"Teacher!"
"Mm!"
Horton nodded and gestured for Ian to sit opposite him.
"How do you feel?"
Ian pondered for a moment. "Like a storm. One second, it wanted to tear me to shreds, but the next, it vanished into thin air."
"A fitting description."
Horton nodded, but then changed tack. "But storms never truly disappear. They can whip up again at any moment. When that happens, you'll have to rely on your own strength."
Ian nodded.
Then Horton changed the subject. "Hyde is dead. I'm saddened by it too, but someone still has to fill his vacancy. I intend to have you take his position and become the new head of the Logistics Department."
"Me... head of the Logistics Department?"
Ian froze.
He had considered becoming deputy head of the Potions Department, but he truly had not expected Horton to make him head of the Logistics Department.
"What, don't you have confidence? If you aren't willing, I can also make you a deputy head in the Potions Department." Horton smiled at him.
"No, Teacher. I'm willing."
Ian only hesitated for a moment before agreeing outright.
The academy assessment would take place in just over two years. Only with sufficient resources could he stand out during that assessment.
Especially after witnessing the conditions those academies offered.
He knew full well that whether he entered an academy would have a world of difference on his growth.
Only there could he make better use of his advantages.
But if he wanted to enter the Elemental Mystery Wizard Academy, even the wizards from those academies would be his competitors.
That would not be easy.
The panel could help him shorten the time needed to catch up with them.
But that depended on having ample resources.
"Not bad. You're starting to look the part now.