Chapter 110
The lab carried a faint scent of dust when Elena returned after being away for a long time.
‘I’ve been gone for two months, so it’s no surprise,’ she thought.
Since very few people ever visited Elena’s lab, it was expected. She decided to start by cleaning up. Rather than doing it manually, she used magic to gently clean the space. As she dusted, swept, and tidied up, it hit her that things had returned to normal.
‘My vacation with Lexion already feels like a distant dream,’ Elena mused, smiling to herself. Just then, she sensed a familiar magic presence. A small golden bird appeared before her.
‘This…’
Recognizing who was calling, she immediately left the lab. Moving quickly, she arrived at the central tower, standing before the Archmage’s office. Upon entering, Karen greeted her as if she had been waiting.
“It’s been a while, Archmage,” Elena greeted her with a bright smile, to which the Archmage responded with a gentle smile of her own.
“You look well,” the Archmage said.
“Thank you, and I’m very grateful for allowing Lexion and me to use the magic carriage… Thank you so much,” Elena replied.
“Think nothing of it. It was for my disciple, after all,” the Archmage said, causing Elena’s heart to skip a beat at the word “disciple.”
“During your trip, I informed the executives of the Magic Tower that you are now my official successor,” the Archmage continued.
“Wh-What?!” Elena’s eyes widened in shock. She had anticipated becoming the Archmage’s successor eventually, but she hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.
“Fortunately, everyone agreed with the decision. From now on, you are my successor, so you must dedicate yourself to your training,” the Archmage stated firmly.
Elena felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, there was a thrilling sense of responsibility. On the other, she felt a pang of guilt thinking about her promise to Lexion.
‘I told Lexion I wouldn’t be busy for a while….’
But she knew she couldn’t pass up this opportunity. Forcing a smile, Elena nodded.
“Yes, Archmage.”
*****
The next afternoon, Elena made her way to Lexion’s office. Although her training as the Archmage’s successor wouldn’t start right away, she had just two days to prepare. There were many things she needed to organize before relocating to the central tower, making her schedule hectic. Still, she managed to carve out some time to see Lexion.
“Elena,” Lexion greeted her with a joyful expression as she entered. Seeing the few documents on his desk, Elena was relieved that he didn’t seem too busy.
“Lexion, did you sleep well? Have you finished all your work?” Elena asked, holding his hand as he approached her.
“Yes, I did. Did you sleep well too? I’ve taken care of all the urgent tasks. But what brings you here?” Lexion, smiling, noticed something different in Elena’s demeanor and inquired.
Elena lowered her head, speaking hesitantly, “I’m sorry. I promised I wouldn’t be busy for a while, but I don’t think I can keep that promise…”
Lexion’s expression grew slightly serious at her words. “Why? Are you going on another business trip?” he asked, his face filled with concern.
Elena shook her head. “No, it’s not that. I’ve been called to train as the Archmage’s official successor.”
“If you’re the Archmage’s official successor, does that mean… one day, you’ll become the Archmage?”
“…Yes,” Elena replied, her voice lacking its usual strength. But to her surprise, Lexion’s expression brightened at the news.
“That’s amazing! Congratulations, Elena!” Lexion said, his voice full of genuine pride and happiness for her.
“But Lexion, if I become the Archmage’s successor, we’ll have less time together… are you okay with that?” Elena asked, her voice tinged with worry.
“Of course, I’ll miss you, but this is what you’ve always wanted, right?” Lexion replied, his tone reassuring.
“I suppose so, but…” Elena hesitated.
“If that’s the case, then I’m fine with it. Your happiness is what matters most to me,” Lexion said, gently kissing the back of her hand.
“Lexion…” Elena’s eyes welled up with emotion.
When a tear escaped, Lexion panicked.
“El-Elena, why are you crying?”
“Because I’m so happy,” Elena whispered, wrapping her arms around him.
She nestled into Lexion’s embrace, feeling overwhelmed with love for the man who understood her so deeply and supported her dreams.
“Thank you, truly,” she said.
“No need to thank me, Elena. For you, I’m willing to do anything, even if it means waiting,” Lexion murmured, his soothing voice bringing more tears to her eyes.
She wept in his arms for a while. After a few minutes, her tears subsided, thanks to his comforting words.
“Still, Lexion, even during my training, I’ll make sure to visit you as often as I can,” Elena promised.
“Don’t push yourself too hard,” he cautioned.
“When I see you, I feel stronger,” she insisted.
“…Alright, just promise me you won’t push yourself too hard.”
“I will. Don’t worry,” Elena assured him.
They exchanged a loving glance before sharing a tender kiss.
*****
With her new role as the Archmage’s successor, Elena was no longer the chief researcher of the West Tower. Her position as the sole successor made her the second most important person in the Magic Tower, right after the Archmage.
Consequently, she moved from the West Tower, where she had resided for a long time, to the Central Tower. As the Archmage’s only disciple, it was crucial for her to stay in close communication, so her new residence was located just below the Archmage’s office in the Central Tower.
Her new quarters were significantly larger, twice the size of her previous dormitory, and included a private laboratory. Elena moved all her belongings from her old lab, including the portal that connected directly to Lexion’s office.
Once the move was complete, her friends came to visit.
“Wow, this place is huge. You’re truly the Archmage’s student now,” Jacob remarked, admiring the spacious new quarters. He handed Elena a bouquet of flowers. “Congratulations! These flowers were made by Sera and Roen. They send their best wishes too.”
“Really? They’re beautiful! Thank you, and please thank them for me,” Elena responded with a bright smile, accepting the bouquet.
“Will do. I’ll invite you to dinner soon,” Jacob said, patting her on the shoulder before leaving.
Jeremy, who had been quietly observing around, approached Elena. “I always knew this day would come, but it’s still a bit bittersweet.”
“I feel the same, sir,” Elena replied.
“Haha. Well, I’m no longer your teacher, so you can drop the formalities,” Jeremy said with a soft smile.
“No, you were there when I first started learning magic. You’ll always be my teacher,” Elena insisted.
“…Thank you for saying that. And congratulations, Elena,” Jeremy said sincerely. Then, he handed her a thick, glowing jewel.
“This is…” Elena began, looking at the gift.
“It’s a magic stone containing some of my magic. I’m not a specialist in this area, but it includes some healing spells. You’ll be starting intense training with the Archmage soon, and you might need it,” Jeremy explained.
“Thank you so much! I’m really grateful,” Elena said, setting the bouquet down, accepting the gift, and embracing Jeremy.
“If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to come to me, okay?” Jeremy said warmly.
“Yes, and if you ever find yourself in trouble, you can come to me too!” Elena replied.
“Haha, alright,” Jeremy agreed.
Although their formal teacher-student relationship ended, Jeremy would always be Elena’s teacher.
*****
The day after Elena’s move, training in the Central Tower began.
“Are you ready?” the Archmage asked as they prepared to start.
“Yes, Archmage,” Elena replied, her nerves showing as she glanced at Karen.
Karen responded with a smile and snapped her fingers, enveloping them in a golden light. Instantly, Elena and Karen vanished from the office.
When the glow dissipated, they found themselves in a unique location within the Magic Tower, accessible only to the Archmage.
“Here…”
Elena looked around in awe. The space resembled an underground chamber but was open to the sky above.
“This is a special practice area reserved for the Archmage and their apprentice,” Karen explained while floating above. “I used to train here myself.”
Elena was astonished. “A special practice area?”
“Yes. This is the top floor of the tower, a hidden room within, and now I’ll grant you access to it,” Karen said, extending her hand. She channeled golden magic into Elena, granting her permission to use the space.
“From now on, you can come here whenever you want.”
“Yes, Master!” Elena responded, her excitement evident.
Karen’s smile grew warmer. “Now then, let’s begin your training.”
