One-Eyed Monster

Igor’s yell made everyone in the cave glare at him. Even Joseph and Senior Kuren, who had been sound asleep, were roused by the noise.

The gazes fixed on him were varied: some were venomous and sharp, like those of the Spirit Book—though no one could actually see its eyes. Others, like Kadi’s, were filled with astonishment; the light from his one eye always carried an air of disbelief, making him suspect Igor had achieved some breakthrough. Then there were gazes like Joseph’s and Senior Kuren’s, full of confusion. Their eyes clearly posed the question: What on earth are these two young men doing? Are they going to let anyone rest?

Igor naturally felt these scorching gazes; they were like sharp swords, slowly and methodically piercing his body from various angles. The Spirit Book’s ”sword” was fierce and venomous, thrusting directly at his chest, giving him no chance to evade. Kadi’s ”sword” was somewhat hesitant, clearly not intending to strike him. Joseph’s and Senior Kuren’s two ”swords” were obviously probing, wanting to see what abilities he truly possessed.

Igor lowered his head in shame. He had to bear the consequences of his own recklessness; no one would explain it for him, nor could they, as no one truly knew why he had screamed.

Kadi vaguely sensed it was because Igor had been overwhelmed by emotion, but the others wouldn’t necessarily know that. They probably think this guy is an absolute fool, he thought. If he weren’t a fool, why would he suddenly yell for no reason and without any warning?

Joseph glanced at Senior Kuren. Kuren had suffered severe spiritual damage, but after sleeping in the safehouse, he had just barely regained some of his awareness. This was good news for everyone on Guru Mountain. Among their group of ”monsters,” Kuren was the one most knowledgeable about the World Setting Technique. Defending Guru Mountain with only a dozen or so of them would indeed require the aid of this technique; they couldn’t possibly ask the elderly Great Mentor to perform it.

Joseph nodded to Senior Kuren. His own injuries were mostly superficial, coupled with overexertion, and sufficient rest would allow him to return to his original state. He had been asleep for some time; if not for Igor’s shriek, he would likely still be recovering. As it was, he had recovered sixty to seventy percent, and speaking, walking, and using techniques for Transformation were no longer major obstacles.

So, Joseph turned his head and asked Kadi, ”What’s going on? What happened? Is someone attacking this place?” The light shining from his Eagle Eyes was like a shard of ice; one could feel its bone-chilling coldness even before fully meeting his gaze.

Kadi was stunned by the question. He truly didn’t know what had happened. But on Guru Mountain, the other ”monsters” were all his seniors, whom he had to respect. Thus, trembling—not entirely out of fear, but more so from reverence—he stammered, ”Maybe... maybe he just had a nightmare? It’s probably nothing!”

After speaking, Kadi pointed at Igor. He should be the one to explain this, Kadi thought. Of course, he inwardly hoped for an answer too, as Igor’s shout had genuinely startled him.

The scorching, sword-like gazes once again focused on Igor. He must have been feeling unprecedented pressure at that moment.

However, Igor had already regained his composure. It was difficult for his heart to be stirred unless the Scale of Faith within him tilted, causing his emotions to spiral out of control. Otherwise, he would remain as he was now: calm and tranquil, like the surface of water under a setting sun, without the slightest ripple, only faint, crimson eddies stirred by the quiet wind.

”My apologies,” Igor said, ”I was overly agitated just now.” His apology sounded as insincere as someone with dead-fish eyes slowly lifting their eyelids; it carried no conviction.

Strangely enough, however, this apology actually made Joseph and Senior Kuren nod repeatedly, clearly indicating their acceptance.

Kadi was once again incredulous. How can this be? An apology in that tone? If it were Kevin on the receiving end, Igor would definitely get a beating! It goes without saying, that tone is completely impolite, far too casual. How could Seniors Joseph and Kuren accept it so easily? This is just too unreasonable! How can they be like this?

But whether Kadi liked it or not, what had happened could not be changed. They could only continue to watch and see how Igor would respond next. There was a sense of anticipation, and of course, confusion. Kadi was puzzled by Joseph and the others, while the Spirit Book was intrigued by Igor. Both sides were behaving abnormally; there was definitely something strange afoot.

”You’ve sensed it?” Joseph asked Igor directly, a hint of pleasant surprise in his expression.

”Yes,” Igor replied. ”I’ve only grasped the surface, and I can’t fully control it yet. That’s why my tone was rather understated, showing extreme disrespect. I hope you’ll forgive me!”

Upon hearing Igor, Kadi was stunned yet again. He was clearly baffled by this exchange between Joseph and Igor. But it doesn’t matter, Kadi mused. Those two will definitely explain. Right now, in this cave, besides sleeping, all that’s left is to chat. If they didn’t intend to speak, they wouldn’t be acting so conspicuously, as if trying to hide something only to make it more obvious.

Sure enough, just as Kadi had thought, the conversation between Igor and Joseph continued. Once again, the others were completely clueless while the two amused themselves. This might have been fine for them, but for everyone else, it was torture. Who knows what kind of gibberish they’re spouting? It’s a complete waste of time! Kadi grumbled internally.

The conversation continued like this:

Igor: ”Is this sense of connection intentionally created as part of the technique?”

Joseph: ”You’re very perceptive. Indeed, it is a part of the technique. However, I only understand a little about it. The true master is this gentleman here,” he said, likely indicating Kuren, ”but unfortunately, he has suffered internal injuries and won’t be able to answer you for a while.”

Honestly, who could understand the profound mysteries in such a dialogue! Kadi thought in exasperation.

Kadi couldn’t understand any of it. Then he remembered the haughty Spirit Book beside him. That arrogant thing, always looking down on everyone, should know something about this confusing stuff, right? he figured. So, Kadi turned his expectant gaze towards the Spirit Book.

”Unexpected!” The Spirit Book sounded genuinely surprised. ”This fool has progressed so quickly! I had only just detected the first signs, and he’s already capable of applying it!”

”Hmm?” The Spirit Book’s low murmur made Kadi even more confused. What on earth are they on about? Why can’t I understand a single thing? Don’t tell me it’s another one of those brain-twisting puzzles?

”You know that chair you mentioned? It’s extended. It’s taller than me now. It’s like a bud sprouted somewhere on that ladder and grew into a towering tree!” Understanding Kadi’s confusion, the Spirit Book immediately offered this simple analogy—one, of course, that Kadi himself had thought up earlier.

”You mean Igor has advanced too?!” Kadi’s eyes widened.

”Advanced, my foot—” The Spirit Book was about to continue in its usual arrogant tone when it suddenly sensed something was off and instantly changed its tune, reverting to its customary deep respect. ”My Master hasn’t advanced. He has merely discovered the secret of the Spirit Connection here!”