Merlin waited outside the forest for a full day. Only when the draconic aura that had been continuously spreading outwards finally dissipated did he choose to enter. As for barging in while the aura was still that dense... Merlin, who had witnessed the power of Melusine's original form with his Clairvoyance, had no desire to become cannon fodder.
And as for using his Clairvoyance to peep... the consequences of that would be even more severe. Although he was a half-incubus with a much stronger life force than any human, it didn't mean he was immortal. Besides, he wasn't some old pervert. If he truly offended those two... even hiding in Avalon probably wouldn't help.
Arriving at the wooden cabin, Merlin saw Melusine, now back in her young girl form, eating pudding with a satisfied smile on her face. Then he saw Aslan, who also looked somewhat radiant but was wearing a long-sleeved, high-collared outfit. A paternal smile once again appeared on Merlin's face.
"Thank you so much for your help this time, Aslan. If you hadn't intervened, our world might have been pruned. Regardless of your original intentions..."
Merlin looked at Aslan and performed a respectful courtly bow. "The King and I have discussed it. You are the only remaining bloodline of Vortigern. If you plan to live in the world of humans, we will grant you a directly-controlled territory and the title of the White Dragon King. Of course, this all depends on your own wishes."
Aslan placed a glass of juice in front of Merlin, his light-blue eyes looking seriously at the incubus before him. "Merlin, you should know my thoughts. I've never cared about these things. Besides, I won't be in Great Britain for much longer. My next objective cannot be achieved by staying on this island..."
Aslan looked out the window, his gaze fixed in the direction of the continent. "I'll be heading to Rome. I won't be back for the next few years."
How to complete his final design? He had already organized the most fundamental components: the materials, the basic techniques, and the White Dragon's soul he had chanced upon. The next step was technological advancement. While he could slowly figure things out on his own and complete his ultimate masterpiece, whether it could rival a god would be an unknown.
Therefore, finding traces of the Machine Gods and studying them was the foundation for ensuring he could surpass the divine. If he said he would become equal to or even surpass the gods, he would do what he said!
Merlin was momentarily stunned, but then a look of understanding crossed his face. This was just like the Aslan he had always known. Heading to the continent, was he? Although the Roman Empire was currently facing certain crises, it was still powerful and hadn't started its direct decline. But since Aslan and Melusine weren't going there to start a war, there wasn't much to worry about. After all, with Aslan and Melusine's strength, as long as the Roman Emperor himself didn't intervene, they should be in no danger.
Merlin took a sip of juice, his head slightly lowered, and then smiled again. "Well then, as a friend, I wish you a smooth journey. I also hope your ideals can be realized soon. Still, I must give you a warning: do not attempt to change the greater course of history."
Merlin couldn't see Rome's future so clearly. He only knew that King Arthur would later successfully campaign against Rome and conquer the region of Gaul. A part of Rome would even briefly submit to the King. And after that... came the final tragedy. Merlin didn't want to think about it.
"Alright, Camelot has many matters waiting for me. After all, Great Britain has finally been unified. The vegetation on half the island has been affected, and there's been a massive population loss. These are all urgent problems to be solved. Let's treat this as a brief farewell for now."
With that, Merlin tapped the ground with his staff and vanished in a flurry of flower petals.
Then, a sentence drifted softly into Aslan's ear. "Although growing up is a very happy thing, you must also exercise restraint. After all, even a high-collared shirt can't hide the marks on your chin."
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Aslan snatched the forging hammer from his waist and hurled it at the spot where Merlin had disappeared, but it only hit the falling petals. "Go to hell, Merlin!!"
By the time I get back from the continent, that old bastard should have already locked himself in his tower in Avalon. When that time comes, I'll charge straight into Avalon, pin that bastard Merlin to the floor, and give him a good roughing up. I'll definitely use my forging hammer to reshape that scoundrel's brain!
Aslan pulled his collar up a little higher. On second thought, maybe he should wait until all the marks on his body had faded before setting off. Looking at Melusine, who was sidling up to him again, Aslan tapped the table. "Merlin did say one correct thing. Restraint!!"
Despite his words, two months had already passed by the time they were ready to leave for the continent.
As for how to get there, that was obvious: he would become a Dragon Rider. Was there anything faster than Melusine? Of course, they couldn't land directly in her dragon form; that would immediately attract the attention of the Roman Empire. While he wasn't afraid of the empire, it didn't mean Aslan wanted to make his presence known to everyone. This was especially true since he was seeking traces of the Greek Age of Gods. In this era, there were likely very few who still knew the Roman gods were Machine Gods, but that didn't mean others wouldn't be curious.
For magi, finding traces of ancient times was something that could advance their own path of magecraft. If people knew he had a clear goal and direction, he would probably be pestered for a long time.
The Age of Gods on the continent had ended, and Phantasmal Species were beginning to decline. As a dragon, the pinnacle of Phantasmal Species, Melusine would undoubtedly attract the prying eyes of some magi if she appeared on the continent. Most magi of this era were the type to risk their lives in pursuit of the Root.
Thus, the two of them stopped some distance from the coast. Aslan took a pre-prepared boat from his Mystic Code, planning to row to shore. They could just use the identity of adventurers.
The closer they got to the coast, the clearer the magnificent architecture of Rome became. The Rome of this era had long since recovered from its most desolate period at the end of the Age of Gods. Compared to the people of Great Britain, the people here naturally had more laughter, and the cities appeared far more lively.