The Most Painful Thing in Life and the Most Painful Thing of All

Rather than dwelling on the origins of the meteorite crystal, Nicolas changed the subject once he realized that Star Magic was far from simple.

Potions, ancient runes, magical item crafting... On these subjects, their conversation returned to a harmonious and pleasant rhythm.

Both possessed deep reserves of knowledge in these fields, along with their own thoughts and accomplishments. Their exchange, much like Manus's earlier need for Alchemy and other magical systems, brought fresh perspectives and new gains.

They had a simple lunch of biscuits and tea pastries, then talked until sunset. It was only when Nicolas happened to glance out the window while drinking tea after finishing a topic that he noticed it was already dark and realized how late it had become.

Manus was actually fine with it. The sun had merely set, and he did not necessarily go home this early on ordinary days.

Though he was young, he was still a young wizard rather than an actual child. Besides, Griffin and Aivina had always seen him as clever and independent-minded, so his family was fairly at ease about him.

But Nicolas was advanced in years, after all. Even if the life and spirit sustained by the Philosopher's Stone kept anything serious from happening, fatigue would not simply vanish into thin air. Now that the surge of energy had passed, he was having trouble holding on.

So they could only agree to meet again, not tomorrow, but before school began in August.

The gains from today's exchange could not be digested all at once. There were also many new ideas whose feasibility and actual effects could only be known through practice.

"It was truly a pleasure speaking with you face-to-face. What a pity you still have to attend Hogwarts..."

Nicolas's face was full of regret.

"Accumulation and reflection