The most powerful wizard in the magic world

"Gerlin, what are you looking at?" Mira, who was sitting next to him, raised her head and looked at him, curiosity flashing in her clear eyes.

"It's a spell called 'Touch of Darkness'," Gerlin raised his head, his eyes flickering, but a trace of worry appeared on his face, "It can greatly enhance my power, but the price is also quite high."

Mira frowned, and the corners of her mouth twisted slightly, as if she had a premonition of something bad. "Touch of Darkness? I've heard of this spell. Although its power is tempting, it will make the caster fall into the abyss and be unable to extricate themselves."

"I know," Gerling's voice lowered, as if he was trying to convince himself, "but I need this power to fight against the impending danger."

Mira frowned and quietly put down the book in her hand. She knew Gerlin's persistence and determination. "But have you ever thought about the consequences of using this spell? Every time we cast a spell, we may pay a price. Are you really willing to take such a risk?"

"I have no choice when facing the enemy," Gellin's voice became more and more firm. He looked out the window, and the lizard-like shadow was wandering in the darkness. His heart was like a fierce tide, unable to calm down. "If I don't become stronger, how can I protect you?"

Mira's heart tightened, and she suppressed her worries. She walked to Gerlin and held his hand tightly. "You are not fighting alone. We face these challenges together. If you take the risk, it will no longer be a simple battle, but a test of your soul."

"Mira," Gerlin looked into her eyes, as if trying to find some comfort in them, "I understand what you are worried about. But on this road, I must walk alone."

Mira shook her head, her eyes full of hope and helplessness. "If you really want to give it a try, you should at least know more. The darkness touching your soul is like exchanging a contract with the devil."

"I know! But I have no other choice!" He stood up excitedly and paced back and forth beside the long table in the library, seeming almost out of control.

"You can't control the darkness in your heart, and it will eventually devour you!" Mira's voice rose octaves, like a warning bell, shaking Gerlin's heart.

"I know you're always worried about me..." Gerling's voice became low. He sat back in his seat, looking tired. "But I have no way out. The enemy is approaching, and I just want to buy more time for all of us."

Mira clenched her hands, as if to turn her helplessness into courage. She approached Gerlin and fixed his eyes. "I will stand by you, and you can rely on me. But please don't forget our original intention. Strength is not the only solution!"

Taking a deep breath, Gerlin finally calmed down a little. He knew that Mira was right. That kind of power was like a double-edged sword, which would push him into an unknown abyss. "If I decide to try, I will act cautiously. If anything happens, I will tell you at the first opportunity."

Mira nodded. Although she was still worried, she chose to trust Gerlin's judgment. The dark atmosphere lingered in the library, and time seemed to freeze at this moment.

A few days later, on a quiet night, Gerling walked into a secret basement alone. It was dark and damp, with moss growing on the walls, and it seemed to be hiding unknown secrets. In the center of the room, an ancient altar stood quietly, with mysterious runes on the stone surface, flashing a faint blue light.

"This is it..." Gellin muttered to himself, his heart full of anxiety and desire. He slowly walked towards the altar, feeling the power calling him, as if surrounding him.

Suddenly, he heard a deep voice in his ear: "Welcome, spellcaster. Are you here to seek power or eternity?"

"I come to seek strength." Gerlin's voice was firm but trembling.

"Are you ready to pay the price?" The dark voice echoed in the air like the wind.

"I'm ready." His heart beat faster, not entirely because of fear, but because of the desire burning in his heart.

"Then let's get started."

As the words fell, a strange energy surged into Gerlin's body, as if countless dark creatures were wandering in his body. A cold feeling quickly spread, devouring a corner of his rationality. His consciousness was torn apart in an instant, like countless fragments floating in the darkness, and those memories and emotions were intertwined and could not be unraveled.

"Mira..." He called unconsciously, longing for her presence to save him.

Then, various images flashed through his mind. The scenes of battle, the tragic fight to the death, the innocence and pain in the pool of blood gradually penetrated into the depths of his soul. He closed his eyes, trying to resist it all, but the sudden increase in strength made it almost impossible for him to control himself.

"I can feel this powerful force, but... something is also tearing at my soul!" He clenched his hands into fists, anger and fear intertwined, almost swallowing him.

"You are already the bearer of the Touch of Darkness. Now, you must find balance from it." The deep voice echoed in his mind, as if it had turned into an invisible force pushing him forward.

"But I've lost my mind! Is this what I want?!" He roared, and the sound penetrated the walls of the basement, as if declaring his despair.

"Despair is the source of strength, but if you can't trust your own heart, you will become a slave to darkness. Choose your own path." The voice slowly faded away, leaving behind only endless loneliness and confusion.

Just as he was about to sink, Mira's voice rose from the bottom of his heart like the morning light. "Gerlin! Where are you?!"

Gerlin's heart suddenly shook, as if the warm feeling was calling him. He opened his eyes and seemed to see Mira's figure flickering in the darkness. "Mira! I... I can't control myself anymore!"

"I'm with you!" Her voice was clear and audible, and the power brought by the warmth penetrated the fog of darkness. "Believe in yourself, don't let the darkness conquer you!"

"But I feel this power... this erosion!" He could only mutter, his heart full of struggle.

"Gerlin! Listen to me, darkness will only devour fragile wills. If you have light in your heart, you can fight against any darkness. Don't forget every moment we spent together!" Mira's voice was firm and powerful, like a beam of light, illuminating the depths of his soul.