Soon, as Tieria’s request settled in the Guild Chat, more names began to light up the interface.

[ Max: If he’s truly a mage, maybe we should send him to Springriver Manor. The World Tree there is still small, but it gives off mana. He might recall something if he stays near it. Memories sometimes return when people are exposed to strong mana sources... probably. ]

Tieria paused, considering. The World Tree was indeed a rare asset, its slow growth already influencing the surrounding land. If Merlin had lost his memories, perhaps his aura could help him recover.

Of course, in that case, the World Tree in the Eclipse Domain was also possible.

[ Layla: Hold on. Before we start sending him anywhere, we need to ensure his loyalty. What if he remembers he was some kind of evil mage? We don’t know his past. He could have been a warlock or worse. ]

Her words made sense as everyone paused for a moment.

The fog recruits were free to choose, but their forgotten histories were always a risk.

[ Asad: Bring him to me. ]

The chat froze once again after seeing his chat.

Everyone knew Asad’s reputation. He was a necromancer, a man who walked the line between ally and danger. His request immediately raised alarms.

[ Jillian: ...Don’t you dare turn him into a Lich! ]

[ Raze: Yeah, Asad. We need him alive, not undead. ]

[ Layla: Exactly. Don’t even think about it. ]

Asad replied quickly, his tone almost exasperated.

[ Asad: I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I have no intention of turning him into anything. I just want to understand him better. He uses spells, I use spells. That’s all. If he’s truly a mage, I might be able to help him stabilize his casting. ] 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Tieria’s mechanical eye flickered as he read the exchange. He knew Asad’s words were genuine... the necromancer had always been blunt, but he wasn’t reckless. Still, the suspicion lingered among the others.

Then another message appeared.

[ Alex: I’ll be the runner. I’ll go there myself and transport materials directly. No need to use the trade function... the tax after the last update is ridiculous. Better to deliver them in person. ]

It was true... The tax could reach up to 40%, and no one wanted that.

Tieria allowed himself a faint smile.

Alex was reliable, always willing to handle logistics. His offer would ensure Merlin received what he needed without draining their resources.

[ Tieria: Good. Max, your idea about Springriver Manor is worth considering, but we’ll wait until the old man settles here first. Layla, your caution is noted... loyalty will be tested before anything else. Asad, you’ll meet him, but under supervision. Alex, prepare the transport. ]

The chat quieted for a moment, and everyone swiftly agreed with the plan.

Merlin’s arrival had stirred excitement, but also unease. A mage with dozens of spells was a gift, yet his forgotten past was a shadow none could ignore.

Tieria closed the Guild Chat, finally...

"Merlin..." he muttered.

This was the first time a Mage had ever appeared through the Gray Fog’s recruitment after all...

’Is this a sign? Maybe we can already recruit other people from other Apocalypses?’ Tieria mused, but soon, he shook his head.

All of this would be answered once they started using more Recruitment Stones anyway.

For now, the old mage rested in his quarters, unaware of the debate raging among his new allies.

***

A day later, Merlin awoke to the sound of faint chimes echoing through the corridor.

For a moment, he thought he was still in the fog, drifting endlessly... However, the warmth of the bed beneath him reminded him otherwise.

’Right... I’m in the real world now...’

His quarters in the left wing of the headquarters were far more luxurious than anything he remembered... though memory itself was a fragile thing.

The room was spacious, lined with polished stone walls and reinforced by an energy that wasn’t similar to Mana...

There was a table that had already been set with fruit from the Sunveil Vineyard Dome, according to the assistant yesterday...

Aside from the fruit, there was a sandwich and a steaming tonic that smelled faintly of herbs. Merlin sat slowly, his body stiff from years of wandering in the mist, and reached for the tonic. The warmth spread through him, easing the ache in his bones.

Outside his window, he could see the bustle of the Stronghold. Workers moved in lines, carrying materials for the road project. Guards patrolled the ramparts, and may others.

The fortress was alive, a hive of activity, and Merlin felt both comforted and overwhelmed.

A knock came at his door.

A young attendant entered, bowing respectfully before placing a set of clothes... "Sir Merlin, your new clothes have just arrived. If you need anything, simply call. Later, you will be escorted to the dining hall for a proper meal."

Merlin nodded, grateful. "Thank you. This... this is more than I expected."

The attendant smiled faintly and left...

When the door closed, Merlin sighed while staring at his hands.

The System window he had projected yesterday was something he couldn’t understand.

Still, the fact that he had Spells that could be seen through by the system amazed him...

Later in the day, he wandered the halls. The Omega Stronghold was vast and he was even escorted around after informing them of his intention..

Just like that, he passed the Auto‑Forge, where mechanical arms hammered away at broken blades, and paused to watch. Sparks flew, and survivors cheered as a weapon was enhanced to Epic tier.

It was an interesting sight...

Merlin marveled at the technology... it was unlike anything he remembered from the old world.

In the courtyard, he saw the Omega Mind Tower rising like a spike, its aura was washing over the Stronghold. He felt it immediately after being close to the tower... There was a clarity in his thoughts and a calmness in his heart.

For a man who had lived in fog for a long time, the sensation was almost overwhelming. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply, and for a fleeting moment thought he remembered voices... laughter... a family. But the memory slipped away before he could grasp it.

’I have family... I wonder if they’re still alive...’

Merlin muttered as he tried to recall the faceless figure in his memories.