One-Eyed Monster

A typical spell, from its inception to its development, and then from its general acceptance to its prevalence, possesses distinct significance at each stage. While these meanings might evolve over time, they invariably accompany the spells. Whether one accepts it or not, these so-called meanings of spells will unknowingly manifest within them.

The original intention of a spell is often its true meaning.

During the process of dissemination, errors often occur. These errors might initially be minor. However, with the passage of time and across the expanse of space, these tiny errors can become magnified and distorted. Gradually, they lose their original form, becoming elusive and unrecognizable.

Similarly, unexpected events can occur during dissemination. These events might seem insignificant at the time. Yet, with the accumulation of time, what initially appeared unimportant can decay and become unwieldy, no longer able to support the original framework. Consequently, the entire spell’s meaning might undergo drastic changes, even mutating significantly.

The dissemination process is never perfect; flaws are inevitable. Therefore, a spell’s meaning, from its inception to its widespread use, will invariably become unrecognizable. Often, it will even deviate far from its original intention.

Such occurrences are unavoidable.

Spells are created to be used by people, and many people will master them.

Human diversity is also a significant reason for the changes in a spell’s original meaning. There are all kinds of people in the world; even someone as simple-minded as Igor instinctively divides people into two types: the good and the bad. Both good and bad people will use spells, but their purposes for doing so are distinct. Good people naturally use spells for good deeds, while wicked people use them for other, often nefarious, aims.

All kinds of people harbor all kinds of goals. Different goals lead to different meanings when using a spell. This is a simple fact, yet many people overlook it.

Igor, along with Kuren, is currently studying the original intent of spells. Of course, they cannot investigate the initial intentions of all spells, as they lack both the stamina and the capability. For now, they are merely exploring the World Setting Technique. They hope to use it as a key to understanding other spells. Once they have the answer for one spell, they can then infer and deduce the nature of others—a truly complex and stimulating endeavor.

Usually, this task of inference and deduction falls to Scholars, but today, it has become the job of Igor and Kuren.

Association is a crucial ability. To deduce the original intent of other spells, association is the only method upon which they can rely.

Of course, everything has to start from the beginning, and the beginning is naturally the World Setting Technique.

The original intent of this spell might be unclear to others, but the creatures of Guru Mountain comprehend it perfectly. Even those who haven’t grasped the mere rudiments of the World Setting Technique are thoroughly familiar with its original purpose.

The reason is simple: Grand Master Guzan created this spell.

And the Great Mentor had never hidden anything from these creatures, including the original intent of this spell.

Thus, Kuren could easily answer Igor’s question about the true intentions of the World Setting Technique without any deliberation. Moreover, Igor had now removed all uncertainties, passed several tests, and mastered this spell. He no longer needed to pay attention to anything special.

However, even this was not enough for Kuren to lower his guard completely. It might have been a sign of Kuren’s inherent vigilance, or perhaps a kind of test. In any case, he let Igor continue to guess.

Although Kuren knew time was of the essence, he still encouraged Igor to engage in divergent thinking. And even though Igor had already passed the test, Kuren still insisted that he navigate this stage. It’s hard to fathom how inherently cautious Kuren must be, and how this caution of his had developed.

Igor wasn’t too bothered by this; he rather enjoyed the process. During this process, he could let his imagination run wild. In this Inner World, he had already created several different scenarios. These ranged from colorful Soap Bubbles of various sizes and incredibly soft, strangely shaped white clouds, to a sparkling lake surface and steep mountains. All these scenes and manifestations were created by Igor’s imagination within the Inner World. While it wasn’t as if the scenes changed every single hour, these creations genuinely made Igor feel quite proud for a good while.

Therefore, Igor was thoroughly enjoying himself, not taking these perplexing matters to heart at all.

This, perhaps, was Igor’s greatest characteristic: he was always immersed in his own world. Regardless of what happened externally, nothing could affect the joy he found within.

”So, is the purpose of the World Setting Technique a state of Nothingness, meant to serve others?” Igor asked Kuren for confirmation. He had proposed many guesses previously, but none had hit the nail on the head. Many were hovering in the Boundary Zone—seeming close, but ultimately not quite right.

”The Great Mentor indeed was such a helpful person,” Kuren replied. It wasn’t a standard answer, but it wasn’t wrong either. It was merely incomplete, unable to fully explain the true intention of the World Setting Technique.

Simultaneously, Kuren no longer needed to think too much. Whatever he thought, Igor would be able to perceive. So, he simply chose to empty his mind.

Kuren’s caution and instinct were aimed at making Igor explore for himself. Though this approach was more time-consuming, it was far more beneficial than Kuren simply stating the answers to him.

As for the promise he had made to Igor before—to tell him everything he knew—that still had its conditions. The premise was that Igor first needed to unearth the original intention of the World Setting Technique himself.

In fact, Igor had already figured it out, and quite some time ago at that. However, he had remained unaware that this was, indeed, the original intent of the World Setting Technique.

”So, is this spell ultimately for others?”

”You could say that all spells exist for the benefit of others. The purpose of inventing a spell is to bring convenience to others, because bringing convenience to others ultimately brings convenience to oneself,” Kuren continued to explain. He appeared kind and benevolent before Igor, without any hint of arrogance.

”Yes, I was thinking... the ultimate secret of the World Setting Technique is the Inner World. Within the Inner World, the most significant barrier is understanding. And the most difficult aspect of understanding to overcome is sharing.”

Igor’s thoughts circled back to sharing. Although he was quite reluctant, he had no choice; it seemed things inevitably led back to it.

”Could it be... that the original intent of this spell is sharing?” Igor blinked. He hadn’t expected his seemingly random guess to actually hit the mark.