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Hmph. The guy could “see” that, huh? Hector wished he had a clearer picture of how this dude’s “sight” worked, but now wasn’t really the time for that conversation, he felt. They needed to get moving and soon. “If you must know,” said Hector, “we’re planning a quick trip. As a kind of trial run. So yeah, there is risk involved.”

“Then you must allow me to help,” said Caster. “These types of matters are my specialty. I’m sure I could eliminate any risk involved.”

Hector didn’t trust it. “You seem awfully eager.”

“Hah. Well, of course. I have some trust to win back, don’t I?”

He wasn’t wrong there, Hector supposed. But still. Hector was reluctant. Across multiple thought processes, he mulled the question over. Should he actually have this guy help them? Already, it seemed like Caster was finding his way into the fold, deeper than Hector was comfortable with. Having him help would only make that process even easier for Caster, wouldn’t it?

But wait. Maybe there was a different approach to take here.

“You want to tag along?” said Hector.

“I do,” said Caster with a smile, eyeing the Gate another time. “My curiosity is sufficiently piqued.”

“We’re headed to Intar,” said Hector, watching the other man’s aura closely.

“...Ah.” The fluctuation therein was briefly obvious before it regained its composure. “In that case, perhaps I shall return to my own business.”

Voreese snickered. ‘Oh, what’s the matter? Big, famous Abolisher doesn’t feel like waltzing right into the heart of Vanguardian territory?’

If he was irritated by her goading, Caster didn’t let it show, even in his aura. Instead, he returned a snicker of his own. “Yes, I would be in constant fear for my life. Not to mention, I’m sure I would attract all manner of unwanted attention toward your little party here. I doubt you would appreciate that, hmm?”

‘How thoughtful of you,’ said Voreese.

Caster raised a hand and waved his index finger about. “But! I can still provide aid!” Then he snapped his fingers.

And in an instant, a suspended window appeared next to him, and from it, Caster pulled a person through, much like Hector had just done to him.

It was Loren, Hector saw. And the guy was looking truly baffled as his shimmering eyes darted around.

“I cannot go with you personally,” said Caster, “but I can send my right-hand man along with you. If you’ll have him, that is.”