Ruger seemed to hear the other man swallow.
Bang!
The Wizard with the broken leg fell forward. The wooden stick splinting his leg snapped, and the object in his hand went flying.
The Golden Eyeball struck the ground, bounced, and rolled to another Wizard's feet-the one who had been cursing loudly earlier. This time, he actually hesitated before letting out a long sigh and picking it up.
Ruger blinked. The hot-tempered Wizard must have realized that they had lost their chance, along with their bargaining chip. Now, their only option was to fight.
Including the old man, there were only six Bearers present, yet none of the thirteen Wizards seemed particularly confident.
Tap! Tap!
A tall figure emerged from the Passageway, a young man with short hair.
"I could smell it from far away-your stupidity. I merely went out for a little stroll, my first since arriving on the Island all this time ago, and you went and made such a foolish decision." The short-haired man walked as he spoke, several bones bundled together floating upright behind him. "If I hadn't happened to return, a few lucky fellows might actually have escaped."
The Bearers who had been about to act stopped at the sight of him, turning to bow respectfully.
Ruger could not help looking back at Milia, but she shook her head blankly. The other two Bearers following Barry Danton, however, showed unmistakable fear in their eyes.
"I had preparations in place, Ernites. And you might consider putting an end to your spell research. It has clouded your judgment, perhaps even twisted your soul. I am the Holy Inspector. You have no right to question me," the Elder Bearer said with a frown, merely turning his head slightly to glance sideways at the newcomer rather than looking at him