CHAPTER 523: CHAPTER 257: BUT THEN AGAIN

According to Lindong’s account, at the end of the Second Epoch, Merlin died at the hands of the Time Travelers.

His heart was pierced by an enchanted spear, his head severed, losing the protection of the Guardians. The Gallog Dynasty then came to an end amidst successive wars, perfectly aligning with the decline of civilization as proposed by the Divine Attendants.

The Time Travelers spared no effort to eliminate Merlin.

They used poison, curses, traps; they tried every means available to weaken Merlin. Yet, until they found the cursed spear, Merlin maintained his unbeaten record, earning the title of "Invincible" from many people.

After accomplishing this, the Time Travelers vanished into the river of history and there were no further sightings.

Ethan consulted more materials on the Gallog Dynasty. The crux at the end of the Second Epoch was much like any declining dynasty: irreconcilable class and wealth disparities. Harsh taxation made life unbearable for the Kingdom’s residents.

Disregarding the myth of "Merlin’s death", the Second Epoch did not perish due to a catastrophic disaster, but rather through an uprising war that moved from outside to within. In the subsequent war that ended the Second Epoch, the followers of the Middle-Level Gods played a decisive role.

"Why are you so interested in Merlin?"

Lindong was somewhat puzzled.

To her, Merlin’s legend was certainly embellished with many mythical elements, and now it’s been over a thousand years since the Second Epoch, leaving the truth beyond verification.

But everyone can be certain that Merlin is dead.

"Teacher, don’t you think the description of Merlin is quite subtle?"

"That’s typical of mythological legends."

Lindong didn’t find it strange. She squinted, resting her head against Ethan’s face. Spending the whole day reading with Ethan caused her eyelids to droop.

The academy still had plenty of more exciting activities, like magic duels or magic broom races, anything was more fun than staying in the library.

"Merlin lived for 400 years, his lifespan as long as the Gallog Dynasty itself. This is how the book describes him, but in reality, he only appeared when the dynasty faced great turmoil, then vanished without a trace." Ethan paused and presented his idea, "Maybe Merlin didn’t live that long at all. Assuming the magic net can travel through time, he only needs this ability to reach important Gallog Dynasty moments, creating the impression of living 400 years."

Ethan thought he had inadvertently achieved this—at least in the eyes of Saint Mary, who believed he had lived from the Third Epoch till today, while in fact, this was only his third year here.

"His abilities are similar to the Time Travelers, possibly he was a traitor amongst them, hence their relentless pursuit of Merlin."

"You’re the first to suggest this idea."

"Either way, using the magic net makes one a target for the Time Travelers."

"Are you afraid?"

Lindong suddenly inquired. "Speaking of which, why are you so focused on the magic net? Just because ’my future self’ left you a note?"

This question struck at Ethan’s very core, momentarily rendering him speechless.

The magic net indeed piqued his interest, though it wasn’t necessarily related to "future Lindong’s" hint.

After witnessing McCarthy Delin’s exploration of the magic net, he was almost certain that the magic net was linked to his time travel, but what about Merlin? Perhaps he too was a "time travel" player, merely reaching an era earlier than Ethan.

Intuition told Ethan that even if he didn’t seek trouble with the Time Travelers, as he delved deeper into understanding this world, the Time Travelers would eventually come for him. Their methods to deal with Merlin show they aren’t the type to fight fair and square.

Once targeted by the Time Travelers, they become like sticky candy that can’t be shaken off.

Every person you meet could be a Time Traveler in disguise, every cup of tea you drink, every slice of bread you eat could be poisoned.

Worst of all, even if the Time Travelers do nothing, they’ll leave people living in a state of constant anxiety.

Ethan easily imagined Merlin’s later life.

"We can use this to our advantage."

After contemplating for a moment, Ethan said, "The Time Travelers are the group most knowledgeable about the magic net."

"I like this!"

The cat on the shoulder suddenly perked up, eyes sparkling, "If the Time Travelers are left unchecked, they’ll eventually become a threat to the Academy and the Empire, so they ought to issue you a hunting permit and catch them all!"

"It doesn’t necessarily have to be a hunt."

Ethan thought Lindong had a militant nature ingrained in her, likely hard to change. Whenever a conflict arose, her eyes shone like searchlights.

"Professor Franky mentioned before that he encountered a Time Traveler who spoke human languages and communicated with humans. Maybe there’s an opportunity to sit down with them, and exchange knowledge about the magic net."

This is the ideal scenario.

Ethan suspected the Time Travelers hunted those who touched the magic net as a behavioral surface; there must be some unknown motives behind it.

"Provided you didn’t kill those two Time Travelers."