As island after island grew from tiny crumbs ahead into larger crumbs off to the side, Ruger knew none of them was their destination.
"Here, take these as a gift to mark our first meeting."
Wizard Jillian, seated at the very front, suddenly raised her hand and tossed two small, elongated objects back to them.
Ruger and Mahama reached out and caught them.
"Return Stones?"
Mahama spoke instinctively.
At his words, understanding dawned on Ruger's face as well. Strictly speaking, he had used one before, though only once, with Ka Liu taking him along.
"They can take you back to the Demon Hunter Wizards' Outpost you came from. At this distance, you'll need about ten magic stones."
Wizard Jillian spoke without turning her head.
Ruger and Mahama thanked her in unison.
Ruger had a vague feeling that the wizard was giving them these now not because of the demon-hunting incident they were investigating, but because of the current situation. A Formal Wizard could sense more of the unsettling factors around them.
An island shaped like a flatbread gradually grew larger before them. At a glance, it was considerably bigger than Lord Kurt's island-at least twice the size.
The oddly shaped flying device had begun slowing down, confirming their destination.
Ruger shook his head. If the wind had not been so strong, he would have liked to take a nap up here. Beside him, Mahama had long since settled into meditation.
As the four of them arrived above the island, a distinct pulse of spell energy flashed past. Clearly, someone below was guiding them in.
Ruger smiled. This was not the sort of demon-hunting incident that required a covert investigation.
That meant they could finish quickly.
As he thought this, he looked up at Wizard Jillian's back. How things ultimately ended