Nighttime...

Merlin and Luna sat on the bed, enjoying their dinner.

They could have eaten at the inn's restaurant, but Merlin decided against it.

Although their true appearances were unrecognizable to the people of this city, that didn't mean there was no chance of unexpected events revealing their identities.

He often read novels and books written by intelligent people in his former world, and indeed, such a possibility always existed—though small, about five percent.

Therefore, as a precaution, Merlin had requested that their food be delivered directly to their room.

"Does it taste good?" Merlin asked, biting into a piece of honey-fried chicken.

"It tastes good!" Luna smiled happily. "It's even better than the one at the tavern this afternoon. Well, while it doesn't compare to Tina's cooking, at least it's tasty and edible."

"Good." Merlin nodded in satisfaction. "Eat up. Tomorrow morning, we'll be leaving this inn."

Luna didn't say anything and just nodded slowly.

After finishing dinner, Luna went to take a shower first, while Merlin relaxed and spoke with the system.

"System, how many points do I have now?" he asked.

"[Ding! Your current system points are 230,000, Master.]"

"Oh? That's still quite a lot." Merlin nodded faintly. "In that case, open the system shop."

[System Shop]

1x A-Level Healing Potion (20,000 system points)

1x S-Level Temporary Power Enhancement Potion (50,000 system points)

1x Rare-Level Magic Staff (30,000 system points)

...

Merlin looked through this month's discounted items, but none of them caught his interest.

However, one item suddenly drew his attention.

"System, what does the S-Level Temporary Power Enhancement Potion do?" Merlin asked.

"[As the name suggests, the potion can increase your strength several levels beyond the normal limit,]" the system replied.

"Oh? How much of an increase?"

"[Hmm… It's uncertain, Master. It all depends on your luck. Your power could rise to the Seventh Spirit Core, or even… the First Spirit Core.]"

Upon hearing the second possibility, Merlin's heart pounded so fast it felt like it might jump out of his chest.

"The First Spirit Core, you say? System, are you joking with me?" Merlin exclaimed in disbelief.

What is the First Spirit Core?

Those who reach that level are said to be the pillars of this world.

Of course, the First Spirit Core is divided into two categories: weak and strong.

Even so, anyone who manages to set foot at that level is undoubtedly an exceptionally gifted and fortunate person—like his master, Linda Thalsis.

And now, he had the chance to experience that level himself, which naturally made him very excited.

"[Joking? Master, I'm not some unemployed person with time to joke around with you, okay?]" The system rolled its eyes. "[What I said is completely true. But you should note that the power boost is only temporary and comes with major side effects, depending on how high your level increases.]"

Merlin's cheerful expression turned serious. "Explain, System."

"[For example, if you reach the Seventh Spirit Core level, the side effects might be equivalent to level 10. If you reach the Sixth, they could be around level 20. And if you reach the fifth, the side effects may go up to level 40. The higher the increase, the harsher the side effects. So, don't get too excited yet.]"

Merlin fell silent in thought. What the system explained was indeed quite alarming.

If he truly managed to reach the First Spirit Core with that potion, the side effects would be enormous—perhaps even unbearable.

It was only natural, since his body was still too weak. If he tried to contain the power of the First Spirit Core, the result was obvious—death.

Even so, that didn't shake Merlin's intention to buy it. Who knows, the potion might come in handy someday in an unexpected situation.

"System, buy that potion," Merlin ordered eagerly.

"[Ding! S-Level Temporary Power Enhancement Potion has been successfully purchased! 50,000 system points have been deducted from your account. Remaining system points: 180,000.]"

As Merlin was lost in his happiness, the sound of the door opening broke his thoughts, and Luna appeared in a pink nightgown.

"Oh? Are you done?" Merlin immediately ended his communication with the system and stood up.

Luna felt a bit embarrassed under his gaze but quickly calmed herself.

"Yes, I'm done," she said, walking toward the bed. "By the way, thank you for the nightgown. It's really nice. Where did you get it?"

She looked at the nightgown with a happy smile. The material was soft and comfortable to wear.

It even felt similar to her own—no, perhaps even better.

Getting something like this must be difficult, and even if it were sold somewhere, the price would surely be very high.

"You don't need to know. What matters is that you're comfortable wearing it."

With that, Merlin stepped into the bathroom and disappeared from sight.

Luna puffed her cheeks in mild annoyance but said nothing.

"Humph!" she snorted softly. "What a boring boy."

Fifteen minutes later, Merlin came out looking refreshed.

Luna sat on the bed, gazing at the night view through the window.

"What are you looking at?" Merlin asked curiously as he approached.

"Nothing, just enjoying the city view. It's quite beautiful, actually," Luna replied casually.

Merlin nodded slowly and sat down on his bed.

"By the way, let's talk about our escape plan for tomorrow," he said seriously.

Luna turned her head toward him, then slowly moved closer.

"Earlier, when I went down to gather information, I found something interesting," Merlin said, leaning his back against the wall. "They say the closure of the west and east gates is only temporary. Tomorrow afternoon, both will reopen, and the intercity routes will operate as usual."

"Even so, the guards will tighten their surveillance. Anyone entering or leaving will be thoroughly checked."

Luna's expression grew serious, her brows slightly furrowed.

"In that case, can we really get out of here?" she asked hesitantly.

"Don't worry." Merlin smiled reassuringly. "I already have a plan."

Luna relaxed a little and let out a soft sigh. "I trust you."

"Then let's get some sleep. We need to wake up early, have breakfast, and head to the west gate."

With that, Merlin lay down, pulled the blanket over himself, and turned toward the wall to sleep.

Luna hesitated for a moment, then decided to do the same.

She placed a pillow between herself and Merlin, pulled the blanket up, and closed her eyes.

"I hope nothing happens tomorrow," she murmured softly.

What she didn't realize was that her fear would come true the next day...

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