Now known as Merslin, Kim Young-min lived among the High Elves in their ancient forest, learning their customs and traditions. With the guidance of Lilia, he devoted himself to studying the intricacies of nature magic—a force the High Elves wielded with deep reverence.
Merslin explored the forest with Lilia, carefully observing how the High Elves drew power from the natural world. Lilia began teaching him how to commune with nature and channel its magic.
Lilia: "Merslin, nature magic manifests through harmony with the world around you. We don't command nature—we become one with it. Only then can the magic flow."
Merslin listened intently, jotting down notes and reflecting on her words. He studied the plants and animals around him, trying to sense the natural rhythms that shaped their lives.
Lilia showed him the Alisys Berry tree and the Rubia Herb, explaining the distinct magical properties of each and how they could be manipulated through natural magic. Merslin practiced again and again, attempting to send his energy into the plants.
Merslin: "Power of nature, breathe life into the tree!"
As he spoke the words, the tree responded. Its leaves deepened into a vibrant green, and fresh fruit began to bloom. Merslin trembled, overwhelmed by the sensation of the tree's life force flowing through him. It felt as though a door to a new world had opened.
Lilia: "Well done, Merslin. You're beginning to understand."
Eager to deepen his connection with the forest, Merslin journeyed with Lilia into its heart. They passed through dense woods, encountering a vast array of flora and fauna. Merslin began to feel the pulse of life within the forest, sensing how it all interconnected—and how he might draw upon that web of energy.
Lilia: "This tree here is one of the oldest in the forest. If you can connect with it, you'll come to understand nature on a deeper level."
Merslin stood before the ancient tree and closed his eyes, slipping into meditation. As he attuned himself to the flow of energy around him, he began to feel the tree's presence merge with his own. Nature's strength surged into him—not in bursts, but as a gentle, constant current.
Just then, Merslin sensed something massive approaching. Alarmed, he opened his eyes and scanned the area, only for Lilia to smile reassuringly.
Lilia: "Don't worry, Merslin. That's our guardian. We call him Blackpaw."
A massive black panther emerged from the forest. Its eyes glinted with ancient wisdom, and its muscular frame radiated quiet power. Lilia stepped forward calmly and greeted the beast.
Lilia: "Hello, my friend. It's been a while."
Recognizing her instantly, Blackpaw moved closer, nuzzling her affectionately. She gently stroked the creature's neck with familiar ease.
Lilia: "Merslin, I've known Blackpaw since I was a child. He's going to guide us deeper into the forest."
Lilia climbed onto Blackpaw's back, and the panther began walking with slow, deliberate steps. Merslin followed, silently watching their bond. The trust between them was effortless—pure.
With Blackpaw's help, they climbed toward one of the forest's highest peaks. The trail was steep, but the view at the summit was breathtaking. From this vantage point, Merslin could see the vast expanse of the forest and feel its heartbeat as if it were his own.
Lilia: "Up here, the flow of nature is clearer. You can feel the wind, the trees, the earth—all connected in a single current."
Standing on the peak, Merslin closed his eyes. He let himself fall into the rhythm of it all—the breeze on his skin, the energy of the trees, the deep, slow pulse of the earth below. Alongside Lilia, he meditated, striving to draw all these forces into himself.
Through days and weeks of study, Merslin grew attuned to nature magic. He could now assist the forest's plants and animals, using his magic to heal, grow, and guide. His understanding of the natural world deepened, and he began to contribute meaningfully to the lives of the High Elves.
Lilia: "Merslin, you are now a true nature mage. Keep listening to the forest, and your magic will never fail you."
Merslin: "Thank you, Lilia. I've learned so much from you. I'll continue to study this power—and protect this forest."
As Merslin delved deeper into the secrets of nature magic, his journey of growth continued. The forest had opened its heart to him, but beyond its borders, many more mysteries—and challenges—awaited.
****
Episode : The Druid's Lesson – Inspiration for Creation Magic
Now known as Merslin, Kim Young-min followed Lilia deep into the forest. Leading them was Aedan, a wise elder of the High Elves. As they walked beneath the towering trees, Merslin was filled with awe at the forest's harmony of sound and scent. It felt like a sacred world, untouched by time.
Aedan: "Here, our kind has lived in balance with nature for centuries. Today, you'll meet one of our oldest sages—a druid who wields nature's power in its purest form."
Lilia glanced back with a reassuring smile.
Lilia: "Merslin, meeting him will open new doors for your magic. His wisdom will deepen your understanding in ways you can't imagine."
Eventually, they arrived at a quiet glade, surrounded by vines and ancient trees. At the center stood an elf with long, snow-white hair. The air around him shimmered—vines moved subtly as if breathing with him.
Druid: "Welcome, Lilia, Aedan… and the new guest. I am Piron, guardian and sage of this forest. They call you Merslin, yes?"
Merslin: "Annyeonghasimnikka, Piron-nim. Dangsin-eul mannage doeeo yeonggwangimnida."(Greetings, Master Piron. It's an honor to meet you.)
Piron smiled warmly.
Piron: "I'd like to see your magic firsthand. We all may learn something today."
He raised his hand. Vines erupted from the ground and rushed toward Merslin like living spears.
Merslin: "Eoreum bohomak!" (Ice Shield!)
A shimmering wall of ice formed around him, stopping the vines in their tracks. Piron nodded in satisfaction.
Piron: "Well done. Your reaction and adaptability are impressive."
Lilia and Aedan watched with proud expressions. Merslin exhaled slowly and stepped forward.
Merslin: "Dangsin-ui jayeon magieun gangryeoghaseumnida."(Your nature magic is powerful. There's much I hope to learn from you.)
Piron: "Then let us begin. I'll teach you to harness nature's energy. With your language-based magic, you may one day create something entirely new."
Over the following weeks, Merslin trained with Piron. He observed the use of vines to bind, and watched as Piron healed wounded creatures with a gentle radiance that flowed from his hands.
At first, Merslin attempted to form metal chains with his magic. But they fell apart, brittle and lifeless.
Merslin: "Wae saeseuri naeui uidoen daero andwaejineun geoji?"(Why won't the chains take the shape I want?)
Lilia encouraged him with a patient voice.
Lilia: "Remember what we say—failure is the mother of success. Try again. You'll find a way."
Piron: "To shape metal, you must understand its nature—its structure, its flexibility. Like vines, your chains must move with intent, not just weight."
Merslin dove into research. He studied the properties of metal, digging into books and scrolls, then began crafting new spells.
Merslin: "Yuhyeong-ui saeseul, nayeoro natanara!"(Form of chains, come forth to me!)
A silver chain spiraled out from his palm. This time, it moved fluidly, wrapping around a training dummy.
He refined the spell through repeated practice, until he could accurately bind moving targets.
Merslin: "Saseur-ui gyeolbak!" (Bind of Chains!)
The chain launched, tightening firmly around the dummy. Piron watched, clearly impressed.
Piron: "Very good. Your creativity and application of linguistic magic are exceptional."
One day, Piron showed Merslin how he healed an injured bird. Placing the creature in his hands, he whispered:
Piron: "Nature's grace, restore what was broken."
A warm glow spread from his fingers, closing the wound.
Piron: "Nature's strength can restore life. You, too, can awaken this power through your own magic."
Merslin watched in awe, an idea blooming in his mind. Could language magic be used to create life?
He started simple—with food and water.
Merslin: "Saengmyeong-ui changjo, bbang-gwa mul-eul mandeureora!"(Creation of life, form bread and water!)
Fresh bread and a clear bowl of water appeared before him—slightly rough, but real. Encouraged, he continued practicing.
There were failures. Sometimes the bread burned. Sometimes the water froze solid.
Merslin: "Wae ireon goseul julsu eomneun geojyo?"(Why is it not working right?)
Lilia: "Because it's not supposed to be easy. Keep trying—you'll get there."
Eventually, he succeeded. Then he aimed higher.
Merslin: "Saengmyeong-ui changjo, deo pungseonghage!"(Creation of life, form in abundance!)
A full spread appeared: fruits, stews, steaming loaves. Merslin beamed. The foundations of creation magic were now his.
Then one afternoon, as he trained with Piron, Lilia ran toward them, breathless.
Lilia: "Piron! Strange movement at the forest's edge. The trolls… they're behaving oddly."
Piron's eyes narrowed.
Piron: "They've been corrupted—consumed by some unnatural force."
They rushed to the perimeter. There, enraged trolls were rampaging—eyes glowing red, snarling like beasts.
Piron: "We must stop them. They'll tear the forest apart."
They formed a plan. Piron transformed into a bear and charged. Lilia mounted Blackpaw, the great panther, and dashed into the fray.
Piron (roaring): "Nature's strength, shield me!"
Lilia: "Spirits of the forest, drive them back!"
Merslin: "Saseur-ui gyeolbak!" (Bind of Chains!)
Chains shot forward, locking one troll in place. But the battle grew fierce. One troll hurled a boulder at Piron, knocking him down.
Lilia: "Nature's light, heal this wound!"
Her hands glowed as she rushed to him, healing his injury just enough for him to rise again.
Piron: "Thank you. Let's end this—together!"
Merslin took a risk—his boldest creation spell yet.
Merslin: "Saengmyeong-ui changjo, maengsu-ui hyeongsaeng!"(Creation of life, form of the beast!)
A massive spectral predator materialized, its growl shaking the air. The trolls, startled, hesitated in fear.
That opening was all they needed. Piron and Lilia moved swiftly, striking down the remaining trolls. Merslin's binding and illusions held the line.
When the final troll collapsed, the glade fell silent. The forest was safe again.
Merslin: "Uri-ga haennae-seumnida. Hamkkehaeseo i sup-eul jikil su isseoss-eoyo."(We did it. Together, we protected the forest.)
Piron clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder.
Piron: "Your magic is powerful, Merslin. Keep walking this path—there's more to discover."
Lilia smiled softly.
Lilia: "You're remarkable. Let's keep walking this journey—together."
As the battle faded behind them, Merslin turned to Piron.
Merslin: "Gamsahamnida. Jeoneun dangsin-ui gyosileul gajigo deo meon goseuro nagetseumnida."(Thank you. I'll carry your teachings with me as I move forward.)
Piron: "May your words continue shaping the world, Merslin."
Lilia: "I'll stay with you. Let's see where this journey leads."
Piron: "Lilia, he'll need you. Be his guide in what comes next."
Together, Merslin and Lilia left the grove. With the power of nature and language woven into one, Merslin stepped onto the path toward Celesta's vast unknown—stronger, wiser, and no longer alone.