He carefully put away the Time Guardian's Pocket Watch and placed it within reach beside the bed.
Lying in bed, Ron thought back over everything he had gained that day, and a faint smile unconsciously curled his lips.
His instincts told him that this "Time Guardian's Pocket Watch" was far more than it appeared on the surface.
"Time Guardian." He muttered inwardly, slowly closing his eyes and drifting into sleep.
The first rays of morning sunlight pierced the mist of the Black Mist Forest and slanted across the wooden sign of the Herb Shop.
Ron rose early and carefully placed the few precious materials he had obtained with great difficulty into special containers.
He could feel the special sensation brought by the pocket watch. Despite undergoing high-intensity training the previous night, his body remained as relaxed as ever, without the slightest trace of fatigue.
On his way to the Herb Shop, he chose a less-traveled path. Along the way, he cautiously observed his surroundings, alert for any possible danger.
Ever since his conflict with the orc mercenaries in Lizard Alley, Ron felt that he needed to be even more careful.
When he pushed open the door to the Herb Shop, the wind chime rang out with a crisp sound.
The shop remained dimly lit, and the air was filled with the strange blended fragrance of various herbs.
To Ron's surprise, Mrs. Allen was already working behind the counter. She was bent over a wooden cabinet, organizing something, her long, pale hair swaying gently with her movements.
"Come in. I've already been waiting for you for quite a while." Mrs. Allen spoke without looking up, her voice carrying its usual hoarseness.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to be late." Ron apologized instinctively, although he was certain he had arrived earlier