No sorcerer should be underestimated, let alone a veteran Level 2 Sorcerer who is also the Dean of Mongna Ant Land Cottage. The thought of such a person fighting to the death was thrilling.
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After much thought, Ivan decided that he must not let such a thing happen to avoid a scenario where both parties end in mutual destruction.
“Stop talking about a millennium of reputation, the academy has no such thing. As for the origin of the blueprint, I don’t mind telling you.”
“I’d love to see how you’ll argue this one,” Monde said with a sneer.
“Doug Boyton, do you know him?” asked Ivan.
“You keep saying you didn’t join the Star Moon Alliance and never betrayed me, but it was this bastard who ambushed me, leading to my current dire situation.” Monde could no longer keep his composure upon hearing that name.
“I haven’t met Doug Boyton, nor have I ever contacted him, and it’s impossible for me to reveal your whereabouts to him, whether you believe it or not.”
“Then why bring up that person?”
“It’s simple, we’re supposed to be from the same organization, but our positions are equal, there’s no one higher than the other. Therefore, I don’t need to go out of my way to curry favor with him, nor would I debase myself by joining the Star Moon Alliance he created,” Ivan said calmly.
These words undoubtedly left Monde completely frozen.
Little did he know, he was facing another madman from Archibald’s Spear.
How could this man be a madman?
That’s right, he dared to scheme against a Level 2 Sorcerer while only being a Level 1 Sorcerer himself, imprisoning the dean of the academy, a figure who could command a hundred responses; this man had no respect, what else could he be but a madman?
“I remember you’re from Tidal Island and then joined Mongna Ant Land Cottage, becoming an official sorcerer there. How did you join that organization?”
“It’s simple, someone saw that I was skilled in enchantment and recommended me to join,” Ivan replied.
“The masked sorcerer you’ve mentioned before?”
After the mental struggle a moment ago, Monde had lost his initial momentum, thinking of the other’s exceptional enchantment skills, he couldn’t help but believe Ivan’s words.
It is normal for a sorcerer of exceptional talent to be favored.
“As I thought, I couldn’t hide it from you,” Ivan replied truthfully.
“Let it be,” Monde sighed resignedly and continued, “Do what you want, I swear by the Mother of Earth Core, I won’t hinder you, I just hope that after you become a Level 2 Sorcerer, you’ll leave a way out for the Watkin family.”
Nowadays, the situation on the Moon Pincer Peninsula was increasingly chaotic, and having someone from Archibald’s Spear in the academy might offer a way out.
“Rest assured, Dean, as long as you stay here quietly for a while, I also guarantee I won’t do anything unnecessary, until I become a Level 2 Sorcerer,” Ivan said seriously, pleased with the arrangement.
Though not exactly on good terms, after reaching a preliminary agreement, Ivan took away the swamp ant, and also a letter from Dean Watkin.
He had already mobilized the power of three Ant Beings Sacred Altars to seal the small space, and for Monde to think of escaping without alarming him was nothing short of a fool’s dream; if Monde dared to break his word, Ivan would definitely not be polite, even if they both had to go down together.
“Ah!”
Inside the small space, only Monde’s sigh was left.
The reason he compromised, ultimately, was that Archibald’s Spear was truly both hateful and fearsome. However, why such a powerful organization always made things difficult for a mere Level 2 Sorcerer like himself was beyond comprehension.
Inside the academy, after Ivan emerged from the Core Black Tower, he was surrounded by many sorcerers, their praises and congratulations ringing out incessantly.
“The Ant King Barrier Array is now an intermediate runes sorcery array, but the operation of the formation hasn’t reached a smooth and satisfactory state yet, requiring some fine-tuning over time that might generate some ripples, though these won’t affect everyone’s normal lives, so please rest assured,” Ivan stated.
Ivan waved his hand, and once everyone had quieted down, he emphasized.
“Steward Ivan, you are too polite. You’re working for the academy, and no one would mind if it really affects everyone,” someone said.
“Exactly, we may not be of much help, but we definitely won’t hold you back.”
Having made significant contributions to the academy, Ivan earned the recognition of many sorcerers, and his words immediately resonated with those present, who offered their assurances emphatically.
Seeing this, Ivan was considerably relieved, knowing that if any unusual noises occurred in the future, everyone was likely to think it was just the formations being slightly adjusted.
After chatting with everyone for a while, he then returned to Twin Towers.
Meanwhile, Chief Steward Ove, seeing the note left by Dean Watkin, was somewhat puzzled by his sudden departure, but seeing that the aura and handwriting were the same, Ove did not think too much of it.
…
Twin Towers.
Ivan rested properly for three days, gathering strength while constantly reviewing whether there were any oversights.
Unlike advancing to a Level 1 Sorcerer, there was no specific standard for success rates in advancing to Level 2, which actually depended on the sorcerer’s training.
As sorcerers reached higher levels, due to differences in talent, meditation methods, spells, and ways to enhance strength, they gradually became unique individuals, marking significant distinctions between sorcerers.
This meant that methods used by others for advancement could often only serve as references; more often, sorcerers needed to explore on their own.
“Chairman Narnya is far-sighted. The method he recommended is naturally extraordinary. The academy hasn’t used the Ant Being Barrier for advancement in many years, accumulating a significant amount of special energy, so there’s no need to worry about that,” Ivan thought to himself.
“The Solidification Magic ‘Candle Flame Spell’ to be used this time is learned from the Black Beard Chapter legacy. Having begun its comprehension when my spiritual power reached 80 graduated degrees, I am now very proficient in it, so there should be no issues.”
“The Black Magic Wind Fire Array is a backup, and when the time comes, just activating the Black Magic Wind Fire Pearl will suffice, ensuring support is always available.”
“With plenty of supplementary potions and both Light of Wisdom and Light of Great Wisdom as safety nets, my preparations have far exceeded those of many others.”
Ivan reviewed everything over and over, and his heart gradually became more tranquil. He felt he had made every possible preparation, and now just waited for the moment to begin advancing.
After some thought, he asked Randall and Gina to come to him.
Soon, in accordance with his request, the two arrived at Twin Towers.
“You’re here—Mentor, Junior Sorceress Gina.”
“Ivan, is there something urgent you need to discuss?”
Seeing his solemn expression, Randall sensed that something significant was about to happen and immediately inquired.
“Indeed, I am here to announce that I will soon begin my advancement to a Level 2 Sorcerer, which may take up to a week,” Ivan firmly nodded, informing them of his upcoming advancement.
Randall and Gina listened with a look of astonishment, both doubting their ears. After exchanging glances and confirming they had heard correctly…
“Brother Ivan, are you serious?” Gina unconsciously gulped, not realizing her own actions.
“What foolish thing to say. Ivan wouldn’t joke about such a matter,” Randall quickly regained his composure and addressed his disciple, “Ivan, just tell us what you need, and Gina and I will do our utmost.”
“Yes, go ahead,” Gina added, nodding her head.
Seeing that they didn’t bombard him with questions and instead showed a willingness to follow his instructions, Ivan broke into a brilliant smile and gave a few commands.