"Then I'll look forward to your good news, Master Ancient One."
Leo smiled at Master Ancient One, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. After all, on Earth, she was probably the only person who could know anything about this black sphere. She might even be the only one who had witnessed its existence from the very beginning.
"I'll look into it when I get back. I'll do my best."
Master Ancient One smiled and nodded, then picked up the still-warm cup of tea and drank from it.
Leo also picked up the other cup without the slightest hesitation and gulped it down.
Master Ancient One showed no reluctance at all over such fine tea, which even she considered a precious rarity and seldom had the chance to drink. Instead, she burst into laughter.
Her attitude toward Leo was extremely complicated. Leo's current strength had already exceeded her imagination. More importantly, from what she knew, Leo himself was an Earthling.
That alone made it impossible for her to bring herself to act against him. Not to mention that because of her hesitation, she had lost any chance of dealing with Leo after what had happened back then.
Thus, Master Ancient One had long since come to regard Leo as another guardian of Earth, an existence on equal footing with herself, and perhaps even someone who could become her closest friend.
One had to know that she had never treated anyone this way before.
Master Ancient One also felt somewhat regretful. If Leo had appeared earlier, perhaps her life before would have been much more interesting and less dull and monotonous.
However, Master Ancient One had already made up her mind. She had held the position of Sorcerer Supreme for long enough, and it was time to pass it on to