One-Eyed Monster

Kadi observed carefully, his one eye blinking from time to time. I wish I had Joseph’s hawk-like vision, or an eye like Jemma’s that could see through darkness, he thought. But I’m neither Joseph nor Jemma. All I can do is use my one eye to survey my surroundings.

Truthfully, there wasn’t much to observe; everything seemed predestined. The Dark Force ceaselessly revealed his past while energy constantly drained from the others.

Everything here seemed to be under the control of this Power of Darkness. Even the weather was changing: the snow had long stopped falling, and the moon had vanished.

Darkness completely shrouded the area. Kadi’s only option was to let his eye adjust so he could see something in this blackness.

The Dark Force was still rambling incessantly. Just as Kadi had said, he felt stifled and seized this opportunity to speak non-stop, not caring if his listeners were mere wooden posts.

”You’ve said so much, but there’s still one question you haven’t answered.”

”You don’t know this kind of pain. I tell you, it’s difficult to find a confidant in this world. You look rather familiar. Have we met before?” The Dark Force paid no mind to Kadi’s words and continued to voice his own thoughts.

”If we had met, I wouldn’t be wondering who you are or what your name is,” Kadi shrugged. Even though the situation was critical, he had to maintain a positive attitude. He couldn’t let the harsh environment scare him or make him panic. That wasn’t my style.

I’m Kadi, a master of creating chaos. I can’t let these weird occurrences scare me. That’s impossible.

Besides, I haven’t given up on bringing my companions back!

Although the Dark Force had control here, Kadi reminded himself that he was, importantly, unaffected. This immunity is bound to draw his attention. Even though he seems to be enjoying this conversation for now, he might already be plotting against me.

”I find your company quite enjoyable. And you are so special, standing here, so different from everyone else.”

”Don’t talk about these useless things...” Kadi seemed a little anxious. He didn’t realize that the more anxious he appeared, the more advantageous it was for the other side.

”Alright. Seeing as you’re so outstanding, I’ll save you for last.”

”Save me for last?” A puzzled look spread across Kadi’s face. What’s this guy up to now, deciding the order?

”I’ll put you last, and then devour you last,” the Dark Force said in all seriousness. This seemed to be the first time he had answered Kadi’s question directly.

Hearing the word ”devour,” Kadi actually calmed down. Finally, we’re back to the main point. This is the reality of our situation.

Kadi wasn’t a fool. I wouldn’t naively believe that just because we’re talking, he’ll accept me as one of his own. We were never the same, let alone friends.

The Dark Force’s words simply shattered the tiny sliver of hope remaining in Kadi’s heart.

Although that sliver of hope had only been a tiny part of him.

My only hope now is to coax some truths out of this Dark Force and then figure out another plan, Kadi thought.

This wouldn’t be an easy task, because this Dark Force had always followed his own rhythm, not Kadi’s. He had even managed to impose his rhythm on their current environment.

From beginning to end, the Dark Force had been the master of this place, controlling everything.

It had to be said, the vessel Wizard Reed had left for this Dark Force was an excellent item, incredibly versatile.

A black cloak enveloped an infinitely changeable body, perfect for the Dark Force. Even though this fellow’s memories were monotonous, he had at least done an excellent job with the summoning.

”I never fight; that’s a repulsive physical task for brutes. I’m different. I prefer to assimilate everyone directly.”

Kadi carefully analyzed the Dark Force’s words. He couldn’t afford to miss a single detail. Especially at this crucial moment, I really want to be a hero.

It’s not for showing off. Ever since I was young, I’ve heard so many stories about heroes that I’ve always wanted to become one myself.

So, becoming a hero is indeed one of my dreams.

It’s just funny how fate chose this moment to remind me of that dream.

”Your world is too complex. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone were like me? The world would be simple and peaceful, free of strife and turmoil. Everything would look the same.”

Kadi listened intently, silently noting that this Dark Force didn’t like to fight, which suggested his Physique Technique was ordinary. Yet, he liked to assimilate, which implied his mental attacks were strong.

I’m not stupid, Kadi thought. I don’t believe this Dark Force’s simple ’devouring’ makes him invincible. Besides, I understand this ’devouring’ isn’t real. If it were, would Wizard Reed’s body still exist? Impossible. Anyone who’s seen a wild beast eat knows it leaves nothing behind, not even bones...

”Where should I start devouring, I wonder? After all, I haven’t become true Darkness yet. Look how formidable Darkness is, always devouring everything so imperceptibly, without any fuss. The whole process is just seamless.”

This Dark Force is just using the night to show off, Kadi thought. Indeed, he’s imperceptibly drained most people’s emotions, leaving everyone but me unable to express themselves.

He’s actually showing off – a kind of demonstration of his power.

Kadi blinked. He didn’t know what was happening, but a strong feeling surfaced in his mind, one that had appeared several times before.

I’ve had this feeling before, but this time it’s different. It feels... unusual.

This feeling is urging me to ask Igor for help...

However, at this moment, Igor couldn’t move or express his thoughts, his ability to communicate lost along with his emotions...