"That is... fourth-tier magic!"

The old mage pointed at Viktor floating in the air, uttering these words in terror.

Instantly, the great hall fell silent.

"Fourth-tier magic!?"

"Has Viktor already become a fourth-tier mage?"

"Impossible!"

None of the mages present dared to believe this moment.

Baron Beck rubbed his eyes, and when he opened them again, the red sun was still in the sky.

"This is not an illusion..."

If Viktor alone had stopped the volcanic eruption, it would have only affected their mindset.

But now, Viktor being able to use fourth-tier magic made them feel desperate.

In the long history of the Empire, no one had ever achieved such an accomplishment.

Twenty-nine years old, a fourth-tier mage.

The richness of this magical energy and the astonishing magical strength forced them to believe.

Viktor had become a fourth-tier mage; this had become reality.

The Second Prince narrowed his eyes, looking up at Viktor in the sky.

That posture, like a fire demon, seemed as if it would completely devour him the next second.

The terrifying temperature was still rising rapidly.

Before him was an already prepared grand magic array.

If Viktor just moved his finger, all the mages present and the Second Prince would be burned to ashes.

Such powerful aura was definitely not something third-tier magic could possess.

Suddenly, the Second Prince smiled with relief. He reached out and extinguished the flame on his body.

Then he bowed towards Viktor.

"I believe you now."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Viktor, for doubting you both."

"I hope you and Knight Commander Gwen can understand that in this situation, all doubts were quite reasonable."

The temperature in the great hall suddenly dropped.

Viktor withdrew his magic array and landed back on the ground, his body's flames transforming back into a coat.

His effortless control of magic further shocked all the mages.

At this moment, Viktor's strength was recognized by everyone.

Even the emperor gave him an appreciative look.

Many mages seemed to realize something, and the clever ones quickly apologized to Viktor with smiles.

"Mr. Viktor is truly incredibly talented! A fourth-tier mage at twenty-nine, I'm afraid it's unparalleled even outside the Empire."

"The Empire's Holy Mages, until now, are only those few, right?"

"With this, our Empire has gained another Holy Mage, our national strength is flourishing!"

The mages who had just been questioning quickly changed their tune, all flattering Viktor.

Only some proud old images remained, looking at Viktor without a word.

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These people, without exception, had stagnated at the third-tier mage stage for decades.

"Meeting at the peak."

Only to find out they were at the foot of the mountain.

Even if Duke Levi had reached the fourth tier, they wouldn't be jealous, only offering sincere congratulations.

But who was Viktor? The infamous genius mage.

To think that the person they resented had surpassed them first, becoming a Holy Mage.

These old mages were so angry they could almost grind their back teeth to dust.

"How infuriating!"

Gwen also watched this unfavorable situation suddenly reverse before Viktor, blinking her eyes.

'How... did he suddenly become so strong?'

She wanted to go forward and ask Viktor properly.

But now was not the time.

With the Second Prince's concession, the outcome of this court session was basically settled.

After nine years, Viktor once again made everyone in the world aware of his genius reputation.

"Owiser, you may leave," the emperor waved his hand, calling the Second Prince by his real name, indicating for him to leave.

The Second Prince glanced at Viktor one last time, turned and bowed:

"Yes, Father."

He swished his robe and left the hall.

"Viktor."

The emperor beckoned to Viktor, "Let me have a good look at the appearance of the Empire's youngest Holy Mage."

Viktor stepped forward, confidently meeting the king's gaze.

Even though standing before the emperor was a powerful fourth-tier mage.

The emperor's gaze didn't waver in the slightest.

Viktor bowed respectfully:

"Excuse my rudeness, Your Majesty."

"It's fine."

The emperor spoke, asking: "You just said you defeated a magical beast, so does that mean the volcano won't erupt?"

Hearing the emperor's words, Viktor shook his head and explained:

"I couldn't kill that magical beast, I could only defeat it and reseal it inside the volcano."

"At least for a certain period, the volcano won't erupt again."

"Of course, if it breaks through the seal again, I will still defeat it."

The emperor nodded, a joyful expression appearing on his face.

"Good!"

"You've dealt with a huge hidden danger for the Empire, I must reward you well."

"Tell me, what do you want? Status? Power? Or wealth?"

Now that Viktor was a fourth-tier mage, such a powerful mage shouldn't just be a viscount.

He should rightfully have a higher status.

But Viktor shook his head and said: "I haven't thought it through yet, so I hope Your Majesty can let me reserve this reward."

The emperor nodded, agreeing to his request.

The more he looked at Viktor, the more he admired him, blurting out:

"You're even more outstanding than your father."

Viktor was indifferent.

His father had long since died, and even if he were still alive, that wasn't his real father anyway.

Viktor lowered his head and saw Duke Levi kneeling on the ground.

He was still kneeling there, head bowed, like a criminal awaiting judgment.

Just like at the beginning.

Viktor said: "Your Majesty, there's one more thing."

"I want to speak up for Duke Levi."

The duke suddenly raised his head, looking at Viktor in disbelief.

The emperor also let out an interesting "Oh?"

"Viktor, say what you want to say."

After getting permission, Viktor nodded and said:

"In this matter, Duke Levi was also aware."

"The duke and I had already agreed, I would fight the magical beast inside the volcano, while Duke Levi would lead the magic array outside."

"If I failed, Duke Levi would then release war magic to suppress the magical beast."

The emperor raised his head, giving him an approving look.

"So, you succeeded."

This statement was not only answering Viktor but also speaking to all the mages present.

But there were still mages who hadn't discerned the situation, shouting from the crowd:

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

"You have no relation to the duke? There's no way you could have communicated!"

Viktor turned his head and looked at him contemptuously, saying coldly.

"Erica du Cloyer is my proudest student."

"Do you have any more questions?"

The mage was immediately speechless.

At this moment, everyone realized that Viktor had another identity, that of the youngest professor at the Royal Magic Academy.

Viktor's plan was watertight, flawless, everything had been woven together long ago.

No, there was still a turning point.

The mages who still wanted to step on the duke looked expectantly at Gwen.

But they were disappointed because they heard an icy sentence from Gwen's mouth:

"Your Majesty, Viktor is not lying."

The emperor smiled. He sat spiritedly on the throne and announced the final judgment:

"Levi, not guilty."

.......

Viktor walked out of the palace expressionlessly, during which no mage dared to disturb him.

A black crow was perched on the railing at the entrance, waiting for him.

Viktor went up and stroked the crow's head.

"Viktor Kravina."

Duke Levi came out and called Viktor's name at first sight.

Viktor heard someone call his name and turned around to return a look to Duke Levi.

Duke Levi was usually kind to people, but at this moment, even facing Viktor who had helped him, he seemed somewhat cold.

"State your purpose."

Viktor's hand stroking the bird's head paused. He placed Vega on his shoulder and faced this old father who somewhat resembled Erica.

"What purpose does the Duke hope I have?"

Levi looked at Viktor's eyes, somewhat dangerously.

Viktor sighed and said:

"Duke, being overly protective of your daughter isn't a good thing either."

"Rest assured, I already have a fiancée."

Duke Levi thought of that knight who dared to lie in front of all the mages and the emperor.

He himself hadn't expected that the powerful knight renowned for justice would actually lie for Viktor.

The outside world often said their relationship was terrible, but now it seemed that wasn't the case.

He relaxed a little.

"However, since you put it that way, Duke..."

As he was pondering, Viktor's voice suddenly sounded.

The duke looked at Viktor, only feeling that in his eyes, there seemed to be some... calculation.

"It seems inappropriate if I don't do something about Erica..."