023: Default Rules

Avery's eyes widened, filled with disbelief.

She knew Lynch was strong, but that was ten years ago. Back then, he was merely a Mid-level Apprentice.

She had thought it would be impressive if he managed to advance to a High-level Apprentice in the past decade, but she hadn't expected his strength and spells to remain so intact—and even more terrifying.

Look at him now.

Effortlessly casting high-level magic, facing off alone against numerous Mid- and High-level Apprentices—some of whom were even infamous figures from the Black Tower—and yet he maintained the upper hand, leaving his opponents utterly defenseless.

Avery felt a strange sense of defeat rise within her.

She had spent the past ten years cultivating tirelessly in the Magic Mirror. Her strength had fundamentally transformed compared to a decade ago. Originally, she had assumed that when she met Lynch again, he would surely be surprised by her newfound power. But the reality... was nothing like she'd imagined.