Gradually, Ruger realized that his solitary, ascetic cultivation seemed rather like cheating. He had plenty of company: whenever he wanted comfort and lively surroundings, he returned to the Bedroom Space; whenever he wanted peace and quiet to practice, he brought a recliner and a cup of fruit tea to the island. It was as pleasant as a vacation.
Ruger quietly devoted more of his time to Spirit Fur Nourishment to avoid a gap in his supply. That would be more than the indignity of going bald-it would slow his progress.
Many things required preparation in advance, with progress made on several fronts at once.
Even when they were not particularly urgent.
That way, when the time came to put them to use, he could do so readily instead of finding himself hampered at every turn.
For Ruger, the path of a Faith Wizard was just such a thing.
At first, he had only wanted to receive borrowed faith power during the Ascension Ritual to make up for a shortage of materials. It was Stray Hair One's existence that had made him a peculiar Faith Wizard, and his subsequent use of this path had borne out his thinking. Beyond faith power, he had discovered many wonderful benefits. This unusual path suited his spirit furs perfectly. Sometimes, if he made enough preparations, opportunity would come knocking. The God of Spirit Fur and its followers were a major enhancement to his abilities as a Fur Shepherd. The birth of more spirit furs also gave rise to more possibilities, while making it easier for Stray Hair One to manage these furs and sense their condition at any time.
There were bound to be still more changes and benefits to come.
Unlike Mahama, who would inherit his teacher's legacy, he did not have a path