The System's nexus shimmered in the aftermath of battle. Though calm now, the aftershocks of conflict rippled beneath the surface, a reminder of the fragility of their victory.
Ethan stood beside Jason and Sherlock, the glow of the Ultimate Carnitrix lighting his features as he stared at the swirling portal that had just appeared.
"The Arcanum Codex," Ethan whispered, voice thick with awe and uncertainty. "Hidden beneath Avalon. Merlin's domain."
Jason's expression was unreadable but resolute. "If the Merlin bloodline in you is to awaken fully, that codex will hold the key."
Sherlock's eyes flickered with anticipation, his Compassion Lantern ring softly pulsing in response. "A place steeped in ancient magic and mystery... it's exactly what we need."
---
Crossing the Veil
The portal's edges rippled like a disturbed pond, distorting reality as it stretched open to reveal a shimmering landscape bathed in twilight hues: rolling emerald hills, mist-draped forests, and the faint silhouette of a towering castle resting atop a hill — Avalon.
Jason led the way, his Hope Lantern ring casting a protective aura over them, as the three stepped into the unknown.
The air was thick with enchantment, vibrating with an ancient pulse that Ethan could almost feel in his bones.
"Stay alert," Jason warned. "This place is not merely myth. It is alive."
---
The Forest of Whispers
The trio made their way through the dense woodland surrounding Avalon, where every leaf seemed to murmur secrets and shadows danced unnervingly between trees.
Suddenly, a spectral figure materialized in their path — a woman draped in shimmering robes, her eyes glowing silver.
"I am Nimue, Keeper of Avalon's Secrets," she intoned. "You seek the Arcanum Codex, but its protection is no simple trial."
Ethan stepped forward, the Carnitrix glowing with a faint golden hue. "We're ready."
Nimue smiled enigmatically. "Very well. Your hearts and wills will be tested. The Codex chooses who may wield its power."
---
Trial One — The Mirror of Truth
The group was led to a crystalline pool hidden beneath ancient oaks. The surface shimmered like liquid glass, reflecting not their images, but their deepest fears and regrets.
Ethan stared into the Mirror of Truth, confronted with visions of failure — friends lost, worlds destroyed, moments where he faltered.
Yet, the Merlin bloodline within stirred, whispering resilience. He focused, grounding himself in the moment.
Jason and Sherlock watched, their rings glowing brighter, lending him strength.
With a surge of will, Ethan reached into the pool, shattering the illusions.
"The first trial is passed," Nimue announced. "But the path grows darker."
---
Trial Two — The Labyrinth of Shadows
The trio entered a twisting maze of living shadow, where whispers clawed at their minds, trying to erode their resolve.
Ethan shifted instinctively to his Ultimate Carnitrix form, blending Galvan's intellect, Mechamorph's resilience, and BrainStorm's psychic prowess. Clones of himself formed, their synchronized minds countering the maze's mental assault.
Sherlock's Compassion aura shielded them from the shadows' corrosive whispers, while Jason's Hope Lantern ring ignited beacons of light, illuminating the path.
After hours navigating shifting corridors, they reached the center — an ancient altar where the Arcanum Codex awaited, locked behind a magical barrier.
---
The Key to the Codex
Nimue appeared again, holding a staff topped with a crystal pulsing with raw arcane energy.
"To claim the Codex, you must prove worthy. The barrier will respond only to true mastery of your bloodline's magic."
Ethan closed his eyes, summoning every ounce of Grindelwald's enhanced magic, Merlin's ancient power, and his own force and Harry Potter spells.
The Carnitrix flared, syncing with the magical surge.
With a final word of power, the barrier shattered.
---
The Arcanum Codex
The ancient tome floated free, its pages glowing with ethereal runes and cosmic knowledge.
Ethan opened it, feeling a flood of understanding as the Codex merged with his mind.
Visions of Merlin's past, powerful incantations, and forgotten realms filled his consciousness.
The System's voice echoed in his thoughts:
> Upgrade Unlocked: Merlin Ascendant Bloodline activated. Magical capabilities increased exponentially.
> New Protocols: Carnitrix Ultimate now fully integrated with magical amplification systems.
---
A Shadow Moves
Back in the nexus, the traitor watched through fractured mirrors, a cruel smile on their face.
"The pieces fall into place," they whispered. "Soon, the true collapse begins."
---
Preparing for the Coming War
With the Codex's power, Ethan felt an unshakable resolve.
Jason and Sherlock stood by him, their own power-ups resonating in tandem.
"The war is coming," Jason said gravely. "But with this power, we can stand against it."
Ethan nodded, gripping his Carnitrix.
"Let's show them the strength of the Amalgam Ω-Verse."
---
End of Chapter 18