Crimson Wizard Academy.
Core District.
This was a flat-topped mountain several hundred meters high, its summit spanning several hundred acres, with an enormous lava lake at its center.
Ian followed Gabriel.
They climbed to the mountaintop.
Aaron, clad in a golden-red Witch Robe, stood with his back to the lake.
He turned around.
His gaze passed over Gabriel and settled on Ian, as though he wished to see just how many secrets Ian still held.
He slowly said, "You are even more outstanding than I imagined."
"You flatter me, sir."
2
Ian answered modestly.
Aaron shook his head. "To comprehend Flame Rhythm at your stage, even in Gray Tower, you would never be an unknown Wizard. But Elemental Mysteries is only a lower-tier Academy. It has held you back somewhat."
Ian froze, then said, "Headmaster, I do not think so. Without Elemental Mysteries, I would not be where I am today. And I have learned so, so much here."
He was not joking.
With his talent, it had been impossible for him to join Gray Tower back then. Besides, he had indeed gained much in Elemental Mysteries—things that Gray Tower might not have been able to offer him.
At Gray Tower,
he might not have developed as well as he had now.
Hearing this, Aaron nodded in satisfaction. "When did you comprehend Flame Rhythm?"
"Probably when I was at the Alchemy Department before. While using Smelting Fire, I suddenly sensed the affinity of the flames within it."
Ian did not mention the dream.
"So that was when you were Early Second Ring."
Aaron could not help but grin again.
At that level, it was truly something only the top geniuses within Gray Tower could accomplish.
Gabriel, standing nearby, suddenly stiffened as well.
He felt somewhat awkward.
He was an entire