Valerion ate another small bite of frittata, then took a swig of wine and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He looked at the flames dancing in the fireplace with a thoughtful air to his expression, then he spoke: "Before attempting abstract defense magic again, we'd better return to regular defense magic with a focus on energy control. We'll stay on that chapter for a while; I want to make sure that what happened today does not happen again. I hope you understand".

"Of course", Adrien nodded. "It's alright. I am very grateful that you allowed me to try. I -- I will do my best to improve".

"I know you will", Valerion said, smiling with his eyes.