The people around them began murmuring to themselves. Zich’s provocative behavior and his encouragement to ‘check it out for himself’ could only mean one thing.

“Are you telling me to duel that woman?” Even the young man seemed taken aback. However, there was not a single ounce of fear in dueling another magician. On the contrary, there seemed to be some amusement in his expression.

“You think my friend isn’t at a level to teach Ms. Dwayne, right?”

“Of course. Even if magic is a study based on natural talent, there’s a limit to it. How could a mage of her age teach someone else? That’s ridiculous.”

“So, that’s why I’m telling you to check out her skills for yourself.”

As she watched Zich and the young man argue, Lyla let out a small sigh. “Ah, seriously, he is always…” She clearly looked exasperated.

Elena said, “Sorry, it’s because of me…”

“No, it’s not your fault so there’s no need for you to feel sorry.” The young man had picked a fight first, and Lyla and Zich did seem suspicious, but in the end, they hadn’t done anything wrong.

‘Yeah, that’s right. It’s at least true right now. All I’m doing is teaching Elena Dwayne so…’ Lyla repressed the guilt she felt in tricking Elena like this in her mind.

“It’s still my fault, so...