When the airship landed in Mandalay, the Provincial Capital of Phoniyagali Province, the warm and pleasant climate immediately made Ang feel how different it was from Akreli. Mendel City enjoyed springlike weather all year round, with fresh air and gentle sunlight hanging in the sky, making the entire city seem vibrant with life. Compared to Akreli's winter cold, this place was practically a paradise for escaping the chill.
Ang and the others disembarked from the airship one after another and saw a group already waiting for them in the airship plaza. Neatly dressed reception staff and local mages stood to one side. Among them was a middle-aged man in a dark green mage's robe, looking refined and graceful as he smiled and walked toward Mentor Nicholas. Ang noticed that his movements were elegant, every gesture revealing experience and confidence.
Only then did Ang learn that this study tour was actually an academic exchange as well. Nicholas's good friend, Owen, was a local mage from Mandalay, and he had invited Nicholas and his disciples here for exchanges and study. Ang quietly speculated that this trip would probably be more than a simple study tour. There might be corresponding exchange activities at every stop, which also meant they would gain considerable academic experience and training.
From Owen's conversation with his mentor, Ang learned that Owen was also an official mage and shared an extraordinary relationship with Mentor Nicholas. When they met, Owen did not follow the usual etiquette between mages by placing his right hand flat over his abdomen and giving a slight bow. Instead, he gave Nicholas a warm hug and joked, "Nicholas, it's been years since we last met. Have you been well?" Nicholas smiled in reply. "It has indeed been a long time, old friend. You're still as spirited