Creak!
On a small island unsuitable for ordinary people to live on, a door opened with a sound like grinding teeth.
A wooden door was pushed open from within, and a Wizard with a distinctly canine appearance stepped out in gray robes. Facing the gentle sea breeze, he stretched with all his might.
Ruger took several deep breaths, then let out a long exhale and looked back at the two-story wooden cabin that had been quickly built with Kurt's help. Perhaps "cabin" was not quite the right word. At first, both he and Mahama had declined the offer, until they witnessed just how professional this Wizard was. Yes, professional was the word. Watching Kurt choose a site, design, build, and handle everything they had thought of and everything they had not, all with perfect competence, was quite an experience. He could give a whole string of reasons for every seemingly simple decision, and he had spells to assist with construction as well. Watching him work was like seeing the entire journey this unique Faith Wizard had taken.
With Kurt there, the courtyard of their dreams was soon complete. After witnessing it, Mahama, who had originally intended to refuse, fell silent too. He obediently boarded Kurt's boat, waved to Ruger, and sailed toward another small island.
Ruger surveyed the island, which still felt somewhat unfamiliar. This was his first morning since settling here.
The only blemish was that Heaven Pillar Mountain had not lit up.
Ruger walked over to a level patch of ground. Kurt had prepared this yesterday too, choosing the spot before giving it a simple makeover with spells and alchemical tools.
This was a small island whose entirety could easily be seen from higher ground.
Whoosh!
Ruger tilted his head up and watched a figure race through the