"Merlin?!" Kayal murmured the name, but he didn't relax at all; his eyes were full of vigilance.
"How did you get up here?!" Kayal asked.
"Didn't I tell you? I'm a mage!" The other party chuckled, the teasing in her voice irritating Kayal.
"I'm asking you a very serious question." Kayal's tone became flatter, but anyone who knew him understood this was a prelude to his anger.
"Alright, I'll answer you very seriously: I was passing through this area by flight magic when I discovered this very hidden treehouse. I became curious about it, so I stayed nearby for a few days, waiting for you, this strange little fellow. Is that a sufficient answer?" The other party's words were flippant, but they made Kayal fall silent.
If it were any other native, they would have been furious, enraged by such a dismissive attitude. But Kayal was silent for a moment, knowing that it wasn't impossible for them to mistake simple airborne devices like gliders, paragliders, or hot air balloons for magic. So, he just remained silent.
Greatly surprised by Kayal's reaction, the woman crossed her arms, accentuating the impressive expanse of her chest, and said in astonishment, "Oh! You're neither surprised nor angry. This means you have a good understanding of my flying. Do you know me? No, that's not right. You didn't even blink when you heard my name; it's the first time you've heard it. But you're very familiar with flying... You've met someone similar to me!!!"
Hearing her grow more and more excited, Kayal found it a bit incredible—was she really a native? One must know that in this century, where even single-wheel carriages, horseshoes, armor, and swords were forged from common iron or even copper, the level of scientific advancement couldn't be very high!
The low level of scientific advancement meant that public education definitely didn't even reach elementary school standards. A farmer who could read was already considered cultured!
Yet, in such a century, this woman possessed such meticulous thought, inferring almost everything from his facial expression alone. It had to be said that her IQ and EQ were definitely not low!!
Kayal had forgotten one thing. In fact, his mindset, not yet having ambitions to control the world, was confined to Red Leaf Ridge. This one thing was: no matter how high the public's knowledge, no matter the century or dynasty, the place where the most profound intellectuals gathered was always one—the court!
If a highly intelligent person didn't enter the court, they might as well commit suicide early, lest they die miserably without knowing who plotted against them.
Kayal didn't know Merlin's identity, so naturally, he didn't know where Merlin's intelligence came from, and could only be secretly surprised.
"Tell me, do you know people like me?" Merlin asked excitedly, her impressive chest trembling with her agitated body, creating a captivating curve.
Kayal paid no attention to that impressive sight. Instead, he calmly said, "No, I don't. But you'll have to show me for me to know if what you're saying is true. Come on, since you're a mage, let me see your magic."
"Hmph! Interesting little fellow. Alright, in that case, I'll show you proof!~" The cloaked woman, Merlin, merely waved her hand, and a green circular pattern appeared beneath her feet. Two currents of air surged from her soles, slowly lifting her up. It was less like flying and more like floating or hovering.
However, Kayal was completely unable to distinguish whether the other party was flying or floating at this point. He just stared blankly at Merlin, who was showing off on the roof of the small wooden house, his mouth agape, almost dislocating his jaw.
Seeing this child, who had been incredibly calm like a little monster since her appearance, now displaying the expression of a dazed, intellectually disabled child, Merlin was in a great mood. 'I've teased you so many times, but this is the most satisfying.' But wait! If he had seen flying before, he wouldn't have this expression now!
Thinking this, Merlin's expression fell again.
"How about it? Am I an amazing mage?" Merlin said smugly.
"Tch," Kayal was unwilling to admit defeat, but he couldn't find the words to refute her. He could only 'tch' to express his linguistic and spiritual disdain.
But in reality, Kayal's heart was already like a raging storm. However, being habitually composed, he didn't show it, but his entire mind was already spinning rapidly like a precise computer.
Magic! It was actually magic!
If such a thing, capable of destroying thousands of troops with a wave of a hand, truly existed, then what was the point of all his efforts?
What was the point of everything he planned? Everything he had would be destroyed in an instant! But... no!
Kayal also reacted instantly. The expression on the other party's face when she guessed he had met a second mage definitely meant she was the only one!
Suddenly, Kayal's killing intent surged.
But it wasn't enough!
He still needed to probe with words and confirm it in the end.
"Impossible, how is this possible? This kind of flying is too unscientific!" Feigning shock, even the dagger in his hand dropped. Kayal looked utterly incredulous.
"Haven't you seen a flying mage?! Then why were you so calm just now?!" Merlin was almost driven mad, screaming in a high-pitched voice. Although she was a girl, Merlin's scream was like fingernails on glass, putting intense pressure on Kayal's eardrums.
"Who knew you meant this kind of flying!" Kayal shouted.
"Oh! You know other ways to fly?" Merlin stopped yelling, stroked her chin, and circled Kayal with great interest: "You little kid, not only did you invent a new type of carriage, but that lifting basket outside, which a big knight wouldn't think of, must also be your handiwork. Now you even know other ways to fly. Interesting! You little brat, you're too interesting!"
Suddenly, a cunning smile appeared at the corner of her mouth: "Little brat! Do you want to learn my magic?!"
"You'd be willing to teach?!" Kayal asked in surprise. If he himself had magic, he would definitely keep it hidden, using it only at the most crucial moments, for example, to save his life. But this woman, with such intelligence, would so casually hand over the great weapon of magic to others?
"Well, I once wanted to pass on my skills, but either they lacked talent or were too stupid; several people couldn't learn it. If you can learn it, having a talented disciple to exchange magic with would also be nice."
Kayal didn't know if the other party was testing him, but he decisively refused: "I refuse. I no longer wish to stain my hands with blood. You should find someone else."
Noticing very keenly that Kayal used the word 'again,' Merlin, of course, didn't know how many deaths Kayal's plans before his death would cause. But Merlin decisively didn't delve deeper. Instead, she stroked her chin meaningfully: "What if it's magic with no offensive power, only protection and healing?"
Kayal closed his eyes, falling into contemplation...