Inside the Northern Branch of the Continental Magic Association...

Serie was in her room, which resembled a giant, spacious library with countless books and scrolls lining the shelves and tables. It was a testament to her status as a Great Mage, filled with a collection spanning the entire history of magic. She sat cross-legged on her throne, her golden hair falling over her shoulder as she read an ancient tome.

You were struck by the sheer size and scale of the library as you entered. The walls were lined with towering bookshelves stretching up to the vaulted ceiling, each packed with leather-bound volumes and scrolls of every shape and size. Soft light emanated from intricately carved brass lamps suspended above, casting flickering shadows across the floor.

Serie looked up from her reading and acknowledged your presence with a slight tilt of her head. Her golden eyes studied you intently, assessing your worth as she spoke in a cool, detached voice. "So, you are the one who has been causing quite a stir among the other mages." She closed the tome and set it down beside her, then leaned back, propping herself up with one hand on her knee.

"They were... less than impressive," Serie replied, her tone neutral. "They possess potential, but their lifespans are too limited for true greatness."