He took in a deep breath, collected his thoughts, then knocked three times.

He waited, his heart beating too loud. He rehearsed his part: "Good evening, sir, I am Adrien, the new apprentice, it's a honor to meet you"...

At last, there was a crunch coming from the inside, and the hinge screeched as the wooden door was opened wide. There he was, the sorcerer Valerion.

"Oh! I take you must be Adrien, yes? The apprentice! Welcome, welcome. Please, come in".