Wizard: I have ten trillion nanomachines

The purchased files contained detailed records of the activity range and characteristics of the five-headed, one-ringed mid-level sea monster in Yuanhai.

Tidal crabs, adept at manipulating water currents, are active in coral reef areas.

Spraying icy mist, the Frost Abyss Demon Ice Dragon, possessing a chilling poison, roams the cold waters.

The Titan Water Dragon, a massive creature with dragon blood, resides in the deep-sea trench.

.....

"Let's start with the Tidal Crab." Recalling the trench map in the dossier, a sharp glint flashed in Luo Kunlun's eyes.

Tidal Cancer's activity range is relatively fixed, making it easy to act quickly and decisively.

At the same time, it is also the sea creature closest to Lokunlun.

Luo Kunlun thought about it from near to far.

After selecting his target, Luo Kunlun transformed into a beast, his gun wings unfurling behind him, becoming a black streak of light that shot straight into the sky before plunging into the deep sea.

In the deep sea, Luo Kunlun's true dragon form stretched out, its scales shimmering with a cold, eerie light in the dark water.

With his current strength, he can move as nimbly in the sea as he does on land.

The hunt is about to begin, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, his bloodline will surely break through to the upper level of the first ring this time.

.....

February 4th, near the coast of the Volo Continent.

A three-masted ship flying the flag of the Transit Trade Chamber of Commerce is sailing at sea.

The dark blue sails billowed like a beast's belly in the sea breeze, the hull crushed the waves with a steady "creak," and the splashing waves, like shattered jade, refracted into tiny halos in the sunlight.

A dark-skinned crewman in a blue sailor suit knocked on the wooden door of the cabin and said to Charlie inside, "Mr. Richard, there's a coral island not far ahead."

"Okay, I understand. Please stop for a moment and let me disembark."

"clear."

The crew left after hearing the other party's request.

This Mr. Richard was no ordinary man; he not only paid a hefty fare but also displayed astonishing strength during the voyage.

Two weeks ago, they were attacked by pirates. The pirates killed more than a dozen fierce pirates with just one sword. They were no ordinary adventurers.

The strong are always respected, especially when the other party's request is nothing more than a simple favor for them.

A moment later, the large ship came to a steady stop beside the shallow waters of Coral Island.

Without the slightest hesitation, Charlie shouldered his already packed dark bag and leaped from the ship's side, which was several meters high. His feet landed firmly on the soft sand, only kicking up small grains of sand.

As the large ship gradually sailed away, its sails eventually becoming a small black dot on the horizon, Charlie took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions within him.

Take out a positioning compass, then infuse it with magic. The compass needle immediately comes to life and spins rapidly, eventually pointing steadily in one direction.

After determining the direction, Charlie put away the compass, shouldered his bag, and hurried to the beach.

He stood firmly on the undulating waves as if stepping onto solid land. The seawater sank slightly beneath his feet, yet it never soaked the soles of his boots, as if an invisible barrier separated him from the sea.

This is a life energy utilization technique derived from the Life Source Breathing Method, which allows one to walk on water.

As a mid-level apprentice, Charlie could have used the wizard's hand to levitate, but the magic and mental energy he consumed would be detrimental to his subsequent actions.

Walking on water only requires physical strength. For someone with his current stamina, why waste magic power when he can solve things with physical strength?

With these thoughts in mind, Charlie quickened his pace, speeding north along the coastline as if racing on flat ground.

The waves receded rapidly beneath his feet, leaving two white streaks in their wake.

And so Charlie sped along, only taking a brief rest on a rock along the way.

In just half a day, he traversed the entire coastal waters of the Volo Continent and set foot on the long-lost land.

The landing site was a desolate mudflat on the southern coast of the Volo continent, covered with gray-brown reefs and withered seaweed, with rolling hills and dense primeval forests in the distance.

Charlie discerned the direction and realized: this was the southern coast of the Volo Continent. As long as he headed north, he would reach the Bauhinia Kingdom.

It has been a full twelve years since he left this land.

It's been twelve years since I left. How are my father and the others doing?

Speaking of which, it's that time of year again when the Golden Manor opens, and many young men and women have already set off from various countries across the continent, haven't they?

Golden Manor, Wizard, Talent Test, Wish Fulfillment...

How many years have these things existed?

I don't know, I only know that Golden Village has existed since the beginning of recorded history.

Once upon a time, I was also one of those who went to Golden Village. After my talent was discovered, I was overjoyed, thinking that I could transcend the ordinary and become a saint, and that I would no longer be an ordinary person.

But when they arrived in the Wizarding Continent, they discovered that they were nothing more than pathetic waste.

No wonder the wizard in charge of the testing kept talking about value; everyone was treated like a commodity with a price tag...

Shaking his head, Charlie stopped dwelling on the past and headed north.

On the way, Charlie began to think about what to do next.

He has great stamina and strength, and he should be able to return to the kingdom in three or four days at most.

I'll go see my family first, and then I'll take care of the things Mr. Luo asked me to do.

Recruit a group of trustworthy people, teach them skills, and then go to excavate extraordinary relics on the continent.

At the same time, he also wants to change the continent of Volo.

During his years in the Thorn Islands, Charlie witnessed firsthand how Lokunlun transformed a barren archipelago into a thriving community.

A good system can enable an organization to grow and expand rapidly.

In the Wizarding Continent, where pure strength reigns supreme, systems may be far less effective than the deterrent power of a strong individual. But in the forgotten land of Volo, the situation is quite different.

The entire continent of Volo is extremely backward. The nobles cling to outdated, primitive breathing techniques and rely on knight-level power to acquire land, wealth, and power.

They regarded the knowledge of breathing techniques and basic medicines as closely guarded secrets, controlling them layer by layer to ensure their privileged status and ensure their continued rule for generations.

But this so-called "advantage" is easily shattered.

How long would it take a novice peak apprentice to break into a kingdom's palace and behead the king?

How many people like myself have emerged from the Land of Oblivion? And how many have died like Wu Ke?

Wu Ke, to be honest, he was a good person, he really shouldn't have died.

Charlie's family has exploited countless commoners, and even though he himself is not a bad person, he cannot escape the causal relationship.

Becoming consumables is nothing more than a cycle of cause and effect.

To say that a nobleman like myself died there was, to put it bluntly, nothing more than a villain being killed by an even more villainous and stronger villain.

But Wu Ke is different; he is an ordinary person, a farmer's son, and has never harmed anyone.

Moreover, even the most wicked commoners are only guilty of indulging in eating, drinking, gambling, and whoring, while the wickedness of nobles can make people feel that they are not even human.

That was condescending plunder and oppression, a callous indifference that treated human life as worthless.

Before the wizard, these once arrogant nobles became extremely humble, wagging their tails and begging for mercy like lapdogs.

For thousands of years, they have remained stagnant in their own little world, never thinking of changing, nor willing to change.

Now, it's time for a change.

A determined glint flashed in Charlie's eyes, and his steps grew even more steady. He wanted to change the world, just like Mr. Law!

.............

Starting from the south coast, Charlie traveled north day and night.

With superhuman physical strength, he only rested for one hour each day, spending the rest of his time traveling.

The scenery along the way changed constantly, from barren mudflats to dense forests, and then to open plains. Finally, two days later, the weary Charlie arrived at the southern border of the Bauhinia Kingdom.

Before me stretched a vast estate, with fields of golden wheat undulating in the wind like waves, and in the distance stood a majestic ancient castle.

The castle is built of grayish-blue stones and is tens of meters high. The walls are covered with arrow towers and watchtowers, and a scarlet flag with a blooming golden tulip embroidered on it flies at the top.

"The Marquis Lockhart, my father's distant cousin." Charlie recognized the castle and his heart skipped a beat. "I played in his castle for a while when I was a child. I remember there was a large apple orchard behind the castle."

Recalling fragments of his childhood, Charlie's lips curled into a faint smile. "Perfect timing. We've traveled a long way and are covered in dust. Let's rest here for the night and find out about the current situation in the kingdom, and see if Father and the others are alright."

While pondering, Charlie straightened his dark robes, dusted off his bag, and stepped into the Lockhart family's territory.

Soon after, a patrol of guards carrying spears came along.

"Halt! Who are you? How dare you trespass on Lockhart family territory!" Hawke's face darkened as he saw Charlie, and he shouted sternly.

Before he finished speaking, the dozen or so guards behind him immediately dispersed, forming a semi-circular encirclement, their spears aimed at Charlie, the tips gleaming with a cold light, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

Charlie stopped, his face showing no sign of panic. He looked at the head guard and said calmly, "My name is Charlie, a distant relative of the Lockhart family. Please announce my arrival."

After saying that, Hawke frowned and looked Charlie up and down.

Although the young man in front of me looked travel-worn, he was tall and had a calm demeanor, unlike an ordinary homeless person.

But the Lockhart family was large and had many distant relatives, and he had never heard of a person named "Charlie".

"A distant relative?" Hawke scoffed, his tone tinged with suspicion. "What proof do you have?!"

Charlie's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this. He then took out a small, gilded badge with fine thorn patterns on it.

"This badge can prove it. If you give it to the Marquis, I believe he will recognize it." Charlie handed over the badge.

"Alright." Hawke took the badge and told his men, "You stay here and keep an eye on him. I'll go report."

He then immediately rushed to the castle to report.

Seeing this, the other guards also put away their spears, but remained on guard.

About half an hour later, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar.

A middle-aged butler dressed in a magnificent suit rode up on a fast horse, followed by more than a dozen knights.

These are retainers of the Lockhart family.

It was getting dark, and the person opposite, still quite far away and unable to see clearly, began to shout, "Who are you? And why do you have this badge?"

"It's me, Charlie, Mr. Marsaya."

Upon hearing this, the head butler, Marsaya, immediately dismounted and strode over to Charlie.

After observing carefully, he was first taken aback, then a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Prince Charles? It really is you!" Marsaya exclaimed in surprise. "I remember you left with the wizard, which has been twelve years ago."

"How did you get back?"

"Mr. Marsaya, I naturally returned by ship. The continent of Volo is too remote; I had to change ships several times."

"After that, we flew over the entire coastal area to land, and then traveled a long distance before finally arriving here."

"You must be very tired. Please come with me."

"The Marquis will be overjoyed to know you've returned."

Charlie followed Marsaya toward the castle, with the guards and knights acting as his protectors.

The scenery along the way is still familiar. The apple orchard where we used to play has expanded several times over, and the branches are full of unripe fruit.

At the same time, the castle walls were reinforced, and several new arrow towers were added.

The castle is the heart of the Lockhart family estate, the residence of the Marquis.

Stepping into the castle, you are greeted by the rich aroma of fireplace smoke.

Then, a figure slowly emerged from the depths of the hall. Tall and imposing, with a steady and powerful gait, and long, slightly graying hair casually draped over his shoulders, this man was Marquis Lockhart Kustu.

"Charlie? It really is you!" Marquis Kustu's eyes lit up with surprise when he saw Charlie, and he quickly rose to greet him. "It's been twelve years! You've finally returned, my child!"

"How are you doing in the Wizarding Continent?"

"It's not too good. The competition in the academy is extremely fierce and brutal, but fortunately, I've had some opportunities and have achieved some small successes."

As soon as he finished speaking, Charlie gently waved his fingers, and a ball of fire the size of a fist gradually gathered in his palm.

The fireball emitted a suffocatingly high temperature. Although it only lasted for a short while before dissipating, it still left Kustu and Malsaya speechless.

Because this is magic, real magic!

"Is that Brother Charlie?"

Just then, a somewhat delicate voice rang out, and a well-dressed woman in a white dress walked into the hall.

She has a slender figure and exudes the youthful energy of a young woman.

"You are...Livi?"

After a moment's thought, Chali remembered who she was.

Livi Lockhart, Kustu's youngest daughter, is seven years younger than him, and they played together when they were little.

However, after so many years, she still remembers me.

"Haha, I knew you remembered Livi, Charlie." Kustu patted Charlie on the shoulder and said, "Livi said she wanted to be a knight and adventure on the continent, so I hired a lot of teachers to teach her."

"Of course, I can't compare to you, who is already a wizard," Livi said half-jokingly.

Noble ladies were usually used for political marriages and were married off around the age of fifteen or sixteen.

Of course, there may be exceptions in powerful families, but female knights are extremely rare.

Women are physically weaker and have a natural disadvantage in swordsmanship and physical training, making them inferior to men.

Moreover, knight's potions are very precious; nobles below the rank of earl may never be able to obtain more than a few doses in their entire lives.

This shows how much Livi was favored.

.....

"By the way, Uncle Kustu, how are my father and the kingdom doing now?"

"Haha, Lu Xia is doing well. As for the kingdom, with the workshops left behind by that Mr. Luo from back then, the capital has become increasingly prosperous in recent years."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Kustu ordered his servants to prepare a welcome dinner.

Charlie, led by a maid, went to his room to rest.

Meanwhile, on the other side...

In Kustu's bedroom, the flickering candlelight cast long, eerie shadows. Beside the carved mahogany round table stood Kustu and several of his most trusted men, the air thick with a suffocating, oppressive atmosphere.

Kustu sat upright in the main seat, his fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt of the jeweled sword at his waist. The friendliness he had shown when he met Charlie was gone from his face, replaced by a sinister look.

"I actually ran into this kid!" His voice was filled with delight. "A remnant of the Atreus family, I didn't expect him to still be alive, and even become a wizard apprentice... What a windfall!"

"Lord Mante and the others should be happy to eliminate the threat completely."

Thinking of this, Kustu turned his gaze to Hawke standing to the side, "Hawk, how many years have you been with me?"

Hawke shuddered and immediately bowed, his posture extremely respectful: "It has been eight years, my lord."

The former deserter, a centurion, led his men on a long journey and by chance arrived at the border.

They thought they would be mercenaries for life, and eventually die in obscurity.

But who could have imagined that such a thing would happen in Wangdu nine years ago?

That incident plunged the Bauhinia Kingdom into chaos for a while, but it also turned him and his men into the Lockhart family's private army.

Hawke seized this opportunity and climbed the ranks step by step, eventually becoming a confidant of Kustu.

On the surface, he was just a small, inconspicuous captain in the family's border guard, but only a few people knew that he was Kustu's black glove, specializing in handling shady dealings.

This identity was designed to avoid attracting attention at crucial moments, since no one would really care about a squad leader.

"Very good, I didn't trust you for nothing." Kustu nodded in satisfaction, took out a black token engraved with raven and sunlight patterns from the drawer, and handed it to Hawke. "You set off quietly and go to Black Raven Ridge alone to find Lord Mant and the others."

"Give them this token and tell them that Charlie has returned, that he is a wizard apprentice, and that he is in the castle now."

Hawke took the token with both hands; it was icy cold to the touch, as if he were holding a block of ice.

Mante is a leader in an organization that now controls the entire kingdom, a wizarding organization called the Dawn Society.

On the surface, the Kingdom of Zijing is still ruled by the king and nobles, but in reality, the nobles have already submitted, and those who did not submit have long since died.

"Father, do we really have to do this?" A soft but hesitant voice rang out. It was Kustu's daughter, Livi.

"Charlie may not be our closest relative, but he is still related to us by blood. Besides, he's a wizard!"

The terror and power of wizards have long been deeply imprinted in the hearts of everyone in the Forgotten Lands.

Many knights, upon learning that their opponent was a wizard, fled in terror, daring not to confront him directly.

In their eyes, wizards possess the power to summon wind and rain and can take lives at will; to be their enemy is tantamount to courting death.

"Don't worry, wizards are indeed powerful, but they are also divided into different levels."

Kustu scoffed dismissively, then continued, "Look at how travel-worn he is. His clothes, though sturdy, aren't exactly luxurious. Clearly, he couldn't make it in the Wizarding Continent and has fled back in a sorry state."

"In my opinion, he is at most a junior apprentice, and is not worth mentioning compared to mid-level apprentices like Lord Mant."

He paused, a sinister smile spreading across his face: "Besides, we don't need to confront him head-on. It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark; a few underhanded tricks will suffice."

"But Father, this..." Livi wanted to say something more, but was interrupted sharply by Kustu.

"Livi, my daughter, you need to be realistic!" Kustu's tone was stern yet coaxing. "Building a good relationship with Lord Mant and the others will be immensely beneficial for you, for me, and for the entire Lockhart family!"

"If we betray that kid, we can get the potion that will keep us young forever and extend our lives."

The phrase "extend lifespan" struck at the heart of everyone present like a magic spell.

Who doesn't want to live longer? Who doesn't want to break free from the shackles of birth, aging, sickness, and death?

For a beautiful woman like Liwei, who is in the prime of her life, the temptation of eternal youth is even more deadly.

Livi gradually wavered. Looking at her beautiful face in the mirror, she realized that betraying a distant relative she had never met and with whom she had only a slight blood relation could bring her eternal beauty and a long life. It didn't seem like such a difficult choice.

Kustu took in the changes in his daughter's expression, nodded in satisfaction, and softened his tone slightly: "It's settled then."

"Livi, at the banquet later, you'll help me keep that guy in check. You're young and beautiful, and you have a past relationship with him, so he definitely won't be wary of you. Try to drink a few more drinks with him, so that he might drink the poisoned wine as much as possible."

"That poison was specially made by the pharmacists; it could even knock out an elephant, and it was colorless and odorless."

"Once he drinks it, within half an hour he will be weak and listless, like a lamb to the slaughter. At that time, it will be easy to deal with him."

Livi took a deep breath, her hesitation finally replaced by greed. "Father, I understand. I will do as you say."

Kustu smiled with satisfaction. He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the brightly lit front hall of the castle in the distance, a cold smile curving his lips.

Kid, don't blame me for being ruthless. Blame your bad luck for coming back at this time.

As a stepping stone for our family to climb higher, you shall die.

Meanwhile, Hawke had already quietly left the dormitory, changed into ordinary mercenary clothes, and, under the cover of night, rode his fast horse toward Black Crow Ridge.