One-Eyed Monster

Igor was deeply asleep in the Slumber Room, as were Joseph and Kuren. Only Kadi was in a half-awake, half-asleep state.

Kadi was in a peculiar state. He could not enter the Inner World through the World Setting Technique and could only roam in the Outer World. Yet at this moment, everyone in the Outer World of the Technique, except him, began to watch Igor attentively, seeming no different from being asleep.

Therefore, Kadi was virtually alone, whether in the cave or the Outer World, as everyone else was too busy to deal with his peculiar questions.

So, Kadi had no choice but to wander between the Outer World and reality alone.

Of course, his brain, which wasn’t quite switched on, was never idle; although his mind wasn’t very useful—to be precise, he was reluctant to use it. He was the kind of guy who found thinking a hassle, refraining from it whenever he could. For him to actually contemplate things now was truly extraordinary.

What on earth is Igor up to with this Inner and Outer World business? Kadi wondered. Just falling asleep as he pleases, and at such a crucial time too! Does he seriously think that sleeping can solve the problem? That’s simply ridiculous. Moreover, what are Joseph and Kuren up to? Even if they don’t trust Stan Sol’s information, why do they doubt Igor? They’re so quick to change their minds, giving Igor unconditional support once he mentioned entering the Inner World. I really don’t understand their behavior.

As far as I’m concerned, Igor and the others aren’t aware of the current situation at all, Kadi thought. They’re way too complacent, with absolutely no sense of urgency.

Shouldn’t they be trying to find a way out in these circumstances? Wouldn’t their problems essentially be solved once they’re outside? Why waste time unnecessarily?

This was one of the reasons Kadi couldn’t be bothered to think. He always found things puzzling, and whenever he stopped to reflect, he’d realize his previous actions had been incredibly foolish. He constantly doubted himself, then doubted himself again. In short, whenever he was idle, he would constantly alter the ideas in his mind. Yet, at critical moments, he would adamantly set about doing something—which was rather strange.

Kadi wandered between the Outer World and reality. One moment he’d be observing Igor and the others in the Outer World for any sign of movement, the next he’d be contemplating whether he could find a real exit on his own. He didn’t seem to tire of going back and forth.

It could only be said that his intentions were good, but his methods were wrong. He was completely failing to apply himself effectively; he couldn’t play any role in the Outer World, nor could he find the door in reality.

Kadi went back and forth, repeating this many times, but each attempt yielded no significant results. He felt a little disheartened, and at the same time, he found himself missing Igor a bit.

But now Igor had actually fallen into a deep sleep. This is something I just can’t wrap my head around, Kadi thought. The only explanation that makes any sense is that this Slumber Room is just too powerful, and even Igor has fallen under its spell… Of course, that’s the conjecture I most want to believe.

Kadi patted his head. The Slumber Room in reality is indeed formidable; I’ve experienced that firsthand, he thought. I must have had a rush of blood to the head earlier to even think about finding the door to the Slumber Room in reality. I couldn’t even find the edges of the door those other times, so how could I possibly find it now? I don’t know what I was thinking. Maybe all the things I’ve had to consider lately have muddled my brain a bit.

Kadi sighed, lamenting his foolish choice. Since searching for an exit in reality was a dead end, he had no choice but to retreat to the Outer World and see if there was any progress on Igor’s side.

Still, I doubt anything will change on Igor’s side, Kadi thought inwardly. How could a dream possibly solve such a difficult problem? Don’t be ridiculous; that’s impossible.

I just want to see if I can make some kind of breakthrough myself after entering the Outer World, he thought. Lately, relying on Igor so much has made me feel empty. This time, I’m determined to achieve something to fill this void.

It must be said that Kadi was gradually maturing and learning to take responsibility, though he himself hadn’t realized it yet. This was entirely a product of his recent experiences—a kind of wealth they had bestowed upon him. Previously, cooped up alone on Guru Mountain, he could only amuse himself; one could say he lived a comfortable life, unseasoned by disaster, his awareness of potential hardship still somewhat weak. Furthermore, Kevin’s special care had always meant that he, Guru Mountain’s most unique monster, received exceptional treatment. But ever since meeting Igor and embarking on their journey step by step, he had discovered many fascinating things. He experienced things he never had before; the thrill of adventure and each new discovery made his heart continuously flutter. When the hot-bloodedness of youth converges, bonds naturally form. This just so happened to occur at the most suitable stage of Kadi’s life; one could only say he met the most fitting companion at the most opportune time.

And now, this companion had his eyes closed tightly, his brows furrowed, seemingly in deep sleep. But judging by his appearance, he wasn’t sleeping soundly. How could sleep be restful with furrowed brows? It definitely wouldn’t be good.

Kadi glanced left and right. He had originally intended to come in and make a difference, but he suddenly realized he knew nothing and could do nothing in this so-called Outer World of the World Setting Technique. This was truly a painful realization.

He had wanted to help share the burden, but ended up unable to help in any way. Isn’t that frustrating? Other than staring blankly at Joseph and Kuren’s anxious expressions inside, he still couldn’t do anything.

What should I do? What can I do? Kadi couldn’t help but wonder. He was very eager to help, but his abilities were limited. That was truly a critical weakness of his.

Just as Kadi was wallowing in self-pity, Igor suddenly opened his eyes. At this sight, Joseph and Kuren, who were nearby, also stood up excitedly.

”Are you...?” Kuren asked tentatively. People who have just come out of the Inner World are usually a bit weak mentally, so Kuren didn’t dare to ask directly and could only probe slowly like this.

”I’m out!” Igor uttered weakly.

”Then...” Kuren wanted to press further, but he was afraid Igor would expend too much effort. After all, he was relatively familiar with the Inner World and knew that coming out consumed a lot of Spirit Power. If he pressed hard now, it would only put Igor in an unfavorable situation, so he hesitated.

However, Igor could clearly feel their eager anticipation. He strongly propped up his body, a stiff smile appearing on his face, and then, word by word, he uttered the phrase Kuren and Joseph had been eagerly awaiting, ”I’ve succeeded!”