Ruger understood now. These creatures had become so absorbed in their task that they had forgotten to come out and play. The little things they mentioned were the special Tear Crystals from the otherworldly visitors he had brought back. The great God of Spirit Fur had been leading the spirit furs in purifying those materials with their own faith power, to build the Divine Temple they envisioned.
Ruger rubbed his chin. This, too, was a way to progress.
Having more spirit furs made him stronger as a Fur Shepherd, while helping the God of Spirit Fur advance to godhood represented his progress as a Faith Wizard.
Once Big Silly Hum had finished setting up, he began choosing ingredients. Whenever Zhizhi passed by carrying supplies, she was often waylaid. Big Silly Hum selected the tastiest parts and sliced them off with swift strokes, lightening Zhizhi's load. Once he had picked out most of the ingredients he needed, he joined the others in carrying the food. Perhaps these creatures had gone too long without seeing the Endless Sea, for it had treated them with lavish generosity. There were still some large fish flopping about on the shore.
After Light-Loss, the fish and sea beasts in the sea had been declining in number. Since the Chaotic Star Sea still had other Heaven Pillar Mountains, the changes here were not yet too severe, but the fish were undeniably becoming harder to catch.
Several years earlier, Lord Kurt had begun setting aside areas around uninhabitable abandoned islets near his territory. He sent the God-Gifted and people from his territory to station themselves there and attempt to farm modified food fish in the enclosed waters.
As Ruger considered the matter of meditation, he also kept an eye on these creatures.
Big Silly Hum had been the