Time flashed by, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the examination arrived.
It was still the same clearing used for the entrance examination. Richard stood in a corner wearing the Cloak of Concealment, feeding Munin iron beans from his hand.
"Richard, you still like hiding."
A voice suddenly sounded beside Richard. He turned and saw a female Wizard Apprentice approaching him, wearing a pointed wizard hat, holding a long Staff, and sporting two dark circles beneath her eyes.
"Ellie, long time no see." Richard greeted her and casually handed Munin over.
Over the years, their relationship had gradually changed from the clingy sweetness of lovers into the clear, calm friendship of gentlemen. Partly because, after so long, their feelings had lost their freshness. But also because of the wizards' teachings.
Under the wizards' guidance, both of them had come to clearly understand one thing.
Without becoming wizards, everything was empty illusion.
Even so, some things beyond friendship had happened between them. For example...
Exchanging research results.
He and Ellie had established an excellent cooperative arrangement: he provided the Magic Stones to purchase spell models and Library materials, which Ellie would modify. They then shared the final results.
Simply put, he paid, Ellie did the work, and they shared the results.
Of course, that sharing was only superficial. The things Ellie had learned from Susanna definitely could not, and would not, be shared with Richard.
Even so, Richard had gained a great deal from it.
Besides that, Ellie would also commission Richard to make certain Magic Armor and small alchemical tools. Richard only charged her the cost price for those items.
Ellie stroked Munin's feathers, and Munin affectionately rubbed against her hand.
"This time, it'll probably still be random teleportation. Want to agree on a meeting point?"