Had the Demon Wizard really passed away?
An inheritance?
Ruger scratched his head.
No wonder that old dog-head Lunse had found information so easily before. Even while asking about that teacher, he had picked up rumors that the Demon Wizard might have died after not appearing for so long, along with a little story from years ago that supported the claim. It turned out someone had been keeping track of whether the Demon Wizard was still alive, and had been doing so for who knew how many years.
But those widespread rumors only discussed whether that powerful, mysterious figure was still around. There was no mention of an inheritance. They sounded more like idle conversations over meals, full of longing for those esteemed Wizards whom people had heard a little about but never seen.
As Ruger's thoughts wandered, he glanced at Mahama sitting across from him. Big Guy was also quietly pondering something.
Ruger guessed Big Guy was thinking about his advancement.
As for Varin and Wizard Jillian, though they outwardly restrained themselves, both were clearly immersed in joy. Rewriting their own destinies must have felt wonderful. One had fulfilled a wish she had held for years, and her world had opened up in an instant. The other had shed the shackles imposed on her since birth and become the student of a Wizard she had long admired. Still, having only just become a Gem Summoner, her advancement would certainly come much later than Mahama's.
Varin was telling Jillian about the people her family had sent to find her. Along the way, she mentioned Ruger and looked up to offer him a grateful smile.
Jillian looked over too, and the combs on her head trembled.
Ruger was staring at those combs as well. Sometimes, while thinking, he would unwittingly be