Wizard Zorn scratched his chest hair and looked up at the two before him with some surprise.
Mahama was also giving the furry fellow beside him a strange look. They had come to seek Wizard Zorn's approval, but things seemed to be taking an increasingly odd turn.
As apprentice Demon Hunter Wizards, they could not act freely. It was a strict restriction, but also a form of protection.
"Exploring the Abyss? Are you trying to help him complete his Ascension Ritual?"
Wizard Zorn naturally saw through it at once. Exploring the Abyss was merely a pretext, one that many Demon Hunter Wizards had used before.
When something required them to visit the Abyss, some Demon Hunter Wizards would remember the exploration commission the Holy Tribunal kept posted for them year-round. Apparently, it had been up for over a thousand years, and its requirements were very lenient. They did not necessarily have to discover anything.
But the surprise in Zorn's eyes made Mahama's expression beside him grow even stranger.
Mahama had begun feeling this way on the journey from the Tavern. Clearly, he was the one asking for help, and he had even offered payment on top of their friendship. Yet somehow, things had gradually changed. It was as though Ruger were the one who wanted to visit the Abyss, while he, the big guy, had become the companion tagging along.
The look in Mahama's eyes suggested he was afraid Ruger had forgotten about his Ascension Ritual.
Ruger turned his canine head to look at them both.
"Rest assured, Lord Zorn. I'll protect Mahama. This fellow won't die that easily."
Ruger had considerable faith in Mahama's ability to take a beating. Besides, the big guy might have something useful from his teacher tucked away in his pockets.
The corners of Zorn's