More than two months passed in the blink of an eye.
Ian pushed open the door to his Alchemy Room. The morning light slanted in, casting a pale patch at his feet.
He stretched, his joints letting out a series of soft pops.
His dark gray Wizard Robe was a bit faded from washing, and the cuffs were stained with a few dark, dried Potion marks.
Gaga tumbled out of the shadows and landed on his shoulder.
"Assessment today, gaga?"
"Mm."
Ian walked to the window and pushed it halfway open. It was already bustling outside.
The central courtyard of Shadow Moon Tower was filled with people, most of whom were Level One Wizards.
They stood in small groups of two and three, talking in low voices. The atmosphere was faintly tense.
Robert hurried up the stairs, clutching a Bone Token.
"Sir, the assessment grounds are in the western core area. It's already begun."
Ian took the Bone Token and glanced at it. His name and number were carved on it: Seventeen.
"Understood."
