Therefore, taking on a long-term mission away from home was, for Lucien, a stroke of good fortune; it was only away from the attention of other Formal Wizards that he could truly spread his wings.
If he could advance to a Formal Wizard in one fell swoop, then upon returning to the academy, he would not only rise directly to the top echelons, but his actions and style would no longer need to be concealed.
Although the difference between a Third-level Wizard Apprentice and a Formal Wizard seemed to be a thin line, the reality of their statuses was like night and day.
One is a Wizard! The other, an apprentice!
Moreover, at least within Greybone Academy, no one dared, nor would anyone seek to pry into the secrets of a Formal Wizard. Even the high and mighty Dean favored a policy of engagement when dealing with Formal Wizards.
This point was particularly enticing to Lucien.
