Banquet Gains, the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce, a New Stage in the Dream, Obtaining the Key!

Night.

Somewhere in the Academy, a banquet was underway.

"Even if tomorrow were a civilization war, I believe Wizards' banquets would never cease."

Swirling the wineglass in his hand, Ian watched the lively scene not far away.

"I heard Wizards' fondness for holding banquets comes with a little story," Theodore said with a smile beside him.

"Hmm?"

Ian was somewhat curious.

"It is said that the First Wizard, Metatron, had many students. Yet they were all Wizards, and they loved research so much that they practically spent all day soaking in their laboratories. Even when he wanted to see them, he had to go to great lengths. Later, he began holding gatherings on certain dates—though the wording may have changed since then."

Theodore spoke slowly.

So that was how it was.

Ian came to a sudden realization.

Still, most Wizards were rather solitary. A banquet could effectively gather everyone together.

"But who were Metatron's students?"

Ian suddenly grew curious.

It was because he recalled having followed Metatron for a time in those dream memories.

"I don't know. Much about Metatron is secret, concealed by those top-tier Wizards. I only heard that some may have traveled the Astral Realm, some became wandering Wizards, and some founded Wizard Academies and so on.

At the age of that group of Wizards, perhaps they're still alive even now?" Theodore shrugged and raised his glass.

"That's true!"

Ian clinked glasses with him and smiled.

Even for a Second Ring Wizard, living beyond five hundred years was easy.

If one possessed a special Transcendent Physique, one's lifespan would only be longer.

There was merely the restriction of Transcendent Lament.

"Still, congratulations, Ian, on advancing to Advanced Alchemist and project leader. Looking over all these years, you should be the youngest Advanced Alchemist. Every time I see