"Has Crimson Eye already begun deploying some new alchemical products?"
In his office, Augusto raised a brow as he read the report before him.
The report stated that Crimson Eye's standardized Witchcraft Artifacts had been upgraded. Rumor had it they had sought assistance from a higher Academy, and the defensive capabilities of their protective Witchcraft Artifacts had risen by a considerable margin.
This was not good news for the Wizards of Elemental Mysteries.
Especially for the relatively numerous first-ring Wizards, who played a fairly influential role in the overall situation.
"But improving Witchcraft Artifacts isn't that simple."
Thinking of the order the minister had given him, Augusto shook his head.
"The project team is working on it, and Ian's side is working on it too, but...
The former is progressing slowly, while the latter...
"It probably isn't a scam to siphon off funding, but no one knows when they'll produce results."
He had not blindly believed the rumors. After all, Ian really had made a certain degree of improvement back then.
It was simply uncertain whether the results would be all that significant.
"Originally, even a few minor successes would have been enough. But Crimson Eye's latest move may draw attention to Ian again. Perhaps I should let Xia return to her normal post."
He pondered.
Knock, knock, knock!
The next second, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in!"
He composed his expression and spoke.
The door opened, and Ian and Xia walked in. The latter, in particular, was beaming with delight.
"Are you here for project funding? Sorry, but that may..." Augusto began.
"No, Teacher. The project succeeded," Xia said.
"Not funding? The project merely succeeded? What, it succeeded?"
Augusto seemed to snap awake, but then he shook his head again.
"Success is a good thing,