Leo fell silent. "Mentor Stofen, hypothetically, if I could now use First-Circle Wizard-level mental energy to operate this spell, could I try making it my Permanent Defensive Stance?"
Stofen thought for a moment. "In theory, yes. But only in theory. After all, there's no way you could make your mental energy rival that of a First-Circle Wizard while still a First-Rank Wizard Apprentice."
"That's true..."
Leo feigned regret and sighed.
"Looks like I still need to devise a new Defensive Combination Spell as the prototype for my Permanent Defensive Force Field."
"Do you have anything else to ask?"
"No, Mentor Stofen."
Hearing that, Stofen said, "You can think it over more carefully. After this meeting, I'm afraid we won't be able to see each other again for quite some time."
"The time when Augusta's Second Prophecy is about to come true has arrived. I'll be very busy when that happens."
Leo said in surprise, "Mentor Stofen, this time the opponent is only a knight. Even if they might threaten a First-Rank Wizard Apprentice, they shouldn't be able to threaten a powerful First-Circle Wizard like you."
"I'm a cautious person. Preparation is essential."
After thinking for a moment, Leo said, "Mentor Stofen, before coming to see you this time, Augusta happened to summon me for questioning."
At those words, Stofen's indifferent gaze seemed to have been dusted with bone-piercing winter snow.
"Leo, anything concerning Augusta should have been brought up by you the moment you saw me. Even overlooking the slightest detail of Augusta's actions could bring us a life-and-death crisis."
"It was my oversight, Mentor Stofen."
Leo did not make excuses. Instead, he admitted his mistake.
"Tell me in detail about your interaction with him then. Go through every detail, whether it seems worth noting or not."
As the Second