Webster gestured for Charles to sit down and said, "Charles, you have studied under me, and I have been watching you for a long time."
"Your progress in planar studies and knowledge related to cross-planar portals has been very rapid."
"Are you interested in participating in a planar development project?"
Charles respectfully replied, "Yes, Sage. My teacher Anderson manages a minor plane, and I am also very interested in this sort of plane development work."
Webster nodded and said, "Anderson, I remember him. A fine young man."
"You have studied under me for eight months. Though you learn quickly, the knowledge required to construct cross-planar portals is vast. Even Anderson spent seven years studying under me back then."
"You do not seem to have enrolled in next year's courses. Do you believe you have learned enough already?"
Charles sighed. "Sage, I have not learned enough, but... I no longer have sufficient credits to enroll in next year's courses."
Webster nodded. "You should know that the credits for planar studies courses are nothing to a Sage. My teaching is more about passing down knowledge."
Charles bowed. "I am grateful for your efforts, Sage!"
Webster raised a hand and used spiritual power to help Charles back up. Then he got to the point. "I intend to waive your tuition and let you continue studying under me. What do you think?"
Charles struggled inwardly.
One who bows low before another must be asking for something in return.
Webster was just like that now. What he was saying certainly had everything to do with the project to explore the plane he had mentioned.
Webster said, "I do not particularly like Isata's system. Wizard Sages can conscript lower-ranking wizards and force them to carry out certain tasks."
"I do not like that. I prefer an