One-Eyed Monster

This blinding light suddenly struck, leaving Igor and his group unable to open their eyes.

The sudden flash of light startled everyone, including the hovering Wizard Reed, who hadn’t anticipated it.

They had been in this dark environment for far too long. Apart from sporadic light from flames, they had seen no other source of light. Their eyes, long adapted to the darkness, were suddenly assaulted by this intense glare, making it acutely uncomfortable for everyone.

Wizard Reed was affected even more deeply. As one who delved into darkness, he had long ago forsaken sunlight. This sudden, brilliant radiance naturally struck him hard. Fortunately, his spell was already taking shape and wasn’t interrupted by the light; it merely slowed his actions slightly.

When the effects of the intense light gradually subsided and everyone could once again adjust to the dim surroundings, Igor and his group were startled to find that Moonflow Stream now held many more people...

Moreover, Igor recognized these newcomers.

”Chief!”

”Great Mentor!”

”How on earth are you all here...?”

Although visibility was poor in the darkness, these individuals were experienced and adapted quickly. Their familiarity was such that they could recognize each other by presence alone, without needing a clear view.

Igor was surprised to discover that Great Mentor Guzan had arrived, accompanied by Kuren and other seniors. Although Igor had no idea how they had gotten there, he felt a measure of relief. He had been at a loss when faced with the formidable foe floating in the sky, but now that strong reinforcements had arrived, he could relax a little.

These two newly arrived groups clearly had irreconcilable conflicts. Igor noticed that ever since the man they called ’Chief’ had appeared, the entire crowd had automatically divided into two factions.

One faction was led by Great Mentor Guzan and included Kevin, Kuren, Joseph, and other seniors.

The other was led by the Chief, Kuyi Tulan, and comprised formidable Alchemists, including Milo.

There was also a large contingent standing around Kuyi Tulan, looking somewhat dazed; their numbers were so great they nearly overwhelmed the area.

Observing the scene, Igor thought, We haven’t even dealt with the man flying in the sky, and these two groups are already about to fight...

The best way to mediate is to let them fight it out first, then reason with them calmly... That was Igor’s usual approach, so he remained unmoved for the moment.

Seeing this, Kadi immediately moved to Kevin’s side. Needless to say, Kadi was a member of Guru Mountain.

Igor figured that in this vast place, probably only he, Stan Sol, and Hustace were neutral. He knew this was a private feud between the Alchemy Workshop and these monsters, so he had no intention of interfering. He decided to go with Stan Sol to further interrogate the captured invisible monster.

But when he turned his head, he was surprised to see that Stan Sol had also joined Great Mentor Guzan’s group. Stan Sol chose to side with Guru Mountain because of a promise he’d made to Dastan.

Great. Now the only neutrals left are Hustace and me... Am I supposed to be a referee or something? Watch which side fights harder and then declare a winner and loser?

This is no laughing matter! The real enemy is still floating up there. If we don’t put a stop to this burgeoning animosity in time, we’ll all be wiped out by that bastard floating in the sky!

Igor finally understood. His and Hustace’s role wasn’t to be referees, but mediators—peacemakers.

Although he didn’t know where to begin, he knew he had to stop this impending large-scale conflict somehow.

However, Igor had overlooked one crucial detail: a powerful invader was still floating in mid-air.

Originally, Wizard Reed had intended to deal with the Spirits. But before he could fully engage them, a band of rash individuals who knew no fear had recklessly charged in.

And then there was that blinding light...

This blinding light was the primary reason for Wizard Reed’s fury; everything else was secondary and tolerable to him.

Wizard Reed searched for those responsible for the dazzling light, intending to crush them to pieces. However, when he scanned the area, he found that the uninvited guests who had barged in had surprisingly split into two factions. What’s more, these two groups harbored deep animosity towards each other.

What in the world? Are they planning to start a brawl right under my very eyes?

This is utterly disrespectful!

Wizard Reed was instantly enraged. He forgot all about dealing with Little Black Hand and everything else...

What a disgrace! How can I let them act so wantonly right in front of me?!

Shouldn’t I be the one you all are concerned about?!

Wizard Reed flew into a rage. He moved his arms like a Puppet Master controlling a giant Puppet.

RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE! The skeletons and corpses that had crawled from the ground instantly moved. Even those previously ensnared by Kuyi Tulan’s vines began to sever their bound limbs, rapidly converging on one location.

What’s this...? Igor was astonished yet again. In mere moments, his jaw had dropped; too many astounding things were happening too quickly for him to even think.

It looks like those skeletons and corpses are forming ranks...

”Not good!” Kuyi Tulan yelled. Ignoring the tense standoff, he lunged forward, bent down, and slammed a palm to the ground. Instantly, a shrub Shield rose before everyone.

However, before the shrub Shield could fully form, a platoon of skeleton soldiers swiftly hacked it down with their scimitars.

The skeleton soldiers had appeared with unimaginable speed. If not for the shrub Shield, Igor and the others would have been struck by their blades.

Still shaken, Igor realized in that instant that the speed of these skeleton soldiers was simply unreal; to say they moved like shadows, leaving no trace, was no exaggeration at all.

Igor looked up at the figure in the sky. The levitating man was now wreathed in a much denser malicious aura, appearing even more sinister, as if about to merge with the surrounding darkness. Clearly, the recent attack had been his doing.

Great Mentor Guzan spoke, his voice grave and full of authority, ”This is not the time to reminisce or settle old scores. Put aside your personal grievances for now!”

At his words, the two opposing sides immediately formed a circle, adopting a defensive posture.

At that moment, Igor finally understood. So, the most effective way to mediate is to give both sides a common enemy...

Now, these two groups, who had been on the verge of brawling, stood united against a common foe. They faced a terrifying horde of unknown walking corpses and armed skeletons.

Igor didn’t know how to describe his feelings. At this moment, he didn’t want to say anything; he just clenched his fists tightly.