After a night of deep sleep, Non woke up with the same routine in mind. As the sun began to light up his room and his body was used to getting up early to exercise, something stopped him.

  As he got out of bed, stretg his sore muscles, he bitterly remembered that he wouldn't be able to practice his time magibsp;

  Reality hit him like a bucket of cold water.

  It oio stick to his routine now, uo test his theories or push the limits of time magibsp;

  Frustration suddenly overwhelmed him, and with a growl of anger, he puhe wall of his room.

  The impact resonated, and the pain that shot through his wrist was as sharp as the ache in his soul.

  Yet the physical pain paled in parison to the helplessness of being trapped in a dead end.

  He had e so far in his research, had exceeded everyone's expectations... and now he couldn't move forward.

  Revealing the secret of his time magic was a huge risk, especially if he couldn't use it at will.

  He felt vulnerable, on the brink of a discovery he might never be able to share with the world.

  With his heart rag, Non hit the wall again, this time with more fury.

  Each blow was an attempt to release the ahat g him.

  He kicked the piece of furniture, feeling frustratioe with every passing sed.

  Then, a soft kno the door interrupted his storm of emotions.

  It was his staff, ed about the noise.

  "Sir? Are you okay?"

  Non, trying to hide his agitation, took a few deep breaths before responding in a weary voibsp;

  "Yeah, I'm fine."

  He looked at his sore wrist, the skin reddened from the blows, and realized he wouldn't be able to exercise that m.

  Not only was his body hurt, but his mind was a chaotic mess of thoughts.

  Due to the lingering pain in his wrist, he decided to skip his routine. He headed to the bathroom, hoping the cold water would help clear his mind.

  A noble's bathroom, like Non's, was anything but ordinary.

  The room was adorned with marble and polished stoails, each surface shining with discreet yet imposing luxury.

  In the ter stood a rge broub, filled with warm water that gave off geeam. Delicate fragrances floated in the air, mingling with the oils used for his bath.

  The soaps, with fine essences, were not on ireets; they were crafted with care, sted with vender aic herbs.

  The warm water slowly enveloped him as Non sank into the tub, but the st of the soap, though pleasant, didn't provide the peace he sought.

  Submerged up to his neck, his mi returning to the same question.

  What would he do now?

  It was impossible to move forward without endangering his own life a.

  He remembered the girl he had met the night before, the shy young woman who would likely e looking for him.

  'What time will she e...?' he thought distractedly as water droplets fell on his fabsp;

  Though his miuro her, he couldn't escape the deep abyss he felt he was falling into.

  He looked at himself in the mirror, water droplets sliding down his skin.

  What he saw made him stop.

  Though he hadn't yet turhirty, his refle looked back at him like someone much older.

  The st years, devoted eo his researd the war, had stolen something essential from him.

  It seemed like life itself was slipping through his fingers, taking his opportunities with it.

  Non finished his bath as quickly as he could, uo bear the sight of himself any longer.

  He dried off and chose his outfit for the day.

  Non dressed with the elegance befitting a hough he preferred simplicity when he could. This time, he opted for a fine linen shirt, white as snow, paired with a dark vest that atuated his shoulders and waist.

  The pants, made of soft yet sturdy fabric, were a muted gray, while his polished leather boots were ready to withstand the pace of his walks.

  Finally, he put on a dark blue cloak, fastened with a silver csp depig his family emblem.

  As he dressed, he couldn't ighe pain in his wrist, which was beginning to swell. But he pushed it aside, gritting his teeth. There was no time to worry about that.

  Nohe room quickly, not much expnation to his fused staff.

  He wao walk.

  He wao clear his mind or find some dire for his life.

  As he walked through the halls of his residence, a memory came to him.

  He had to tih his treatment.

  Visits to the church had been reeo help him mahe effects of his mana core, and although he sidered it more of a burden than a solution, he couldn't afford to ig.

  'I just hope I don't run into any trouble...' Non thought as he stepped out of his mansion.