Earth Fortress.
As the familiar surroundings drew closer, Ian once again felt the heat and scorched tang in the air.
It was stronger than when he had left.
The airship soon landed. The moment he stepped out, he saw several familiar Wizards waiting.
"Ian!"
Xia's eyes held affection, along with a hint of admiration.
Hayden and the other Alchemists who had accompanied him were even more excited. Ian had truly pulled off something remarkable this time.
A famous Alchemist prodigy from the Academy had achieved a result like that in the preliminary trial.
"Long time no see."
Ian gave Xia a hug.
Ahem, ahem, ahem!
But she was signaling to him with her eyes. Puzzled, Ian followed her gaze, and surprise flashed across his face.
"Lord Rockforge, what brings you here?"
Ian looked at Rockforge, who stood not far away.
Rockforge was, after all, a Wizard who had half-achieved Elementalization and controlled a mine. His standing was far above Ian's.
That remained true even though Ian had passed the preliminary trial.
"To congratulate you on passing the preliminary trial, of course."
Rockforge's eyes were full of emotion too.
He had never imagined Ian would pass the preliminary trial. Ian had been busy with Alchemy all this time, after all.
Yet he had still managed to take seventh place.
That made him all but a prospective core disciple.
"Come sit with me for a while. I'll give you a proper welcome back," Rockforge said.
"Sure."
Ian did not refuse.
Xia and the others naturally went along as well.
They arrived at a banquet hall. A dining table had already been set, and an Alchemy gramophone off to one side played music.
Everyone listened to the music and enjoyed the atmosphere.
Rockforge and Ian talked back and forth like old friends.
Halfway