The Devil's Path

Unless I'm directly thrown into a flame! Only in flames would there be such a rich concentration of fire elements! But if I did that, I would burn to death first."

"So... even though you overcame the sensitivity issue, you can only cast the most basic magic." Freyr concluded.

"Yes."

"What about your instant casting?" Freyr was still interested in how this guy could cast fireballs without chanting.

"That's just a trick from Potioncraft." The Wizard was a bit embarrassed. "My magic doesn't rely on manipulating natural magical elements but on the magical elements I created myself... Ordinary Wizards need to chant to summon and find the magical elements in the air when casting spells... but I don't need to summon or search because the fire elements are already in my sleeve..."

This time, Freyr's expression changed!

If that's the case... then... if... hypothetically!

If the current challenge could be overcome, and this guy succeeded in using higher-level magic... he could still cast instantly!

Imagine a Wizard who can cast high-level fire magic... and also cast spells without chanting, using instant casting... what a powerful force that would be!

Freyr then patiently continued to talk with the Wizard for a long time, deliberately steering the conversation towards Potioncraft. The Wizard was surprised to find that this young noble, despite his age, was very knowledgeable in Potioncraft. Though initially unaware of Freyr's exact identity, seeing this young noble own such a large castle in the Russell Plains, it was clear he was likely a member of the prestigious Russell family.

It was indeed rare to see a noble of such high status who was so well-versed in Potioncraft, a field generally looked down upon by those of noble birth.

However, this young noble genuinely had a profound knowledge of Potioncraft! His erudition even earned the Wizard's quiet admiration. After their conversation became a bit more relaxed, Freyr finally shared his own story: how he had once aspired to become a Wizard, only to fail because he was deemed to lack the necessary talent...

This revelation immediately elicited the captive's sympathy! A sense of shared suffering arose spontaneously.

This young noble, too, had a similar experience! Both were filled with longing and desire for magic, only to find out they lacked the talent. Despite having strong innate magical power, both had poor sensitivity!

Given these circumstances, although there had been some unpleasantness between them and the Wizard was now a prisoner, his inner aversion towards this young noble had lessened considerably.

After all, the young noble had captured him out of a desire to learn magic.

At the very least, the determination to become a Wizard was something they both shared deeply.

"Ryan," Freyr called the Wizard by his name (during their conversation, Freyr had learned the name of this genius Wizard). He looked at the Wizard and asked, "Let me ask you a question... Why do you want to become a Wizard? What do you hope to achieve as a Wizard?"

"...Well," Ryan thought for a moment. "The duty of a Wizard seems to be to seek the ultimate mysteries of magic, to devote one's life to studying magic and immersing oneself in its secrets. But I am destined never to become a high-level Wizard, so the pursuit of the ultimate mysteries of magic has little to do with me... So, I just want to get what I desire."

"Are you referring to the status and benefits of being a Wizard?" Freyr smiled. "Your answer is honest. And you're right. Wizards are always highly valued, and wherever they go, they are sought after by nobles and dignitaries, enjoying the highest treatment and respect... But don't forget, you are just a lowest-level, first-tier Wizard! No important person will spend a lot of money to recruit a low-level Wizard of such mediocre skill."

Ryan fell silent... He knew very well that what Freyr said was true. Although he had obtained the recognition of being a Wizard, as a lowest-level, first-tier Wizard, he found himself not as welcome as he had imagined wherever he went.

At first, people were full of surprise and respect when they learned he was a Wizard. But once they found out he was only a first-tier Wizard, their enthusiasm waned significantly.

This was why Ryan had to humble himself and join Calista's second-rate adventurer team! He had wanted to join a major mercenary group, but they didn't think much of him.

Seeing Ryan's frustrated expression, Freyr knew the timing was right. He smiled and said, "Ryan, since your dream is to enjoy the status and respect of being a Wizard, why not serve me? You could become my private magical advisor. I will provide you with excellent treatment! The respect, status, and things you desire, I can give you all of that. You should know by now that I am a member of the Russell family. The name of the Russell family shouldn't disappoint you, right?"

Ryan's heart pounded!

Joining this young noble... it seemed like a good choice. Although they had some conflicts earlier, it was all because of their shared obsession with magic. Moreover, their conversation had been pleasant, and most importantly, this young noble had a similar experience to his own—both had turned to studying Potioncraft after losing hope on the path of magic... This shared experience made Ryan feel a sense of kinship!

And becoming a magical advisor under the Russell family's banner, enjoying generous treatment... What was there to hesitate about?

"I..." Ryan thought for a moment. "I am willing to accept your offer. However, I need to make a trip back south. My laboratory is there, and I have many essential tools, precious materials, and various powders that I have refined. These need to be transported back. These things must be handled by me personally... You know, a Wizard's laboratory is too dangerous for ordinary people to move."

Freyr pondered for a moment: letting him go south wasn't a big deal... but what if this guy planned to escape?

Moreover, this guy who had cheated his way to the Wizard title was now invaluable to Freyr! There couldn't be any slip-ups!

Immediately, Freyr made a decision: "Alright, I am interested in your laboratory too. I'll go south with you!"

The future demonic path of Wallace began on this day.