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 mortals or common beasts."

"I see."

Upon reflection, the cycle of Osserrel’s past lives actually aligns with what most would deem a standard path of reincarnation.

Even within a transcendent universe such as this, mundane life forms make up 99% of the population, existing in staggering numbers.

Fortunately, after nearly ten millennia of cycles, his era of returning as a king has finally arrived.

At this moment, Levi felt a growing conviction that an unseen hand was orchestrating events from the shadows. To a Supreme Existence, destiny might resemble a tangible thread; a single tug could shift the entire tapestry of reality.

Consequently, Vicken’s rise might have been set in motion by Sauron, acting as the Arcane Emperor’s proxy, or perhaps it was the work of the Land of Darkness—or even a joint effort between the two.

Naturally, it could also be attributed to sheer fortune. Given how pathetic Osserrel’s previous lives were, his accumulated karmic merit might have simply erupted all at once.

In matters such as these, no one can provide a definitive answer.

"Greetings, Hall Master."

Vicken and his mother bowed in respect.

"Rise. Vicken, you must dedicate yourself to your studies. Which sect do you intend to select?"

The sects within the Arcane Academy are categorized differently than those of wizards, consisting of eight primary branches: 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 bears a resemblance to the Elementalist School, distinct differences exist between them.

"Excellent. Persevere in your efforts; I shall be observing your progress."

Levi offered a faint smile before departing.

A sense of satisfaction filled him.

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

During the period that followed,

the Arcane Heart was immediately and aggressively integrated into the mainstream after its introduction.

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

This massive screening process lasted an entire year. Ultimately, it identified a dozen individuals possessing high Arcane talent who had been bypassed by the standard testing crystal balls. These individuals were granted special admission to the Arcane Academy for advanced Cultivation.

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

An occurrence as extreme as Vicken’s is quite rare. There is immense overlap between wizarding aptitude and Arcane potential, particularly regarding the fundamental Machinery Heart; they are virtually identical. Discrepancies only arise within certain niche areas of Special Talent.

Once he joined, Vicken exhibited staggering Arcane talent. Even though his elemental affinity was at the lowest level, he mastered the entire foundational curriculum for zero-circle Arcanists in just one year, successfully advancing to a first-circle Arcanist. Such rapid growth was, of course, bolstered by the superior environment and the specialized training provided by the organization.

Naturally, he did not neglect his Knight Cultivation either.

The Blood Knight had already carved out a viable path toward level-10, which was a clear and certain trajectory, whereas the potential for the Arcane path to reach level-10 remained an unanswered question.

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

The other faculty of the Arcane Academy, particularly the elderly dean, felt a renewed sense of vigor as they envisioned a luminous future for their institution.

...

Two years passed.

The year reached 1617 of the Nora Calendar, marking 1505 years since the start of the Blood Battle.

The time for the Dark Ancient Tower's opening had arrived once more. Since the Netherworld Market remained closed, Levi chose to travel to Hell first.

The rate of demon-hunting within Nora had become far too inefficient, so he decided it was better to assist the allied forces and build rapport within the Underworld. Such connections would simplify future requests for assistance.

The primary motivation, however, was Leon’s ravenous hunger, which had surged after he attained the ninth level. Even the soul of a ninth-level being would only satisfy him for a few years, making it vital to stockpile emergency rations.

Currently, the Nightmare World and the Abyss World are locked in a strange standoff, meaning no one from Nora was itching to dive into the conflict.

Levi understood that this peace was fleeting. He intended to settle his affairs during this window and then return to stand guard over Nora.

The Eighth Layer of Hell.

Magic Mountain and the Red Spirit Prison remained steadfast in their duty, guarding the Purgatory Demon Sword.

Recently, the Dragon Descendant Giant of Magic Mountain had broken through to the ninth level. It appeared the trials of the Blood Battle had provided the necessary catalyst for its advancement.

Levi took the opportunity to inquire about the location of the Mountain Giant tribe. Magic Mountain explained that since its mother was raised within the Black King Palace from infancy, it lacked knowledge of the tribe’s whereabouts; a trip to the Land of Oblivion would be required for answers.

The Red Spirit Prison had reached the Level 8 Peak Realm.

It recognized its father’s wise intentions: on one hand, to safeguard its brother—who Nora viewed as a rising star—and on the other, to allow them to grow stronger on a battlefield favored by the current era. Though their 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.

The Owl Flame Wizard, draped in black robes, was honing his sword skills under the watchful eye of the Purgatory Demon Sword. A look of joy crossed his face when he spotted Levi.

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

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

Owl Flame was a man of few words, yet he harbored deep gratitude toward Levi for rescuing him from the ancient tower. He could only show his thanks through unwavering Cultivation and relentless demon-hunting.

The Purgatory Demon Sword remarked, "The boy has immense talent, paired with a resilient will and strong character. If he maintains this drive, he could very well become a Body Refining Great Wizard... our Body Refining Technique continues to flourish, hahaha!"

"I will continue to give my all," Owl Flame declared.

Inside the city.