"You brat, you haven't been with me long, but you've learned quite a lot of my stuff!" Old man Piton said irritably to Saine after the Heavy Industry Laboratory experiment ended.
Saine snapped his fingers, flicking up a small flame to light the old man's cigar.
This should have been the last time Saine lit a cigar for Piton. Starting tomorrow, his temporary contract with the Heavy Industry Laboratory would expire, and it was time for Saine to look around other parts of Sky City.
Although he had not spent long under Piton, Saine's gains had truly been substantial.
With a famed teacher showing the way, one was far more efficient than groping through the dark and charging about alone.
What pleased old man Piton most was Saine's humility and eagerness to learn.
He did not put on any airs as a Third-Level Great Magician, always placing himself in the position of an apprentice.
A high-quality apprentice like this was liked by many mentors.
Piton was no exception. He tilted the cigar between his fingers, turned to Saine, and asked in a relatively solemn tone, "Hmm... I think you and I are quite fated. Are you interested... in becoming my disciple?"
After saying this, old man Piton's eyes gave off a faint glimmer.
This was the first time in several centuries that he had entertained the thought of taking on a disciple.
Facing old man Piton's question, Saine smiled modestly and said, "I'm very sorry, Master, but I already have a mentor."
Saine's answer disappointed Piton greatly, though it was not entirely beyond his expectations.
Saine had become a Third-Level Great Magician at such a young age. Without the guidance and care of a famed teacher, that would have been absolutely impossible.
Piton blew out an oval smoke ring and