Helheim, a world shrouded in death and cold, where everything is tinged with black and white tones, as if even time has been stripped of its rightful colors.
Yet.
In this world where everything is either black or white, Ian still presents a normal state of color, evidently because Ian is not affected by this world.
Even though the life on this land has been stripped of flesh and Magic Power, turned into black and white, Ian—the young Legendary Wizard—still retains his normal sensations.
His existence in this desolate world is particularly abrupt.
Not only has he not been stripped of Magic Power, but even his physical body remains intact, without even a hint of discomfort, forming a stark contrast with Merlin, who is already in a soul state.
No wonder Merlin is making a fuss.
Anyone whose mind is functioning normally would realize something is amiss.
"How is this possible?" Merlin murmured softly to himself, unable to comprehend the situation before him. He understands the rules of Helheim well, knowing that any life stepping foot here, regardless of strength, should abide by the world's rules.
"Uh..."
Ian looked down at his hand, feeling a slight chill as the Netherworld's cold wind howled, but it did not affect the dexterity of his fingers.
"I don't know either." Ian blinked, feigning confusion, "I'm just a twelve-year-old Little Wizard, still a kid. What would I know about Helheim?"
"In fact, these past few days have been my first time traveling far, at my age I should be a little tyrant at school instead..." The Little Wizard is not innocent.
But he was still speaking truthfully, with a face full of sincerity and eyes revealing a trace of confusion. Let's just say Ian was genuinely baffled, as he truly knew nothing about this area.
After all.
This may be Merlin's past, but it represents Ian's future, shrouded in the unknown. Ian couldn't even fathom why he would create such an area.
Did he really die and built his own tomb? Ian felt no unease, but curiosity was growing stronger. He wasn't the kind of Wizard who couldn't accept the end of life.
Death is merely a new beginning.
Ian believed this more firmly than anyone.
"You know how to open the door, yet don't know where this is? Hmm? You truly don't know?"
Merlin stared into Ian's eyes, trying to glean some clues from his expression. Yet Ian's gaze was clear and sincere, with no signs of lying. Merlin's Prophetic Ability also confirmed Ian's words were not mixed with any falsehoods, which made Merlin's expression even more astonished.
"A strange little fellow indeed..." Merlin did not continue to question Ian, but instead looked deeply at him, with a complex expression flashing in his eyes.
"Follow me."
He looked into the distance and began walking.
The actions of this "Demigod" Wizard became noticeably more cautious, his eyes constantly flickering with a glow, clearly fully utilizing his Prophetic Ability to foresee potential dangers ahead.
In this place buried with legends, not even Merlin dared to be careless or inattentive. Although Merlin was stripped of Magic Power, his abilities were not taken away.
It's like Morgan, where cognition manifestation is the soul's authority. Of course, a trace of special bloodline makes Merlin's soul different from ordinary Wizards.
"Is there really a treasure here?"
Ian followed behind Merlin. He didn't disbelieve in adventure stories; he just didn't trust his own principles. In his view, only a fool would prepare burial items.
Wealth that isn't spent during life isn't truly wealth.
"Yes, I have reliable sources." Merlin responded but didn't explain much. They continued along a winding path leading into the distance. All around was a world of stillness, beneath the gray sky and the dark earth, devoid of any signs of life.
This atmosphere of death created an invisible sense of oppression, as if every step taken led closer to an abyss. The biting cold wind made Merlin's soul appear even more translucent.
However, Ian just tightened his clothes, feeling like he was in a room with the air conditioning turned too high. He continued to follow closely behind Merlin, observing his surroundings.
It's obviously taking Merlin as a buffer against crises, almost maintaining pace with Merlin, keeping his body within Merlin's coverage at all times.
Maybe a bit doglike.
But definitely wise.
This Great Mage Merlin was undoubtedly the best defensive Shield. He couldn't help it; he could think of a thousand ways to prevent tomb robbery, even for his future self.
He asked himself honestly.
How could he not be cautious and careful?
"A bit strange, there's no traps or Tomb Guardian Beasts." The further Ian followed Merlin without encountering danger, the more uneasy he felt.
"Do you know anything?"
Merlin glanced back at the Little Wizard.
Ian looked around the lifeless environment, "No, I'm just guessing. If it were me, I'd definitely bury a thousand surprises in my tomb."
His words made Merlin pause slightly, then his expression became peculiar, looking around with even more vigilance.
"Indeed, too quiet. Not at all like what I expected. I thought we would encounter Silent Fog Nightmare here, but not even a single animal soul can be seen." Merlin frowned, his tone carrying a hint of gravity. His hands were constantly forming some kind of seal, as if ready to cast Magic at any moment.