Drift Of The Multiverse: [Marvel] [Resident Evil] [DC] [Bleach] [DB]

Merlin was quite pleased with Ethan. Over the next period, the great mage meticulously evaluated him before offering guidance on his current progress.

"Your mental strength is on the right track. If you start drawing in external magical energy and converting it into your own, you'll already be a competent mage."

Merlin had high standards. When he called something "good," it truly meant something. An evaluation like this would earn Ethan respect from many, potentially beyond just this world.

"You must continue following the training method from the Book of Inheritance."

"I have shown you the path, but where you go from here is entirely up to you. I won't interfere too much." Merlin had initially intended to remain hands-off, but seeing Arthur's impressive progress, he was willing to provide more guidance, even offering some direct hints.

He also noticed something else: The speed at which he had improved in such a short time, along with his ability to develop effective survival techniques, raised Merlin's opinion of him significantly. He had examined Ethan's enchanted tools, and many of them displayed ingenuity. More importantly, they were highly practical for his current level, allowing him to perform well beyond his actual strength.

"I won't give you direct instructions on how to enhance these tools. The process of using them, refining them, and improving them over time is an essential part of magical practice. It forces you to organize your magical knowledge in greater detail and recognize issues you might not have noticed before."

From the beginning, Merlin had made it clear that he wouldn't help Ethan create or refine magical equipment. However, he was willing to answer questions that arose during the process.

With such an exceptional mentor at his side, Ethan brought up all the challenges he had encountered.

He had previously asked the Ancient One many of these questions, and she had resolved most of them. However, due to the differences in their magical philosophies, some issues remained, ones she could only address with broad advice rather than direct solutions.

The same was true with Merlin. Rather than handing out "correct answers," he offered insights and suggestions, leaving Ethan to work through the solutions himself.

Even so, Ethan managed to resolve many of his uncertainties, and his path forward felt much smoother. His enchanted gear, in particular, had numerous imperfections that he hadn't fully addressed before. Now, with access to ample resources and a legendary mage for guidance, he essentially sent all his equipment "back to the factory" for a full upgrade.

Fortunately, when he originally designed these tools, he had anticipated that his skills weren't yet refined. He had intentionally left room for future modifications and improvements, rather than locking in a final design. Looking at things now, that decision had been the right one.

"This might not be the absolute best version I could make right now, but it leaves room for future growth."

Beyond upgrading his gear, Ethan's greatest breakthrough was in his understanding of spatial energy.

He began incorporating spatial energy into his equipment. For example, he created a combat belt capable of carrying more ammunition, potions, and even grenades. His battle suit also now integrated spatial energy, allowing him to change clothes instantly whenever necessary.

However, he was cautious about experimenting too recklessly. For now, he focused on studying the properties of spatial energy rather than using it extensively in combat. His goal was to gain complete control over it.

Merlin proved invaluable in this regard. With his guidance, Ethan was finally able to craft his first true storage device, a spatial artifact that could actually be used for holding items.

"Since it's a pure spatial storage tool, time inside it will flow at the same rate as the outside world. Objects won't be in stasis," Merlin explained.

Ethan examined the plain-looking ring on his finger. It had been crafted through his own efforts, using the knowledge he had accumulated over the years and refined under Merlin's guidance.

"Right now, it can only hold about one cubic meter's worth of objects," Ethan said, studying its properties. "But I can use spatial energy to gradually expand its internal space. In theory, it has no upper limit."

Merlin nodded approvingly. This was the result of their lessons. Ethan's talent wasn't on par with Merlin's or even some of the other mages he knew, but he had a sharp mind. He knew how to apply his knowledge effectively.

Many young mages, given the same guidance, would have managed to craft a one-time, fixed-capacity storage artifact. But Ethan had deliberately designed his to be expandable, ensuring room for future improvements.

"Intentionally leaving room for upgrades shows that you understand your own limitations. Keeping that humility will help you advance further on your magical path."

"Thank you for your guidance," Ethan said sincerely.

"You've earned it."

With his battle suit upgraded, his magical knowledge expanded, and his first storage artifact successfully created, Ethan's gains from this trip were on par with his visit to the Marvel universe.

Two journeys, both incredibly rewarding. It almost felt like he was living in a dream.

With everything settled, his time learning under Merlin was coming to an end.

Ethan had traveled alongside Arthur, helping him gain experience and mature into a worthy heir to the throne. In return, Merlin had personally guided Ethan and helped him solve numerous challenges. Their exchange was now complete.

The space-time energy within Ethan was running low, and even if he wanted to stay, the magic circle embedded in his left hand would soon force him to return.

"Make sure to say a proper goodbye to Arthur before you leave. He's been studying with me in isolation for so long… You're probably his first real friend."

Before long, Ethan would return to the Sea of Calm to continue his voyage, while Arthur would take the throne and rule his kingdom.

Each of them had their own path to follow. Even if they met again in the future, it would only be to reminisce about the past. The days of traveling together were over.

As they stood face to face, ready to part ways, memories of their first meeting surfaced.

"You weren't nearly this tall back then," Ethan remarked.

"And you're still as thin as ever, but at least you look more mature now."

Arthur had grown taller than Ethan. Even though Ethan had made an effort to improve his nutrition and exercised regularly, his natural build prevented him from ever becoming a "warrior."

"You'll be traveling across different worlds, each with its own possibilities. If you come across an opportunity to enhance your physical abilities, you should consider taking it," Arthur advised sincerely. He didn't want this to be their final farewell. If they were to meet again, Ethan needed to survive and the best way to ensure that was by growing stronger.

"If I come across such a world, I'll make the most of it."

Ethan was well aware of his weaknesses. He had already considered getting the Super Soldier Serum from Tony or an improved version of the Extremis Virus both of which could be further refined through magic. Even if they didn't work perfectly, any enhancement would be better than nothing.

There were other options too, like the Blood Orchid, various viral strains from the Resident Evil universe, or even the enhancement drug from Lucy. The real problem was that he had no way of knowing when he'd be able to access those worlds.

"I look forward to seeing you again," Arthur said.

"And I look forward to seeing what kind of kingdom you'll build," Ethan replied.

A soft blue light began to radiate from Ethan's left hand as the time-space energy activated. A glowing magic circle formed beneath his feet.

Arthur watched as Ethan was slowly engulfed by the light. Silently, he stepped back, withdrawing from the circle's range. Then, with the posture of a disciple, he gave Ethan a deep bow.

By the time he looked up again, Ethan was gone. There was no telling when they would meet again.

Back in the Sea of Calm, Ethan stood on the deck of the Goddess of Dawn, now alone once more. He let out a quiet sigh.

From the beginning, he had known that Arthur wouldn't be a permanent companion. At best, he had been a temporary crew member, a passing traveler on Ethan's journey. He was never someone who could accompany him to the end.

"I knew this was coming, but it's still a little depressing."

Reaching into his storage ring, Ethan pulled out the fruit wine Merlin had given him and took a deep swig. The cool liquid slid down his throat, sending a powerful jolt through his body. It wasn't just refreshing, it felt like his entire being was absorbing an immense amount of energy, expanding in an instant.

"Figures. Nothing Merlin gives is ever ordinary."

He quickly put the wine away. The brief surge of energy had cleared his mind, and as he gazed at the now-empty ship, he came to a decision.

"It's time to say goodbye to this ship too."

Ethan had originally planned to return to State Island after his trip to the Marvel universe, using the Death Magic Stone as leverage to commission a new ship built entirely to his specifications. Now, after his time with Merlin and the improvements in his strength, there was no reason to delay any longer. Getting a new ship had become a top priority.

Neither the Sea of Storms nor the unexplored territories ahead would be safe with his current vessel. He needed something larger and more stable, something that could endure violent seas while remaining manageable for a solo traveler.

Once he had solved these problems, it would be time to leave this place for good.

"Next stop, the Sea of Storms and the road to a new world."

Ethan lifted the anchor and raised the sails. Taking out the island pointer, he switched it to guide him back to State Island. Then, alone aboard the Goddess of Dawn, he set sail.

***

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