A mirror is often used to see one's own reflection. For instance, noble ladies from high society always carry a mirror to adjust their makeup, and even some high-level magical beasts often glance at their reflections while drinking water. In short, mirrors are meant for self-examination.
The moment Merlin took out the mirror, the Revenant Master’s struggles suddenly ceased. His gaze seemed frozen on the surface of the mirror, and his entire demeanor shifted, exuding an inexplicable sadness and confusion.
This surprised Garen. He had initially thought that the Legendary Mage might produce some valuable artifact or a magical treasure befitting her status. However, after examining it closely for a moment, he gradually realized that it was merely an ordinary mirror.
Even though Garen had never fought against the Revenant Master, his conquest of the Undead Staff was enough to demonstrate his power. Yet, such a formidable being was now captivated by an ordinary mirror?
Could it really be that simple?
“No, who is he… who is this ugly monster!”
At that moment, the Revenant Master suddenly shouted, his deep and mournful voice shaking the attic. The dark figure writhed wildly, clearly trying to break free from its restraints!
However, at this moment, it was held by the Legendary Mage Merlin.
Merlin lifted the shadow as if it were a small chick and said, “Don’t you think he looks familiar?”
“Familiar…” The Revenant Master paused for a moment and murmured, “This monster… is me…”
“He is me… he used to be me…”
The Revenant Master appeared drained of strength, looking somewhat dazed as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. After a few seconds, he suddenly let out a heart-wrenching scream!
Due to the unique nature of undead voices—both powerful and piercing—it was difficult to discern his current emotions.
It wasn't until a moment later that Garen gradually realized—
He seemed to be crying...
"The only way for low-level undead to grow is by devouring other undead," Merlin observed Garen's confusion. "This kind of grotesque consumption absorbs the emotions, memories, and even the appearance of the devoured, often resulting in a loss of self."
Merlin released his grip, yet the Revenant Master showed no signs of struggle, deeply immersed in sorrow.
Garen finally understood: "So reflecting his image in a mirror is the most effective method. Because his greatest enemy is actually himself?"
"Yes... You're quite perceptive. Would you like to learn magic from me?" Merlin said with an appreciative look.
Garen shook his head. "Actually, if you're joking, you should put some emotion into it; that would make it much more convincing."
"Oh... I'll keep that in mind next time," Merlin replied dismissively.
During their conversation, the Revenant Master was undergoing a remarkable transformation. The dense black shadow morphed into wispy smoke, drifting up to the attic before being disassembled within the magical circle.
Thanks to Merlin's earlier hints, Garen had begun to grasp everything.
Relying on devouring souls to strengthen oneself makes it difficult to face one's own self. So when the Revenant Master saw his reflection in the mirror, there were only two possible outcomes: either he would collapse and vanish under the weight of it all, or his truest emotions would be awakened, expelling those things that did not belong to him.
The Revenant Master belonged to the latter.
As the black mist dissipated, his form gradually became clearer—a middle-aged man with deep brown hair, slightly plump, dressed in loose formal attire.
"Hmm? He has something to say to you," Merlin seemed to notice something and withdrew the mirror.
At the moment the mirror faded away, the Revenant Master finally came to his senses and looked towards Garen.
Garen felt a sense of familiarity with him and suddenly recalled something, exclaiming in surprise, "It's you!"
The Revenant Master nodded and said, "Not long ago, I sensed the presence of my son within you. You must know Rody. Yes, I am Huxiu Neier."
With the black mist dissipating, the tear stains on Huxiu Neier's face were particularly clear, and this face bore a striking resemblance to Rody, about seventy percent alike!
Who would have thought that the one who had been missing for over half a year, presumed to have been assassinated by the Aurelia Alliance, Huxiu Neier, the patriarch of the Ekria Family, had actually become a Soul!
Garen took a deep breath, his expression complex. "Do you have any questions?"
Huxiu Neier did not respond immediately but glanced at Merlin, who was leisurely sitting in a chair, munching on an apple and enjoying the unfolding drama.
Garen shook his head. "If she is interested, she can hear it no matter where she is."
As a Legendary Mage skilled in Foreknowledge Magic, even if Huxiu Neier managed to deceive her, she could easily find out later.
After a moment of silence, Huxiu Neier sincerely said, "I know what you intend to do, but you must promise me one thing."
Clearly, this was yet another transaction.
...
The conversation went smoothly; Garen agreed to Huxiu Neier's request, and in return, Huxiu Neier agreed to guide the will of the Undead Staff to assist Garen with extreme power.
Once this matter was settled, Garen felt there was no need to linger any longer and chose to bid farewell to Merlin.
Merlin had just finished her apple and wiped her mouth. "Anyone who trades with me must leave behind a drop of blood and a strand of hair; it's the rule. Will you do it yourself or shall I?"
"Is that a rule?" Garen was taken aback, recalling that Tifet hadn't mentioned this on their way here.
"The rules are set by me; whether they exist or not is also up to me," Merlin replied with an eye roll.
With Merlin's power, it would be an easy task to do something about Garen without going through the trouble of collecting blood or hair. If she wanted to investigate the secrets hidden within Garen, he wouldn't feel alarmed at all. After all, the Holy War System was the crystallization of civilization on the Valoran Continent, and Rune Power was a legacy of strength that could not be easily deciphered.
Garen remained silent for a moment before slicing his fingertip, letting a drop of blood and a strand of hair fall, then he left the attic.
Creak!
As the attic door closed, Merlin suddenly felt a surge of excitement.
An interesting soul must have a fantastical future; this was a truth Merlin had once concluded. It was precisely for this reason that she often delved into the futures of certain individuals. Even though casting Foreknowledge Magic came at a cost, she still found joy in it.
Yes, she wanted to glimpse Garen's future!
The incomplete armor in the attic began to move, bringing over a basin of Clear Water. The eye-shaped cup poured out two drops, turning the entire basin into a vibrant swirl of colors... The chains around the wooden box rattled and wrapped around the edges of the basin, and in an instant, the colorful liquid formed a vortex!
It spun rapidly, as if containing countless possibilities!
With Merlin's current level, she could foresee the future simply by meditating. However, this was relative because those Special Souls and their unique futures could not be unraveled through meditation alone. This meant that Merlin had no doubt Garen's future would be grand and tumultuous.
In her past history, only three individuals had allowed her to use these items for divination.
One was Berfant from the vampire clan; in that future, Merlin grasped the true essence of life.
Another was the New Emperor from the Summit of Ten Thousand Mountains; from him, Merlin gained insight into the origin of Magic Aura.
The last was Emperor Philip; there, Merlin encountered a creature whose bloodline strength rivaled that of the first emperor, Agu An.
And now, there was a fourth.
"How is this possible!"
Merlin gazed at the colorful liquid for half a minute, her face suddenly revealing a look of shock.
"The dew of the believers... two drops of Divine Kingdom essence... the Time Gift of Void Power... every step was flawless, so why can't I see anything?"
In Garen's future, Merlin saw nothing but chaos, completely unable to find a single clue.
"Fortunately, I prepared in advance." Merlin hummed lightly as she poured the fresh blood into the mixture, along with a strand of black hair.
"Wow!"
The colorful liquid surged violently, forming over a hundred tiny whirlpools that emitted a mesmerizing roar. In an instant, the entire attic seemed to tremble!
Chairs, armor, wooden boxes, cups... every living thing felt a fear that resonated from their very souls, a shudder that came from deep within.
Yet Merlin's face was entranced, as if she were witnessing the most beautiful sight in the world.
She leaned closer.
"Come on..."
"Let me see this warrior's destiny!"
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