One-Eyed Monster

”I don’t know whether Willem told you about this mountain. But considering what I know of him, he wouldn’t have revealed the true situation to you puppets.”

Estev’s grip tightened. This was his Bone Lock Spell, a technique he had spent many years researching, specifically designed to deal with Darkness Type Fighters.

Those committed to the darkness system pursue the highest mastery of their Physique Technique, not to reach the limit, but to transcend it. The method they study is called Reverse Physical Technique, and those who practice it often carry another title: Bone Fighters.

Jani was one of those Bone Fighters. Practicing the Reverse Physical Technique drastically altered his body shape, and his bones could become weapons at any given moment.

No one truly knows how these Dark Wizards learn this skill. Some say they sold their souls to the Devil, who, in return, bestowed upon them the power to separate flesh from bone.

The secrets of the Dark Arts are only revealed to those embraced by the darkness system. However, Estev is a Soul Guardian. To better guard the secret behind his mission, he had racked his brains and devised countless methods.

Yet, theoretical concepts are always too abstract. Even though he understands what he guards, he doesn’t understand the Gravediggers. To better protect these secrets, he feels he must also understand his enemies.

Estev’s position as Vice Chief in the Court of Guards offered him numerous conveniences. While Liuli City could hardly be called a metropolis, the matters faced by the Court of Guards were largely similar across the Empire. As Vice Chief, he could use Mail Birds to access case files from anywhere in the Empire through the Court of Guards’ internal system.

Thanks to these conveniences, Estev had gained a thorough understanding of the Black Crow organization. His reply to Aevernan Luona revealed that his knowledge of the Black Crow surpassed that of any Court Chief in the Empire.

Another reason Estev was so familiar with the Black Crow was Willem, the organization’s leader, who had once been one of their own. The traitorous Willem was their greatest threat, yet the Soul Guardian organization deemed him not worth fearing.

In terms of strength, Estev indeed did not fear Willem. But when it came to intellect, Estev felt that ten of himself would be no match for even half a Willem.

It was precisely Estev’s wariness of Willem that led him to ascend the mountain early. He suspected Willem was not so simple and wouldn’t play by the book.

Sure enough, Willem had dispatched three chieftain-level members of the Black Crow to scout ahead. If not for their distinct Darkness Type attributes, Estev would have found it difficult to determine they were Willem’s subordinates.

Estev’s research into the darkness system also stemmed from his wariness of Willem.

The reason for Willem’s betrayal was simple: a thirst for power. Estev had been greatly surprised when Willem first stepped into the darkness system. The sudden fall of a former comrade-in-arms into the abyss made Estev feel it was partly his own failing.

Burdened by self-reproach, he began to study Dark Arts, gradually uncovering Willem’s true nature.

From that moment on, Estev became more taciturn.

”I understand your grand leader; therefore, I understand his puppets. This Bone Lock Spell was prepared especially for you Bone Fighters.”

”You...” Jani was clearly writhing in excruciating pain, still unable to figure out Estev’s method of attack. ”You’re an impressive Fighter.”

”I am not a Fighter. I’ve just researched Physique Techniques extensively, especially those of you Bone Fighters.” Estev had always disguised himself as a Fighter. He was knowledgeable about their various skills, even their Environment Sensing Skills, which he could use proficiently.

Jani endured the intense pain, glancing at his companions out of the corner of his eye. Alchemists and Wizards are so troublesome, he thought. They’re always dithering during a fight and are no help at all.

Now, Jani could only rely on himself to break through this constraint. He couldn’t help but marvel at the strength of the Soul Guardians; he had been controlled in just one exchange.

Jani had been lurking at the foot of this mountain for many years. He was also one who lived in hiding. Not only did he have to conceal his true identity but also his identity as a Dark Wizard. During the day, he endured the sensitivity caused by sunlight and the peculiar stares from others.

He lay dormant in this place, waiting for this very day when he would open this great door for the Grand Leader—a door leading to the shortcut between life and death.

”The secret you guard... it can reverse life and death!” Jani struggled to force out the words through a wave of pain. He didn’t expect these words to make his opponent lower their guard, nor did he expect them to hand over this mountain.

He was merely buying time, trying to figure out his opponent’s method of attack. An ordinary materialization of Spirit Power certainly couldn’t restrain him; there had to be something special about it.

”I never expected Willem to actually tell you the secret of this mountain.” Estev shook his head. Willem truly didn’t play by conventional rules. Even though Estev thought he knew Willem quite well, he still couldn’t see through his plans.

At least, he hadn’t thought Willem would send a few individuals of mediocre strength to open the Guardian Gate. These three Black Crow chieftains currently posed little threat to him; even if they joined forces in a war of attrition, he had no fear.

So he figured Willem’s Black Crows must have a backup plan. These three were merely puppets, and puppets generally weren’t privy to many secrets.

However, it now seemed that Jani clearly knew what was hidden in this mountain.

Why would Willem divulge such information to someone of Jani’s caliber? Estev couldn’t understand it.

”This mountain peak is just the beginning. I didn’t expect you Soul Guardians to be so fixated on a single door.”

”What we guard is not just a door. And behind this door, as you said, lies something that can reverse life and death.”

”That is what the Grand Leader desires. Once he obtains it, we can all achieve our respective goals.”

”Apologies, but I cannot grant your wish.” Estev twisted his hand again. The Bone Lock Spell was specifically created for Bone Fighters, targeting their ability to separate flesh from bone.

”I knew it wouldn’t be this simple. That’s why I risked using my Reverse Physical Technique.” A faint smile touched Jani’s lips.

”So what? You’re destined to be defeated by my good fortune anyway.” Estev was very confident. The secret on this mountaintop isn’t of great value; it’s merely a gate, a gate leading to the true Guru Mountain.

”The Grand Leader said the spell that sways life and death lies at the foot of this mountain. It would be a disservice to myself to give up now!” Jani struggled with all his might. CRACK! It was the sound of ribs breaking.

”You broke your own ribs?” Estev frowned.

”Hmph. This bit of pain is nothing compared to the Reverse Physical Technique.” The contempt in Jani’s smile made Estev seem like an inexperienced youth, easily surprised by the unfamiliar.

”I... have figured out your method of attack!” Suddenly, a long white knife appeared in Jani’s hand—a Bone Blade formed from his own bones.

”Your smoke is your weapon! Even if it’s hard to detect with the naked eye, I can still feel it!”

”Your powers of observation are quite impressive,” Estev had to concede.

Now, there were no secrets left on this mountaintop. The Black Crow were determined to claim this door. Although they were currently at a disadvantage, they were slowly turning the tide.

”I will defeat you, open this door, and release all the secrets!” Jani smiled faintly, raising the Bone Blade in his hand.