Expanding one’s horizons, solidifying the theoretical foundation, and accessing higher levels of knowledge and circles are immensely beneficial. Of course, the competition will be intense, as it gathers the most outstanding group of this age bracket in the entire Plane."

He paused, adding, "For you, having just advanced to Level 2, it’s precisely the time to systematically organize knowledge and get in touch with higher-level rule concepts. Staying in the Black Sail or adventuring alone can easily limit your perspective.

Going there to see how other excellent Wizards think and cultivate, learning about cutting-edge research directions under the Wizard Council’s guidance, might provide unexpected insights into your future path, especially for that critical realization step.

Regarding obligations, it’s mainly about adhering to the tower’s rules, completing certain coursework and exchange duties, and responding if necessary to some non-mandatory surveys or collaborations by the council."

Duke quickly weighed the options. Lucas was right; what he currently lacks the most is this kind of systematic, high-level perspective and opportunities for more direct contact with the rule-level.

Independent study is important, but working in isolation can easily lead to a dead end.

Exchanging ideas and colliding with the top elites of the same age, listening to the guidance of true strong ones, are certainly of great benefit to his future development.

"This is a rare opportunity." Duke responded, with gratitude in his tone, "I do need to broaden my horizons. Thank you, Legion, and your recommendation, Mr. Lucas, I am willing to go."

"Very well." Lucas seemed unsurprised, "I will handle the recommendation procedures. The specific departure time, gathering place, and precautions will be sent to your badge through official channels later.

It is expected to set off within a month. Use this time to sort out your affairs. The Central Islands... It’s a different place, be prepared."

Ending the communication, Duke stood at the window of the castle study, gazing at the gradually calming sea outside, but his heart was slightly restless.

The Central Islands, the Six-Ring Tower... There, it is the lighthouse of Wizard Civilization, and also the center of countless turbulent whirlpools.

Entering as a Level 2 Wizard, he is like a drop in the vast ocean.

But this is precisely what he needs, seeing broader skies, accessing deeper knowledge, and communicating or even competing with more powerful peers or seniors.

Only in this way can he break the shackles of his cognition and find a possible direction for that unfathomable yet must-be-achieved realm of rules.

Young Wizards who can advance to Level 2 are extremely excellent young blood in the entire Wizard Plane and also the future of this Plane.

The Central Islands naturally attach great importance to these young talents, which is why there are such cultivation activities, just to help these fresh blood grow and develop better.

...

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

Duke arranged the affairs of the Deserted Island properly, informed Yala and Nina that he would be out for a long time, and after briefly communicating through the Wizard’s Mark with Harrison from the Giant Rock Commerce Association and Vivian in distant Florence, he followed the received instructions to a secluded landing pad deep on the West Coast, jointly maintained by the Four Great Wizard Organizations.

A massive, sleek silver-gray Floating Airship was already hovering in the air, its hull engraved with complex floating and protective runes, exuding stable and powerful energy fluctuations.

This was not an ordinary passenger airship, but a military-grade Alchemy Creation specifically used for long-distance intercontinental travel of important personnel, far superior in speed, defense, and comfort to those Duke had previously taken.

After presenting the Black Sail Badge and the permit sent from the Central Islands, Duke boarded the airship.

The interior space was more spacious than imagined, divided into public rest areas, separate cabins, Meditation Rooms, and observation platforms.

Many young Wizards had already arrived, gathered in small groups whispering or occupying a corner alone, meditating.

As Lucas said, those traveling together this time were young talents selected by various forces on the West Coast, those not very old but already advanced to Level 2 or extremely rare Level 1 crystallized individuals.

Most of them bore prominent insignia of their organizations or clans, their aura sharp, steady, or mysterious, all without exception exuding confidence and ability.

Duke’s gaze calmly swept over, quickly spotting a few familiar or semi-familiar figures and some remarkable presences.

The first to catch his eye was a young Witch in a white robe with thorn and vine patterns, her temperament cool, surrounded by a faint aura of nature and life, clearly a standout of the Thorn Holy Tower.

She was conversing quietly with a young Warlock from the Silver Hand, with a silver fist emblem embroidered on his sleeve, discussing some joint casting technique.

Not far away, a thin man in a deep purple robe dotted with stars and pendulum patterns leaned alone against a porthole, staring blankly outside, fingers unconsciously tapping the window sill, exuding a pathological pallor and mystery, evidently representing the Doomsday Bell, with several people around instinctively keeping their distance.

What caught Duke’s eye the most was in the corner of the rest area, a young figure in a deep blue Wizard Robe with complex Shadow patterns and the Crawford Clan’s emblem embroidered on the cuffs and collar.

Samuel Crawford.

He still had the same golden hair, and even a slightly childish look on his face, but the coldness and arrogance in his eyes were deeper and more restrained than when Duke had caught a glimpse on the Devourer Plane a few years ago.

He sat alone, playing with a Shadow rune that constantly disappeared and reappeared between his fingers, ignoring the conversations around him, seemingly out of sync with the entire space.

Only when he occasionally lifted his eyelids to scan the surroundings, that fleeting sharpness and evaluative look reminded people that he was not as harmless as he appeared.

As the legitimate rising star of the West Coast’s top Wizard Clan, more valued after Bell’s death, his presence here was unsurprising.

Seemingly aware of Duke’s gaze, Samuel’s eyes also turned over.

Their gazes briefly met in mid-air.

Samuel’s eyes showed no fluctuation of encountering an acquaintance, only a pure, scrutinizing look, as if evaluating an object, particularly when sensing Duke’s Level 2 Wizard aura and the Black Sail insignia, that scrutiny seemed to have a slight, extremely subtle, almost imperceptible playfulness and chill.

He made no indication, soon lowering his eyelids again, continuing to toy with the Shadow rune in his hand, as if Duke was no different from others around him.

Samuel still didn’t know the whereabouts of that drop of Blood of the Dark, having sent people to investigate several times over the years and even passing through the Void Corridor a few times, still without any clues.

If he knew that drop of Blood of the Dark was with Duke, he certainly wouldn’t remain this calm.

Besides the representatives of the Four Great Organizations, there were also several young strong individuals from other small and medium-sized Wizard Organizations or independent Wizard Clans on the West Coast.

Most of them were relatively low-key, but their aura was equally formidable, that they were recommended at this age must mean they had exceptional capabilities.

Duke chose a relatively quiet window seat, closed his eyes to meditate, while his Spiritual Power slightly spread out, feeling the disparate auras gathered in this small space of the airship, representing the future backbone of the West Coast.

Competition, exchange, cooperation, and even potential conflict will all play out during this journey to the Central Islands and in the future studies.

The Floating Airship shuddered slightly, emitting a deep hum, and its massive body began to ascend slowly, adjusting direction. Through the porthole, the familiar scenery of the West Coast gradually shrank.

Ahead, is a journey across the endless sea, leading to the core of the Wizard world, and the islands suspended in the center of the continent, symbolizing supreme knowledge and power.