One-Eyed Monster

”My third student, Kuyi Tulan, was the one with the most exceptional natural talent,” Master Guzan continued.

”Even better than Milo and Asmon?” Kadi interjected, seemingly afraid he’d be forgotten.

”His talent was unparalleled. I had never seen anything like it; he was practically born to be an Alchemist.” Even though Kuyi Tulan had betrayed him, he still couldn’t stop praising him. It showed how important Kuyi Tulan was in his heart.

”He was a genius, a genius in Alchemy, particularly with the Substance Sensing Skill. His understanding of impurities surpassed any of us; he was a once-in-a-century prodigy,” Master Guzan reminisced, as if Kuyi Tulan were right beside him.

The Great Mentor met Kuyi Tulan when he was just a child. The boy managed to solve his dilemma about impurities at the blacksmith shop.

Kuyi Tulan possessed an extraordinary sensitivity to impurities, far beyond that of ordinary people. He assisted Grand Master Guzan in solving the problems associated with Obsidian. At that time, none of the brilliant blacksmiths in the entire shop could answer the Great Mentor’s question, yet this young boy surprisingly did. He helped the Great Mentor find the materials needed for Obsidian synthesis, with an impurity content that precisely met the requirements.

Seeing such a promising prospect, Guzan just couldn’t let him go. He broke the norm by bringing Kuyi Tulan from the blacksmith shop. Despite everyone’s opposition, he broke convention by accepting a Non-Adventurer as a student.

This unconventional approach to accepting a student caused a sensation throughout the world of Adventurers with Class. After all, the division of labor between Adventurers with Class and Non-Adventurers was very clearly defined. Once Kuyi Tulan chose to become a blacksmith, he was technically no longer qualified to become an Adventurer with Class. However, the Great Mentor still took him on as a student, a decision that shocked everyone. Even the Sovereign of the Kayne Empire inquired about the matter.

Ultimately, the Great Mentor held firm against pressure from all sides and accepted Kuyi Tulan as his student.

Kuyi Tulan rewarded the Great Mentor with his outstanding performance, becoming the youngest Chief—a truly well-deserved reward. This achievement not only brought honor to the Great Mentor but also earned him the respect of everyone. The story of a Non-Adventurer successfully transitioning to become an Adventurer with Class, and even excelling as one of the best among them, is indeed an inspiring one.

”Regrettably, Kuyi Tulan ultimately chose a different path and didn’t follow my advice.” The Great Mentor sighed again. For him, Kuyi Tulan’s choice was a great regret.

”His choice was just contrary to what you said; there’s nothing to be sad about. Everyone has their own ambitions,” Igor began to comfort the Great Mentor. In Igor’s view, the stories of these three students were quite thrilling—no less exciting than the legends of the Six Professions and the Three Great Empires.

”This contrary choice is the pain in my heart. It shows that I’m not a good mentor, quite awful in fact.”

”How could that be? I think everything you’ve mentioned is remarkable. You have three very powerful students; that’s to your credit! How could you be awful?” Kadi also expressed confusion at Guzan’s words. To Kadi, these examples clearly showed Guzan’s unique and distinctive eye for choosing students; none of it seemed awful in the slightest.

”You only see the surface of these experiences and stories but overlook what lies beneath.” The Great Mentor sighed again. Every time these matters were mentioned, he couldn’t help but sigh. ”As their teacher, I failed to guide their futures properly, allowing them to make wrong or radical choices. This is entirely due to my poor teaching!”

”We can’t exactly say that. Students also have their own will when making decisions; they can’t possibly obey your arrangements for everything,” Igor continued, offering words that, as usual, had little real effect. He felt his analysis was correct and that the Great Mentor would be comforted.

”No, it’s entirely my fault. Milo was indecisive, and I noticed it but didn’t help him resolve it. This led to his weakness being exploited by others. This is my fault.”

”Milo was exploited by others?”

”He was convinced by Kuyi Tulan, the new Chief of Alchemists. This naive child is now Kuyi Tulan’s right-hand man, completely used by him,” Guzan said, feeling he had deeply let Milo down by not guiding him onto the correct path.

”What about Asmon then? If Milo and Kuyi Tulan have fallen, Asmon should still be your good student, right?”

”Asmon, that child, is missing,” Master Guzan answered Igor, feeling quite ashamed regarding Asmon.

He had completely overlooked the psychological trauma in the child who had survived the war. He hadn’t cared enough, and that was a grave mistake. He felt he would never forgive himself for it in this lifetime.

”Asmon’s disappearance, Milo’s manipulation, Kuyi Tulan’s wrong choices—these are the reasons I say I am an awful mentor. Nothing could be worse,” Grand Master Guzan said. He felt like a sinner for allowing so many gifted individuals to stray onto the wrong paths, from which they would likely never return.

”Of course, that’s also an important reason why I later became cautious about accepting students,” Grand Master Guzan added. The reason he had shared such a detailed history was because he still wanted to discuss with Igor the possibility of him becoming his student.

”So, you’ve thought long and hard about taking us as your students?” Kadi asked. Although his face showed confusion, there was a clear trace of pride. From the examples discussed, Kadi understood that being chosen by the Great Mentor as a student was a great honor. He naturally felt quite special, even a bit smug.

”Indeed. After careful consideration, I also gave you numerous tests, and you have all passed them,” the Great Mentor replied, his eyes aglow with kindness.

”I’m truly flattered!” Kadi chuckled, feeling a great sense of pride and relaxation. He began to converse with Grand Master Guzan in a more playful manner.

”Alright, I’ve laid out my reasons before you. You are both talented and promising. If you become my students, I will dedicate myself to imparting all my lifelong knowledge. But you don’t wish to be my students. So, can you tell me why? I need a reason, I really do. Otherwise, I’ll feel a bit unsatisfied,” Grand Master Guzan said, laying his cards on the table. He wanted to know why these two young men had refused him.

Anyone would want to know the reason in such a situation; it was only human nature. Having an offered olive branch tossed back would be uncomfortable for anyone. The Great Mentor was already being very gracious and easygoing.

Now, he just wanted a reason. He simply needed to know why these two young men were giving up such a good opportunity for growth—especially the chance to become an accomplished Alchemist.

Igor tilted his head. He felt the situation wasn’t as complicated as it seemed. His reason was quite straightforward, requiring no deliberation at all.

”My reason is, I want to be an Adventurer! Heehee!”