As Oliver and Gregory approach the sidewalk, a figure appears behind a window inside the mansion. It is Frederick, his expression visible through the thick glass. His brows furrow as he peers at Oliver and Gregory, his worry rising.

     Standing inside the mansion, Frederick watches Oliver and Gregory board a waiting carriage. The vehicle instantly lurches forward, quickly disappearing from Frederick's view. As he peers at the window, he slowly notices his worried reflection staring back at him.

     Meanwhile, Oliver felt a sense of peace—a far cry from his anxious past. Sitting inside the carriage with his friend, Oliver beams at Gregory, and Gregory smiles back. Nothing weighs on their minds.

"So, today's your first day as an apprentice?" Oliver asked as the carriage rolled forward.

"Yes, that's right!" Gregory replied, beaming with pride.

"I'm still impressed, even today," Oliver admitted. He then inquired, "What will you be doing now as an apprentice? Are there any significant differences between your old and new rank?"

"Well, novice potion makers typically make the usual elixirs, like healing, mana, stamina, and resistance potions," Gregory explained. "But as an apprentice, I'll work as... let's say, an assistant to wizards, sorcerers, alchemists, scientists, and researchers! That means I'll have access to more knowledge, skills, and facilities in our company!"

"Sounds like an exciting opportunity," Oliver remarked. "Will you still be making potions, though?" he questioned.

"Of course! If novices make potions, I shall continue brewing them, too," Gregory answered. "But I'll also be learning new potions and advanced techniques, so I'm looking forward to it."

"Well, take your time to learn, Greg," Oliver stated. He then ventured to inquire. "So, what's next after the apprentice rank?"

"Oh! I'll have to choose which branch of magic to specialize in," Gregory explained. "It might be a difficult adjustment. But that's still a few years away. I graduated at sixteen, started working at seventeen, and now I'm twenty-one. It took me four years to reach this point, and it might take another four or five to achieve the next rank!"

"Wow, that's a long time," Oliver thought. He then continued asking. "What's the final rank, and how old are the people who reach it?"

"It depends on the branch, but I could become a master wizard, master alchemist, or something similar," Gregory explained. "After reaching the 'Master' title, most workers are around forty!"

"Wow, you might have kids by then," Oliver joked.

"And so might you," Gregory replied, raising an eyebrow and leaning in towards his friend with a playful grin.

"...I might die as a virgin," Oliver chuckled.

"I hope that doesn't happen," Gregory replied, shutting his eyes with a smirk. Gregory then laughed and turned the conversation back to Oliver. "So, how about you? What's your rank in your work?"

"I'm a senior guard," Oliver replied.

"That's nice," Gregory remarked. "Are there any higher ranks you can achieve?"

"Yeah, we have private... specialist... corporal... uhh... and more that I can't remember, hehe," Oliver said with a gleaming smile.

     Oliver gives his friend a benevolent smile. His smile is contagious, and soon Gregory finds himself grinning back. The moment lies brief and short, but they can feel themselves connecting.

"Oh, sire! Please halt!" Gregory called out to the coachman.

     The coachman pulled the reins, bringing the horse to a stop in front of an enormous building. Gregory had reached his destination. As he gawked out of the carriage's window, he looked up at the grand facade of his workplace.

     The building towered above the surrounding structures. The upper structure of the building was built with bricks, while light grey concrete was used for the foundation. Carvings and designs depicting mythical creatures encompassed the walls.

     At the grand entrance, white pillars rose to support a massive archway leading into the building's interior, its doors crafted from rich, dark wood covered with intricate silver and gold. The building had a dome-shaped roof made of shimmering stone that caught the light and reflected it in a rainbow of colours. And its peak could touch the clouds.

"I'll see you again next week, Oli," Gregory bid farewell, smiling at Oliver from ear to ear.

"Goodbye, Greg. I'm looking forward to seeing you again," Oliver replied.

     Gregory opened the carriage door and stepped down onto the bustling sidewalk. The sound of horses' hooves and carriage wheels filled the air as he gazed at the entrance. As he stood, tilting his head and staring at the grand doors, he felt a jolt as the coachman drove the carriage away. Turning to see his friend, Gregory gave a wave and a smile.

     Oliver watches his friend from the carriage window as the vehicle slowly travels down the street. He strains to catch one last glimpse of Gregory, trying to prolong the goodbye as much as possible. But, soon, they can no longer see each other as a building obscures their view.

Gregory let out a deep sigh. "I'm looking forward to seeing you again, too..." he mumbled.

Suddenly, a bearded man with thin white hair in a white hooded robe with a blue sash appeared behind Gregory. The man outstretched his arms, grinning as he stepped down from the entrance. "Welcome, welcome! It's your first day as my apprentice, isn't it?" He then introduced himself and offered a handshake, "I'm Sir Sapplemen!"

"Oh, I'm Gregory Hidesine," he introduced himself, slightly anxious.

Sir Sapplemen grinned, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Are you ready to begin your studies?" he asked as he led Gregory towards the entrance of the building.

"Yes, sir," Gregory nodded as he followed Sir Sapplemen through the entrance.