"Adrien", Val broke the silence at one point, "I think your alchemy course can be considered complete. There is no question that you know how to brew healing potions". He paused. "Your scrolls have also been of excellent quality. At this point, the only thing left to do before you can take your Novice-rank certification is to learn a few more spells, and then you can prepare for the exam".

Adrien swallowed. "Really...".

"Yes", Val nodded slowly. "I was thinking that you could take the exam in September. We will have to go to Thersed for that. I will prepare you in the coming months. I am sure you will pass".

Adrien had nothing to reply to that. When he'd first left his home, the idea of becoming a full-fledged sorcerer was a dream and a hope; now, it was becoming a reality that he hated.