The water pipe dripped, releasing Water Magic, as Hobbs carefully stored one potion bottle after another. He looked up at his reflection in the mirror, his haggardness evident in his eyes and cheeks.
He had been at the school for less than half a year, yet he looked as if he had aged three years, with a few white strands now visible in his hair.
"This is just a necessary cost..."
Hobbs had no particular feelings about it. He lifted his hand and gazed at the ring on his middle finger.
Once pitch black and glossy, the ring had faded to an alarmingly pale color. If someone carefully sensed it, they would find that the ring's once abundant spiritual power was nearly depleted, on the verge of vanishing.
"The time is almost up, Lenna. Just hold on a bit longer; I will succeed soon."
Hobbs clenched his fist and kissed the ring. His once tired and wavering gaze instantly turned determined.
Time was running out for him.
