Watching Zorn, Ruger felt that invoking the name of the Demon Hunter Wizards was merely meant to reassure Kurt—or rather, that he was borrowing their name to help himself reap a few benefits. Everyone had something they sought in their hearts.
At his words, Kurt returned to his state of advancement. What had not yet fully concluded was the transformation of the God of Sorrow. The god he had shaped was slowing the ritual's completion.
Wizard Zorn had been there all along?
Kurt, who had practically completed his advancement; the empty chair; the unfinished ritual; the god in the midst of transformation.
Ruger suddenly understood.
Why had Wizard Zorn not appeared earlier? Was it out of mercy? Did he not wish to interfere with the advancement of Kurt, a wizard apprentice?
Perhaps. But Ruger believed it was more because Wizard Zorn simply did not think much of those things.
The demons that had previously fought to take their seats could not meet Wizard Zorn's requirements. He had been waiting—waiting for Kurt to become a true First-Ring Wizard, then using this newly advanced official wizard and the god he had shaped to lure the demons in. Perhaps the little stone Wizard Zorn had tossed in had also been carefully prepared. Maybe this was what Wizard Zorn had meant when he said he was fishing for demons.
Of course, Ruger admitted that this was all just wild speculation on his part.
Lord Zorn had just said that the Demon Hunter Wizards were dealing with a serious demon-hunting incident.
After thinking for a moment, Ruger turned his head, intending to offer Kurt, at the other corner of the dining table, a smile tinged with consolation.
Kurt happened to look over as well. What met his eyes was a familiar bitter smile—and within that