Ron sat alone at his desk, his notes and charts spread out densely before him.
The knowledge obtained from the Forbidden Library slithered through his mind like a serpent.
He gently rubbed his temples, where the pain still throbbed faintly.
But the pain didn't stop his thoughts; rather, it ignited a stronger desire for exploration.
"Ailan, make me a pot of strong tea," he said without looking up. "Tonight is going to be long."
The Tree Spirit glided over from the corner, its branches swaying gently:
"Master, you've been working for sixteen hours straight; your body needs rest."
"Physical fatigue is temporary, but missing the clearest moment of thought is a permanent loss."
Ron didn't raise his head: "Right now, my mental state is at its peak, just perfect for engaging in complex logic deductions."
Ailan was silent for a moment, her branches trembling slightly.
She could sense the increasingly intense... cold aura surrounding her master.
