Ruger had originally thought that even finding a rough direction would take considerable time. But with Wizard Mona taking the initiative, that concern naturally vanished. From what he knew of her, she rarely acted without confidence. Even if she could not pinpoint the location, she would certainly be able to narrow it down.
The golden Demon Smith rested the black book on his lap, his hands folded over it. His fingers occasionally stroked the golden patterns on its corners as he tilted his head to gaze out the window. Though the scenery was nothing but the unchanging Endless Sea, with mostly open water and only an occasional island in sight, the Demon seemed utterly absorbed.
Ruger, meanwhile, was studying the black-and-gold book on his knees.
"Want it? I can give it to you. More than one Wizard has received a book from me. It seems to be rather useful," the golden Demon remarked casually as he watched the scenery.
Ruger hurriedly waved his hands in refusal.
The Demon fell silent again, quietly admiring the view outside.
"There are layers in the Abyss that are entirely covered in water too, aren't there?" Ruger asked thoughtfully. He had heard of them before.
"What do you think makes them different?"
The golden Demon gazed out the window and continued without waiting for an answer.
"Though both are stretches of water that extend beyond sight, there is one fundamental difference. Here... everything is full of life. But the scenery in the Abyss, whatever form it takes, is lifeless at its core," Smith said.
Ruger listened quietly, recalling Wizard Zorn's description of the giant-hand Demon at their first Royal Palace target on the previous large island. There was a kind of Demon that disliked the Abyss.
Suddenly, Ruger's eyes shifted. "Forgive the presumptuous question, but