Ruger walked down the hall and chose the room furthest inside. It looked decent enough, and when he opened the door, no musty smell greeted him. That surprised him a little, since the place felt rather damp.
After a brief conversation, the young attendant was about to leave.
"Why doesn't Sir Wagleng seek help from the temple in the city?" Ruger suddenly asked.
Since Faith Wizards were putting on an act in a place like this, there was bound to be something like a temple. As an outsider, he asked boldly.
The young man paused, then politely turned back around.
"Honored guest," the young attendant replied. His manner was no longer as casual as before; he had clearly guessed that Ruger was God-Gifted. "The Twin Temple has been closed to the public lately. They say the great Twin God is walking his own path of thorns to cleanse his followers of their sins. Thorns that rose from the ground have enveloped the towering temple. Through boundless pain, the Twin God bears suffering in his followers' stead. Every step is an act of redemption..."
Ruger watched the young attendant.
The lad spoke softly, his voice still full of youthful vigor, but his eyes were growing fervent.
That fervor was not madness. It held a young man's admiration for a great deed, the purest longing and respect for beings who could accomplish what others could not.
Ruger pursed his lips, reluctant to shatter the young man's dream.
"Then what about the Gray Rat God? What's the story behind that great being?"
As Ruger spoke, he turned his wrist, and a few gleaming silver coins appeared in his palm.
The boy's eyes lit up, though he still seemed hesitant.
Ruger watched him.
The gleam in those eyes naturally fell short of his earlier