One-Eyed Monster

BANG! BANG! BANG! The summit of Guru Mountain’s Dawn Peak is in the middle of a fierce battle right now!

Neither Estev nor Stan Sol had anticipated the arrival of such a bizarre creature at the summit.

Yes, creature. Nothing else could quite describe it.

It had a human form but lacked human features. It couldn’t be classified as an Alien Species either, as it didn’t exhibit any signs of life.

More importantly, it couldn’t be categorized as an Exchange Beast either, as there were no Spiritual Power Marks found on it.

No signs of life, no Spiritual Power Marks—it was indescribable.

Both Estev and Stan Sol were far from naive, yet they were left stunned by this creature that was neither human nor monster.

However, the creature didn’t give them the luxury of catching their breath or recovering from their shock. It launched an attack as soon as it approached them.

What’s more, it seemed to know exactly who to target. It didn’t even spare a glance at Qi Liu and Bunan standing to one side.

It was an incredibly surreal experience to be attacked by something without any discernible features. It was like witnessing a rock come to life and start moving, or plants suddenly revive and launch an attack on you.

One could at least sense the Spirit Power traces in rocks, plants, and trees, but nothing could be sensed from this creature.

It felt as if the creature was a hollow shell, its attacks controlled by someone else.

”Have you noticed anything?” Estev asked Stan Sol, dodging the creature’s assault. Stan Sol was searching his memory for any information that could help.

”No... memory... of this… entity!” Stan Sol searched his substantial collection of memories but found no relevant material. For the Sol Family, Ancient Hunters, not finding any relevant information was highly unusual.

”There’s nothing like this in my Dark Art Dictionary either.” Estev, who specialized in the Dark Arts, couldn’t find anything similar there either.

They were facing a completely new entity, a vast unknown.

”I can’t sense any signs of life,” Estev commented. The creature had tried to launch a bite attack at him several times, but none had been successful.

Though the creature looked terrifying, its attack method was rather simplistic, nothing more than beast-like biting and pouncing.

Estev always had the feeling that this creature could be an Alchemist’s Exchange Beast, as only beasts would attack this mindlessly.

But the creature seemed capable of predicting their thoughts and quickly switched its attack method.

The creature opened its massive mouth as if it were about to release some form of Shockwave.

Estev readied his defense immediately. The impact of such a Shockwave was not unlike the punch or Sword Qi of a Fighter—a surprise attack would be difficult to fend off.

However, no Shockwave shot out from the creature’s mouth.

Instead, it coughed up an egg-shaped object. Opaque and pitch-black, it rolled around on the ground for a bit before cracking open with a POP. A cloud of dark mist emerged from the egg-shaped object, gradually forming into another creature identical to the first.

”Division?” Estev was taken aback. He almost wanted to laugh at the sight. To think they’d use something of this level against Soul Guardians! They’re completely underestimating us!

They’ll see. I’ll show this creature the power of the Soul Guardians, and make whoever controls it realize our strength too!

Estev crouched low, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to the creature using his Physique Technique.

Building power, ready, leap!

Estev leapt into the air, his arm pulling back quickly. He needed to muster enough power to deliver a crushing blow.

CREAK-CREAK. Those two identical creatures didn’t show any intention of dodging...

”Be——care——ful——” All of a sudden, Stan Sol shouted aloud, as if something bad was about to happen.

Even though Stan Sol spoke slowly, his actions were swift. With a WHOOSH, he had already jumped in front of Estev, unfolding his cloak—Sharkmon—to silently bear Estev’s attack.

”What are you doing?” Although Estev had restrained some of his strength, the force still fiercely struck Sharkmon. Fortunately, Sharkmon was rugged enough to resist it.

However, Estev couldn’t hide the astonishment on his face at all...

Stan Sol knew his explanation wouldn’t be quick enough. His slow speech made it difficult for Estev’s doubts to be cleared up instantly, so he pointed towards the creatures.

Estev followed his gesture and saw the two creatures baring their teeth, looking extremely frustrated.

”This...” Estev seemed to have a slight understanding.

So, those two things were waiting for me to attack them! It seems their previous attacks were merely feints. No wonder their attacks were so simple; I almost fell right into their trap!

Estev’s heart tightened. For a seasoned warrior like me, this was a careless mistake. It was such a simple trap, and I almost fell into it. That’s simply inexcusable!

Luckily, Stan Sol had stopped him.

”Have you figured out their tricks?” Estev looked at Stan Sol. Since he had stopped his attack, Estev was sure that this fellow must know what was really happening with those two creatures.

”Soul... Puppet,” Stan Sol said quietly, drawing out the words.

Estev drew in a sharp breath; the situation before him was becoming more troublesome.

”We are not Wizards, so it’s hard for us to understand the subtleties of these techniques...” Estev furrowed his brows. ”Spellcraft is too intricate. If the Wizards themselves don’t appear, people like us can’t handle it. Spellcraft must be undone by a Wizard...”

As Estev spoke, both his and Stan Sol’s gazes unintentionally drifted to one side.

There, Qi Liu and Bunan were hiding, along with Grand Witch Biggs.

”Coincidentally, we have a Wizard right here.” Estev’s words, like a dagger, stung Grand Witch Biggs, making her uneasy.

Why is this happening? I was just thinking about finding a quiet moment to ponder my advancement, and now I’m dragged into this inexplicable dispute! Grand Witch Biggs felt a mix of emotions. Right now, I don’t know what to do. Should I step forward, or continue playing dumb and hiding here?

”Great Wizard, everyone here needs your help.”

It can’t be denied that Qi Liu’s words at this moment were much more effective than Estev’s intimidating gaze. Grand Witch Biggs was quite pleased with the title ”Great Wizard”.

With a swagger, Grand Witch Biggs stepped out from the small circle of Qi Liu and the others, seemingly oblivious to Stan Sol and Estev, who were dodging the assaults from the two creatures.

At this moment, the two creatures’ manner of attack had switched. After their trap was uncovered, they had changed their attacking style.

”Soul Puppets are an advanced form of Dark Arts, and it’s surprising that someone in this world can use Darkness Type Spellcraft to such an extent,” Estev remarked amidst his dodges, now even more cautious. I don’t know what kind of evil substance might be hidden within the Soul Puppet. One careless touch, and I’ll be in trouble.

Grand Witch Biggs looked at Estev dodging from side to side, gulping in fear. Only now do I realize what a foolish decision I’ve made...

Soul Puppet. That was a terrifying term. Grand Witch Biggs had once read about these beings in the Spirit Book.

Now, there are actually two Soul Puppets before my eyes! This is like a nightmare!