Time passed.
Alaric withered under the technique integration. His body spasmed involuntarily as the knowledge forced itself deeper into his essence channels, reshaping them, rewriting them to accommodate.
Slowly... agonizingly slowly, the pain began to subside.
His breathing, which had been ragged and desperate, started to even out. Became more controlled and deliberate.
Sweat formed at his temples. Rolled down his face. Soaked through his shirt until the fabric clung to his back and chest.
But the worst had passed.
Alaric opened his eyes and exhaled.
Deeply.
The breath that released tension he held for far too long.
He clenched and unclenched his fists experimentally. Felt his essence reserves, disturbed, roiling like stirred water, but present. Still aching and damaged. But manageable.
"I need to fix this soon," he muttered. "Otherwise—"
Before he could finish his words.
[DING!]
A translucent panel materialized directly in front of his face.
[System Reboot Complete!]
