Shifting Status, a Leading Figure, a Custom Contract, and the Arrival of the Mist-Dispelling Device!

Inside the Grand Hall.

As the results were announced.

Those selected breathed a sigh of relief, while the faces of those passed over darkened.

Just as Ian was about to leave.

A familiar figure approached: Gabriel.

Smiling, he said to Ian, "I'm hosting a banquet tonight."

He handed Ian an invitation.

"Sure. I'll come if I have time."

Ian nodded.

As the headmaster's student, Gabriel deserved that much courtesy.

"See you tonight, then."

Gabriel patted Ian's shoulder, then went on to invite other Wizards. Most gladly accepted.

Night fell.

Light spilled across the Banquet Hall. The tables were laden with delicacies, and a band performed off to one side.

Ian made his usual way to a corner.

He enjoyed the music and food while observing the Wizards attending the banquet.

Since Gabriel was hosting.

Most of the guests were younger Wizards. Nearly everyone in the reserve selection had come.

The headmaster's student clearly had a considerable reputation.

Then again, after the first selection for Reserve Elemental Child, nearly everyone sees him as the leading figure of this generation. Ian watched Gabriel across the room, surrounded like the moon by a host of stars.

Of course, Ian wasn't doing badly himself.

Gabriel broke away from the crowd and walked toward him with a wineglass in hand.

"Sorry. The Wizards are more enthusiastic than I expected today." He shrugged.

"Only natural. You're the headmaster's student, and the favorite among this batch of candidates." Ian speared a piece of roast meat with his fork. Gabriel smiled at him. "And yet I left all those Wizards to come find you. Ian, your name has spread even further than mine since the first selection. Did you know? Many Wizards are convinced you'll become the leading figure of the Alchemy Department."

He wasn't just being polite.