One-Eyed Monster

In the early morning, the White Swamp was cloaked in thick fog, and chirping birds already fluttered about in the misty marsh. The flames that had spewed from the ground the previous evening didn’t seem to have significantly impacted them. They rose early and called out as they usually did.

Monster Xiso wore a grim look. The problem with the invaders hadn’t been resolved, and new issues had arisen in Moonflow Stream. Although the Great Mentor was very confident about Moonflow Stream, Xiso sensed something was amiss. Over the years, many had tried to approach Moonflow Stream, but as long as Arnold was present, no one could enter this territory. Even the monsters of Guru Mountain couldn’t see through Arnold’s traps. Yet now, Kadi and the stranger with him had somehow triggered Arnold’s Spirit Flame. It seemed they had pushed Arnold to his limit.

This unusual situation prevented Xiso from thinking clearly. He was primarily concerned for the Great Mentor of Moonflow Stream. That unfamiliar youth with Kadi is an enigma, Xiso thought. If Kadi has been bewitched by him, things will become even more complicated.

This unease prompted Xiso to end his patrol early. He felt uneasy leaving the Great Mentor alone in Moonflow Stream. Although Kevin was there, supposedly to protect him, Xiso had never considered Kevin reliable.

Kevin, that lout, was completely unreliable.

Xiso could only feel assured of the Great Mentor’s safety if he were watching over him personally.

Xiso wasn’t fast enough on foot to return to Moonflow Stream quickly, but he could have his goshawk carry him. The goshawks tamed by the Great Mentor were very intelligent, and Xiso had one himself. This goshawk was a treasured gift from the Great Mentor. Its flights with Xiso to every corner of Guru Mountain had forged a natural bond between them, and Xiso felt he could no longer be parted from it.

The goshawk carried Xiso to the Stone House. He was somewhat surprised to find neither Kevin nor the Great Mentor inside. However, noticing the fishing gear was gone from the house, his tense heart finally eased a little. The absence of the fishing gear meant the Great Mentor had surely gone fishing.

The Great Mentor only went fishing when he was in high spirits. It seemed his mood was quite good now.

Xiso remembered the fishing spot clearly. Still, it’s odd to go fishing at this hour, he thought.

Strange or not, some things had to be addressed.

Xiso’s steps grew heavier.

Reaching a lush, grassy area of the White Swamp, Xiso stopped. He himself had chosen this fishing spot for the Great Mentor. He had chosen this plant-rich location hoping the swamp’s mysterious vegetation would conceal them from prying eyes. After all, the swamp grass grew as tall as a man and spread out in a vast white expanse, offering natural camouflage, perfect for misleading anyone nearby.

Parting the tall grass and walking a bit further, he saw the Great Mentor, completely engrossed in fishing.

Xiso watched the Great Mentor’s focused expression and hesitated to interrupt. Fishing was a solitary wait; only the angler knew when to lift the rod or add more bait.

Those who are bored tend to notice everything around them. Kevin, having given up on fishing long ago, remained vigilant, yet a part of him was relaxed. He scanned his surroundings and soon spotted Xiso entering the area.

To avoid disturbing the Great Mentor’s fishing, Xiso and Kevin communicated using Spirit Power.

Spirit Communication was taxing, but Xiso needed answers. The Great Mentor’s behavior is too abnormal, Xiso thought. He must have misjudged something.

”The Great Mentor was here fishing all through last night,” Kevin conveyed to Xiso via Spirit Communication.

An entire night? Xiso couldn’t believe it. The Great Mentor had never fished, let alone meditated, for an entire night. This plunged Xiso into deep thought.

But his contemplation yielded nothing; he still couldn’t fathom what the Great Mentor was up to.

”What’s the situation outside?” Kevin’s Spirit Power message reached Xiso again.

”Dawn Peak is in utter chaos. Other areas seem normal for now. The invaders’ advance seems to have slowed, as if they’re waiting for something.”

”I hope everything will be alright,” Kevin transmitted with a mental sigh.

The Great Mentor’s fishing rod twitched; it seemed he had a bite.

The Great Mentor never cared about his catch; any fish he caught, he would release. His purpose in fishing wasn’t to pass the time or for a tasty meal, but for meditation.

Whenever the Great Mentor was exceptionally pleased, he would go fishing. He often said that emotional fluctuations could cloud judgment. There were many ways to stabilize one’s emotions, meditation being one of them.

Xiso’s heart, however, remained uneasy. The Great Mentor meditated all night... that means his emotions are extremely turbulent. What could be troubling him so?

Fishing in the White Swamp appeared tranquil, but in truth, one never knew what might emerge from its depths. All one could do was clasp one’s hands and pray that whatever was caught would be... normal.

”Master!” Xiso finally blurted out, unable to hold back any longer, interrupting the Great Mentor’s deep thoughts.

But the Great Mentor simply waved his hand dismissively, as if warding off a fly, clearly annoyed at the interruption just as a fish was about to bite.

Kevin shrugged, casting a look of profound sympathy at Xiso.

It was a truly awkward impasse. The situation was clearly dire, a time for grave concern, yet the Great Mentor showed no sign of anxiety. Indeed, it was Xiso who was frantic.

Perhaps this is what they call ’the master isn’t worried, but the attendant is frantic’... Xiso thought, nearly stomping his foot in frustration. He couldn’t fathom why the Great Mentor remained so unperturbed. With alarming things happening everywhere, how can he be so unconcerned?

Every monster on Guru Mountain felt an unbreakable bond with it, a sentiment fostered by the Great Mentor himself. Therefore, every monster was duty-bound to share any risk threatening the Great Mentor.

”Ah! A big one this time!” the Great Mentor exclaimed, lifting his rod. Dangling from the line was a plump Prosperity Fish.

”Let’s keep this one.” For once, the Great Mentor didn’t release his catch.

”Master! This is hardly the time to be discussing fish!” Xiso exclaimed, sweat beading on his forehead. I wish I could pry open his skull and see what on earth he’s thinking!

”Oh, Xiso,” the Great Mentor said. ”You still haven’t learned. Haven’t I told you before? Things are not always as they appear on the surface.”

”But Master, the invaders’ strength...”

”Xiso, Xiso,” the Great Mentor sighed. ”Life isn’t solely about revenge. There is also legacy, Xiso. And that is more important than anything.”