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Why did some powerful wizard forebears disapprove of wizard paths that abandoned the flesh?
Life itself was a miracle. The flesh was an important part of life, and thus part of that miracle.
Without the flesh, the ascent of life was incomplete. Of course, the wizard forebears did not deny that some who abandoned the flesh could still reach great heights. Some could explore the mysteries of life from another direction after discarding their bodies. Yet those high-ranking wizards believed that the mysteries of complete life were the proper path and the most worthy of exploration. Abandoning the flesh was merely a shortcut; everything discovered through it could still be found within the mysteries of complete life.
Ruger kept flipping through the pages while a pen beside him took notes under the effect of the Writing Spell.
He had been interested in casting gestures when he learned the Fireball Spell, though only mildly so. But as he read these research notes, his interest steadily deepened, gradually reaching heights far beyond before.
The research notes documented and summarized numerous casting gestures. They explored the symbolic meaning of hands in the subconscious, the relationship between flesh and mental power, and the relationship between casting gestures and mental power. They gave Ruger many new ideas.
Gradually, as he read, a fireball appeared in his hand and began to condense in response to his casting gestures.
He read the notes while toying with the fireball beside him, constantly changing his casting gestures.
Mona opened her eyes and glanced at him, then had no choice but to retreat farther away.
Ruger seemed unaware of it and continued reading. Only when the Writing Spell dissipated did he stop condensing the fireball long enough to cast another Writing Spell.