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Banda Toro had done the same, although the context had obviously been quite different. This felt much more solid. Much more controlled.

It was also reminding Hector of Royo Raju, as well--or at least, it was reminding him of that brief window of time in which Royo had spoken to them after “merging” with Secho, the so-called God of Growth. In a background thought process, Hector found himself wishing that he’d spoken longer with Royo, if only so he could make a better comparison with this guy here.

There was definitely something eerily similar at play, but Hector couldn’t quite pinpoint it. With Royo, Hector’s knowledge of aura had been almost nonexistent, and the “blessing” of Domain that he’d received from Malast had only just been given.

Hmm. Royo had also offered to welcome him back into the Higher West Layer of the Undercrust, should he ever decide to go down there again. And now, after meeting this dude, maybe it was time to consider that. It might be a very useful learning opportunity. And an inevitable one, as well, if Warrenhold was ever to truly become a “hub” between the surface and the Undercrust, as its builder, Stasya Orlov, wished for it to be.

All of that was in the back of Hector’s mind, though. In the foremost part of it, he was still focused on how Caster was going to respond.

“...I did tell you that I am a new man,” said Mr. Egmond. “And it even seems as though you can tell that I am not lying about that, no?”

“New doesn’t necessarily mean better,” said Hector.

“Heh. An understandable point of concern, I suppose. I was quite the scoundrel before. If I am to be worse than that, then I would have to be truly wicked indeed.”

There was no utility in responding to that, Hector decided. His point was still lingering, and he was still waiting on Caster’s decision. Either the man would tell him about his mysterious new powers, or he wouldn’t. And Hector didn’t intend to compromise there, not unless Caster came up with something else to change his mind.

A few more moments of silence arrived, until at length, Caster exhaled heavily. “Very well. If you are going to be such a wall, then I will take the first step in building trust between us.” He glanced at Loren again before returning to Hector. “I am no longer Caster Egmond. You may continue to call me that if you wish, as will many others, I am sure, but in truth, I should take a new name, as I have merged souls with Zirat, the God of Sight, Shapes, and Stone.”