"You flatter me, sir. It was merely an immature attempt."
Allen maintained a humble posture, his mind racing.
The man's identity, purpose, and power—all of it was a mystery.
"No, it's not flattery," the Wizard said, shaking his head, his tone even.
"In the face of absolute power, skill is indeed insignificant. But when everyone possesses power, skill becomes the key that determines life and death. Your 'little eye' is more useful than the Reconnaissance Magic of many Official Wizards. It has no obvious Magic Power fluctuations and can evade conventional detection. An excellent approach."
He took two steps forward, and Allen felt an invisible pressure wash over him, making it almost impossible for him to remain standing.
"You're quite bold, though," the Wizard said with a small smile.
"Spying on a High-tier Wizard on the move in a place like this... if you had run into someone with a worse temper, you'd be a corpse by now."
Allen's heart gave a heavy thud.
