Expert-Level Flame Rhythm, Fragments of the Rules, Mastering "Darkfire," and a Summons from the Dean!

The Crimson Fire Pit.

In the dark-red zone, only a single step from the boundary between black and red.

Gabriel's mental power fluctuated. With each rise and fall, the flames around him burned as though drawing closer.

"Just a little more. I'm almost there."

Gabriel felt he was only one step away from grasping Flame Rhythm.

It would take only a little longer.

He would grasp Flame Rhythm.

Then he would surpass that guy.

At the thought, his facial muscles twitched, and he glanced to one side.

At a position almost level with his own.

Another figure sat there, comprehending the flames.

With every breath, he seemed naturally in harmony with them.

"Ian."

Gabriel bit his lower lip. The slight pain reminded him that this was real.

Ian had already drawn level with him.

They had both nearly reached the furthest point a Second Ring Wizard could go.

But Gabriel knew exactly how he had gotten here.

He stood here thanks to his top-tier fire affinity and a life level approaching Late Second Ring.

Ian was different.

"He only entered the Second Ring a short while ago."

Every time Gabriel thought of that, his lips went dry.

Ian's level should not have allowed him to reach this place. There had to be some other factor.

Outside, people said Ian relied on special alchemical equipment.

But Gabriel understood.

Ian relied entirely on his comprehension of fire itself.

That was why Gabriel felt such immense pressure. He still found it hard to believe.

On his first trip out, he had met someone from the Academy who surpassed him in cultivation.

Someone from his own cohort, no less.

And in the fire element, his own specialty.

"But I'm about to break through. Once I grasp Flame Rhythm, I'll nearly reach Late Second Ring.