Master Avan also had a sharp memory for the wide variety of mistakes Popp was capable of. It's embarrassing but also weirdly comforting. He looks thoughtfully up at the light through his pendant.

"I'd like to see that, actually. We met him right after, um, after Dai and I split off on our own."

Nailed it.

"Man, I was scared out of my wits even with one of the strongest guys I've ever met standing between me and him. So I'm the last person who can tell you you don't need to worry if I'm around. But if you want to try anything risky, I'm fine backing you up no matter how worried you are, got it?"

In the near future, it's possible that he's going to take an angry rooster to the face while thinking back to this conversation. Acting like a cool senior has its price.