Chapter Summaries

Ruger accepted Little Fairy as an official member of the Inn, revealing a door it had never seen and letting it leave with Zhizhi. Later, Ruger cast Shadow Servant for the first time and awakened a shifting horned, winged shadow that attacked Mahama.

• Ruger welcomed Little Fairy as an official member of the Inn, and Little Fairy discovered the Inn's door and bell.
• Zhizhi invited Little Fairy to follow it outside, while Serious Mouse warned that it would dock pay for lateness.
• Ruger docked one cup of Sour Mushroom Wine from Little Fairy's pay and returned to his recliner to practice Shadow Servant.
• Ruger cast a Light Spell and then Shadow Servant on his own shadow, which began changing shape independently of the light.
• Mahama arrived on the Island and watched as Ruger's shadow became a horned, winged humanoid that burst free and lunged at him.

Ruger examined his newly created Shadow Servant as Mahama tested it in combat, revealing its unusual ability to shift between solid and intangible. After observing its strengths and weaknesses, Ruger recalled it into his shadow to serve as a guard.

• Ruger studied the Shadow Servant’s strange appearance and speculated that his connection to the Shadow World had changed his shadow.
• Mahama tested the creature with demon-skin-covered fists and Light Spells, while the Shadow Servant shifted between solid and intangible forms.
• Ruger manipulated the light and shadows to help the Shadow Servant ambush Mahama from his shadow.
• Ruger decided the creature would guard his shadow but would not receive much cultivation until he could make it intelligent enough to respond safely.
• Mahama burst the Shadow Servant’s arm apart with his palms, and Ruger recalled it into his shadow.

Ruger and Mahama discussed their progress as Wizards, and Mahama’s surprise test confirmed that Ruger was close to becoming a Two-Ring Wizard. They returned to the island to deliver books and visit Kurt, then went back to their own islands, where Ruger resumed meditating while the observation period continued unchanged.

• Mahama visited Ruger, explained that more than two years had passed on their islands, and said he expected their observation period to end soon.
• Mahama launched a mental-power sneak attack, and Ruger countered with the Miserly Demonfall Spell, proving he had reached the threshold of becoming a Two-Ring Wizard.
• Mahama told Ruger that he planned to revise his teacher’s inheritance and make his own choices before completing his advancement.
• Ruger and Mahama returned to the island, delivered books to Wizard Varin and Wizard Jillian, restocked supplies, and observed that the decline after the light-loss had stabilized.
• Ruger and Mahama visited Kurt before returning to their separate islands, where Ruger resumed meditating as time passed without the observation period ending.

Ruger continued meditating steadily while intensifying spell practice and refining his ideas for spell modification. He also tested his casting with a Wand and Fur Hands, aiming to gauge how much origin power his body’s patterns held.

• Big Guy visited Kurt on the Island and defeated him in a sudden clash of mental power, while Kurt remained unconcerned about his slower progress.
• Ruger maintained his usual meditation schedule, set aside Lower-Tier Dragon Summoning, and resumed spell practice and modification work.
• Ruger’s Spirit Fur Followers reached twenty-nine thousand strands as he considered a riskier method of accelerating their growth.
• Ruger tested a battered Wand from Mahama’s loot, then put it away to save for Little Fairy.
• Ruger practiced with his hands and two Fur Hands, aiming to cast Twenty Ash Bullets simultaneously and measure his reserves of origin power.

Ruger encountered a powerful, affectionate stranger in a dream, then woke with no clear memory of the man beyond his eyes. After Wizard Mona arrived and said she had seen her teacher again, Ruger discovered new information on his Demon Hunter Badge that appeared to be a spell.

• Ruger fell asleep in his hut and dreamed that a mysterious man silently examined him and communicated with him until Ruger’s mind and body could no longer endure it.
• Ruger woke after crashing into the corner of his bed and found the door closed, his Shadow Servant unchanged, and no sign that anyone had entered.
• Ruger left the hut and sent an enormous ball of light into the sky above the island.
• Wizard Mona arrived at Ruger’s home and said she had seen her teacher again.
• Ruger recalled Mona’s dream encounter with the Demon Wizard and noticed what seemed to be a spell added to his Demon Hunter Badge.

Ruger and Mona discussed the mysterious Demon Wizard who had appeared before them, his gift, and the uncertain status of his legacy. Mona explained her first impression of him as terror and longing, leaving Ruger with a clearer sense of how differently they had experienced the encounter.

• Ruger examined the badge the Demon Wizard had given him and found it contained nearly complete knowledge of a minor demon-related spell.
• Mona admitted she had received no gift, and explained that the elusive Demon Wizard’s lineage enjoyed certain privileges while some people pursued its legacy.
• Ruger asked whether the Demon Wizard was still alive, and Mona said there was no way to know; she also described his twelve most powerful students.
• Mona proposed a no-thinking question game, and she and Ruger gave their first impressions of the Demon Wizard.
• Mona clarified that she had felt terror and a longing that made her think he wanted to devour her, though she said the word was inaccurate.

Ruger and Wizard Mona compared their dreams of a faceless man, but disagreed about his height. After deciding not to use his last chance to contact Immanuel Caputo, Ruger examined a spell from the Demon Hunter Badge and named it Mind Shackles.

• Ruger and Mona compared their memories of the faceless figure and confirmed that they had dreamed of him at roughly the same time, but they disagreed about his height.
• After Mona left, Ruger considered asking Immanuel Caputo whether he had dreamed of the figure, then put away the notebook containing his final chance to contact his teacher.
• Ruger took a gift from the Demon Hunter Badge and wondered whether it could be part of the rumored Demon Wizard's legacy.
• Ruger studied the unnamed one-ring spell, recognized that its recorded design was valuable to him, and named it Mind Shackles.

Ruger reflected on the origins and workings of Mind Shackles, a spell tailored to his strengths, and added studying it to his routine. During meditation, he sensed that he would become a Two-Ring Wizard within three to ten days.

• Ruger considered how his experiences with Barry Danton, the red-skinned wizard, and Ernites had shaped his thinking about developing his own magical path.
• Ruger examined Mind Shackles, a one-ring spell that shackled an enemy's existing inclination and could let it overwhelm their reason.
• Ruger decided that creating the spell had been its most valuable gift and added studying it to his daily schedule.
• Ruger meditated while studying the symbol in the Black Book and reflected on his long wait to advance.
• Ruger sensed that he would become a Two-Ring Wizard in three to ten days, possibly as an unintended benefit of his terrifying dream.

Ruger advanced to a Two-Ring Wizard on his island and began preparing to weave a new ability into his Silence Magic Seal. He planned to celebrate his breakthrough before continuing toward becoming a Three-Ring Wizard and seeking world runes.

• During meditation, Ruger's mental power surged and he completed his advancement to a Two-Ring Wizard.
• Ruger felt the new second-ring spell slot in his soul and realized his advancement would not be fully complete until he solidified a spell to fill it.
• Ruger considered Mahama's teacher's tailored spell and Big Guy's choice to forge his own path.
• Ruger meditated on the simple symbol in his mental power space, and its light began resonating with the Silence Magic Seal.
• Ruger decided to celebrate by getting Tuzel drunk, messing up Serious Mouse's fur, eating food prepared by Aisijin and Big Silly Hum, and sleeping soundly.

After adjusting to his advancement to Two-Ring Wizard, Ruger tested his increased strength and continued hunting with Zhizhi, whose growth and appetite had begun to improve. The chapter left Ruger considering ways to further develop his familiar.

• Ruger adapted to the sense of absence caused by his advancement and noticed his meditation and spellcasting growing stronger.
• Ruger struck the sea with the Weighty Book, then Zhizhi dragged an unconscious Dragonkin Sea Beast ashore.
• Ruger tested Zhizhi and found its shell could withstand one ordinary Fireball Spell, while it could remain awake for longer after feeding.
• Aisijin, Serious Mouse, and Ruger encouraged Zhizhi to stay active by providing treats and taking it hunting.
• Ruger considered feeding Zhizhi higher-level food or treasures to stimulate its growth.
• Ruger recalled that his friends had comforted him after his advancement left him feeling unsettled.

Ruger reflected on his spell research, considered but rejected prayer to the God of Wizards, and began simplifying his work into smaller spells. Just as his first minor spell started to take shape, the three-year Observation Period ended and he changed his plans again.

• Ruger drew on conversations, books, and his own experience while struggling to develop a spell sequence without expecting to accomplish everything at once.
• Kurt told Ruger and Mahama that prayer to the God of Wizards could take the form of spell study and might bring answers, but Ruger decided he would not pray to gods.
• Ruger chose to break his research into smaller problems and began shaping three minor spells, using a gift from the indistinct-faced figure to guide his spell construction.
• Ruger’s first minor spell began to take shape, but the three-year Observation Period ended, prompting him to change his plans.

Wizard Zorn gathered Ruger and Mahama to leave on a mission the next day, but first headed toward the island’s survival festival. Ruger followed with his companions, enjoying the festivities as Zorn disappeared into the crowd.

• Wizard Zorn noticed Ruger’s advancement to a Two-Ring Wizard and announced that he would take Ruger and Mahama along on a mission, with their departure planned for the next day.
• Varin reacted with surprise when she learned that Ruger and Mahama had become Two-Ring Wizards, and said she had prepared their rooms.
• Wizard Zorn heard the festival music and left the courtyard to join the celebrations.
• Ruger summoned his furry companions and followed Zorn into the lively streets, where Zorn soon disappeared.

Ruger accompanied Zorn to Falling Moon City, where he hoped to use the Knowledge Temple to choose a second-ring spell. He reached the Temple and learned that he would need to search for a spell through a stone book rather than browse a catalog.

• Aisijin and Big Silly Hum cooked for islanders, drawing Zorn to them, and Ruger gave Zorn several bottles of wine.
• Zorn took Ruger and the others by carriage and teleportation array to Falling Moon City to meet a client.
• Zorn left the group with Arcane Imprints and went to meet a grim-faced Holy Judgment Wizard.
• Ruger asked Lady Jillian where the Knowledge Temple was, and she pointed him toward it.
• Ruger asked the plump old Wizard at the Temple to see the second-ring spell catalog, and the old Wizard gave him a stone book for searching by mental power.

Ruger searched the Knowledge Temple’s spell catalog for foundations that suited his plans and chose two complementary Second-Ring Spells. Old Del warned him about their weaknesses, then offered to teach them privately and share his spell notes.

• Ruger gathered his thoughts and used his Arcane Imprint to access the book-shaped stone’s catalog of Second-Ring Spells.
• Ruger reviewed all 171 spells twice, considering how his choices might support his future as a Three-Ring Wizard.
• Ruger chose Book of Resentment and Invisible Constraint.
• Old Del explained that the spells complemented each other but were old and could be countered by potions or special spells.
• Old Del offered to teach Ruger the spells privately and give him a copy of his personal spell notes.

Ruger visited the Knowledge Temple to buy Second-Ring Spellbooks and discovered that his badge held two hundred thousand merit stones from his secret ownership share in Divine Object Art. He bought two Spellbooks and asked Sir Del whether he would sell his notes on the spells.

• Ruger chose Spellbooks over the old Wizard’s alternative and presented his Demon Hunter Wizards badge for identification.
• Ruger saw that the badge held two hundred thousand merit stones, accumulated as his share of the proceeds from Divine Object Art.
• Sir Del quoted twelve thousand merit stones for Book of Resentment and nine thousand for Invisible Constraint.
• Ruger used his badge to pay for both Spellbooks, which appeared in Sir Del’s teleportation array.
• Ruger picked up the Spellbooks and asked Sir Del to sell him his notes on the two spells.

Ruger received notes on the Book of Resentment and Invisible Constraint from an old Wizard at the Knowledge Temple, then spent merit stones to choose another Second-Ring Spell. He selected Fendim's Flaming Centipede, and its spellbook appeared in the teleportation array.

• The round old Wizard gave Ruger three notebooks containing notes on the Book of Resentment and Invisible Constraint.
• Ruger thanked the old Wizard, then paid ten merit stones to search the Knowledge Temple catalog again.
• Ruger chose the Second-Ring Spell Fendim's Flaming Centipede as a straightforward reserve spell.
• Ruger paid fourteen thousand merit stones, and the spellbook appeared in the teleportation magic array.

Ruger and Mahama bought spells and registered with the Messenger wizards, then settled in a quiet room to read. Ruger began studying Fendim's Flaming Centipede, whose creator's account left him unsure whether its origin was wondrous insight or delusion.

• Ruger thanked the old wizard and agreed to lend Mahama five thousand merit stones so he could buy a spell.
• Ruger and Mahama left the blood-soaked shop and registered as contracting members of the Messenger organization.
• Ruger bought Messenger stationery and boxes, then recorded Mahama's arcane imprint in his notebook.
• Ruger rented a quiet room, brought out his recliner, and began reading the spellbooks he had acquired.
• Ruger read about Fendim's Flaming Centipede and learned that its creator attributed his rise to a strange insect, though the tale might have been a delusion.

Ruger studied Fendim's Flaming Centipede and Invisible Constraint, then connected the latter's intangible media to Monster Wolf's chains. He planned to use the Book of Resentment and the Divine Object Art to learn how to turn intangible media into chains.

• Ruger learned that Fendim had created Fendim's Flaming Centipede from traces of a mysterious world, but had disappeared without proving he could return there.
• Ruger examined Invisible Constraint and considered how it used intangible media to restrain and disrupt opponents.
• Ruger recalled Monster Wolf devouring chains and his observation that the older wizard had afterward cared slightly less about his friends.
• Ruger decided to pursue a spell that could make intangible media tangible as chains, using the Book of Resentment and the Divine Object Art to investigate Monster Wolf.

Ruger studied the second-ring spell Book of Resentment and reconsidered how intangible forces could alter objects and restrain targets. He then chose to learn Fendim's Flaming Centipede first, hoping to master it before Wizard Zorn arrived.

• Ruger examined Book of Resentment and learned how its creator had turned resentment into a magical force by writing it into a book.
• Ruger realized the Monster Wolf's invisible restraint might weaken once the intangible substance sustaining it was exhausted.
• Ruger set aside the other spellbooks and chose Fendim's Flaming Centipede as his first second-ring spell, seeking a direct fallback spell.
• Ruger checked that Wizard Zorn's Arcane Imprint remained intact and wondered whether he could learn the spell before Zorn arrived.

Ruger studied Fendim's Flaming Centipede and began using the Divine Object Art to accelerate his progress. He and the others followed Zorn to the Foreign God Oversight Council, where they learned that the matter had drawn the Council's attention.

• Ruger confirmed that Fendim's Flaming Centipede was compatible with him and studied its 339-node spell model over two days.
• After beginning the Divine Object Art stage, Ruger sensed something and joined Mahama outside; they found Zorn, Varin, and the others waiting at the inn.
• Zorn led Ruger and the group through Falling Moon City toward the Foreign God Oversight Council, while Mahama appeared to have adapted to his vacant spell slot.
• The Red-Haired Wizard joined the group at the Council, where two hooded Wizards checked their identifying insignia.
• A stubbled Council Wizard remarked that Zorn had gathered many Formal Wizard-level Demon Hunter Wizards, and Zorn answered casually.