Wizard: Starting from the Skill Tree

After finishing these matters, Harrison leaned back in his chair, gazing out at the sea, exhaling a long breath.

Outside the window, a cargo ship was slowly leaving the harbor, its sails gleaming white under the sunlight.

...

Florence Continent, deep within the Moonlight Forest.

This place was once an ancient woodland rarely visited by humans, where towering trees and entwined vines made it hard for sunlight to penetrate the layers of canopy.

Now, it’s still that forest, but cloaked by numerous witch arrays, there’s a Wizard Academy.

Vivian’s cabin.

This is the only Wizard Organization on Florence Continent, supported by Thorn Holy Tower, led and established by Vivian.

The academy covers a vast area, with dozens of stone buildings scattered in clearings within the woods, including classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, a library, and a field specifically for growing magic potion materials.

The academy is extremely well-protected, with multiple layers of large witch arrays surrounding it. Ordinary people who venture deep into the forest will lose their way, never finding the entrance.

Even wizards, without guidance, would circle around aimlessly in the witch array, unable to touch the academy’s threshold.

Vivian’s office is located at the highest point of the academy, on the top floor of a three-story stone building.

Outside the window is a view of the entire Moonlight Forest, tree canopies like a sea, rising and falling in the wind.

She sat at her desk, with a copy of Arcane Mage Monthly spread out before her.

Vivian has always had the habit of regularly reading the monthly report, not only as a personal interest but also as a duty as the academy head.

Understanding the latest academic trends is essential for grasping future directions.

Her gaze fell on the article about automatic meditation, reading slowly and meticulously.

She scrutinized every word, deliberated over every piece of data in her mind.

When she reached the author’s name at the end of the article, she paused.

Duke, Black Sail, Level 2 Mage, Level 2 Arcanist.

Vivian set down the monthly report, leaning into her chair, looking out the window.

The forest glowed with a faint golden hue in the morning light, birds singing from afar, everything was serene.

She thought of the young man who had shared hardships with her in the forest, recalled the young man deeply immersed in study at Black Sail, remembered the information received through the Wizard’s Mark—he was in the Central Islands, at Six-Ring Tower, he had advanced to Level 2 Arcanist.

Vivian always knew Duke worked diligently, also knew he would eventually reach great heights.

But automatic meditation, this is an achievement enough to impact the entire Level 1 Mage landscape of the Wizard Plane.

His name will be remembered by countless people, his achievements will be utilized by countless people, his path will grow wider and reach farther.

Vivian lowered her head, looking at the Level 1 Arcanist medal on her chest.

She too had only recently been certified, after putting in a tremendous amount of effort and many long nights.

She thought this was quite an accomplishment.

But now, Duke is already Level 2.

She was actually aware of this information, having eagerly read the Arcane Mage Monthly upon receiving it, also searching for Duke’s article.

Duke maintained contact with her, informing her about his experiences studying on the Central Islands, though omitting the perilous moments.

Vivian’s lips curled slightly, not with bitterness, but determination.

She must strive harder, to avoid falling too far behind.

Vivian picked up a feather pen, opened the notebook on the desk, starting to record today’s work schedule.

Courses, experiments, student management, material procurement... every day there’s an endless stream of tasks, every day presents new challenges.

But this is the path she must walk.

Duke has his path, she has hers.

Two paths, will eventually converge.

The morning light outside grew brighter, a new day began.

...

Three days after the article’s publication, the entire Wizard Plane knew the words "automatic meditation."

The influence of Arcane Mage Monthly exceeded Duke’s expectations.

This monthly publication serves as a paramount information source read by all major forces, commerce associations, and families within the Wizard Plane, and is delivered via teleportation array to every subordinate plane conquered by the Wizard Plane.

Wizards stationed on other planes, pioneers, and caravans, all receive it immediately upon publication.

And this issue, nearly everyone’s attention was drawn to the same article.

The complete implementation plan of the automatic meditation traits of the White Mist Forest Potion.

Countless letters, magic communication, and contact requests through Wizard’s Marks flew toward the Central Islands like snowflakes.

Duke, over here, received a variety of letters and invitations, some from commerce associations, some from families, some from other forces, and even some from organizations he had never heard of before.

He did not reply to each one, temporarily setting aside all contact requests, awaiting arrangements from the Arcane Master Association.

The headquarters of the Arcane Master Association responded faster than he expected.

Five days after the article’s publication, the Arcane Master Association headquarters sent a brief notice:

"It is hereby scheduled for the fifteenth of next month, at the conference hall in Zone 7 of the Central Islands, to host an automatic meditation results demonstration.

At that time, Duke, the holder of the results, will be present in person to demonstrate the actual effects of the automatic meditation potion.

Representatives from all sides are welcome to attend for observation, collaboration matters will be discussed following the demonstration."

As soon as the news was released, various forces immediately took action.

These external messages Duke could ignore, given he couldn’t respond to them all, but he had to reply to familiar contacts.

The first was Harrison, Duke had known this steward of the Giant Rock Commerce Association for many years, since he started collaborating with him during his days as a Wizard Apprentice.

The improvement of Blood of War, the profit sharing of various magic potions, each time resources and intelligence were exchanged, Harrison had never let him down, nor had he ever disappointed Harrison.

This tacit understanding deserves his priority response.

The second was Lucas, this Level 2 Mage of the Black Sail Third Legion had been supporting Duke since his first day at Black Sail.

Introducing him, assigning tasks, providing resources, and intelligence, Lucas worked diligently, never shirking or seeking credit.

He separately sent them brief messages via Spiritual Power.

The content was somewhat similar, the commercialization plans for automatic meditation would adopt a regional authorization model.

The Wizard Plane would be divided into regions, with each region authorized to one collaborative partner.

The authorization for the West Coast would prioritize Black Sail and Giant Rock Commerce Association.

Specific terms to be discussed after the demonstration.

Duke did not speak definitively, "prioritizing consideration" isn’t "exclusively locking," leaving room is a fundamental principle of negotiation.

But he believes Harrison and Lucas understand the weight of these words.

Harrison’s reply came almost immediately.

A lengthy, enthusiastic yet measured response, first offering congratulations, then stating that the Giant Rock Commerce Association will offer the utmost sincerity, finally mentioning—"A table has been reserved at Harbor City’s best restaurant, awaiting your return."

Lucas’s reply was much more concise.

"Received, will discuss in person."

A few short words, without redundant pleasantries, but Duke could feel a calm, steely satisfaction between the lines.

Lucas is just that kind of person, never verbose, but every word counts.

Duke closed the light screen, leaning into the chair, gazing out the window.

Dusk was approaching, the glow of Sky City transitioning from warm gold to silver blue, the distant snow-capped mountains turned a faint rosy hue.

He closed his eyes, mentally reviewing the demonstration’s proceedings once more.

Venue setup, guest attendance, demonstration process, Q&A session, negotiation arrangements, every detail was already well familiar.

Duke already had a rough idea in mind, the authorization for the West Coast would go to Black Sail and Giant Rock Commerce Association.

Authorization for other regions would be granted to those partners with solid strength and well-rounded channels.

With some time left before the demonstration, Duke spent the past few days discussing various intricacies with the Arcane Master Association headquarters, finally freeing up a bit.

Just as he relaxed, his Wizard’s Mark received a message from Vera.

"Tonight at seven, Zone 7 banquet hall, Vera."