Dana landed back on solid ground, finally catching his breath. He now fully understood what his ancestor, Merlin, had meant by "his own strength." The method of channeling magic by imitating magical creatures significantly increased magical efficiency—one unit of magic could produce the effect of several, effectively doubling his combat potential.
"Not bad, child. Your talent is extraordinary—only slightly below mine," Merlin said with a rare smile of approval.
"I've taught you nearly everything I can. Is there anything else you wish to ask?"
Dana paused, thinking carefully before nodding. "Whenever I get extremely angry, my body changes… and the power of my magic surges. Ancestor, is this… normal?"
For the first time, Merlin looked puzzled. "Can you show me?"
Dana closed his eyes and focused. He first blocked out memories of finally avenging himself and reuniting with his mother—he had learned from Merlin that even the most gifted wizard could falter without control over his own memories. Then he began reliving the most painful moments of his childhood:
The invasions of Donna and Sally Avery, John Avery forcing his way into his life, taking Gai Avery's place in prison, the chilling presence of Dementors, the cold isolation of the prison, and finally, the heart-wrenching discovery of his mother's death upon his release.
Even that wasn't enough. Dana wove in inferred events to fill the gaps in his understanding:
Cornelius Fudge living in opulence off the misfortune of others; Old Avery treating his family as inconsequential ants; Donna Avery and John Flint uncovering the tapestry stolen from his home and digging into Merlin's tomb.
As Dana relived each event, his eyes turned a deep, frightening blood-red, and the magic around him churned violently, as though it sought to consume everything. Even at a fraction of his current power, this state was terrifying—now, with thousands of units of magical strength, the potential devastation was unimaginable.
Merlin's usually composed expression tensed. If Dana applied his creature-based method of magic in this state… it could literally rend the sky apart.
"Enough, child. Calm yourself!" Merlin commanded.
Dana forced deep, steady breaths. Slowly, the wild magic fluctuations subsided. His chest stopped heaving violently, though the red in his eyes lingered, a subtle reminder of the power within him.
Merlin studied him carefully. "This… this is the manifestation of a demon bloodline. Dana, this is dangerous. Demons may be nearly extinct, but the cruelty in your blood could consume you. Cambions are half-human, half-demon. If you lean too far toward the demon side, human society will no longer accept you. Remember—humans are more intolerant than any animal when it comes to outsiders."
Dana nodded, understanding the warning all too well. Hogwarts had already shown him the harsh rejection humans can deliver.
"I will control myself, Ancestor. I have faith I can manage my emotions," Dana replied.
Merlin's frown softened. "Of course. I believe you can. You are the most talented wizard I've ever known—aside from myself—but now, it's time for these old bones to move."
Dana blinked. "But… aren't you bound to the oak tree for life? If you leave it…"
"Yes. I will die soon," Merlin admitted with a smile. "But a life bound to a tree, alone for centuries… that is far crueler than death. I've already witnessed the rise of the Roman Empire. I've lived long enough. It's mercy to be released."
Dana hesitated. "I could stay here with you forever…"
Merlin chuckled, shaking his head. "No, child. Free me. Let me move—even for a short time. You cannot hide from what's meant to be. That necklace you hold? Originally mine. That tuft of beard you hide? Mine as well. Robes, stockings… all of it. Don't be embarrassed. Free me, so your future self can honor me properly."
Dana grinned awkwardly, scratching his head. He traced several runes in the air, connecting them to the oak tree. Instantly, the ancient tree withered, cracked, and disintegrated like weathered paper, blown away by the wind.
Before him now stood Merlin, bald except for a sparse goatee, wearing a faded purple robe.
"Ah…" Merlin yawned, stretching his arms. "It feels incredible to move again. Hands, feet… freedom!"
Dana could feel the immense magic radiating from Merlin. Particles of power streamed toward him, creating an illusion that he was magic incarnate.
Yet his complexion was waning. The oak tree had been his lifeline; now that it was gone, his remaining life force would fade quickly.
"Ancestor! Use the eternal heart!" Dana cried, pulling out the artifact.
"No, Dana. Don't," Merlin interrupted gently. "This is my destined end. Using the eternal heart now would bring unbearable agony. Accept this history. It will hurt less than defying it."
Dana nodded, realizing his momentary impulse to intervene was naive. Merlin's guidance had always been precise—even in death.
"Will you return to Avalon?" Dana asked softly.
Merlin smiled faintly. "When you entered Avalon, did you see my soul?"
"No."
"Then I became the Lord of Avalon by force, through Divination. Avalon may not have been willing, and perhaps never will be. This world requires balance. For everything borrowed, something must be repaid. I took much from Avalon, and thus I must give back. My soul will not live freely—this is fair. Better to act voluntarily than to be forced."
Dana absorbed this truth. He realized how little he truly understood about the world. Merlin's words were a final teaching—a lesson in wisdom and the natural order.
Merlin patted Dana's hand warmly. "Do not look so sad. Come, walk with me and enjoy these last moments."
Dana supported him as they strolled slowly. The sunset painted the horizon in gold and crimson. The air was filled with the cries of distant seagulls.
"Ah… what beauty! That damned oak tree blocked my view for centuries!" Merlin laughed, then gasped, "Seagulls! Let's see the sea!"
His steps slowed further, but his magical presence intensified.
"Dana… receive my final gift," Merlin whispered. A key appeared in Dana's hand—a portkey.
Merlin's body sagged as his life force ebbed, yet his soul lingered. "My soul will become a gateway to Avalon. This is the fate of every Lord of Avalon. Keep it safe; one day, you may need it."
Magic danced wildly as Merlin's essence transformed into luminous particles, forming intricate runes in the air. Then, with a brilliant flash, a simple silver ring materialized, hovering above the ground.
Dana took the ring. Magic dissipated immediately, leaving silence.
He studied the ring and realized—it matched the one his mother had left him. The gateway to Avalon had always been with him; he simply hadn't known how to activate it.
Taking a deep breath, Dana placed the newly forged ring into the pendant.
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