One-Eyed Monster

Igor’s approach was indeed quirky.

He would only reveal the beginnings of many stories, stubbornly keeping the rest concealed, which was quite tantalizing.

The Little Black Hands were antsy, their eyes burning with anticipation, but Igor’s stories never seemed to commence. This was quite frustrating. Everyone knows that you must not interrupt a storyteller, lest they lose interest and stop talking, which would be a substantial loss.

The Little Black Hands understood this principle, so initially, no one questioned him. They waited patiently for Igor’s narration.

However, despite their waiting, the stories never began.

All they heard were some trivial remarks, yet it was precisely these trivialities that left them hooked...

”Once upon a time, there was a legend,” Igor began.

”This story is rather peculiar.

You should know, the stories I know are countless, as numerous as the stars in the sky. However, the stars that truly shine brightly at critical moments are always just a select few.

The stories I’m about to tell are these shining stars. These stars constantly twinkle, making one’s heart itch with curiosity.

You must know this feeling, right? Many of the stories we’ve heard or read are forgotten because they’re so ordinary, leaving little impression.

But this story of mine is different. It’s as bright as the stars in the sky; do you think it could be ordinary?”

Igor kept building anticipation, extravagantly describing the story he was about to tell as incredibly magical. But would the story he eventually told gain others’ approval?

The Little Black Hands were curious about this story, and Kadi was curious about the whole affair. It was truly an intriguing phenomenon.

The Dark Force had indeed fallen for Igor’s ploy.

Initially, when the phrase ”once upon a time” was uttered, the Dark Force shivered. This instinctual reaction was somewhat beyond his control.

He looked around, trying to identify the storyteller.

A familiar aura, a familiar feeling... he discovered that the storyteller was the very youth whose soul he yearned to devour...

At this, he could no longer remain still.

He had originally wanted to capture this youth and see what unique stories he possessed. Now, the youth himself was planning to speak.

Perhaps he feels he’s about to be defeated, and plans to recount his life’s experiences while he’s still lucid, the Dark Force mused. After all, many people believe that by narrating their entire life story, they leave no regrets.

That’s how the Dark Force currently perceived Igor.

Observing the youth’s demeanor as he prepared to tell his story, he sensed the boy didn’t want to leave any regrets.

Moreover, this youth’s preamble was rather lengthy.

Incredibly lengthy.

It was making him grow impatient.

Actually, how could I be merely impatient? he thought. I’m clearly itching with anticipation! How could this restless heart of mine, so eager for stories, possibly calm down?

Moreover, the youth kept expounding on the story’s magnificence—shining stars, heart-touching moments; in short, he employed every conceivable descriptor.

Now, the Dark Force’s craving for a good story had truly flared up; he wouldn’t rest until he had consumed it.

It’s just like a fish taking the bait...

The Dark Force didn’t realize he had fallen for Igor’s scheme. Lured by the promise of a story, he had completely forgotten what he had originally intended to do.

He was already utterly captivated by the story.

No, to be precise, he was captivated by the *preview* of the upcoming story.

This story preview possessed a powerful allure, drawing him unconsciously closer.

I just want to know what this story is about! he fumed internally. How does it begin? Does it have an ending? Is it exciting or not?

Unfortunately, the youth just wouldn’t tell it, which was maddening.

When it came to stories, the Dark Force possessed no fewer than anyone. Yet, the more stories he accumulated, the emptier he felt inside.

The more stories he had, the more monotonous his own existence seemed, always feeling as if he had missed something vital in his life...

He always unconsciously felt that his own experiences weren’t rich enough...

Therefore, whenever he encountered a new story, he was desperate to learn it.

Such was the Dark Force’s current state of mind.

Igor, however, was still unhurried. He was waiting.

He was waiting for the optimal moment; he couldn’t afford to lose his composure and jeopardize the entire rescue plan.

He was still relentlessly hyping up the story’s mystique, making it seem as if he were the only person in the entire world who knew it.

”The story I’m going to tell is unknown to everyone,” Igor declared. ”It has little to no circulation. It’s a forbidden story.”

After saying this, Igor paused mysteriously for a moment.

This nearly drove the Little Black Hands mad, and the Dark Force also found his thoughts thrown into chaos.

There are actually forbidden stories in this world? he wondered. That’s incredible!

After allowing everyone a moment to ponder, Igor continued, ”Perhaps many of you think most stories are alike, that this story of mine, though cloaked in mystique, isn’t necessarily unique—just old wine in a new bottle, so to speak.”

Yes, that statement makes a lot of sense, the Dark Force mused to himself. He had indeed encountered countless stories in this world; there were truly few he didn’t already know.

But even so, I’m still interested in unknown stories. So, I’ll listen to how this youth intends to tell it.

Igor cleared his throat and continued, his voice still resonant.

”The stories I know are as numerous as hairs on an ox. It can be said that no one in this world can compare to me. If my stories were laid out, they could fill the seas; if piled up, they could surpass great mountains...”

The Dark Force felt a subtle discomfort. This youth is so arrogant, boasting about how many stories he knows! he thought. Does he have no regard for anyone else? I am the true King of Stories! How can such a title be snatched by an ordinary youth? But, seeing as he’s about to tell a magical story, I’ll overlook it for now and hear what else he has to say.

”I am the King of Stories in this world,” Igor declared.

Isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration? the Dark Force scoffed internally.

”There shouldn’t be a single story in this world that I don’t know,” Igor pressed on.

To say that... isn’t it going too far?

”If I were to say I am the person in this world who knows the second-most stories, then absolutely no one would dare claim to be first!”

Damn it! the Dark Force seethed. This is simply outrageous!

The Dark Force was gradually losing his composure. This youth’s boasts were simply too much.

This is intolerable! The Dark Force felt he had endured enough. He had suppressed his anger until now, all for the sake of the story. But in the end, not only had he not heard the story, he had been provoked instead.

He couldn’t bear this kind of insult.

So, he roared at Igor, ”Enough of your bluster! It’s not yet certain who knows more stories! If you really have such a magical story, then out with it!”