Half an hour earlier.
The sudden change in the advanced Elemental Pool caught the attention of several Wizards, and the Wizard in charge hurried over.
It was the gray-robed Wizard from last time.
Frowning at the Elemental Pool, which was being depleted far too quickly, he asked the Wizard beside him, "Who's inside?"
The young Wizard was also the one from last time.
"Ian," he answered at once.
"Him again?"
The gray-robed Wizard raised an eyebrow, taken aback.
"How did he get permission?"
This was an advanced meditation pool. How had a Zero Ring Wizard gained access to it?
"Lord Kieran gave him authorization," the young Wizard said.
"Lord Kieran?"
The gray-robed Wizard's expression changed instantly.
He had no doubt Ian would never forge something like that. Even a First Ring Wizard could not bear the consequences.
Then why was Ian here?
Wait.
Their eyes met, and both realized something was wrong. A change on this scale...
Ordinarily,
there was only one explanation.
He was...
"Advancing to Official Wizard!"
The gray-robed Wizard forced out the words, his gaze shifting sharply. If that was true, then Ian could not have been attempting an advancement last time.
Only a few months had passed since then.
If a Wizard failed an advancement attempt, he might never get a second chance.
"Sir, the elements in this pool don't seem to be enough."
Suddenly, panic filled the young Wizard's eyes.
The gray-robed Wizard turned to look. Although he could not see inside the Elemental Pool, he could sense the elements vanishing at a terrifying rate.
What should he do?
Gritting his teeth, he said, "Divert the elements from the advanced Elemental Pool next door."
"Divert a top-tier Elemental Pool."
A calm voice sounded beside him. The gray-robed Wizard frowned. Who was that?
But when he