Here, I must mention the composition of wizard power on the Main Continent.
As a resource-rich Main Continent, compared with the East Coast, the number of wizards holds a significant advantage, being several times greater. This reason, coupled with the prevalence of magic knights, results in low-level wizards holding a not-so-high status.
For example, on the Main Continent, a wizard apprentice without any background has a status much lower than that of nobles, as they find it difficult to withstand well-trained magic knights.
Only upon advancing to a first-level wizard can one qualify to be on an equal footing with nobles, usually referring to small nobles or middle-class nobles—powerful great nobles still disdain first-level wizards.
Thus, on the Main Continent, wizard apprentices and first-level wizards are considered the lower echelons of wizards.
Only when one becomes a second-level wizard can they be considered part of the middle layer of wizards, respected anywhere on the continent, though the respect is limited.
A standalone second-level wizard would still find it difficult to make great nobles bow down, as they can afford enough magic knights, even if they are only ordinary three-pattern magic knights. Once their numbers grow, they are enough to overwhelm a second-level wizard.
However, once reaching the third-level wizard, everything changes.
The power of a third-level wizard is so great that to confront one head-on, a substantial number of seven-pattern great magic knights are required. However, such knights are not so easily recruited. Therefore, except for a few top-tier nobles, great nobles must also hold third-level wizards in awe, lest they become targets of a beheading strategy.
Third-level wizards are considered part of the upper tier among wizards on the Main Continent, even belonging to the ruling class in certain wizard organizations.
Above them are the level 4 wizards, belonging to the top tier.
With each increase in the wizard level, the difficulty is beyond imagination, especially the transition from a third-level wizard to a level 4 wizard, which is extremely challenging.
On the East Coast, the strongest wizard is just a third-level wizard, but on the Main Continent, with its vast resources and a higher density of free energy elements, the level is only increased by one, to a level 4.
Those who can become level 4 wizards on the Main Continent are incredibly rare; each one is either a peerless genius or a leader of a powerful wizard organization, an absolute powerhouse among wizards.
As for the level 5 wizards, they only exist in rumors. There are frequent whispers that some elder of a wizard organization has secluded themselves and successfully broken through to level 5, or that some powerful individual from a century ago has suddenly reappeared as a level 5 wizard, but none of these claims have ever been confirmed.
This is the Main Continent.
The lower tier of first-level wizards, the middle layer of second-level wizards, the upper tier of third-level wizards, and the top tier of level 4 wizards.
A power structure a level higher than that of the East Coast.
Richard is somewhat puzzled by this power structure. According to what he understood from the "Monroe Chapter" Wizard Book, the limit for wizards should be level 9.
But now, on the most prosperous Main Continent, the limit is only level 4 wizards, significantly off the mark. There is undoubtedly a massive gap, or perhaps even more than one.
What exactly caused this will likely be known only when the true nature of the world is understood.
Currently, the matter at hand is how to respond to Marquis Vian’s question: what level does he belong to.
Marquis Vian, in the corresponding wizard power hierarchy of the Main Continent, is roughly a middle-layer second-level wizard.
Thus, he responded at the same level, for the other party would likely attempt further contact.
However, if his answer were of a lower level, the other party would likely offer polite words before sending him off. As for the previously agreed upon matter of supplying glass from a glass factory, they might also find various excuses to back out, such as worker strikes or material shortages.
After all, this is a very pragmatic world where promises could be very important or completely worthless.
Of course, he also had other choices.
For example, telling Marquis Vian that he was of a higher wizard level.
Given his current combat ability, which overwhelmingly surpasses most third-level wizards, claiming to be a third-level wizard peak, or a ordinary level 4 wizard wouldn’t be much of an issue. Undoubtedly, Marquis Vian would be pleasantly surprised to accept this answer.
But on the other hand, this conflicted with his usual caution in concealing his own abilities. He came to Marquis Vian merely to purchase some glass, and there really was no need to expose all his capabilities.
After thinking it over, Richard responded.
"My wizard level?" Richard said, "Marquis Vian, you might consider me at the peak of a second-level wizard, or just advanced to a third-level wizard."
"Second-level wizard peak? Or just advanced to a third-level wizard?" Marquis Vian repeated Richard’s words, half-jokingly said, "Why, Master Wizard Richard, can’t you be sure of your own real level? Why give me a range?"
This, of course, was also a test.
Listening to this, Richard, with an unchanged expression, replied, "Marquis Vian, please understand that I’m not your typical wizard. I’m more inclined towards research rather than combat, so it’s difficult to define my exact combat level, as there’s a certain fluctuation."
"Does that mean, Master Wizard Richard, you’re a scholar wizard?" Marquis Vian suddenly appeared very respectful.
"Scholar wizard?" Richard said, "You could say that."
"Then, Master Wizard Richard, have you ever considered testing your true combat level?" Marquis Vian slightly leaned forward, his face full of enthusiasm, "If Master Wizard Richard wishes to do so, my men could assist."
This was a further probe and the real purpose of the test.
Richard understood that Marquis Vian would not take his words at face value without proof, eventually saying, "Then I’ll trouble Marquis Vian."
"Not at all, not at all, it’s the least I can do, and I’d also like to see." Marquis Vian continued, smiling, then turned and called out to the lounge outside: "Soron!"
The reply came, and a robust man in profound black iron armor entered, taking heavy steps into the lounge, and knelt on one knee in salute after reaching the lounge area.
It was apparent, the robust man called Soron, about 1.9 meters tall, had explosive muscles underneath his iron armor. The surface of the iron armor was covered with dense magic runes, emitting faint mana fluctuations. Once activated, it could unleash formidable combat power.
The man was indeed a magic knight.