Wizard Bloodline

At the duel square, a small clearing formed in a corner where silver robes gathered. At the center, a tall, slender figure sat quietly on a black metal high-backed chair.

The chair was adorned with intricate patterns, naturally emitting wisps of smoke-like black mist.

Amidst the mist sat a handsome young man with blue eyes and white hair, exuding an innate aura of mystery, nobility, and elegance.

The amount of Demon Tungsten Ronan inherited from Benigo wasn't enough to support a grand throne like others, so he settled for a comfortable high-backed chair.

"Norno Pellin."

Ronan fiddled with a communication stone, contemplating before putting it away.

No need to confirm this minor matter with Benigo.

He sensed the shadows hidden beneath the sun-like facade of Norno Pellin, a person with ill intentions. Even if he was truly Benigo's friend, Ronan preferred no association.

His focus returned to the ongoing duels.

A day and a half had passed since his battle with Travis.

With over a thousand formal wizards facing off, the first round would take days, even running day and night.

Most second-level and even late first-level wizards paid little attention to the matches.

Duels between weaker wizards lacked significance and reference value, especially for second-level wizards.

Only duels involving second or third ring figures were worth watching, and even then, the focus was on the individuals, not the battles.

But Ronan was different.

He watched intently, seriously.

The six "Kisses of Mephetira" had developed his brain, clearing blockages and creating space.

Ronan's "wisdom" had greatly increased, his thinking sharper than most could comprehend.

He observed the duel stage, his blue eyes alive with flickering lights.

While seated among the crowd, his "viewpoint" seemed elevated, taking in the entire duel stage, allowing him to watch all the duels simultaneously.

He was in a fascinating state, his mind constantly generating, colliding, and extinguishing countless inspirations.

The useful and useless battle images shrank into tiny, energy-like light points, merging into him, strengthening his foundation.

Ronan "greedily" absorbed these nutrients, like the Holy Blood Tree seed beneath his blood, constantly growing.

This was a process of accumulation, essential for transitioning from one stage to another.

Ronan never had a "mentor," Benigo barely counted as half of one. He relied on himself, accustomed to self-dependence.

He's essentially a "wild grass," adept at seizing anything beneficial for growth—sunlight, soil, water.

Watching battles between weaker wizards wasn't entirely dull or pointless.

Through the matches, Ronan found many intriguing and useful points.

For example, he saw a Ring wizard use a potion to temporarily turn their skin to stone. Coated with liquid metal, their defense reached a level where even late first-level spells couldn't break it.

Another wizard with mid-first-level mental power demonstrated "mastery" in using enchanted tools, showing unique understanding. Simultaneously wielding multiple tools, their synergy overwhelmed a late first-level opponent.

Another wizard excelled in controlling "puppets," using all metal and elemental spells to enhance the puppet's power, staying sheltered and wearing the opponent down until they conceded.

Every wizard who reached the Mist and advanced to formal status had their wisdom. Low strength didn't preclude "eye-opening" combat maneuvers.

Ronan realized the deeper significance of these duels might be to let Ring wizards absorb others' "wisdom" to grow. Unfortunately, few saw this layer.

Most Ring wizards focused on metal spells, with diverse combat styles. Ronan observed some wizards, like himself, favoring close combat.

These wizards mostly had knight training, with stronger bodies, possibly undergoing modifications.

But those on the "close combat route" were generally weaker. The only standout was a young wizard named Orlando.

He wielded a large bow-like first-level tool, using his metal medium as arrows. His archery was exceptional, and with elemental spell enchantments and the metal spell [High-Energy Crucible]'s explosive effect, he overwhelmed a higher-level opponent, drawing much attention.

Ronan noted Orlando's soul sigil seemed to enhance this aspect, making his metal arrows faster and more accurate.

"Closer to Benigo's style."

Ronan watched the cold youth Orlando leave the stage, pondering, "Once he grasps a transcendent domain, his power will leap, gaining fame."

Ronan understood the critical role [Power of Dispelling] played for "close combat" wizards, why its effect in his battle with Travis caused such a stir.

[Power of Dispelling]'s domain effect was among the best for "close combat" wizards.

Of course, only Ronan knew the astonishing effect of [Power of Dispelling] in his hands was largely due to his terrifying physical strength.

Others didn't realize this.

The sky's rankings shifted constantly, explosions occasionally echoing overhead.

The sounds came from a massive, metallic silver bat, overseeing the duels.

The bat appeared to be an alchemical construct, seemingly housing a human soul. Ronan heard it called "Biondini," as for the silver bat's owner...

Ronan looked up at an old white-bearded wizard in a splendid robe and hat.

Since appearing, the third-level wizard kept his eyes closed, feigning sleep, uninterested in any battle below.

The Ring's leadership resided in the central silver tower.

They assisted the Ringmaster in managing the Ring and served as "mentors" to Ring wizards, representing various spell schools.

Typically, upon joining, a Ring wizard would receive invitations from different factions. Joining one meant receiving essential knowledge and legacy from high-ring mentors, with opportunities to meet faction leaders as you advanced.

Competition existed between factions, sometimes causing conflicts, like the one between Bazel and Turpa during Ronan's entry test. Usually, the stronger faction prevailed.

If your faction was strong, high-ring wizards would support you, resolving issues. Otherwise, you had to yield.

Leaving one faction to join another was common in the Ring.

The Ring operated in a healthy competitive environment.

Ronan was an exception, having "offended" many powerful factions upon joining, being excluded by all or representing "Benigo's" faction.

Watching, thinking... Occasionally Ronan would mentally simulate battles with wizards on stage, or test unexpected spell tactics.

Time passed unnoticed, and the first round of duels concluded.

"Rumble—"

The ground suddenly shook, instinctively making Ronan rise, seeing the third-level wizard open his eyes.

The gray eyes, indifferent and ancient, shone with light piercing the fog, the third-level's powerful mental force like a vast ocean stirring.

Without visible action, immense energy particles gathered, a central area of the square's ground breaking free of gravity, rising skyward with a rumble.

Ronan's eyes shook; the third-level wizard's power exceeded his imagination.

Lifting countless tons of earth with a gesture, even just for throwing, few second-level wizards could withstand it.

He recalled the battle that destroyed Hoddadam Academy, the sky filled with coagulated blood-like clouds, the wizard from the Scarlet Tower likely a third-level, perhaps stronger than the old man.

Compared to such beings, second-level wizards were indeed like ants.

As he thought, a new duel stage formed in mid-air—a large floating rock field, covered by a rune array's energy shield.

The previously scattered "stages" now merged into one, larger, more formal, and sturdier.

The stage for the second round!

"Write the name of the opponent you want to challenge and give it to me."

The silver bat Biondini's deep voice announced the second round's rules and format to all.

The second round was for challengers, most wizards retreating to spectator seats.

Wizards aiming for higher rankings wrote the names of desired challengers, submitting them to Biondini, who screened the requests—rejecting significantly mismatched challenges, then informing the challenged wizards.

Challenged wizards could refuse, but excessive refusals lowered their ranking.

On paper, it seemed a fair and reasonable rule.

The black metal high-backed chair behind Ronan melted, retracting beneath his robe. He stepped forward, looking up at the sky's dense rune-formed name rankings near the stage.

Some already submitted "challenge requests" to the silver bat Biondini.

Using mental power, they wrote the challenger's name in the air, the name turning into light shooting towards Biondini, who consumed each name, his gem-like silver eyes squinting, like a picky gourmet savoring dishes.

Ronan withdrew his gaze from the sky rankings, extending a finger to calmly write a name in the void.

Then added another name.

Nearby, several threads of mental power subtly tried to peek at his writing. He raised his hand, the two names becoming light shooting at the giant bat.

The silver bat Biondini "savored" Ronan's challenge, freezing mid-chew, then looked down, giving Ronan a deep glance.

"It's been a long time since I've 'tasted' this name."

Biondini's deep voice, full of nostalgia, echoed from his silver maw, "I remember how he stood below, gradually becoming a taboo not mentioned...

Time."

Biondini's peculiar voice, each word drilling into ears, stirred a buzz among the Ring wizards below.

Many instinctively looked at Ronan, eyes filled with curiosity and wonder.

Biondini had consumed countless "challenged" names but reacted this way for the first time, even speaking to Ronan.

So...

Who did this newly risen, comet-like youth challenge?

Some looked towards the Ten Meditation Towers, faces showing disbelief, quickly dismissed.

Impossible...

How dare he.

"So... is it against the rules?"

Ronan looked up, calmly meeting the silver giant bat's gaze.

"Of course, I personally admire your courage.

The stage still belongs to you."

The slightly fierce beast face smiled, opening its mouth to spit a stream of light at Ronan.

The deep, hoarse voice abruptly rose, seemingly drawing everyone's attention.

"But before that, you need to prove your strength; he dislikes being disturbed.

Since you're so brave, I think...

You won't refuse this battle, right?"

Ronan caught the light Biondini spat, containing a flashing name.

Seeing the "challenger's" name, Ronan's eyes briefly widened, seemingly surprised.

But quickly, his face returned to calm.

"As"

Ronan crushed the name in the light, shifting his gaze from Biondini to another direction, speaking softly.

"You wish."

The next second, in his gaze's direction, light brighter than the sun erupted.

Sudden, powerful energy pushed aside everyone blocking the light.

Wizards scrambled to avoid it.

Then, a handsome youth, radiant like a sun god, strode from the crowd.

He gazed at Ronan, wearing a flawless smile.

He softly said, "Damien, show me what Benigo taught you?"

In an instant, a whirlwind of astonishment swept the duel square.

Countless Ring wizards wore expressions of shock and disbelief.

Norno Pellin!

Norno Pellin, the first below the fourth ring, actively challenged Ronan?!

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