Layden had always struck Ruger as quiet and steady. He had once expressed his disapproval of Ka Liu and Baangte's impatience, yet Ruger always felt that beneath the calm exterior of this man who stared at the campfire all day lay a heart that craved power beyond measure. That fierce hunger was no weaker than theirs, perhaps even stronger. He would not allow himself to fail, so he kept accumulating strength and knowledge. Perhaps his constant staring at the campfire was itself a form of accumulation that had never ceased.
"He was burned to death... my teacher," Layden suddenly said, watching the campfire before him. "But I'll follow his path. I'll combine his ideals with my own ideas, and I'll go further."
"Are you planning to advance?" Ruger asked.
Layden shook his head.
"Not yet. It isn't time for me to advance," Layden said softly. "And as for this Wizard's affairs... we still don't know how they'll be resolved in the end..."
Ruger understood that he meant the wizened old woman. But judging by his tone, even without her, he would not be advancing anytime soon.
Recalling the retreating figure of that yellow-robed Nightmare Apprentice, Ruger wondered what awaited them the next time the old woman summoned them.
He could only hope that the fellow in yellow would not cause any trouble that put them in a difficult position.
Ruger summoned Zhizhi and had it keep watch nearby.
The two began their separate meditation practices.
For several days in a row, they stayed near the pool. Most of their time was spent either exploring the surrounding area or returning here to meditate.
Ruger had only just entered a new stage. After initially forming the Silence Magic Seal, he needed to use meditation to bring the five demonic marks into union