One-Eyed Monster

Simon had once been a Golden Seat in the Alchemy Workshop; back then, he was hailed as the hope of the Alchemy Workshop.

His very existence was legendary. Even after vanishing from public view, he remained a legend on the Yowein Continent.

Who in the world did not know Red Cat, Simon?

His appearance changed the dynamics of the Alchemy Workshop, shifting the outside world’s perception of it. He was both a fighter and an Alchemist.

Some proclaimed him the future chief of the Alchemy Workshop, others foresaw him as its youngest Great Mentor, and some even said he would become the youngest and most talented individual in the Empire.

But no one could predict with certainty, just as no one could truly foresee the future. People merely inferred from the fragmentary Divination and deductions offered by Wizards and Scholars, blindly believing the future was unalterable. In truth, the future wasn’t shaped by predetermined outcomes, but by the myriad detailed choices made along the way.

Kuyi Tulan was one such detail in these choices, at least for Red Cat, Simon.

He was known as Red Cat, Simon because of his Exchange Beast—his Exchange Beast was a cat.

However, unlike other Alchemists, he possessed only one Alchemy Exchange Beast. This cat, with its fiery red fur, represented Simon. At times, this cat alone could signify Simon’s presence in various places.

Many believed that Red Cat, Simon had studied Forbidden Spells. They thought he had exchanged his soul for the Fire Cat from Hell, its soul replacing his own human soul. This soul exchange allowed him to switch between cat and human, leaving others puzzled about his true nature.

But these were merely speculations. Simon hadn’t studied Forbidden Spells; in fact, he didn’t even understand them. He had simply broken through a state of Spirit Power and could use Alchemy to perform an exchange that manifested an Alternate Dimension. In this dimension, his Spirit Power and consciousness could be exchanged with the Fire Cat.

This Fire Cat also came from that Alternate Dimension. Apart from its fur differing from ordinary cats, its agility and skills were slightly superior.

Simon could integrate with the cat, and the cat could also integrate with Simon. It was this ability that most vexed his enemies. He could always manage to silently appear before his enemies and deal them a swift, heavy blow. This technique was akin to a Hunter’s Stealth Ability, but not entirely. After all, his enemies could always see his form and sense his Spirit Power throughout the entire process. Yet regardless of how far his enemies assumed he was, or how impossible the distance seemed, he could effortlessly and swiftly close in. This ability to appear before his enemies, seemingly out of nowhere, showed no discernible pattern or warning. His enemies often referred to these footsteps as Demonic Steps, a term born of fear and respect for Simon. A Hunter’s Stealth Ability, killing invisibly, was terrifying, but that fear was usually felt only at the brink of death, as Hunters were mostly unseen. Simon, however, was always in front of his enemies. This made the fear a gradual encroachment, far more intense than the sudden terror brought by a Hunter. After all, a Hunter’s Stealth Ability typically culminated in a single, final blow; a careless person might not even feel it. But Simon’s steps were always right before your eyes, like flesh being sliced from your body, piece by piece.

Only gods and ghosts could possess such steps; humans were incapable.

Indeed, humans had never possessed such steps; these steps belonged to the Fire Cat. Simon referred to this unique technique as the Cat Dance Steps.

These steps were a cat dancing. TIK TOK TICK, one-two-three, silently by your side...

Simon closed his eyes, feeling the rhythm of the cat’s dance. His steps began to dance across the mountain. His enemies were numerous and ruthless; if he didn’t hasten, he might not escape unscathed.

Joseph and Kuren had already learned their lesson. Simon took note: the enemy was prepared. This mysterious Dark Wizard was exceptionally well-prepared, having even drawn the attention of the Alchemy Workshop.

”Rumors say that Red Cat, Simon, is the most elite fighter in your Alchemy Workshop. Today, I finally get to witness your legendary skills,” the mysterious Dark Wizard continued his verbal assault. Simon could feel the curse embedded in those words. If he listened too closely, he might fall into an Illusionary Realm conjured by the Wizard—a common tactic of their kind. They used the magic of nature’s wondrous plants to bewilder others, create Illusionary Realms, and distort their victims’ willpower.

But Kuren’s experience served as a lesson; the guardians of Guru Mountain would not fall for the same trick twice, even if they could no longer protect the peak.

”The people from the Alchemy Workshop sure are fast,” Yuga remarked to Simon, finally finding a moment to speak.

”I’ll handle them. You and Jemma focus on this Dark Wizard,” Simon replied to Yuga.

”No problem. We need to buy time. After the first seal was broken, all the Shields dissipated. I think that’s how the people from the Alchemy Workshop managed to reach us.” Yuga was still able to articulate his analysis so fluently under such critical circumstances, which was truly remarkable.

Meanwhile, the Dark Wizard, Reed, was gearing up to attack Yuga. Reed had rarely encountered anyone in a White Robe, and Yuga’s robe was especially glaring to him.

The few from the Alchemy Workshop were dumbfounded; when they arrived, they were completely bewildered. Unaware of the seal atop Dawn Peak, the scene before them had dramatically changed after the Fei Lai Stone was split in two.

The vista was far more majestic and grand than anything they had previously witnessed, appearing like a masterpiece sculpted by nature’s divine artistry.

What surprised them most was that they had unknowingly left the summit of Dawn Peak. More critically, only half their original group had reached this new location; the others were missing.

The one consolation was that the members of the Alchemy Workshop hadn’t been separated by this sudden change. All of them were together, accompanied, strangely enough, by a Great Witch.

Indeed, the Great Witch, Biggs, had somehow ended up with the Alchemists from the Alchemy Workshop.

Biggs was shocked to find that the two young men from before were no longer beside her. Neither was Bigas. The two Adventurers with Class of unknown origin were also missing, leaving her alone with a group of Alchemists.

She hated Alchemists, she hated this damn mountain, and most of all, she hated herself...

”Now is a good chance to observe. We’re both Wind Elementals, yet look how skillfully others can use it! And you? You can only let me lead you by the nose,” Witch Biggs’s Wind Elemental, that mischievous child, appeared before her again at an inopportune moment. It stuck out its little bottom, carefully watching everything unfold.

Several Alchemists from the Alchemy Workshop had formed a circle, hoping to use their numbers to counter Simon’s steps. Unfortunately for them, Simon didn’t fall for it. This time, instead of using the Cat Dance Steps, he transformed directly into the Fire Cat, darted into their midst, and dispersed the Alchemy Potions he had obtained through exchange.

”Watch closely! Really, if you don’t try harder, I’m afraid you won’t even be able to summon me anymore!” Biggs’s Wind Elemental child was genuinely concerned, worried that if Biggs didn’t improve her skills, she wouldn’t be able to summon him in the future.