Ron did not deny it. "Yes, ma'am. I made my first attempt last night."
"What did it feel like?" Mrs. Allen's expression was difficult to read. She looked neither pleased nor worried, merely conducting a purely professional inquiry.
"It was astonishing." Ron carefully chose his words. "I saw the stars, heard strange whispers, and witnessed some indescribably horrifying scenes—some kind of entity was devouring stars and galaxies."
Hearing this description, the old witch's expression shifted slightly, but she quickly returned to her calm demeanor.
"I see. It seems you truly possess extraordinary inspiration."
She appeared to sink into her own thoughts. "Most people can only see blurry starlight during their first attempt, or at most hear a few fragmented whispers. Yet you directly witnessed the scene of 'The Devourer.' How unexpected."
As she spoke, Mrs. Allen rose, leaned on her cane, and approached him. A complicated expression surfaced on her face.
"Ron, do you know how long it usually takes to successfully enter the first stage of Whispers of the Star Eater?"
Ron shook his head. He truly did not know.
"An ordinary apprentice, even one with the best aptitude—a Fourth-Rank Star—needs at least three months to barely construct a complete initial rune. But you..."
A hint of suspicion entered her voice. "But you managed it on your very first night?"
Ron was startled. He had not expected his progress to be so abnormal. Perhaps it was because I laid a fairly solid foundation beforehand?
"No, it isn't merely a matter of foundation." Mrs. Allen shook her head. "It means you have an extremely high compatibility with Whispers of the Star Eater. You could even say it is a natural affinity."
She pondered for a moment, seemingly reassessing something. "There must be something special about you that I have yet