Violent churning sounds came from the direction of the unseen distant sea. Those kneeling on the ground were shouting. The astonishing fluctuations of magic could no longer be discerned as coming from front or back, left or right—they seemed to be everywhere.
Ruger felt his fur was about to stand on end. Looking at Isaac, the middle-aged apprentice kneeling on the ground, he felt there was no need to pay attention to that short, fat fellow anymore. Such an exaggerated spectacle could not possibly have been caused by him. Therefore, the few mad cries he had shouted were very likely true—the God of Knowledge.
Godhood?
The first time he had heard that term had been from Lord Kurt. During his advancement, when the sublimation ritual completed his own transformation, it had also allowed the God of Sorrow he had shaped to ascend to godhood, reaching the so-called level of a false god.
Looking at the fellow kneeling on the ground, a flicker of alarm suddenly crossed Ruger's mind.
Wizard apprentice? Believer?
A wizard apprentice had actually become a believer? Was such a thing permitted by the Supreme Council?
Suddenly, an upward lifting force carried him up. At the same time, the final comb arrived at the place where it belonged.
"Go."
Wizard Jillian gave a grave, low shout.
The strange alchemical device made up of seven combs shot forth. There was not even time to rise as it had before; it could only jolt and tremble as it continually climbed while moving forward.
Ruger let out a long breath. He was clutching one corner of the alchemical device for dear life, with most of his body still dangling outside.
He watched the ground sweep beneath his feet and gradually recede. The group of four sped onward, and after quite some