When she no longer tried to alleviate the awkward atmosphere, Ocasie realized that there wasn't really any awkwardness.
The two walked the remaining distance in silence, parting ways at the entrance of the School.
Ocasie returned to Black Castle, while Colin made his way to Atbolde's residence.
A building had risen from the ruins of the original villa.
However, compared to the previous villa, this new structure seemed somewhat rudimentary.
It was just a single-story wooden house, not covering a large area.
But when Colin stepped inside, he realized that the interior space was larger than he had imagined.
There was at least a living room and a study, along with several other rooms.
Atbolde was aware of his entrance.
Following Nado's directions, Colin crossed the living room to the study.
Pushing open the thick wooden door, he was greeted by the same furnishings as before:
The hefty brown desk, the massive Force Field floor-to-ceiling window, and the tall bookshelf on the left.
Everything seemed no different from the second-floor study of the original villa… except for the view outside the window.
Through the transparent Force Field floor-to-ceiling, a swaying field of flowers caught his eye amidst the vast snow.
Protected by a specialized Protective Shield, they escaped the fate of withering, still blooming brilliantly amidst the icy snowscape.
"Good afternoon, Mentor," Colin said, turning his attention away from the window to Atbolde seated behind the desk.
"Good afternoon, Colin, is there something you needed to see me about?" Atbolde asked with a warm smile.
"Yes," Colin nodded. "I wanted to ask Mentor some questions about advancing to Second Rank."
Atbolde's expression remained unchanged as he patiently answered Colin's inquiries in detail.
He hadn't thought that Colin was close to advancing to Second Rank and considered it a routine inquiry.
After all, Colin had not been an Official Wizard for long and his understanding of Second Rank Wizards was evidently limited.
About an hour later, the sun began to set and the sky gradually darkened.
Their conversation was nearly at an end.
Sitting in the chair, Colin appeared contemplative. He had gained much from their discussion.
As a Second Rank Wizard, Atbolde could demonstrate many things practically, which was more vivid than any knowledge from books.
"Have you received the Golden Feather Token?" Atbolde suddenly asked.
"Yes, I just got it today," Colin snapped back to reality, pulling out his Golden Feather Token and starting to hand it to Atbolde.
Atbolde waved his hand and looked at the Golden Feather Token, his eyes filled with reminiscence.
He looked at Colin, whose figure in front of him started to blur, seemingly merging with that of his late son.
"Mentor Atbolde, it's getting late, shall I head back now?" Colin asked.
Atbolde came back to his senses, paused, and nodded,
"Yes, you should head back. If you have any more doubts, feel free to come find me anytime."
"Alright, goodbye Mentor."
Colin slowly stood up and walked towards the door.
"Colin,"
Just as he reached the door, Atbolde suddenly called out to him again.
"After obtaining the Golden Feather Token, numerous Factions within the School will extend their olive branches to you. If there's one you fancy… I hope you won't mind me, don't mind Lillian.
With your talent, you might advance to Second Rank Wizard in just a few years, and at that point, I won't be able to assist you much in your wizardly pursuits."
"Moreover, major Factions have many more benefits, at least... you won't have to worry about facing another Hidosh Family."
"However fierce the struggles within the School may be, they are all internal. As long as you're not backed by a small power, the Golden Feather will be your amulet. You need not worry too much..."
Perhaps attempting to make up for past regret, Atbolde rambled on for quite a while.
Colin didn't say much, just listening quietly. After a long while, he nodded and said in a soft voice:
"I'll consider it, Mentor Atbolde."
The wooden door slowly closed, and Colin stepped out of Atbolde's place into the deep, dark night.