Tom stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and placed his right hand on his chest.
"Sir." His voice was deep, much rougher than three years ago.
Duke looked at him, silent for a few breaths.
"Level 1?"
"Yes." Tom looked up respectfully, "Promoted last year."
Duke stared into his eyes. "How did you promote?"
Tom did not avoid his gaze.
"Bloodline Mage." His voice was steady, without any fluctuations, "I fused with the bloodline of the Casseydia Sea Demon."
Duke was silent for a moment; the Casseydia Sea Demon was the top predator of the deep-sea plane, with strength comparable to a Level 3 Mage in its adult form.
Its bloodline power was renowned for a strong physique and terrifying regenerative abilities, but the fusion risk was extremely high, with a failure rate exceeding seventy percent.
Moreover, after fusion, the wizard's own magic power would be eroded by the bloodline power, becoming impure and limiting their future path.
"Why?" Duke asked.
