Ruger had finally gotten his wish and sat on Monster Wolf's back. Though its fur was still patchy, it no longer looked so pitiful. After a simple cleaning, it was still a fine wolf. During the days they had waited for Mahama to wake up, they had occasionally given Monster Wolf a basic grooming.
The two women chose to sit atop the now-fairyfied sphere.
Ruger rode the Oddity, while Mahama enjoyed the most primitive and stable option: keeping his feet on the ground and measuring the world with his own steps.
Two days had passed since they had escaped Mushroom World and hammered a Bearer to death.
During that time, Ruger had not taken out that pale yellow little mushroom to offer condolences, nor had he continued their previous conversation.
That fellow would not die easily.
Ruger was certain of it. There was no need to consider anything else.
Before long, Ruger gave up Monster Wolf as a mount and joined Mahama on Varin's fairy sphere.
Following Mona's guidance, the group crossed a foul, filthy stretch of land.
Until a massive pit—or rather, a canyon—appeared before them.
When they had first encountered Monster Wolf, Mona had marked the place where those wizards had fled after being frightened off by the Bearers wielding Black Swords.
This should be where they had settled.
Ruger looked the place over and found it fairly satisfactory. At least it was not some burrow or tiny cave. Judging by the scale of the canyon, it was likely a gathering place for wizards who had been tricked onto the island, rather than merely the hideout of those few wizards.
Varin put away the sphere, and the group continued on foot toward the depths of the canyon.
As he walked, Ruger surveyed the surroundings. Entering from this side,