"Ian, I'm leaving. I'm going to the High Tower to continue my cultivation."
Malena looked at Ian. "You've been eyeing the Witchcraft Practice Room for a long time. You can have it after I'm gone. Harvey's recovering from his injuries anyway."
Ian was taken aback, and the joy that had just begun to swell in him subsided.
"Malena, are you preparing for a breakthrough?"
"Yes. I'll leave as soon as I've taken care of everything here."
"That's great news! I wish you success! In the future, I'll have a Wizard friend to back me up."
Malena stared at the tea leaves floating in her cup, her gaze unfocused.
"Friends... that's nice."
Winter was approaching, and the sunlight spilling into the courtyard carried a trace of warmth.
The two of them drank their honey tea comfortably. After chatting for a while, they went their separate ways to get back to their work.
Ian returned to the Magic Potion Room and began preparing to go all out on breaking through with the Awakening Potion.
