Master Jared was waiting ahead, his expression calm and composed as I approached.
Seeing me, he gave a small nod, and I quickened my pace to join him.
We walked through the grand corridors of the palace, passing ornate decorations and the occasional guard, until we reached a more secluded section of the palace where other magical masters were known to convene.
As we approached a large, heavy door, a bald, elderly master, known for his keen expertise, greeted us with a curious glance. "Master Jared, what brings you here with a young mage?"
Master Jared nodded respectfully. "This is the mage in question. His recent claim of advancing to a two-star mage needs verification."
The bald master's eyebrows rose in surprise, but he simply nodded and motioned for us to proceed.
We entered a large, spacious hall, its high ceilings and expansive floor creating an imposing yet serene atmosphere.
