The Wizard's Pursuit of Truth

"I have faith in your Power, but don't let your guard down. There will be many formidable opponents this time. Whether our Antuun Clan can make a name for itself and rise further all depends on this Secret Realm competition."

Kaze Antuun's expression suddenly darkened. It seemed he had remembered something, and he sighed, saying, "If Isar were still here… if he hadn't gone searching for the Black Sun Wizard's Ruins, perhaps the Antuun Clan's current situation would be different."

The Rhine Lineage had already chosen Isar as their Inheritor Disciple. They had even bestowed upon him Inheritance Witchcraft and certain pieces of Extraordinary Knowledge.

If nothing had happened to him, his Power would have likely advanced to the level of an Extreme Wizard Apprentice by now.

With the support of the Rhine Lineage, we should have been able to enter the ranks of the Ten Great Wizard Clans, instead of being a minor clan with so little say in matters.

We have no decision-making authority, only the role of an Executor.

Most importantly, the token that held the clues to the Black Sun Wizard's Ruins was also lost along with Isar's disappearance.

The Antuun Clan's greatest opportunity was thus severed.

Kaze Antuun didn't notice the change in his younger son's expression, nor the intense resentment in the depths of his eyes.

He continued, listing the rivals in the Secret Realm competition that Zack needed to be wary of.

"For example, there's the genius freshman from the Stark Clan named Rod. He walks the path of an Elemental Wizard and possesses immense Power. With the full backing of the Stark Clan, he is one of the most formidable opponents in this Secret Realm competition."

"The Witchcraft he has mastered is highly unusual; it's likely an Inheritance Witchcraft from the Stark Clan. His Particle Energy is also quite special."

"Then there are the two brothers from the Mad Clan, Aitri and Guterres. They are personally taught by the Mad Clan's Patriarch, Ocam, and follow the path of the Mechanical Wizard. The rules of the Secret Realm competition don't prohibit cooperation. Working together, their threat level will be the highest among the Wizard Freshmen."

Kaze Antuun warned Zack that he must constantly be on guard against the reconnaissance methods of Mechanical Wizards.

"Fox from the Gobseck Clan is not a conventional wizard. He follows the path of a Soul Wizard, also known as a Black Wizard, and excels at strange and insidious Witchcraft that is nearly impossible to defend against."

"Riley, the genius from the Shebel Clan's Direct Lineage, is a Blood Wizard, which is the path of a White Wizard. His methods are just as potent, and he seems to be the polar opposite of Fox."

"Dante of the Qiuji Clan—information on him is unclear. He poses a certain threat but can be considered a secondary priority. Then there's Jim of the Novy Clan. His affinity for Water Element Particle Energy is exceptionally high, so his mastery over Witchcraft will definitely not be weak... This is a direct counter to your Fire Elemental Energy Witchcraft. Zack, you must be careful..."

Kaze Antuun frowned. Seeing his younger son with his head bowed, he said with some displeasure, "Zack, are you even listening!"

Zack raised his head and said earnestly, "Father, of course I'm listening. But I want to tell you something. Isar is the past. Leave the future of the clan to me. Whatever he could do, I will do better."

Zack's words stunned Hades, who was standing to the side. He shot a glance at Kaze Antuun's reaction out of the corner of his eye, his heart pounding in his chest.

Kaze Antuun's face was expressionless as he stared coldly at Zack. The latter's gaze was equally firm, filled with a stubborn defiance.

Hades tried to signal Zack with his eyes, but Zack ignored him and continued, "Isar disappeared. He hasn't returned in years. He probably died on the path to exploring the Black Sun Wizard's Ruins, and on top of that, he lost the clan's Black Sun Badge."

"He's just a failure. I will show you, Master Wizard Kaze, how I'll take first place in the Secret Realm competition. If he could enter the Extraordinary School, there's no way I'm any worse than him."

Zack Antuun's face was filled with confidence. His conviction came not only from Isar's Inheritance Witch Book but also from a personal opportunity of his own.

A trump card that would absolutely shock everyone.

Kaze Antuun stared coldly at Zack, his lips moving slightly. "It's a good thing that you have your own ambitions. However, there can be no problems with the clan's plan. If you fail to perform as you've claimed, I will personally punish you to answer to the rest of the clan."

Zack met his gaze, stubborn yet resolute.

"Let's hope your performance is as impressive as your words." A terrifying aura erupted from Kaze Antuun, and the scattered objects in the room instantly turned to dust under its pressure.

Fortunately, he didn't let such a small matter affect his emotions too much, let alone release his Particle Energy.

Zack still had value to him and to the clan. He would permit this one act of indulgence.

As the immense aura gradually faded, Hades breathed a sigh of relief. 'Having a strict and powerful father is really tough,' he thought.

Normally, he feared nothing and no one, but he was utterly terrified of Kaze Antuun.

He looked at Zack with newfound respect, giving him a secret thumbs-up. 'As expected of my genius brother.'

Kaze Antuun spoke again, reminding him, "Besides the powerful opponents I've already mentioned, there are some other Wizard Freshmen you must watch out for."

"Enemies from the School Lineage?"

"That's right. They are hidden too deep. I even investigated them specifically but still couldn't identify their planted agents or determine the Power of their Witchcraft. If not for one of the Wizard Freshmen named Wang Ya Harak being exposed, the entire Wizard Family Alliance would probably still be in the dark."