Crossing the familiar misty sea, the Elizabeth gradually revealed its oppressive silhouette, like a moving steel mountain range.

Displaying the Black Sail Badge, passing through the outer area’s verification, Duke stepped onto the cold, heavy deck and walked directly towards the Elizabeth’s Third Legion affairs section.

This area was located within the structure of an auxiliary bridge, its style more concise and pragmatic than the main ship.

The metallic walls flanking the corridor were engraved with the Third Legion’s insignia, and the people moving to and fro exuded a tough aura and hurried steps.

Duke, familiar with the route, arrived at the office marked with personnel and internal coordination.

The door automatically slid open; the room wasn’t large, furnished with several metal desks piled with documents and scrolls, and spell screens flickering, scrolling with data and task codes.

A wizard with a gaunt face and eyes bearing a habitual scrutinizing look was attending to the documents; this was Lucas.

He was still wearing that slightly worn-out dark magic robe, but the battle insignia of the Third Legion was clearly visible on his chest.

Feeling someone enter, Lucas lifted his head.

Upon recognizing the visitor as Duke, particularly sensing the unique life wave and Spirit pressure belonging to a newly promoted Level 2 Mage that had not yet fully receded, a flash of undisguised astonishment flickered through his usually calm and sinister eyes.

This astonishment lasted only a brief moment, quickly replaced by a deeper scrutiny and a hint of scarcely noticeable appreciation.

He set down his pen and leaned back slightly.

"Duke." Lucas’s voice remained as steady and deep as always, but on close inspection, it seemed less coldly official than usual, "The waves emanating from you... have you crossed that threshold?"

"Yes, Mr. Lucas, I recently completed the promotion," Duke replied calmly as he walked up to the desk.

Lucas’s gaze swept over Duke as if tangible, especially lingering on the surging life aura and the distinct Spirit texture.

He nodded slowly, his face expressionless, yet the taut lines seemed to soften slightly.

"Good, very good, faster than I expected." He paused, then said, "Take a seat, you’re here to update the record, right? That’s indeed the priority."

Duke sat down as instructed.

Lucas promptly retrieved a square alchemy instrument connected to the Black Sail’s internal network from under the desk; its core slot matched the shape of Duke’s Black Sail Badge.

"Routine procedure, requires verification." Lucas gestured for Duke to place the badge into the slot.

Duke complied, placing the badge in, while his fingertips lightly touched the instrument’s crystal panel, injecting a wisp of pure earth attribute magic.

This was the safest display, affirming his identity as an Elemental Mage without revealing all his cards.

The instrument emitted a low hum, light flowing. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Moments later, a series of verification information scrolled rapidly on the adjacent secondary screen.

"Confirmed correct." Lucas swiftly operated the central screen.

The screen displayed Duke’s file within the Third Legion; Lucas swiped and selected on the screen, updating the critical information.

Wizard level was updated from Level 1 Crystalized Mage to Level 2 Elemental Mage, synchronously raising the permission level within the battle group, unlocking higher-level internal mission access, resource application, and intelligence consultation qualifications.

Additionally, Level 2 Mage has the obligation to undertake more core combat or command tasks when required by the legion.

"Congratulations." Lucas’s voice echoed again, this time with more evident solemnity, "Duke, from now on, in the eyes of the organization, you are no longer merely a promising fresh blood.

Level 2 indicates that you truly become part of the Black Sail, especially as a pillar of our Third Legion. Your opinions will be more valued, the layers you can access, and the responsibilities you will assume will be entirely different. Of course," he changed the tone, his eyes remaining calm, "the challenges and risks also upgrade simultaneously."

Duke nodded sincerely: "I understand, Mr. Lucas."

Lucas seemed to hesitate for a moment but still provided extra information: "The legion currently has no large-scale expansion or high-intensity conquest plans, focusing primarily on the deep management and routine maintenance of a few controlled planes.

For instance, over at the Beastman Plane, the war has settled long ago; now, the focus is maintaining mine production, clearing sporadic remnants, and preventing external infiltration, all requiring reliable personnel for rotation and guarding. The situation is similar for other resource planes."

He looked at Duke: "If you plan to accumulate resources through missions in the near future while adapting to the power of Level 2, these routine patrol, resource point guarding, or area patrol tasks are good options. The cycle may be long, but the environment is relatively stable, and the contribution points are solid. Specifically, you can check the relevant tasks with your new permissions."

"Thank you for the guidance." Duke noted the information down.

It seems the Black Sail is currently in a relatively stable operational period, which is conducive to him consolidating into the new realm.

Lucas waved his hand, accepting the thanks. He looked at Duke, finally saying: "Keep your previous caution and efficiency; after Level 2, more people will be watching you, including other legions, and even... some different voices within us. If there are matters you can’t handle, or you need consultation, you can come to me. In the Third Legion, we are ultimately comrades."