One-Eyed Monster

Milo’s words had quietened the members of the Alchemy Workshop. They weren’t in a hurry, so waiting a while wouldn’t hurt.

However, Bigas’s words left Estev somewhat bewildered. He was having trouble understanding what this blonde woman was trying to convey.

Was the plan to continue guarding, or what? Estev couldn’t discern the meaning behind Bigas’s previous statement.

”What are you really trying to say?” Estev rose to his feet, wanting to know what Bigas was planning and what the agreement meant.

”Unfortunately, Estev, I cannot see things from your perspective,” the aloof Bigas declared dismissively, unperturbed by Estev’s confusion.

”I don’t understand what you mean.” Estev was momentarily at a loss, feeling like a complete outsider.

”You don’t need to understand,” Bigas maintained her cold indifference.

”I am a Soul Guardian, Bigas.”

”I know that. So am I. However, there is no longer a need to guard this place.”

Bigas’s words took Estev by surprise. What did it mean for a Soul Guardian to abandon their duty?

A Soul Guardian abandoning their duty would render everything here meaningless. It also implied that a secret had been completely exposed, rendering it worthless to protect.

People might go mad over this exposed secret, or fall into despair, perhaps even turn to slaughtering one another. In short, the revelation of secrets always incited a bloodbath; this was hardly news.

The Soul Guardians, an ancient order, existed solely to protect these secrets. Broadly speaking, they safeguarded the balance of power in the world; narrowly speaking, they were the private Guardian Army of specific groups.

Soul Guardians themselves did not know for whom they guarded these secrets. They had existed since time immemorial, their missions passed down from generation to generation. The secrets they protected were not all the same, but they all pertained to power.

Estev didn’t know who owned the secret within the mountain he guarded. Some things were too ancient; even the Soul Guardian collective was unsure of their origins. Some scholars, with their profound knowledge, told them their vigil was for the sake of balance—a balance of great importance, affecting night and day, and the very functioning of the entire continent.

Soul Guardians were not supposed to have too many questions; they simply had to perform their duty of guarding.

However, times change. Many transformations happen unknowingly, and disagreements eventually emerged within the Soul Guardians’ ranks. These disagreements largely arose from differing views on the secrets they guarded, splitting the Soul Guardians into three factions. One faction, like Estev’s, adhered to the ancient will, continuing to guard the secrets entrusted to them. Another began to trace their origins, seeking to understand why their identities had to be concealed. The final group, exemplified by Bigas, was indifferent to guarding. They were reformists who believed that instead of protecting secrets, it was better to study them openly, aiming to unearth even greater secrets that would free them entirely from their duties.

Estev sighed. He looked at the few people from the Alchemy Workshop opposite him, then at Bigas. The suspicion he couldn’t suppress was on the tip of his tongue.

”Could it be, your agreement is to let the Alchemy Workshop develop this place?”

”Estev! I merely respect you for the Soul Guardian identity we share. Don’t presume to guess my intentions. You, old fossil, are not worthy,” Bigas raised her voice, unwilling to become more entangled with Estev.

Estev wanted to continue speaking but was stopped by Stan Sol, who stood beside him. Stan Sol shook his head, signaling him not to inquire further.

Bigas’s icy demeanor continued to pervade the mountaintop, which fell into a dead, utter silence.

”The Chief’s Mail Bird has arrived,” someone from the Alchemy Workshop group opposite them called out, breaking the silence.

Milo took the Mail Bird, slowly processing the information conveyed by Chief Kuyi Tulan.

”What did the Chief say? Is there some sort of agreement?” Pedro asked impatiently.

”Yes, there is an agreement. The Alchemy Workshop and Witch Bigas of the Wizard Alliance have come to a consensus. After the door is opened, Lord Bigas will assist us in finding Moonflow Stream in this mountain. In return, once we find our mentor, we must completely obey Witch Bigas’s commands,” Milo fully deciphered the message and, despite his many inner doubts, swallowed them.

After speaking, Milo could also sense the others’ confusion and unwillingness. The thought of being ordered around by this Bigas was unsettling.

”You used this mountain’s secret as a bargaining chip?” Estev could no longer restrain himself. He truly couldn’t understand why Bigas, also a Soul Guardian, couldn’t be more conscientious.

”Let me reiterate, Estev: my respect for you as a Soul Guardian does not mean I approve of you. Do not test my limits.” Bigas’s meaning was clear: she had no desire for further words with Estev.

At that moment, Stan Sol’s heart wavered slightly. He thought of Dastan. It seemed he wouldn’t be able to perfectly accomplish the task Dastan had entrusted to him. Thankfully, Dastan had shared some information; otherwise, he would be as lost and bewildered as Estev.

”Please, open this door for us,” Milo asked politely, although he was still clueless about what this door actually was.

”This door cannot be opened!” Estev protested vehemently.

”Why are you making such a fuss? It’s just opening a door. What are you yelling about?” the Witch Spirit possessing Hustace’s body had had enough and jumped up, speaking impatiently.

”Once this gate is opened, the secret will be exposed! It will give those Black Crow scoundrels an opportunity. Moreover, I doubt the Alchemy Workshop’s motives are pure,” Estev voiced his concerns.

”Only the weak look before and after, cowering and hesitating. If they come, we fight! With me here, what do you have to fear?” Bigas spoke disdainfully. This was somewhat out of character for her aloof temperament, but she said it anyway.

Estev’s severed arm had clearly affected her somewhat, and she felt it necessary to enlighten this incredibly stubborn Estev.

”Estev, when you get to the bottom of the mountain, you will naturally understand what I mean. Scholar Manjia also knows about these matters; he will explain them to you. Let’s not waste our time here.” For once, Bigas’s tone lacked its usual iciness.

”But I am a Soul Guardian...” Estev struggled to comprehend.

”Actually, it’s quite simple. You don’t need to fret over it anymore,” the Witch Spirit began to ramble again. ”Kuyi Tulan of the Alchemy Workshop has no interest whatsoever in this mountain’s secret. As for your other concern, I don’t think it’s a problem at all.”

Estev looked up at the talking Witch Spirit. He sensed that the spirit was addressing things he cared about.

”You must understand, you’ve sacrificed everything to guard this place, yet it’s merely a door. Some can find the secret without even needing to open this door.”

Estev nodded upon hearing this, signaling the Witch Spirit to continue.

”Sometimes, a necessary abandonment is like casting bait, waiting for others to take the hook. Besides, my master’s strength is supreme. What is there to worry about?” The Witch Spirit’s voice was filled with disdain; clearly, Bigas had trained her to be innately arrogant.