Merlin was already a fourth-form shifter. This time, he was entering the Nourishment Pond merely to boost himself to the peak of the fourth-form.

A Host had to rely upon a Nourishment Pond to progress. Therefore, with the Nourishment Pond formulae and materials the Princess Royal had given him, enhancing his capabilities to the peak of the fourth-form was not an issue. It was just that it required a longer duration.

One day, two days, three days…

Only after ten days did Merlin walked out of the laboratory. There was no longer any point in him using the Nourishment Pond as he had reached a bottleneck. If he wanted to break through to the next level, he would have to become a full-shifter.

Regarding full-shifting, Merlin's understanding was too limited. If he wanted to learn more, he could only rely upon experiments and some luck.

Of course, Merlin also highly valued the treasure map that Count Altadin had given him. Nonetheless, now was not the time to leave Holy Dragon City, so he could only put the plan aside for now.

"I'll take a look at the Illusory World and see its progress."

Merlin had not paid attention to the Illusory World for a long time and did not know how its recovery was going on. When he immersed himself in the Illusory World in his Awareness, he saw that the Illusory World's barrier was much sturdier.

Moreover, although the entire Illusory World was not bursting with life nor had it produced any civilizations, if Merlin willed it, he could produce a civilization.

"Titus, what happened?"

Merlin's voice resounded throughout the Illusory World.

"Swoosh."

Soon, Titus appeared. When he saw Merlin, he broke out into a smile. "Merlin, I've found the key, the crucial point. Haha, perhaps you haven't even thought of this."

"Key? What key?"

Merlin's heart leaped. He had always felt that Titus' discoveries were very significant to him, even essential.

"The world's barrier! I've observed this closely. Merlin, when you upgrade from a third-form shifter to your current peak of the fourth-form, the Illusory World's barrier was continuously strengthened. I suppose you also know what this indicates?"

Titus spoke excitedly.

Merlin's heart trembled. Before this, he only had his suspicions. Now, Titus' words had undoubtedly confirmed that the Illusory World's barrier was linked to his body's strength.

The stronger his physique, the more powerful the Illusory World's barrier. Ever since Merlin's Illusory World became highly accomplished, other than expansion, there was no other way to strengthen the Illusory World.

However, now, the Illusory World's barrier was augmented. This would enhance the Illusory World's strength. Although Merlin did not know if this was directly connected to the possibility of the Illusory World to be materialized as reality, there was no doubt that the strengthening of the world's barrier would bring plenty of benefits.

"Body, so the body has this function as well. Back then, Aruba had relied on his overwhelming strength to crush the Latitude Cosmo he had inhabited in one move. From then on, he escaped the Latitude Cosmo and became a Latitude traveler, able to freely enter any Latitude Cosmo and stand apart from all living beings. However, I walk the path of Mind Power and thought myself entirely different from Aruba. As I wanted to materialize illusions as reality, I didn't have to crush a Latitude Cosmo as I only had to control one. Thus, I've neglected my body. Unexpectedly, a stroke of good luck came out of this disaster and I've learned the importance of the body."

Merlin did not know what connection there was between the mind and the body. It seemed as if with powerful Mind Power, one did not need the physical body. Likewise, a powerful body could do without powerful Mind Power.

Both attributes complement each other. Merlin's past decision to abandon his physical body in the Void Zone was a wrong move.

"Then I'll see if I'll have the chance to materialize the Illusory World as reality when I've become a sacred-level almighty beast of this world."

This plan solidified in Merlin's heart. Initially, he had merged with the almighty beast's will and became a Host simply to protect himself without thinking that there was much use to this world's almighty beast power. He was still waiting for the Illusory World to recover when it could even contend against the will of the Almighty Beast World. At that point, of course, he would be stronger than any almighty beast.

Nevertheless, Merlin now changed his mind. He wanted to grow stronger, understanding the almighty beast's power completely. It would be best if he could attain the legendary strength of sacred-level almighty beasts in this Almighty Beast World, which was the peak power in this world.

Perhaps at that point, this would be a greater help to his Illusory World.

"Alright, Titus, this Almighty Beast World still hides large secrets. Now, it's difficult for me to even protect myself. The Illusory World can't help me much for now. Keep an eye on the Illusory World for me. If there are any changes, let me know at once."

Titus nodded, following which Merlin withdrew his consciousness from the Illusory World and returned to the laboratory once more.

"It's time to leave."

Merlin glanced at the Nourishment Ponds behind him. These Nourishment Ponds were no longer useful for his breakthrough. By now, he had already reached the peak of the fourth-form and could only focus all his efforts into studying full-shifting.

"Honorable Count."

The butler bowed toward Merlin. Merlin was now a bona fide count, the legitimate master of the entire manor.

"Prepare a carriage for me."

Merlin commanded.

Soon, the carriage arrived. After boarding the carriage, Merlin immediately hurried toward Phantom Headquarters. As the Deputy Team Leader of the Combat Team, Merlin could not disappear for so many days.

…

"Boom."

The well-built middle-aged man was knocked to the ground by Iza in one blow. Her elusive speed was quite a headache to the rest. This was the daily training drill for Iza and the rest of the Combat Team.

Of course, they were fourth-form shifters. This training was merely to hone some techniques. In truth, it did not serve many purposes.

"Deputy Team Leader, you're finally back."

When Iza saw Merlin who was outside, her eyes brightened. After Merlin had joined the Combat Team, he could not be said to be weak. Even the Nightmare Deathstalker and Tolman were immediately slain. The strange thing was, the Team Leader and the Minister did not even get involved at all. This caused everyone in the Combat Team to respect this Deputy Team Leader greatly.

Any provocation thoughts were immediately quelled. Everyone knew that this new Deputy Team Leader was not just formidable. He was ruthless as well. His hands were stained by the blood of an unknown number of contenders.

Just look at Orsato, Blackbat, and the Nightmare Deathstalker and Tolman – these people, no matter where they were placed, would rule the area. Even so, they died at Merlin's hands. Only Iza did not seem fearful of Merlin, even appearing rather friendly.

"Iza, what's the matter?"

Merlin saw that Iza wore an enthusiastic look, different from her previous vicious expression. In the Combat Team, Iza was feared by all who saw her. Beneath that beautiful appearance was a bloodthirsty, cruel, and violent face.

"Of course, there's something. Team Leader has given a mission to our squad. Moreover, we were to let you know when we see you that you're personally leading the team to complete this mission. Once completed, leader, you'll have five hundred contribution points while the rest of use members get three hundred contribution points. This is a huge mission."

Iza mentioned this huge mission to Merlin. There were no fewer than five hundred contribution points. This not only meant a handsome reward but also a high risk at the same time. This was not an easy mission.

"What's the mission?"

Merlin asked softly.

"Of course, it's an assassination mission. There's only ever been one mission for our Combat Team and that is to kill!"

Iza's beautiful face was still steeped in a smile as if killing people was a daily occurrence to her.

"I suppose our target isn't that simple."

"A rebel army leader with a peak mid-tier almighty beast bloodline – the White Rajah! A fourth-form shifter."

Merlin frowned. A rebel army leader with a mid-tier almighty beast bloodline who was a fourth-form shifter – why would there be so many contribution points? After all, just Merlin alone would get five hundred contribution points.

"Hehe, Deputy Team Leader, you don't know the White Rajah's identity? We've already checked this with someone from the Investigation Team. The White Rajah is the First General under Doomsday."

"Doomsday!"

Merlin's heart trembled. Doomsday could be considered the strongest force among the rebel armies of the Holy Dragon Empire. He had occupied nearly a tenth of the empire. Among his subordinates, full-shifters alone numbered no less than five, let alone subordinates who were fourth-form shifters like the White Rajah.

Moreover, Doomsday was a peak full-shifting contender with a mid-tier almighty beast bloodline. Even the Team Leader of the Combat Team, Hert the Ursus King, dared not claim that he could defeat Doomsday.

With such a well-known being keeping watch, killing the White Rajah was high-risk indeed. If they offended Doomsday, they would be in huge trouble.

"What did the White Rajah do to offend Phantom? Or in other words, the royal family?"

Merlin responded. Phantom was controlled by the royal family. The White Rajah must have angered the royal family or controlled something they feared for them to give the order to kill.

"I've heard that the White Rajah had obtained something he shouldn't have. Nonetheless, I'll let the Team Leader give you the specific details of the mission. Come on, Deputy Team Leader, the Team Leader has been waiting for you for quite a while."

Merlin nodded and followed behind Iza, harboring some doubts. He sensed that this mission would have huge implications. The White Rajah was a small fry but Doomsday behind him was a massive character.

Iza brought Merlin to a secret chamber and knocked lightly on the door. Thereafter, a deep voice boomed from behind the door. "Come in!"

Iza stood outside the door, indicating for Merlin to go in. Hert's briefing of the mission was not something she could listen to.

Merlin calmed his emotions and stepped into the secret chamber.