One-Eyed Monster

Prior to Igor and his group’s arrival at Moonflow Stream, a heated discussion was underway amongst the members of Guru Mountain at their safehouse.

Igor’s explanations aroused their interest in the boy named Hustace. However, this boy’s consciousness was currently overpowered by a Witch Spirit, and he temporarily had no independent will. His awakening could bring unpredictable changes.

The mystery rested on Hustace. His father was a popular figure in the Empire and owned the Thunder Army’s iron rail. Rostov had helped Luona rise tremendously within the Empire, transforming the once-dubious territory into a prominent position. The Empire was adjusting swiftly too. While this might seem like the sudden emergence of a local power, it actually represented a significant strategic shift for the entire Kayne Empire, alerting the whole Empire to looming danger.

Of course, these were all grand schemes. Currently, the group in Guru Mountain had no spare time to ponder such matters. Besides, it wasn’t their place to dwell on these things; that was the business of the Empire’s high command. They were neither from the Alchemy Workshop nor part of the Wizard Alliance. They were complete outsiders.

Hustace’s background led them to ponder numerous scenarios. Over the years, although the Great Mentor and his group had been secluded in these deep mountains, they had always kept abreast of events in the outside world. Back then, the Great Mentor felt Rostov was quite capable; if nothing else, his ability to attract so many people to Yonder Travel Academy showcased his unique methods.

Could it be a case of a tiger father having no Quan Zhi?

This seemingly ordinary boy actually knew how to capture Lightning, which sounded incredible.

Whether it was true or false, these seniors chose to believe Igor for now. Moreover, a Witch Spirit occupying a living human body was simply unacceptable.

The most unfortunate among them was, of course, Witch Spirit Kuruto. He had kept a low profile recently, not uttering a single word. Yet, despite his insistence on remaining silent, misfortune had befallen him, and he found himself unwittingly dragged into this bewildering turmoil.

In fact, Kuruto’s mind was filled with questions and anxiety.

When he saw the malicious looks in their eyes, he immediately knew things were bad.

”What… what are you guys trying to do…?”

”Nothing, just removing something from you that isn’t yours,” Yuga replied casually. Being a Wizard, and a former member of the Six Sages, he was all too familiar with Witch Spirits.

”I… I’m telling you… don’t mess around! My master is extremely famous in the Wizard Alliance…”

”Alright, I know that Bigas girl is arrogant, but she wouldn’t dare attack me. You better come out obediently!” Yuga paid no attention to what the Witch Spirit was saying. He reached out a hand, and like tearing away wrapping paper, he ripped apart the clusters of Spirit Power surrounding Hustace layer by layer.

”You can’t bully me like this! You can’t take advantage of my master’s absence to bully me…” Kuruto was very upset, on the verge of tears.

”In the future, don’t invade people’s bodies. If you really want a physical form, find a book and study it. Becoming a Spirit Book is actually a very good option,” Yuga consoled the distressed Kuruto.

The Witch Spirit left Hustace’s body, but Hustace had not yet awakened.

”It seems this child has suffered an excessive shock. Such a terrified look in his eyes is truly rare,” Yuga remarked softly as he carefully examined Hustace.

Yuga, being a Wizard, was naturally adept at healing and saving lives. Hustace had indeed suffered a severe psychological shock and had collapsed. After all, he had never witnessed so many horrifying scenes.

”This child is nothing more than a flower grown in a greenhouse. There’s nothing special about him,” Joseph blurted out. To him, it was inconceivable that Hustace had fainted from fear. Moreover, he couldn’t see any sign of Spirit Power on this boy. He’s just an ordinary boy, without even a trace of residual Spirit Power. Igor said this young man knew how to capture Lightning, but he didn’t look the part at all.

”Is there any way to wake him up?” Igor asked, concerned. After all, Hustace was his friend, and this young master indeed knew how to capture Lightning.

”There are numerous ways to wake him up. Any of them would work.” Yuga twiddled his fingers. Waking someone who had fainted from fright was easy for him.

Yuga produced some fine powder from his left hand; it was white with a hint of red. However, its odor was far from pleasant—a pungent, sour smell that made one want to gag.

”This is the powder of the Alfalfa Flower. It emits this strange odor when it encounters damp moss. Despite its strong smell, it has a potent reviving effect on unconscious individuals, especially those who fainted from fright,” Yuga said as he rubbed the powder onto Hustace’s nose.

URGH…

Sure enough, the results were immediate. Hustace frowned and abruptly shot up, darting to the side to vomit non-stop.

The smell was indeed strong, extraordinarily so...

The last time Hustace had eaten anything was a long time ago. He had nothing much to bring up, so he just dry-heaved for a spell. His stomach began to rumble as well.

If it hadn’t been for Yuga’s acrid powder jolting him awake, he genuinely doubted he would have regained consciousness.

Once Hustace had settled down, he lifted his head and looked around. Upon seeing Yuga, Joseph, Kuren, and the others, he visibly flinched, his face showing clear terror.

”Hustace!” Igor quickly walked over to Hustace, full of concern.

Recognizing Igor’s familiar face, Hustace finally lowered his guard a little. But the fear lingered, though its intensity had lessened somewhat.

Anyone could see the fear in Hustace’s eyes. They inadvertently averted their gazes, afraid their stares would wound the boy.

It was a good thing Qi Liu wasn’t here; he would have been terribly worried for Young Master Hustace.

”Don’t be afraid. They are all our seniors; they won’t harm us,” Igor comforted him. He knew Hustace was scared by the seniors’ appearance.

Hustace stared with wide eyes, tightly clutching Igor’s hand, still not uttering a word...

”Here, eat, some, food!” Stan Sol, who truly understood Hustace’s current predicament, offered him a piece of dry rations.

The young master accepted it cautiously and then began to devour it ravenously...

He was starving...