Farlin Leonardo walked through the magnificent palace adorned with golden and silver patterns, receiving greetings from wizards in Secret Power Workshop magic robes along the way.
Farlin did not stop his strides, and they even quickened, showing a hint of nervousness and urgency, as if eager to meet someone of great importance.
Upon reaching a secluded courtyard entrance, Farlin’s steps slowed down.
At the entrance stood a golden-haired witch with a graceful appearance, her snowy white chest prominently displayed. Seeing Farlin, she stepped forward to greet him.
Farlin inquired, and the golden-haired witch nodded, speaking softly: "He purchased a large batch of Healing Potions from us. I didn’t have time to consult you, so I sold them to him at half cost..."
"Is he injured?... You should have just given them to him. The Secret Power Workshop isn’t short of these few Magic Stones."
Farlin frowned slightly, then glanced at the golden-haired witch, his gaze briefly flickering over the exposed white skin at her chest, his lips moving quickly as he inquired about some matters.
The golden-haired witch’s face showed a slight blush, a resigned expression as she shook her head.
Farlin waved his hand, signaling for the witch to leave, and he composed himself before stepping into the courtyard.
This was a rather elegant and refined small garden, filled with various glowing plants of many colors. In one corner, a pool of still water held a few clusters of golden water lilies, where some small magical floating creatures joyfully swam beneath the lily pads.
Beside the pool was a gray stone round table, scattered with several transparent crystal balls of different colors, refracting some shifting light and shadows.
From the moment Farlin entered the courtyard, his gaze had been fixed on a figure standing in front of the round table.
That figure was a man in a black robe with silver edges, slightly bowing his head, showing a youthful and handsome face, yet the white strands of hair falling on his shoulders added an inexplicable air of melancholy.
Seeing the young man, Farlin’s eyes flickered, taking a deep breath as he strode over.
Standing before the young man, Farlin softly called out his name.
The young man raised his head, and in the instant their eyes met, Farlin’s gaze was momentarily lost and dazed until the young man called his name, pulling Farlin back to his senses.
Farlin looked at the youth before him, filled with disbelief and astonishment.
He worked hard to calm himself, managing a smile as he spoke: "Long time no see, Damien."
Farlin smoothly sat down at the round table, saying, "A year ago, Ewaqu left some Magic Stones at the Secret Power Workshop, entrusting me to arrange a trip to the Central for a friend of his. I didn’t expect the person he spoke of was you..."
"So when can I depart?"
Farlin was taken aback, as the directness of the inquiry threw off his plans.
"The Teleportation Array and the long-range airship are ready, but you could absolutely stay for a few more days, our Secret Power Workshop..."
"This time, I’m afraid I can’t."
The young man interrupted Farlin calmly but with undeniable firmness.
"Next time, Farlin, there are matters I must attend to immediately."
Recalling the golden-haired witch’s mentioning of the youth buying Healing Potions, Farlin fell silent for a moment.
Before coming, having planned the ’hospitality’ for these days, he prepared many things that might interest the youth. Now it seemed all were in vain.
Farlin spoke resignedly, "When are you planning to leave?"
"As soon as possible."
The young man paused and said, "Preferably right away."
"Then I’ll take you there now."
Farlin stood up, leading the young man out of the garden, to a grand hall heavily sealed by barriers, not relaxing until he watched the young man’s figure completely vanish in the center of the Rune Formation, letting out a long sigh tinged with a sense of loss.
Soft footsteps sounded, and a figure walked slowly to Farlin’s side.
Seeing the newcomer, Farlin immediately bowed his head in respect, humbly addressing him: "Master."
The newcomer was a handsome middle-aged wizard, radiating the brilliance of a sunrise, wearing luxurious robes adorned with many crystals and gemstones in his hair.
"Was that the legendary Ronan Damien?"
The middle-aged wizard looked at the now-empty Teleportation Array, quietly speaking.
Farlin nodded, then gave a wry smile, saying: "Compared to the time of the Genius Battle, he has grown even stronger.
When I first met him, I almost felt as though I was gazing up at the Star River when you first introduced me to entry-level magic...
If I were to face him now, even with the ’Forbidden Blade,’ I fear I’d be defeated in a single face-off..."
"That’s only because you haven’t unlocked the true power of the ’Forbidden Blade’..."
The middle-aged wizard shook his head, then continued: "However, this Ronan Damien indeed has many remarkable traits beyond ordinary reach. He seemed to sense my presence just a moment ago and has been very cautious in the direction I was hiding..."
Farlin was dumbstruck, incredulously looking once more toward the direction Ronan had left.
"He is lauded as a prodigy born once in a century in the Southern Wizard World, admired even by Wizard Ronan of the Star School... It’s said he comes from a very ordinary background, and reaching this point is truly extraordinary..."
The middle-aged wizard turned to Farlin, speaking lightly: "To form connections with someone of his caliber, rather than exhaustively trying to cater and please, it’s better to enhance one’s own knowledge and strength so that the other party naturally recognizes you..."