, he would.
He rummaged through the fallen bodies again, collecting bits and pieces of value. Among his findings, the weapons were by far the most useful.
"Maybe I'll get lucky and find some low-grade magic stones," he thought.
Even the tattered clothes on these bandits could potentially be bartered for something, but Ethan chose to leave them untouched. It wasn't because he lacked the means, he was far from desperate for 'money.' Rather, he felt a vague sense of discomfort at the thought.
Though he wouldn't call himself a noble person, desecrating corpses he had already killed felt unnecessary and distasteful.
Because of this principle, the robbers were left with their clothing intact, a final shred of dignity as they were laid to rest.
"Speaking of which, these guys have a boat docked by the shore. I wonder what kind of vessel it is?"
There were six of them, and it wasn't clear whether any crew remained onboard. But even if the ship was unguarded, a vessel capable of carrying six people was bound to be significantly larger than his own.
It didn't matter whether the robbers had discovered other islands before this one or how much food and water they had stashed on board. The ship alone made this encounter worthwhile. Ethan's voyage hadn't been in vain.
As dusk fell, Ethan decided not to return to his camp. Instead, he chose to investigate the bandits' ship.
If there were crew members aboard, he planned to deal with them under cover of darkness. If not, he could tally his spoils and inspect the vessel.
Following the path Rodney and his crew had carved earlier, Ethan quickly located the ship.
It was a brig, roughly fifteen meters in length, with a design reminiscent of the Caravel ships he used to sail in a grand strategy game during his previous life. However, this one was slightly smaller.
It was far superior to his own humble craft. This brig boasted two decks. Unlike his makeshift double-decked boat, this ship's interior deck was spacious enough for an average-height person to move about comfortably.
The main sail was a fore-and-aft rig, resembling a jib. While less stable than a traditional square sail, it excelled in speed and maneuverability, particularly in calm seas where such advantages were invaluable.
However, such a sail design also required greater effort to operate. For a lone sailor like Ethan, managing this ship at sea could easily become an exhausting ordeal.
"Should I sell it?"
That idea felt wasteful. It wasn't every day one came across a better ship without having to buy it. Selling it only to purchase another vessel later seemed absurd.
"Maybe it's time to find a crew," Ethan mused. "Sailing solo feels more and more unreliable."
By now, the sky had darkened completely, and the ship remained unlit.
"It looks like no one's on board."
Ethan cautiously explored the cabin, but no signs of life emerged. Still, he refrained from lighting any lamps, choosing instead to remain hidden in the shadows. He stayed alert throughout the night.
When the sun rose once more over the horizon, he finally confirmed that there were no other threats nearby.
He thoroughly searched the ship again, this time inventorying the remaining supplies. To his surprise, the situation was better than expected.
The ship was well-stocked with food and fresh water, indicating that Rodney's gang had recently resupplied before finding the island.
"Could these bastards have been following me?" Ethan muttered.
The thought wasn't far-fetched. When he had set out to sea, Rodney had seen the direction he was heading. Although tracking someone across the vast ocean was no small task, the existence of floating islands and navigational pointers made it entirely possible.
Once the course was set, it was simply a matter of sailing straight and heading to the first island indicated by the pointer. The odds of finding him were over seventy percent.
"I've still got a lot to learn," Ethan admitted. "Next time, I'll need to make my route more erratic. At the very least, I need to completely avoid any obvious paths that could be traced."
Having learned this hard lesson, Ethan mentally added it to his growing list of survival strategies.
After securing the ship, Ethan left to comb the nearby shore once more.
There were no signs of a camp. Rodney's group had likely rushed straight to the island's center upon landing.
Perhaps, in their minds, whether Ethan was present or not, their priority was to secure the island's most valuable resources as quickly as possible.
In their eyes, if Ethan was indeed on the island, he would likely be exploring the central areas. So no matter what, heading there first was the most time-efficient option.
With all potential threats eliminated, Ethan resumed his exploration of the island. It took him another two months to fully uncover its secrets.
Ethan searched every corner he could, and his most significant find was a hidden mine. While he couldn't identify the specific type of ore, he knew that any kind of mine held immense value. The raw materials extracted from it could be exchanged for a wealth of resources.
Thanks to the extra cargo space provided by the newly acquired larger ship, Ethan was now able to transport a substantial amount of ore. Before long, rough chunks of ore were piled high in the ship's hold. To make room for them, he moved all the fruits and fresh water he had previously stored onto land. For his voyage, he only planned to bring along a small amount of fruit to meet his vitamin needs. As for fresh water, he decided to rely entirely on his Water Creation spell to supply him during his travels.
With the ship suddenly laden with heavy cargo, its draft became noticeably deeper. It took considerable effort for Ethan to maneuver the vessel into slightly deeper waters and anchor it there.
Just as he was about to resume his exploration, a sudden tremor nearly caused him to lose his balance.
"An earthquake?"
Earthquakes often served as early warnings for a sinking island.
"Looks like my time here is running out."
This particular island had no wildlife, which meant it wouldn't remain afloat for long, maybe a few months at best, or as little as a few days. Ethan had already been living on the island for two months, so it had likely persisted for quite a while.
"It's a shame I couldn't find a magic stone," he muttered, disappointed.
Ethan had always kept in mind the advice he'd received from the guild. His top priority on any new island was to locate a magic stone.
When he first discovered the mine, he'd hoped it might contain what he sought. Perhaps the ore was buried deep, and with some luck, he could stumble upon a magic stone among the veins.
But the reality was far from ideal. The mine turned out to be shallower than he had anticipated. No matter how far he ventured into it, he couldn't find anything remotely resembling a magic stone. The walls were lined with ore, sure, but none of it was what he was looking for.
Unwilling to give up, Ethan decided to put the longsword Kashya had given him to use, employing it as a makeshift mining tool. For hours, he dug and hacked away like a miner. Yet, despite exhausting himself and dulling the blade, all he managed to collect were more useless chunks of ore.
As the tremors became increasingly frequent—starting at intervals of half a day and now occurring roughly every two hours, Ethan realized he couldn't delay his departure any longer. The tremors were also growing in intensity, and the ground was beginning to show visible signs of damage: cracks formed, and the hillsides started to collapse into deep craters. Every sign urged Ethan to leave immediately.
Fortunately, Ethan had begun preparing to evacuate as soon as he'd felt the first tremor. He'd packed all his belongings, and to avoid wasting time navigating out of the bay in a hurry, he'd already relocated his ship to a more accessible spot.
As another tremor hit, Ethan felt the ground beneath him quake violently. The increasing frequency of the shocks left no room for hesitation. But just as he was about to head for the shore, he noticed a flash of white light in a nearby crater.
"What's that?"
At first, Ethan thought it was just his imagination, or perhaps sunlight reflecting off some ore. But the faint, unmistakable ripple of magical energy told him otherwise, this wasn't ordinary ore.
"A magic stone!"
Without a second thought, Ethan sprinted toward the crater. Sure enough, nestled within the dirt was a white stone, faintly glowing with a soft light and radiating waves of magical energy.
"A white magic stone? I wonder what attribute it holds."
He quickly assessed the terrain of the crater, analyzing the safest way to retrieve the stone. In mere seconds, he made his decision and leapt into the pit.
In that moment, adrenaline coursed through him, and he moved with a speed and agility that far exceeded his usual limits. As the ground quaked beneath him, he managed to snatch the magic stone mid-air as it bounced loose from the shifting earth.
Clutching his prize tightly, Ethan scrambled back out of the crater with the nimbleness of a monkey, following a pre-planned escape route. The moment his feet hit solid ground, he bolted for the beach like a man possessed.
The distance to the shore wasn't far, but Ethan couldn't believe how close the magic stone had been to the very spot he had chosen as his departure point. Buried beneath the surface, it had remained hidden until the tremors exposed it. If not for a series of lucky coincidences, he would never have found it.
Back at the shore, Ethan wasted no time. He hauled himself onto his small boat, raised the anchor, and set sail toward the larger ship he'd anchored farther out.
Once he reached the brig, he turned to look back at the island. Although the tremors were growing increasingly violent, it hadn't sunk yet. Reassured that he had some time, Ethan allowed himself a moment to examine the white magic stone in his hands.
"What attribute does this thing have?"
He stared at it intently. The magical energy it emitted felt strangely familiar. Ethan hadn't encountered many magic stones before, The one he had seen was red, a fire-attributed stone.
The only white magic stone he could recall seeing was the one the guild had used when helping him fill out his personal information.
Chapter 22
"Am I really this lucky?"
Ethan examined the white magic stone in his hands for a long time, turning it over and scrutinizing it carefully. However, he couldn't determine whether it truly matched the type he was hoping for. Despite his doubts, the sheer magical fluctuations emanating from it filled him with cautious optimism.
"Even though I know good luck doesn't last forever… I really hope this streak holds out a little longer."
It was a shame, though, that his "cheat" ability didn't come with something like an attribute panel or stats screen. If it did, he might've been able to measure his luck directly or at least figure out its grade.
Placing the magic stone securely on him, Ethan began to assess his overall gains from this expedition. Between the stone, the hidden mine, and the larger, faster Caravel—which he had named after its resemblance to Caravel sailing ships from his previous life, this trip had been far more rewarding than expected.
He felt confident that these finds would help him make significant strides in improving his strength.
"I still know too little about this world," Ethan admitted to himself. "I don't even fully understand how to grow stronger here."
As for his new ship, he decided there was no need to consider getting an even larger one for now. Operating a vessel of this size was already challenging alone, and unless he could recruit reliable crewmates, upgrading to anything bigger was completely out of the question.
His original boat, the smaller Goddess of Dawn, could probably be sold back to the guild, but he planned to keep the name for his new vessel.
And then there was the question of the ore. Would it be possible to craft something useful from it? Or would it be better to simply exchange it for finished products? Ethan didn't even know what kind of ore he had collected, let alone what it could be used for.
"I wonder… does this world have things like cannons or steam engines?"
From what he had observed, this world seemed to still be in the age of sailing ships powered by wind and manpower. He hadn't come across any steam-driven vessels or other mechanical propulsion systems.
"Then again, with something like magic stones around, maybe they've developed magic-powered cannons or engines instead."
Recalling the magic stone-fueled stove he had seen before, Ethan felt his guess wasn't far off.
"If that's the case, will I need to start collecting all sorts of rare materials and studying magic stone technology?"
As his thoughts wandered toward the future, Ethan began tying his original boat to the new Caravel using several thick ropes. He let the larger ship tow the smaller one along.
With the cargo hold now packed with heavy ore, the Caravel's speed was noticeably reduced. While the ship should've been much faster than his original boat, the added weight made its pace slower than before.
"Thankfully, I've got plenty of food, and I can make clean water on my own. I'll just take my time."
The slower pace gave Ethan the opportunity to focus on consolidating what he had learned during his time on the island.
Life on the ship soon fell back into its usual rhythm.
Every morning, Ethan would wake up and prepare breakfast. After eating, he would rest briefly before practicing swordsmanship. At midday, when the sun was high, he would read, he still had a stack of books he had brought with him. His mental strength had steadily grown over time, and with it, his reading speed had increased significantly.
For example, he had already finished the thick pile of textbooks given to him by the Ancient One.
"Choosing the path of a mage really comes with some unexpected perks," Ethan mused with a sense of satisfaction.
With his space-time Orb, he could sense spatial energy and travel between different planes. Based on his experience in the Marvel world, he figured similar worlds would likely appear again in the future.
"All of this comes down to my choice to train spiritual energy as a mage," Ethan reflected. "If I'd chosen the warrior path and focused on physical strength instead, I would've run into endless problems just trying to communicate."
He also remembered that there were spells that allowed one to quickly master a foreign language. If he ever ended up in a world like Diablo or Warcraft, where the languages weren't Earth-based, those spells would save him a lot of trouble.
Of course, that would only be an option after his strength improved significantly, he'd need to become a full-fledged mage first. For now, he could only work toward that goal one step at a time, though there was still so much he needed to learn.
After his midday reading session, Ethan would eat some fruit to replenish his energy. Afternoons were reserved for light exercises to consolidate his morning training. Depending on his mood, he might also catch some seafood for dinner or the next day's breakfast.
As evening approached and the sun dipped below the horizon, Ethan would anchor the ship for the night. Without a crew to take shifts, he avoided sailing after dark for safety reasons.
Dinner marked the final meal of the day, after which Ethan would begin his spiritual power training. This nightly practice would continue late into the night before he finally went to sleep.
His schedule was set in stone, with only occasional interruptions for minor tasks like airing out his books to prevent mildew or maintaining his weapons and armor.
Whenever he maintained his equipment, he couldn't help but think back to the novels he used to read in his previous life.
"The protagonists in those stories never bothered to maintain their gear. A gun stays brand new after thousands of rounds without so much as a cleaning. And swords? They're either divine artifacts or legendary weapons crafted by master smiths, and somehow they're still pristine after years of neglect."
"I, on the other hand, have a pile of equipment that all needs cleaning and maintenance. It's such a hassle to take care of it all."
Despite his complaints, Ethan handled his gear with utmost care. He knew these items were his lifeline, and his survival depended on them. As much as he grumbled about the effort, he was meticulous in his work, ensuring every weapon and piece of armor was in top condition. Damaged equipment could mean the difference between life and death.
In truth, Ethan's habit of talking to himself was born from the crushing loneliness of life at sea. With no one to speak to for extended periods, he feared that his ability to hold a conversation might deteriorate over time. Whenever the opportunity arose, he would eagerly take it just to keep his mind sharp.
Occasionally, the isolation made him realize how dire his situation was. If things went on like this, he'd either lose his mind or become completely numb. The solution was obvious, he needed to find a partner, someone to share this journey with.
"But… finding the right partner isn't that simple, is it?"
Trustworthiness aside, could he even share his secrets with them? What if they learned about his ability to travel between planes? Could they be trusted with that knowledge? Ethan wasn't inherently distrustful, but recent events had reminded him of the dangers of misplaced faith.
"Maybe… I should look for companions in the worlds I've already traveled to?"
The advantage of this plan was clear. If he brought someone along from another world, the secret of his ability would already be out. Additionally, he could carefully choose individuals with proven character from familiar settings. At least then, he'd have a better idea of who could be trusted not to stab him in the back.
He couldn't help but recall the countless plane-travel novels he had read in his previous life. Recruiting allies from other worlds was practically a staple of the genre. Back then, he used to imagine what he would do if he ever gained a similar ability, he'd fantasized about "recruiting" a few likable characters and building a team.
"I wonder if this thing can actually bring people back with me," he murmured, glancing at the time-space pointer.
He remembered the conditions for bringing objects between planes. Did bringing a person work the same way? Did he need to "pick them up" in a specific manner?
Curious, Ethan summoned the time-space Orb and poured his mental power into it, hoping to uncover more of its secrets.
When he first activated the device, the burst of spatial energy had injected basic instructions into his mind, teaching him how to use it. Back then, his mental strength had been far weaker, likely limiting the amount of information he could process. Now that he was stronger, perhaps he could unlock more knowledge.
Unfortunately, no matter how he directed his mental power into the Orb, whether gently or forcefully—the device remained silent. The only visible effect was that the pointer's form seemed to stabilize slightly under his influence. Beyond that, it gave him nothing.
"Do I really have to figure this out myself?" he muttered, feeling a pang of frustration.
Just as he was about to give up, he noticed something strange. The orb's display wasn't searching as it usually did. Instead, it showed an arrow—a clear direction.
"Spatial energy?" Ethan guessed at first, but something felt off.
He realized the arrow wasn't just signaling the presence of energy; it was pointing somewhere specific, toward the left side of his ship. As the vessel continued to move forward, the Orb subtly adjusted, maintaining its focus on the same target.
"Not too far away?"
Excitement surged through him. Ethan quickly adjusted the ship's course, steering toward the direction indicated by the pointer.
"That's right! There's something I've been meaning to figure out."
A question had lingered in his mind ever since he first began traveling between worlds: did time in this world run parallel to the other planes he visited, or did it flow differently?
He had considered this before but had never been able to test it. Now, thanks to scavenging the bandits' supplies, he had an hourglass on hand, something he could use to measure the passage of time in this world while he was away.
"One day might not be enough to draw a conclusion… but at least I'll know if time here stops completely or keeps moving."
After donning his gear, Ethan double-checked his preparations. He even secured several bottles of health potions in his belt pouch, just in case. Satisfied after confirming everything multiple times, he set the hourglass on the deck, watching as the sand began to flow.
Taking a few steps back, he activated the time-space teleportation circle.
"I wonder what kind of world I'll end up in this time."
Chapter 23
The all-too-familiar sensation of shifting planes struck Ethan once more, accompanied by a blinding brilliance that rendered him temporarily sightless. As the light faded and the world settled, he instinctively scanned his surroundings, his right hand already gripping the hilt of his sword.
For once, he wasn't immediately surrounded. This was a rare occurrence. In his previous two plane-jumps, he had landed smack in the middle of groups of hostile individuals. In the dark, grim world of Diablo, he'd been greeted by a cluster of Rogues with bows trained on him, ready to turn him into a pincushion at the slightest misstep.
"Finally, no ambush for a change…" he muttered under his breath, loosening his grip on his sword.
Still, Ethan couldn't shake his wariness. The landing site chosen by the teleportation circle never seemed to be reliable—at least, not by conventional standards. Then again, he thought, perhaps being thrown into "safe" areas despite the initial chaos was its way of being dependable.
"Don't be alarmed, mage from another plane," a voice suddenly called out from behind him.
Startled, Ethan spun around to face what seemed to be a steep, barren mountain wall. The voice had clearly come from there, but no one was in sight.
"An illusion?" he wondered aloud, focusing his senses.
Concentrating, Ethan probed the area with his mental power. Though he lacked the ability to project his spiritual energy outward, his heightened senses detected something off—a subtle incongruity. Yet, without additional means at his disposal, he couldn't pinpoint what was wrong.
Before he could delve deeper, the answer revealed itself. Like rippling water, the mountain wall shimmered and dissolved, revealing a hidden passage.
From within, a white-bearded old man stepped forward, accompanied by a blond boy. The older man was dressed like the quintessential mage from legend, leaning lightly on a long staff as he approached.
"Greetings, traveler from another world," the old mage said, his voice slow and calm.
His tone was warm and inviting, devoid of malice. Yet, the overwhelming magical energy radiating from him—like a vast, unfathomable ocean was anything but comforting. The sheer power on display, unhidden and unapologetic, was enough to put anyone on edge.
"Please, don't misunderstand," the old mage continued, quickly suppressing his magical aura. "As a fellow mage, I'm sure you understand that sometimes… precautions must be taken for a proper conversation."
The oppressive atmosphere faded as he spoke, leaving behind only his gentle demeanor.
"In fact," the old mage added with a faint smile, "to break through the dense energy barrier and reach you, I may have overexerted myself in making initial contact."
It was then that Ethan realized the mage wasn't speaking in a language he recognized. Instead, the words resonated directly in his mind—an act of mental communication.
Ethan's annoyance flared. "Seriously? Again?"
Though he understood his own weakness compared to the mages he encountered, having his mind invaded without consent still grated on him.
"This is getting old," he muttered. "I really need to figure out a way to block these psychic intrusions."
"Ah, young man, you're perfectly right to feel that way," the old mage said, his tone tinged with understanding. "I hope you'll allow me to make amends."
The elder mage's demeanor exuded wisdom and morality. He bowed slightly, offering a genuine apology and compensation without hesitation.
"For instance," he continued, "I could craft you an amulet to shield your mind from mental attacks. How does that sound?"
Ethan blinked in surprise. "Wait, can you read my thoughts?"
"Oh, not at all!" the mage replied, chuckling softly. "I simply surmised that such a thing might be foremost on your mind given the circumstances." His sharp, perceptive eyes gleamed beneath his kind exterior.
Ethan paused, contemplating the offer. The old mage had suggested crafting the amulet so casually, as though it were a trivial task. Clearly, he was confident in his abilities as an enchanter. Still, Ethan didn't feel an immediate need for such a defense.
As his own mental strength grew, he reasoned, most enemies wouldn't be able to breach his mind unless they were overwhelmingly powerful. And if someone with that level of strength wanted to harm him, no amulet in the world would make a difference.
For now, Ethan decided to set the matter aside. "So, what should I call you?"
Seeing that Ethan was willing to talk, the old mage smiled warmly. "My name is Merlin. You may call me that."
"…Merlin?" Ethan's brow furrowed. The name was iconic, synonymous with legendary tales of magic and myth. A powerful mage named Merlin? The implications were clear. But which Merlin was this?
The name had appeared in countless works across various cultures and genres, from Arthurian legends to modern fiction. And while some versions were noble mentors, others were… less savory.
"Not the version with white hair and questionable morals… I can probably rule that one out."
"Doesn't look like he's carrying a staff made of futuristic tech, so another possibility eliminated."
Ethan scratched his head in frustration. There were simply too many iterations of Merlin to narrow it down.
Merlin, noticing Ethan's reaction, seemed intrigued. "Young man, do you recognize my name? Or perhaps you've encountered me—or someone like me—on another plane?"
Ethan hesitated. Merlin's question caught him off guard, but it didn't take long for him to connect the dots. The fact that Merlin immediately identified him as a traveler from another plane suggested that the mage had a deep understanding of the multiverse, possibly even more than Ethan himself.
"Wait…" A sudden thought struck him. "Don't tell me… is the reason my teleportation circle brought me here because of you?"
Merlin froze for a moment before smiling knowingly. "You're quick to catch on. I wasn't planning to hide it. In fact, even if you hadn't noticed, I would've told you soon enough."
Ethan's expression darkened. His last encounter with a powerful mage had occurred when he traveled to the Marvel universe. There, the Sorcerer Supreme, who guarded Earth from planar invasions, intercepted him. That experience taught Ethan that truly powerful beings could interfere with his teleportation.
He hadn't expected to meet another such figure so soon. With this revelation, the prospect of using his teleportation circle to travel between planes became daunting. Who knew if next time he'd cross paths with someone who might kill him outright before hearing him out?
"Or," Merlin interjected, as though reading his unease, "I could teach you how to better control that immense energy you wield, so it doesn't shine like the moon in a pitch-black night sky, drawing attention from others like myself."
Ethan's frustration eased slightly. Merlin had hit on a sore spot, one Ethan was desperate to resolve.
"I really need to deal with that problem," Ethan admitted with a nod, but he wasn't about to let Merlin take full control of the conversation. "That said, Your Excellency, Great Mage Merlin… what is it that you want from me? After all, you didn't bring me here by accident."
Merlin had deliberately intercepted him, redirecting his teleportation to arrive at this very spot. That meant he had an agenda. Ethan had initially assumed Merlin might be similar to the Ancient One—a protector of this plane—but Merlin's repeated offers of help made Ethan reconsider.
"This is about something connected to me," Ethan murmured to himself, trying to analyze the situation. What could a legendary powerhouse like Merlin want from him? The only thing of value he had was his ability to travel between planes. However, Merlin's earlier words suggested he wasn't particularly interested in that. If he were, why offer to help Ethan better master his spatial energy instead of exploiting it?
"Why don't we talk somewhere more suitable?" Merlin interrupted Ethan's thoughts. "Surely, standing here all day isn't ideal."
"You're right," Ethan agreed.
"Then follow me, young man," Merlin said, turning to lead the way back into the magically hidden passage.
As Ethan followed, he couldn't help but notice the powerful magical barrier he passed through. It felt like walking through a curtain of water, only instead of being soaked, he was washed in waves of magic. Strangely, the barrier seemed to replenish some of the mental energy he had expended during his teleportation.
The passage wasn't long, and before long, the narrow path opened into a breathtaking valley.
The scene was like something out of a dream. Flowers and trees filled every inch of space, their vibrant colors and fragrances merging into an intoxicating harmony. Ethan immediately sensed the extraordinary nature of the flora. This was no ordinary valley, everything here seemed to radiate life and magic.
"A paradise on Earth," Ethan muttered in awe.
Merlin smiled, clearly pleased by the compliment. "This is my home," he said with a hint of pride.
The only man-made structure in the valley was a modest-looking house. From the outside, it appeared to be an ordinary three-story building. However, the moment Ethan stepped inside, he realized the space within was far larger than it seemed.
Magic, of course.
Without stopping, Merlin led Ethan to a reception room. Inside, a table was already set with an assortment of fruits, their vibrant colors as inviting as the valley outside.
"Please, have a seat," Merlin offered as he sat down himself, gesturing for Ethan to sit opposite him.
Once Ethan was seated, Merlin continued, "Originally, I planned to spend some time conversing with you before revealing my intentions. But it seems you prefer a more direct approach, so I won't keep you in suspense."
Just as he was about to explain, Merlin glanced at the blond boy standing nearby. Suddenly, as if recalling something important, he turned back to Ethan.
"Ah, forgive me—I'll need to take one more liberty with you before we proceed," Merlin said apologetically.
Ethan tensed but remained seated, his hand unconsciously drifting toward his sword.
"There won't be any harmful side effects," Merlin assured him. "You may feel a slight numbness in your head or a mild headache, but nothing more."
Before Ethan could protest, Merlin raised his finger to his own forehead. A stream of glowing light flowed from his head to his fingertip. With a slow, deliberate motion, he pointed at Ethan, sending the light into him.
Ethan froze. His body stiffened as the light entered his mind. The sensation was strange but not painful, it felt as though something had been carefully placed within his consciousness. Then it clicked.
Ethan realized what Merlin had done. The old mage had transferred a portion of his own knowledge—specifically, a foreign language directly into Ethan's mind.
"Hello, my name is Arthur," the blond boy said, stepping forward and introducing himself in the language Ethan had just learned.
Ethan blinked, startled. He understood Arthur perfectly, despite never hearing the language before.
Chapter 24
Arthur Pendragon.
Even without the "language package" Merlin had transferred into his mind, Ethan would've recognized the boy's identity based on the pronunciation alone.
"Is this King Arthur?"
The realization left him mildly stunned. He was now certain that this world wasn't part of any movie universe he knew. If it were, movies about King Arthur—mostly produced by British and American studios—would have featured characters speaking English, not this unfamiliar language Merlin had taught him.
Ethan's grasp of history wasn't exactly strong, most of it came from fiction and the occasional online deep dive. He knew King Arthur was a legendary hero of the British Isles, but the timeline of his existence was murky at best. In fact, it wasn't even clear if King Arthur had been a real historical figure. Here, however, there was no doubt: in this plane, Arthur was very real.
Of course, the British Isles of this time period wouldn't use modern English or even Old English.
"Could it be Old Celtic?" Ethan muttered, unsure.
He turned his attention to the boy in front of him. Arthur's golden hair gleamed like the sun, his strong brows and bright eyes radiating sincerity and determination. His presence exuded an unshakable sense of righteousness. The phrase "like the sun at eight o'clock in the morning" felt tailor-made for this young man.
"Hello, Arthur. Nice to meet you. My name is Ethan," Ethan said, nodding politely as he introduced himself.
Arthur returned the greeting with equal formality, performing a slight bow. "I am pleased to meet you as well, Your Excellency Ethan."
With the introductions out of the way, Merlin, who had been quietly observing from the side, decided it was time to cut to the chase. "Now that the two of you are acquainted, let's get down to business," the old mage said, reclaiming control of the conversation. "Ethan, I'd like to ask for your assistance in something. That's why I stopped your teleportation."
Ethan didn't interrupt, waiting for Merlin to explain further. Fortunately, the legendary mage didn't waste time on theatrics and quickly got to the point.
Merlin explained that, after teaching Arthur for several years, he felt it was time for the young heir to the throne to expand his horizons. Arthur needed to see the world beyond his small corner of it, to gain knowledge and experience that would prepare him for the monumental task of ruling a nation.
Initially, Merlin had intended to take Arthur on a journey across this plane to better understand the kingdom's current state. But then, Merlin noticed an enormous burst of spatial energy as Ethan's teleportation spell broke through the barriers between worlds. This inspired a bold new idea: why limit Arthur's travels to just one world when the multiverse was within reach?
Merlin admitted that this idea had struck him suddenly, almost like a revelation. The overwhelming energy from Ethan's magic seemed to trigger the thought, and once it took root, Merlin couldn't shake it. Without wasting time, he acted, intercepting Ethan mid-teleportation to propose his plan.
Ethan, however, was left speechless.
"You're saying… you want Arthur to travel to other worlds with me?"
Merlin nodded, completely serious. He believed Arthur could gain invaluable insights by experiencing the vastness of the multiverse firsthand. And while the idea was unconventional—even reckless—Merlin trusted his instincts.
"As a ruler, Arthur needs to know more than just this world. He must be prepared for challenges that others can't even begin to imagine," Merlin said.
Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to process the sheer absurdity of what he was hearing. "You do realize that this is insane, right? Let's ignore everything else for a moment, what about his safety? You've seen my abilities. I can't guarantee I'll be able to protect him."
Before Merlin could respond, Arthur stepped forward, his expression resolute.
"If I lose my life on this journey, it will prove I'm unfit to inherit the throne," Arthur said firmly. After a brief pause, he added, "Besides, I've trained with Merlin for years. I'm more than capable of defending myself."
Ethan stared at the young man, then turned back to Merlin, waiting for him to justify this madness.
"As Arthur said," Merlin reiterated, "if he cannot survive the trials he faces, then perhaps he isn't meant to rule. Being a king means encountering dangers far beyond what most people can imagine. If Arthur is to lead, he must learn how to confront these challenges head-on."
Ethan exhaled slowly. While he wasn't entirely convinced, Merlin's argument wasn't without merit. The world—or worlds—was a dangerous place, especially for someone destined to rule.
"Fine, but what happens if we leave this world and never return? You've seen it yourself, I can't control these spatial energies perfectly. There's no guarantee I'll be able to bring him back."
Merlin smiled faintly, as though he had been waiting for this question.
"That is precisely why I intercepted you," Merlin said. "Your control over those energies is, frankly, terrible. But I can teach you. I can help you master them."
Ethan's eyes widened. He was taken aback by the sheer audacity of the offer. A legendary mage, offering personal guidance? It was an opportunity no aspiring spellcaster could refuse.
Merlin continued, "I will teach you, everything you need to know about magic, and more. Not just the manipulation of space-time energy, but a comprehensive education in the magical arts. In return, you will take Arthur with you and ensure he gains the experience he needs."
The offer left Ethan conflicted. On one hand, he desperately needed a mentor. Though he hadn't encountered any major obstacles yet, Ethan knew it was only a matter of time before his progress stalled. To prepare for that inevitability, he had been diversifying his studies, dabbling in potion-making, magic circles, and anything else that might help him grow.
But learning directly from Merlin? That was on an entirely different level.
"Everything about magic?" Ethan asked cautiously, still grappling with the enormity of the proposition.
"Not just magic," Merlin said with a knowing smile.
Ethan's hesitation began to melt away. This was an offer he simply couldn't refuse. More than anything, he hoped the transaction would be successfully finalized.
If this had been a business negotiation, Ethan suspected he'd have to sign a long list of unfavorable agreements just to secure Merlin's help.
Fortunately, no one present was a businessman, and this wasn't a commercial exchange. Everyone's moral compass seemed to be in the right place, so there was no need for formal contracts. Both sides reached a tacit understanding, their intentions clear.
The next step was to deepen their understanding of each other.
Whether it was to assist Merlin's teaching or build rapport with his future "teammate," Ethan knew he'd have to explain certain details about himself.
"For now, let's set aside the specifics of your personal training," Merlin suggested. "I believe what Arthur is most curious about is the nature of the worlds he'll be visiting."
Ethan shrugged. He briefly recounted his experiences in the worlds he had visited so far.
He glossed over the Marvel Universe, admitting there wasn't much to say since the Ancient One had intercepted him almost immediately. The time he spent there didn't allow for any significant exploration.
He spent more time describing the Diablo world, focusing on the adventures he had experienced there. However, he limited his explanation to avoid overwhelming Arthur with unnecessary details.
Finally, he talked about his home world: the vast, ocean-dominated world where floating islands dotted the sea. Ethan described how its inhabitants searched for magical islands and gathered materials to survive.
This unique and fantastical world captivated Arthur. The young prince couldn't hide his fascination, his usual composure slipping to reveal a youthful enthusiasm. He squirmed in his seat, barely able to contain his excitement as he imagined the possibilities.
When it came to discussing how he traveled between worlds, Merlin initially assumed Ethan possessed a powerful magical artifact. However, he quickly realized it was more akin to an innate ability—a talent that couldn't simply be taken or replicated. Merlin, despite his immense power, had no intention of trying to seize it. Ethan could only hope this trust in Merlin's character wasn't misplaced.
"So that's how it works," Merlin remarked after hearing Ethan's explanation.
The old mage now understood why Ethan's mental strength, while above average for a normal person, wasn't particularly impressive for a mage. Nor did he have any magical reserves.
Inspecting the time-space orb in Ethan's hand, Merlin frowned. The device was an enigma even to him. He couldn't discern its origins or its inner workings, much less the forces behind it. Still, he offered Ethan some practical advice.
"While I can't fully grasp the nature of this object or how it operates, I can tell you this: for any mage, energy—no matter how complex can be controlled. The only variable is how difficult it is to do so."
Merlin suggested that Ethan begin practicing energy control immediately. The massive reservoir of space-time energy within him was a resource Ethan was letting dissipate naturally. Instead of passively waiting for the energy to fade and trigger an unplanned teleportation, Merlin encouraged him to take charge. By controlling this energy, Ethan could potentially dictate when and how he traveled between worlds.
"If my theory is correct," Merlin said, "as your control over space-time energy grows, your ability will evolve accordingly."
Merlin wasn't entirely certain what form these changes would take, but Ethan's mind raced with possibilities.
Could he learn to teleport with precision, traveling between worlds at will instead of being thrown into random ones? Perhaps he could store the energy within himself, using it only when needed. Maybe he could even return to specific worlds deliberately instead of leaving it up to chance.
All of these ideas had crossed Ethan's mind before, but they had always seemed out of reach. Now, Merlin was pointing him toward a path to achieve them.
Control over energy wasn't just useful, it was essential. Merlin's advice confirmed that Ethan's lack of mastery was the key limitation of his abilities.
It also aligned with what Ethan had already started to suspect. Magicians, Merlin explained, must be especially cautious when absorbing new forms of energy. The first type of energy a mage interacts with often influences their development for life. Ethan hadn't begun practicing energy control earlier because he wanted his mental power to reach a certain threshold first, ensuring he had the strength to handle whatever consequences might arise.
Chapter 25
Ethan had read in many of the books he currently owned that when a mage first absorbs energy and converts it into usable magic power, it's a critical moment that demands caution. The choice of energy is especially important, as it not only determines how effectively the mage can wield magic but also impacts the mage themselves.
For instance, elemental energy is a common starting point for new mages. Most begin by aligning with a specific element. This initial energy not only grants greater control over that element but also influences the mage's spiritual power, personality, and even physical state. In some cases, the assimilation is mild, but more extreme energies, such as fel energy, can severely affect a mage's character and thoughts. Over time, prolonged exposure to such energies might completely change who they are.
This is why, despite the theoretical ability to use any energy as a magical source, most mages avoid certain extreme or corrupting energies at all costs.
Ethan had initially considered choosing water-element energy to begin his journey as a mage. One reason was practical: the first spell he learned, Water Creation, had a natural affinity for water-related abilities.
The more compelling reason, however, was environmental. The ocean-dominated world he had been exploring, was practically tailor-made for water-element magic, which would receive substantial amplification in such a setting.
Additionally, water's ice-element variant offered incredible versatility. It was practical, powerful, and, in Ethan's opinion, undeniably stylish to wield.
Of course, real magic wasn't like a game. Choosing a specific elemental energy didn't mean a mage could only use spells of that element. Instead, the efficiency of casting other elements depended on how compatible they were with the mage's chosen energy. For instance, a mage who used water-element energy would find fire magic less efficient and more costly to cast.
That said, some legendary mages, such as Isendra, mastered multiple elements. Such mages either fully controlled elemental energy, allowing their spells to contain more than one element or based their magic on highly adaptable energies like arcane energy, which could shift to suit different spells.
"If I'm not mistaken, you intended to start your journey as a mage by absorbing water-element energy and mastering elemental magic," Merlin said.
Ethan nodded, slightly surprised by how accurately Merlin had assessed his intentions.
In the world of magic, classifications like "elementalist" or "arcanist" were largely superficial. True archmages didn't limit themselves to specific schools or energies. They strove to eliminate any weaknesses in their magical knowledge, achieving the ability to freely manipulate spells and magic attributes as needed.
However, the journey to becoming such a mage was heavily influenced by the initial energy a mage absorbed. This choice could dictate how far they could progress and even shape their ultimate potential.
"You're right," Ethan confirmed.
By now, Ethan had spent two days under Merlin's roof. During that time, Merlin hadn't begun teaching but had instead conducted a thorough assessment of Ethan's abilities. Now, it seemed, the lessons were about to start.
"There's nothing wrong with your choice," Merlin said thoughtfully. "If I were in your position, I might have chosen the same path." He paused, as if carefully considering his next words. "That said, I have a proposition for you, a path that's far more challenging but offers immense potential. If you succeed, your future achievements could be extraordinary. Would you be interested?"
Ethan frowned slightly, puzzled by the vagueness of Merlin's proposal. "How extraordinary are we talking?"
Merlin took a moment to think, likely searching for a frame of reference that Ethan would understand. Finally, he smiled and made a bold comparison.
"I can't predict how far you'll go, it depends entirely on your own determination. But if you follow this path and succeed, your achievements will at least rival my own."
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. Despite his attempts to stay calm, the gravity of Merlin's statement made it difficult to suppress his excitement. Still, he managed to maintain his composure, refusing to embarrass himself in front of the legendary mage.
"Comparable to you?" Ethan asked carefully. "You mean the ability to observe endless planes, break through dimensional barriers, or even… destroy an entire plane?"
The first two possibilities seemed entirely plausible. Merlin clearly possessed the strength to traverse the multiverse, and Ethan wouldn't be surprised if he could breach even the most fortified barriers. As for destroying a plane, that was harder to gauge.
At the very least, Ethan suspected that Merlin—or someone like the Ancient One, who protected Earth from multiverse incursions could easily destroy a planet if they unleashed their full power. While this didn't mean such mages could obliterate worlds with a single spell, their vast knowledge and cunning made them unpredictable and dangerous.
For example, the Ancient One could theoretically summon Dormammu, plunging an entire plane into eternal darkness. Such an act would achieve the same result as outright destruction, showcasing the terrifying potential of powerful mages.
That was what made mages so dangerous: the sheer unpredictability of their abilities. No one truly knew what they were capable of or what lengths they might go to achieve their goals.
Ethan wanted to reach that level someday. The allure of becoming such a formidable mage made Merlin's proposal impossible to ignore.
"You should know that mages, at their core, are individuals who rely on powerful spiritual energy to manipulate magical forces and achieve their goals. Whether it's casting a fireball or performing advanced spells, the principles are fundamentally the same," Merlin began.
Ethan nodded, waiting for him to elaborate.
"Spiritual power forms the foundation of all mages. The stronger your spiritual power, the more energy you can control, which in turn allows you to cast more powerful magic and pursue greater ambitions."
Ethan was painfully aware of this. His spiritual power wasn't yet at the threshold required to qualify as a proper mage. He had been diligently working to improve it for years. Since acquiring the time-space orb, he'd also been exercising his spiritual strength through constant practice.
"But the power of spiritual energy does more than just allow mages to wield more energy," Merlin continued. "It also determines the relationship between you and magic itself."
"What do you mean by that?" Ethan asked, puzzled.
Merlin explained in detail, and gradually, Ethan began to grasp the concept. The relationship between a mage and magical energy wasn't a simple master-slave dynamic.
For a mage, understanding one's spiritual "limit" was crucial when absorbing energy. Without that awareness, absorbing too much magic could lead to severe consequences. The energy could start to "invade" the mage's mind, corrupting their thoughts and personality.
Ethan recalled examples from the books he'd read. In milder cases, the mage's spiritual energy would be "contaminated," leading to minor imbalances. In extreme cases, the mage's character and behavior would be fundamentally altered.
"For instance," Merlin explained, "if a mage's spiritual power can handle ten units of magical energy, but they try to control more than that, they'll begin to experience dangerous side effects."
He clarified that this was a simplified explanation. While the quantity of spiritual energy mattered, its quality was just as important.
Ethan started to piece it together. "So, what you're saying is, I should focus on developing my spiritual power further before trying to absorb energy and convert it into magic?"
Merlin smiled and shook his head. "Not exactly. The path I propose is far more unconventional, it requires you to avoid absorbing external energy altogether."
Ethan froze, startled. He couldn't imagine how such a thing would work. "Wait, you mean… no absorption at all?"
Merlin nodded. "You see, mages don't necessarily need to rely on external energy. They can generate their own magic power."
Ethan frowned, confused. He hadn't encountered this concept in the books he'd studied. From what he'd read, mages converted external energy into magic power and then stored it within themselves. While mages could naturally regenerate magic power over time, it was always assumed that this process was slower and secondary to external absorption.
Seeing Ethan's confusion, Merlin explained further.
"The magic power generated by a mage internally is fundamentally different from that drawn from external sources. It's purer and far more adaptable, it can be molded to fit a variety of purposes with greater ease."
Merlin sighed before continuing. "Unfortunately, by the time most mages discover this truth, their spiritual power has already been tainted by the energies they've absorbed. The magic power they generate after this point naturally aligns with the attributes of the energies they were exposed to earlier. How strong this alignment is depends on the extent of the spiritual pollution."
This was why mages referred to external energy's influence on their spiritual power as "pollution." Even with countermeasures, eliminating this contamination was a time-consuming and resource-intensive process.
Hearing this, Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. Reflecting on his previous plans, he realized how close he had come to making a grave mistake. With his still-developing spiritual power, it was almost inevitable that absorbing water-element energy would have polluted his mind. Worse, if he ever tried to incorporate other elements in the future, the conflict could weaken his ability to control space-time energy—or worse, render him incapable of it altogether.
For the first time, Ethan was grateful for the delays that had prevented him from committing to his initial plan. Merlin's words felt like a lifeline, pulling him back from the edge of a precarious decision.
"So," Ethan said slowly, his understanding deepening, "the path you're suggesting is for me to continue absorbing my spiritual power and rely entirely on it to generate my own magic energy?"
Merlin smiled, clearly pleased. "Exactly. That's the path I believe is best for you."
The implications of this path weren't lost on Ethan. It would be far more challenging than the traditional route. Without absorbing external energy, his progress in the early stages would be agonizingly slow. He'd be stuck with limited magical abilities, leaving him only marginally stronger than an ordinary person.
Merlin watched Ethan carefully, expecting him to take some time to weigh the pros and cons of such a demanding choice. To his surprise, Ethan didn't hesitate.
"I'll choose this path." Ethan said decisively.
...
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