Wind Whisper Academy.
An unending wind surged up from the depths of the earth veins.
Following the familiar path, Ian arrived before Elena's Wizard Tower.
"Enter!"
The moment he knocked, the doors opened by themselves, and Elena's voice drifted out.
As soon as he stepped inside, Elena lay languidly on a sofa in the distance, her smooth, pale thighs left bare, radiating astonishing charm.
"Lady Elena."
Ian lowered his head respectfully, not daring to look around.
"Have a seat."
Elena slowly rose as well, returning to her usual dignified bearing.
"Your understanding of Gale Step runs even deeper than I imagined. You actually managed to complete it in such a short time."
Rich appreciation and curiosity shimmered in Elena's eyes as she looked at Ian.
Whenever she felt she had already understood Ian, he always managed to surprise her.
Her soft pink tongue brushed over her lips, and her gaze upon Ian revealed her fondness for talent.
"You're very good," she said slowly. "But the elite disciples will soon be heading out, and your combat strength is lacking. Take this—it can count as advance payment for the project."
She took a pale green gemstone and a letter from a drawer, tossing them to Ian.
"This is?"
Ian was stunned.
The gemstone before him was no larger than an egg, yet a tiny whirlwind swirled within it.
It gave him the feeling that, once shattered, it would tear everything apart.
"It contains a Rank 2 Wizardry spell, Tempest Spear. You can use it if you encounter real danger," Elena explained.
"And this letter. The Earth Fortress you're going to is under the jurisdiction of the Storm Spear Warband. Its current person in charge was once my student, so he may be able to offer you some convenience."
This?
Ian's eyes widened.