Chapter 61: The Return of the Archmage (Part 1)

Bashka — the capital of the Kingdom of Tormia.

Beneath the mountains surrounding the royal castle lies a dungeon 70 meters underground, completed a century ago. This place, known as the Dark Labyrinth, once served as the stronghold of Viltor Arcane, a sorcerer who once threatened the entire world.

Arcane, a master of dark magic, was a legendary figure who waged war against countless nations—until he mysteriously vanished 40 years ago due to an unknown incident.

At the time of his disappearance, he held an unofficial rank of 3rd class mage.

Any magician who reaches 3rd class or higher, regardless of official recognition, is honored with the title Grand Mage. Mage rankings are determined by the Magic Association based on achievements and reputation.

For context, it takes 1,000 points to rise from 10th to 9th class, while jumping from 4th to 3rd class demands an astronomical 280 million points. Clearing a high-level dungeon awards just 500 achievement points, and a royal audience earns only 1,000 fame points—highlighting how godlike a 3rd-class magician must be.

“…Huff… Huff…”

In a glass capsule filled with green liquid, the 149-year-old Arcane slowly opened his eyes.

His body was emaciated, his skin drooping, and he was entirely unclothed. Without the life-support system that suppressed cellular breakdown, death would have claimed him long ago.

At last… the Essence of Darkness is complete.

He turned his gaze toward the black crystal on the desk. Once a gem as bright as a diamond, it had darkened into obsidian after years of ritual magic, where Arcane had infused it with dark power daily.