After the funeral, Roland returned to the Orvisto Wizard Tower at his teacher's request.
Sure enough, the committee had issued the formal appointment naming Swein the next tower master.
The Mage Tower entered its most glorious moment since its founding. Three Grand Mages gathered there, proclaiming the success of passing the torch.
But in a sense, it also meant that Ovesto's time was drawing to a close.
The old mage was already so advanced in years that every meeting brought them closer to their last.
Even Roland had a vague premonition that his death would come within the next few years. It was not far off.
Ovesto was a successful man born into wealth who had enjoyed all life had to offer, with no lingering obsessions or regrets. He seemed far more open-minded and accepting than most.
He had no intention of becoming a Lich or seeking longevity through other forms of corruption.
He simply waited quietly for his death.
At the top of the tower, in the study that had originally belonged to Ovesto, the teacher and his two students discussed the final arrangements for their small lineage.
Swein said, "I have a few promising students under me. I've mentioned them to you before... I've recently sent them out to gain experience. I believe they'll advance to the higher tier soon."
Roland said, "That's great. When the time comes, just let me know if there's anything I can help with."
Ovesto was deeply gratified.
Given the relationship between Roland and Swein, they could support each other on the path of arcana and look after each other's students.
They still had at least ten or twenty years to work closely together and train new successors.
At that point, Ovesto brought up another matter.
"Swein and I have discussed this. Seris