One-Eyed Monster

As Elder Rostellum walked, his mind deep in thought, he found himself unknowingly at the door of Lubin Tavern. Ever since the Alchemy Workshop had commandeered this tavern, Elder Rostellum had rarely been able to visit it, especially considering that none of the original bartenders remained.

While still unable to retrieve the information regarding the deep winter sleep from the recesses of his memory, he had somehow made his way to the tavern’s entrance. His intention for being there was quite clear.

He was here to report to the Alchemy Workshop, intending to draw their attention to the changes currently occurring on Guru Mountain. Though there was a high likelihood that his actions were unnecessary, he still felt he needed to ensure all bases were covered and could not afford to take chances. As newcomers, the Alchemy Workshop might not be familiar with the area and could be entirely unaware of the ongoing changes.

The plan to inform the Alchemy Workshop that the supposedly hibernating Guru Mountain was now active hadn’t taken long to form. Regardless of whether the Alchemy Workshop would accept such information, he felt he had to speak up; he couldn’t remain silent out of fear.

In fact, it was an inner fear that had unconsciously led Elder Rostellum here. He didn’t fear the people from the Alchemy Workshop. He had no dealings with these alchemists, and their actions did not impact his current interests, so fear of them was not the issue. What Elder Rostellum feared was his own future. He was worried about it, worried to the point of dread. He was afraid that these chaotic times would rob him of his current tranquility. Even if the now-active Guru Mountain could sustain him for a while, what would happen if it was exhausted and all its secrets were revealed? Even if he managed to keep his position as county chief, what then?

Along the way, Elder Rostellum’s thoughts had multiplied, far exceeding his own predictions, and he even felt himself becoming overly anxious.

The door to Lubin Tavern stood ajar, revealing an interior that was a complete mess and hardly resembled its original state. When Elder Rostellum had visited a while back, half of the tavern had been turned into a cage. Now, he didn’t know what these damned alchemists had done to transform it further.

Specifically, it was Kuyi Tulan, the Chief of the Alchemy Workshop, who was behind all this chaos. Elder Rostellum had even heard from the Treasure Hunters that noises could be heard from Lubin Tavern late at night, as if some intense fight was taking place. Unfortunately, they were restricted by the alchemists and could not get close; otherwise, the curious onlookers would have rushed in long ago to witness the commotion.

The Alchemy Workshop was definitely up to something disturbing and was probably concealing some shocking secrets.

Elder Rostellum adjusted his clothing, brushed off the snowflakes clinging to him, cleared his throat with a cough, and prepared to enter the completely unrecognizable tavern.

As one of the few who had been ”granted authorization” by the Alchemy Workshop, Elder Rostellum felt quite proud. As the county chief of Gaga County, he was greatly relieved to have been given permission by the Alchemy Workshop to freely enter the tavern. After all, Gaga County was not a significant part of the Empire, and its politicians and officials were like ants before the Kayne Empire, practically invisible.

Therefore, Elder Rostellum indeed had reason to feel proud.

The door of Lubin Tavern was ajar. It seemed someone had just gone in.

Despite his pride, Elder Rostellum didn’t dare to simply waltz into the tavern. After all, Kuyi Tulan was inside—the enigmatic Chief of the Alchemy Workshop. Elder Rostellum wasn’t even sure what kind of person the chief alchemist was. At times, Tulan drank the cheapest alcohol, giving the impression of an approachable man, but then he would imprison people without warning, making him seem like an utter scoundrel. If nothing else, the statement from the creature—no, perhaps it should be called one of the ’Seventh Knights of Glory’—that had come down from Guru Mountain left Elder Rostellum quite unsettled. That creature’s testimony seemed incredible to him. Regardless of whether the creature was lying, Kuyi Tulan hadn’t denied it. This left Elder Rostellum thoroughly perplexed. If what that Dastan fellow stated was true, then Kuyi Tulan was definitely someone to be wary of, a dangerous character—at least, that was Elder Rostellum’s assessment.

SQUEAK! Just as Elder Rostellum was about to raise his hand to knock, the half-open door swung open on its own. A servant with an unfamiliar face emerged. Elder Rostellum didn’t recognize him.

The servant gave Elder Rostellum a quick smile and hurried away, as if on urgent business. Elder Rostellum knew these unfamiliar servants were from the Alchemy Workshop. The Workshop had dispatched about a dozen people this time: seven held Golden Seats, and the rest were Alchemy Servants and Apprentices.

The original servants had all been dismissed by Kuyi Tulan. According to the Treasure Hunters, Kuyi Tulan claimed he wasn’t used to them. But Elder Rostellum believed that was merely an excuse; Tulan was likely worried that his workshop’s secret plots would be leaked by those big-mouthed servants, so he had replaced them with his own people.

With a trembling step, Elder Rostellum entered the tavern and coughed again. This time, it wasn’t to clear his throat but to muster courage.

Kuyi Tulan was dining. The hand he ate with was stained with some color—not quite red, not quite purple, a truly strange hue. Elder Rostellum swallowed hard. To be honest, the sight of that color completely killed his appetite, yet Kuyi Tulan seemed to be eating with great relish.

”County Chief, what brings you here?” Kuyi Tulan asked without looking up, continuing to eat from the plate before him.

”I—I am here to report something.” For some reason, the usually calm Elder Rostellum suddenly felt flustered. He didn’t know quite how to phrase it and even began to stammer.

”Has something troublesome happened again on this mountain?” Kuyi Tulan seemed unfazed by Elder Rostellum. He felt he had complete control over the entire situation, with everything proceeding as he had predicted.

”Yes, sir. Guru Mountain has suddenly stopped hibernating!”

”Hibernating?” Kuyi Tulan frowned, the rapidly moving knife and fork in his hands coming to a halt. Clearly, he didn’t quite understand the term.

”That’s right.” Finding an opening, Elder Rostellum launched into a lengthy account, recounting the passages recorded in the books. Of course, he couldn’t resist embellishing a little.

By the time Elder Rostellum finished his account, Kuyi Tulan had also finished his meal.

”So, this mountain has undergone significant changes, then?” Kuyi Tulan wiped his mouth and finally looked up, meeting Elder Rostellum’s gaze directly for the first time.

”Yes, that is correct.” Elder Rostellum licked his lips. He had never spoken so much at once, and his mouth felt parched.