Herax lay on his bed, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He understood that rune research was indeed fraught with difficulties, but he could not understand why Ang had chosen to give up after only a few months. He kept muttering to himself, trying to find an answer. "There's still more than half a year left, enough time for him to keep researching. Why did he give up so quickly?" As his mood sank further, Herax fell into deep thought, unable to keep a trace of disappointment from rising within him.
In the end, however, he decided to attend the ball anyway. At the very least, he could use the opportunity to improve his mood. Perhaps he might even find a way to make Ang continue the research. After pulling himself together, Herax left the dormitory and set off for the ball.
The ballroom was brilliantly lit that night, its atmosphere lively and festive, yet Herax felt especially alone. He sat by himself on a sofa, his spirits low despite the excitement before him, turning down every invitation to dance. Holding a wineglass, he drank alone. As the alcohol took effect, his mood grew heavier and heavier. The more he drank, the more helpless he felt, until he even became somewhat irritated.
At that moment, several friends who were close to Herax came over. Noticing that something was wrong, they asked with concern, "Hey, Herax, what's going on with you?" One of them patted him on the shoulder, trying to get his attention. "Yeah, aren't you usually pretty lively? Why are you so down today?" The others gathered around as well, teasing him.
Seeing their warm expressions, Herax felt a little comforted, but he could not help feeling powerless. He decided to use the drink in him as an excuse