One-Eyed Monster

At the base of Guru Mountain.

Elder Rostellum was somewhat ill at ease.

It had been a long time since he had felt such unrest. The last time was many years ago when a cartload of gold had slipped away from him, tearing him between tears and rage. Although he had discovered the gold, as a Politician, he had no choice but to surrender it. As he watched the golden treasure slip away, he felt a pang of panic. At that moment, he was unsettled, as if something precious had been lost, causing him to lose his appetite and sleep.

However, this time was drastically different. Elder Rostellum hadn’t discovered any gleaming treasure, nor had he lost any gold or copper coins. This time, his unease was entirely due to the current weather.

It was snowing, signaling the arrival of the harsh winter. Once the harsh winter arrived, heavy snowfall would immediately block the mountain, preventing people from ascending or descending. This would significantly impact the Chief of the Alchemy Workshop’s plan for Guru Mountain.

An interruption to this plan could incite unrest within the Alchemy Workshop, which, in turn, could jeopardize his Gaga County. His role as a minor county mayor might not seem consequential. However, the inexplicable death of Liuli City’s mayor at the base of the mountain, combined with the disruption of the Alchemists’ grand plan, was far more than a minor county mayor like him could handle.

This left Elder Rostellum feeling somewhat disoriented.

The harsh winter weather was the greatest obstacle. The bitter climate could halt many things. Even some of the Treasure Hunters, typically fixated on wealth, had packed their bags and begun their return journey. These Treasure Hunters were individuals single-minded in their pursuit of wealth, who would fearlessly venture up the mountain without considering the consequences. Thus, very few things could alter their course: either extreme power that could strike terror into hearts, such as that of the Alchemy Workshop, or perilous weather like the harsh winter.

Elder Rostellum wondered why this harsh winter had to arrive now, of all times. Its arrival at this crucial moment seemed to taunt him; it was as if the weather were mocking his political career. The bad weather hindered investigative efforts and stalled the Alchemists’ progress. Either way, it could have repercussions on his future as county mayor.

Although he held no great ambitions and did not aspire to a higher political position, being county mayor was not insignificant. The role ensured a stable life. Though he didn’t possess much real power, he could still be master of his domain here. Any gleaming treasures discovered here would be his...

Ultimately, Elder Rostellum was most concerned about controlling these gleaming treasures, especially those found within his own territory. This concern was growing more pronounced. It felt as if the entire Guru Mountain was gradually slipping from his control and veering onto a new path. The assets Guru Mountain had brought Elder Rostellum were countless...

Elder Rostellum heaved a quiet sigh. The snow falling on his face felt like daggers stabbing into him. He felt helpless.

The arrival of the harsh winter brought a new liveliness to the taverns at the base of the mountain. Thankfully, due to a string of unexpected events that month, the tavern owners had stocked up well in advance. Even though more than half of Guru Village’s populace had left, many chose to remain by their taverns. After all, this was the best business they had seen in years, and they wanted to earn that little bit extra.

Watching these bustling taverns soured Elder Rostellum’s mood even more. He imagined losing his position as Gaga County’s mayor. All this flourishing business would then have nothing to do with him; he would simply be a spectator. He would watch his successor pocket the taxes from each tavern, counting every gold coin, raking in the wealth... At the thought of this, Elder Rostellum felt truly awful.

Despite his highly respected status and exceptional position in Gaga County, Elder Rostellum felt utterly powerless against the harsh winter.

He yearned to be an exceptional Wizard, even more powerful than those adorned in sacred robes—a Wizard capable of controlling the weather, delaying the onset of the harsh winter, making the snowflakes fall slower.

But he wasn’t. He could only watch helplessly as the harsh winter suddenly descended and the tavern owners cheerfully conducted their business.

Elder Rostellum tugged at his goatee, pondering his next move.

He had considered himself fortunate to encounter the Chief of the Alchemy Workshop. With his decent performance so far, he felt he could use the Chief’s stature to his advantage. After all, having connections in the Imperial Capital generally facilitated matters, allowing him to continue wielding influence within this tiny County Administrative Office.

Unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable, and fortunes can turn in an instant. Who could have anticipated the abrupt onset of the harsh winter? This winter severely affected Elder Rostellum’s entire plan.

However, the harsh winters at the base and peak of Guru Mountain were always different. Light snow fluttered at the base, drifting gently like petals. From afar, the peak appeared blanketed in white, the details of the heavy snow obscured. According to those who had endured harsh winters on the mountain, the snow there resembled goose feathers, blanketing everything in white in no time.

But Elder Rostellum hardly cared about the amount of snow on the mountain or at its base. By then, the mountain would be sealed off, with no way up unless someone knew the Teleportation Spell. Even so, what use would it be? The base of the mountain was already so cold that people sought refuge in taverns, relying on alcohol and fireplaces for warmth. The extreme cold on the mountain itself was unimaginable. Even if someone with the Teleportation Spell transported them up, they would likely freeze to death, or at least be half-dead from the frost.

So, ascending the mountain was out of the question. He had to find a solution at the base, some way to divert attention.

Elder Rostellum wanted to dissuade the members of the Alchemy Workshop from pursuing their insane plan. He also hoped the Liuli City Court of Guards wouldn’t take Mayor Babasha’s death so seriously. Something unusual needed to happen...

With his hands clasped behind his back, Elder Rostellum paced the narrow streets at the base of Guru Mountain. The frosty weather and dancing snowflakes could not halt his steps, nor could Guru Mountain behind him stir his deeply pensive heart.

”Hurry, hurry!”

The restless Elder Rostellum suddenly heard hurried footsteps. Looking up, he saw several Treasure Hunters running towards him.

”It’s like seeing a ghost! So many strange things happening these days!”

”Indeed, indeed!”

The Treasure Hunters were engrossed in their conversation as they ran, not noticing Elder Rostellum at all.

”Wait!” the surprised Elder Rostellum shouted sharply. Around Guru Mountain, his prestige was still considerable.

Only then did the Treasure Hunters notice Elder Rostellum. They quickly stopped and greeted him.

”County Chief, sir!”

”Why are you all in such a hurry?” Elder Rostellum asked.

”County Chief, sir, haven’t you heard? Guru Mountain... it’s a phenomenon unseen in years!”

”Yes, yes, a true marvel!”

Elder Rostellum was baffled. Amidst the Treasure Hunters’ astonished exclamations, he turned around, confused.