One-Eyed Monster

Milo of the Alchemy Workshop sensed Bigas’s hostility. He couldn’t understand why this haughty Wizard had suddenly changed her stance. Could something significant have happened on Dawn Peak? Figuring out what occurred there should be our top priority. Making an enemy of a High Rank Wizard is unwise. We should consider everyone here a potential enemy.

Milo silently assessed the situation. Though not a Politician adept at gauging political tides, he could roughly grasp their current predicament: it was dire. Any of these factions could turn hostile towards the Alchemy Workshop.

First, there was the mission for their mountain expedition, a new directive from Chief Kuyi Tulan: safely bring back the veterans and warriors who had transformed into monstrous beings. Although this avoided conflict with these former heroes, Milo knew the immense difficulty of the task.

The three monsters led by Simon were formidable figures from the Empire’s past. In their presence, the Golden Seats of the Alchemy Workshop were insignificant. Could they expect these influential individuals to docilely follow orders and descend the mountain? That was wishful thinking. It would be a feat if these individuals would even converse peacefully; getting them to descend the mountain at their command was simply impossible.

Then there were the two mysterious individuals, who appeared to be Hunters. They had previously been at odds with the Alchemy Workshop. Although they hadn’t clashed directly and had even cooperated for a time, subtleties in their speech and actions betrayed their differing views. Could they expect these two to suddenly change their minds and side with them? Impossible.

Lastly, there was Bigas, who was like a mad dog. Even with her agreement with the Chief and her status as one of the six sages of the Imperial Wizards Alliance, she remained unpredictable, a veritable lunatic—an arrogant, overbearing one at that.

Milo sighed deeply. These concerns were indeed enough to make his head throb, leaving him in no mood for banter.

He surveyed the people on the mountain, hoping to find temporary allies. Unfortunately, no one there seemed willing to support him.

All this felt predestined, as if the Alchemy Workshop’s progress over the years was meant to be tested on this very mountain.

Milo even felt that this was what the Great Mentor had hoped to see: that one day the Alchemy Workshop could stand against the world, even if the ’world’ as represented by this mountain was a bit small.

However, before challenging any world, one must understand the opponent’s strength. For now, Milo didn’t wish to make enemies of this ’world’; he was still desperately trying to uncover what had truly transpired on Dawn Peak.

They had been drawn here by that radiant light. What had those who remained behind experienced? Why did they seem to know more about the Dark Wizard than those who had actively fought him?

”Is that door a Teleportation Portal?” Milo asked. He had countless questions, but he decided to start with this one.

”The ’door’ is just a metaphor. There are no Teleportation Portals on this mountain!” Estev spoke first, seeming more down-to-earth than the aloof and arrogant Bigas.

”A metaphor?” Milo was utterly confused. His already muddled thoughts became even more befuddled.

”You need not ask further. Soul Guardians do not disclose too much information.” The Witch Spirit residing in Hustace’s body spoke again. Emotions had been stirring within him for some time, and at this moment, he began to stir restlessly on the peak once more.

Estev struggled to stand, pushing himself up from the ground with one hand. He was a Soul Guardian, sworn to protect the mountain’s secrets. But now, those secrets were gradually unraveling, the mountain was no longer what it was, and he had discovered that Soul Guardians were not the only ones protecting it.

”From what has transpired, I can see that your Alchemy Workshop knows nothing about this mountain,” Estev said. ”I have no desire for any dealings with you. You may all descend the mountain; I will not stop you. But if you insist on lingering, then we will have no choice but to meet on the battlefield.”

Milo could sense the unspoken meaning in Estev’s words. By refraining from bluntly stating that the Alchemy Workshop was being used, Estev was sparing them some dignity. Perhaps their brief moment fighting side-by-side had fostered a sense of camaraderie. Milo respectfully declined Estev, ”We understand your duty. There was a time when we might have been considered allies. However, everyone has their own path and their own objectives. Thus, I regret to say, we cannot do as you wish.”

”Then, it’s inevitable we must resort to arms!”

”Rest assured, I won’t pity you just because you’re missing an arm.”

The greatest respect for an opponent is to fight with all one’s might. Milo understood this. He felt Estev was like him; a mutual understanding should exist between them.

”None of you move! It’s not your place to speak. My master intends to go deeper into the mountains, and none of you will stop her! And you, from the Alchemy Workshop! Don’t think that just because your Chief has some flimsy agreement, my master won’t deal with you. Provoke my master, and you’ll face the consequences!”

Bigas didn’t stop her Witch Spirit’s tirade this time. She knew she couldn’t sway Estev from his protective resolve, nor did she have a good way to halt the Alchemy Workshop. More importantly, she herself was curious about the promise Kuyi Tulan had made.

All of this had happened too suddenly. In an instant, she faced potential enemies on all sides. She wasn’t afraid, merely irritated. To her, both Estev and the Alchemy Workshop were troublesome weaklings; fighting them would be an utter waste of time.

”This is Guru Mountain! It’s not for you invaders to call the shots!” Simon’s voice boomed, his warning rising like smoke from a beacon—stark, clear, and impossible to ignore.

Everyone was forced to turn their gaze toward Simon.

The three monsters stood there, their aura imposing, their eyes sharp and terrifying.

”This is Guru Mountain, after all! Not some place you can come and go as you please!” Yuga added his warning. He was baffled how these people could simply ignore them—the monsters.

Night was falling rapidly, and soon Grey Eagle Peak on Guru Mountain would be swallowed by darkness. Yet, a different color began to rise up the mountainside, a color like leaping flames, radiating intense heat.

It was the color of gunpowder smoke, heralding a great battle on the cusp of erupting.

The Golden Seats of the Alchemy Workshop exchanged uneasy glances. They were at a loss. Their duty was to bring the individuals back safely. But if battle erupted, could ’safely’ even apply? Given their current strength, escorting these legendary heroes down the mountain unscathed would be an immense challenge.