One-Eyed Monster

Everyone’s attention was drawn to Kadi when he interrupted them.

Faced with Kadi’s question, they could only shake their heads, somewhat nonplussed. Having experienced life-and-death situations, they had witnessed all sorts of things, so Kadi’s abrupt and bizarre behavior didn’t faze them much. Estev, for instance, seemed somewhat dismissive, while Brad and Hustace openly showed their disdain. The Great Mentor and Stan Sol, however, looked concerned, clearly showing a hint of sympathy for Kadi.

After all, such a simple creature was indeed rare to see.

Igor also felt a wave of worry for Kadi. At this juncture, he was still focused on such relatively insignificant matters, risking everyone’s ire. Even if he had ten thousand questions burning in his heart, he shouldn’t voice them randomly. He should at least gauge the situation before speaking up.

However, Kadi didn’t seem to care. He simply wanted answers. Too many questions plagued him, and solving even one was a relief. He lacked the comprehensive thinking to consider future consequences, nor did he possess the brilliant mind to figure everything out at once. He could only focus on what was right in front of him, setting other matters aside until his mind had the capacity to deal with them.

”So, what’s with the blue circle? Why did you all just suddenly appear here? Isn’t this the Slumber Room of Guru Mountain? How could you all just show up like this, without so much as a by-your-leave?” Kadi fired off a barrage of questions, clearly unsettled by these ”uninvited guests.”

”Kadi! Now is not the time for...” Yuga wanted to scold Kadi but was stopped by the gentle Great Mentor.

”Yuga, let’s tend to the others first. We’ve bought ourselves a little time, so we should rest. Although we might face even fiercer challenges ahead, we shouldn’t be fighting amongst ourselves right now.”

”The Great Mentor is right. We should use this brief respite to strategize. The current situation has surpassed many people’s understanding. Even for those of us in ancient professions, it’s difficult to explain everything,” Estev panted. Though he had scoffed at Kadi’s question, in this moment of forced calm, reconsidering Kadi’s simple query actually made him feel a little lighter. The situation outside was dire, yet there was little he could do. Constant sadness and pressure wouldn’t bring miracles; perhaps a moment of levity was better.

At Estev’s and the Great Mentor’s words, everyone quieted down. Some closed their eyes, others took deep breaths, all cherishing this hard-earned moment of rest.

”Hmm? Why isn’t anyone answering me?” Kadi was puzzled, but not angry. Besides, there was nothing and no one here worth his anger; very few things could actually make him angry.

”New things emerge so quickly. We old bones are struggling to keep up with the world’s changes,” Master Guzan sighed.

”New and old... there’s not... much difference,” Stan Sol also lamented.

Kadi was even more confused. Everyone was ignoring him. Was he invisible?

”Sometimes, new things are just old things that have been hidden. I don’t think there’s much difference between new and old,” Igor, who seemed to know more than anyone else about what was happening outside the cave, chimed in.

”Hmm?” Kadi turned towards Igor. ”What are you all going on about? Why won’t anyone tell me how they got in here? I really want to know!”

”This is a secret technique of the Sol Family, Kadi.” True to his nature, the Great Mentor stepped in to help Kadi when no one else would.

”Secret technique!” Kadi’s mouth fell open. This was another thing he didn’t understand.

Joseph and Kuren listened intently, while also warily watching Brad from the Alchemy Workshop; they clearly didn’t fully trust anyone from there.

”Secret techniques are ancient. These things are much older than me,” the Great Mentor said with a smile to Kadi.

”Yet this ancient secret technique was used by a young man, and in a way completely different from the records,” Estev interjected, valuing this rare chance for rest and discussion. The topic the Great Mentor had raised was indeed relevant to the events unfolding outside.

”That’s right. The legendary Teleportation Spell isn’t supposed to transport so many people—only prey back to the caster. But this Sol has already used it twice in a relatively short period. That’s truly astounding.” With the discussion started, everyone chimed in. Yuga, the Wizard, naturally didn’t want to be left out.

”The Teleportation Spell?” Kadi’s mouth gaped open once again. He’d heard of this spell during his time with Kevin. He had desperately wanted it, imagining he could go to faraway places and then, holding his precious stones, return WITH A WHOOSH. Alas, he’d never managed to learn it.

Now Kadi had witnessed this spell with his own eyes. The crucial part was, he’d been completely oblivious to the entire event, without the faintest inkling in his mind. Kadi instantly felt stricken. A spell he considered essential to learn had been performed right before his eyes, yet he hadn’t reacted in the slightest and had just kept asking what was going on... Kadi covered his face with his hands and retreated to a corner. He just wanted to be alone and quiet for a while.

However, the discussion sparked by Great Mentor Guzan didn’t end with Kadi’s withdrawal. Instead, as the topic broadened, more people joined in.

”New things develop rapidly precisely because they are built upon the foundations of the old,” Joseph chimed in, a staunch supporter of ancient ways.

”Many ’new’ things are just old things that were hidden. But it’s undeniable that some new things emerge with little connection to the old,” Estev, despite being a Soul Guardian, still held a degree of appreciation for new developments.

”Exactly! Take me, for instance! I’m completely new!” Hustace—or rather, Kuruto—eagerly agreed.

Igor looked at Hustace. He’d thought something was odd when they teleported in, and hearing Hustace speak now made it feel even stranger. Since Hustace was his friend, he needed to pay close attention.