Wizard: Starting With the Knights Breathing Method Chapter 2817: 575: Arcane Throne, The Legendary Gargamel!

"His luck was truly abysmal, undergoing reincarnation more than 9,000 times as part of an ant colony, while the remaining 500 lives were spent mostly as ordinary humans or common beasts."

"I see."

Upon reflection, the cycle of Osserrel’s rebirths actually aligns with what most would deem a standard trajectory.

Even within a transcendent universe, 99% of all life consists of countless mundane entities existing in staggering numbers.

Fortunately, after enduring nearly ten thousand cycles of rebirth, the moment for his royal return had finally arrived.

At this juncture, Levi’s conviction grew that an unseen hand was manipulating events from the shadows. To a Supreme Existence, fate might appear as a tangible thread; a simple tug on a single strand could reshape the entire tapestry.

Thus, Vicken’s rise might have been orchestrated by Sauron, acting as a peer of the Arcane Emperor. It could have been the work of the Land of Darkness, or perhaps a joint venture between the two powers.

Then again, it might have been a stroke of pure serendipity. Considering how wretched Osserrel’s previous lives were, his accumulated karmic merit might have simply erupted all at once.

In such matters, certainty is impossible for anyone.

"Greetings, Hall Master."

Vicken and his mother both bowed in respect.

"At ease. Vicken, apply yourself to your studies. Which of the sects do you intend to select?"

The sects within the Arcane Academy are categorized differently than those of wizards, being split into eight primary disciplines: the Prophetic system, the Transformation Department, the Shaping Energy Department, the Spellcasting system, the Protection Department, Necromancy, Enchantment, and the Illusion Magic Department.

"Hall Master, my wish is to enter the Shaping Energy Department."

Vicken had already formulated his path.

While the Shaping Energy Department shares similarities with the Elementalist School, distinct differences remain between them.

"Very well. Maintain your efforts; I shall be observing your progress."

With a faint smile, Levi departed from the area.

He felt a sense of fulfillment.

In the year 1500 of the Nora Calendar, another comrade had made his return.

During the period that followed,

the Arcane Heart was immediately and aggressively promoted following its introduction.

To ensure no other talents like Vicken were overlooked, Levi ordered the entire Ancient Dragon Continent to undergo comprehensive aptitude testing.

This census-style screening continued for a full year. Ultimately, it revealed a dozen individuals possessing high Arcane talent who had been bypassed by the standard testing crystal balls. They were granted exceptional admission to the Arcane Academy for advanced education.

On the whole, those missed by the initial screenings were few.

A situation like Vicken’s is inherently rare. There is significant overlap between wizarding talent and Arcane talent, particularly regarding the fundamental Machinery Heart; they are identical. Discrepancies only arise within specific niches of Special Talent.

Once enrolled, Vicken exhibited remarkable Arcane talent. Despite possessing the lowest possible elemental affinity, he mastered the entire foundational curriculum for zero-circle Arcanists within a single year, successfully advancing to a first-circle Arcanist. Such rapid growth was, of course, bolstered by the improved environment and the institution's specialized training.

Naturally, he did not neglect his knight cultivation either.

The Blood Knight had already forged a path toward the potential of level-10, a route that was relatively stable and promising, whereas the possibility of the arcane path reaching level-10 remained an unknown variable.

Regardless, Vicken was fortunate to be living in this specific era.

Other faculty members of the Arcane Academy, particularly the elderly dean, felt more inspired than ever as they envisioned a luminous future for their institution.

...

Two years passed.

It was now the year 1617 of the Nora Calendar, marking 1505 years since the Blood Battle began.

The time for the Dark Ancient Tower to open had arrived once more. Even though the Netherworld Market remained closed, Levi first journeyed to Hell.

Since the efficiency of demon-hunting within Nora had become too low, he decided it was better to assist the allied forces and earn some goodwill in the Underworld. Such favors would prove useful in the future.

The primary motivation, however, was Leon’s significantly increased appetite after reaching the ninth level. Even the soul of a ninth-level being would only satisfy his hunger for a few years, making it vital to stockpile emergency rations.

Currently, the Nightmare World and the Abyss World are locked in a strange deadlock, which has resulted in no one from Nora being willing to join the conflict.

Levi understood this was merely a fleeting peace. He intended to settle his affairs during this window before returning to protect Nora.

The Eighth Layer of Hell.

Magic Mountain and the Red Spirit Prison remained vigilant in their protection of the Purgatory Demon Sword.

Recently, the Dragon Descendant Giant of Magic Mountain had broken through to the ninth level realm, seemingly finding his breakthrough opportunity amidst the chaos of the Blood Battle.

Levi took the opportunity to inquire about the location of the Mountain Giant tribe. Magic Mountain explained that since his mother had been raised within the Black King Palace from a young age, he was ignorant of tribal matters; a trip to the Land of Oblivion would be required for answers.

Meanwhile, the Red Spirit Prison had reached the Level 8 Peak Realm.

He recognized his father’s wise intentions; on one hand, he was there to guard his brother—who was viewed as a rising star by Nora—and on the other, to allow them to grow within a battlefield favored by the current era. While his father seemed to avoid the tides of the era, he remained keenly aware of the world's movements.

Outside the walls of Black King City.

Dressed in black robes, the Owl Flame Wizard practiced his swordsmanship, with the Purgatory Demon Sword offering instruction from the side. Upon spotting Levi, his face lit up with joy.

"Big brother, I was worried you wouldn't show up."

"I’ve come to hunt demons and check on you. You've done well; Owl Flame has already reached the six-circle Perfection wizard level. Your progress is swift."

Though Owl Flame was a man of few words, he felt a profound debt of gratitude toward Levi for rescuing him from the ancient tower. He could only show his thanks through tireless cultivation and demon-hunting.

The Purgatory Demon Sword remarked, "The boy has immense talent, coupled with a resilient will and strong character. If he maintains this drive, he might even reach the rank of Body Refining Great Wizard... our Body Refining Technique continues to flourish, hahaha!"

"I will continue to work hard," Owl Flame pledged.

Inside the city.