One-Eyed Monster

Honestly, this conversation should have taken place much earlier. However, these two protagonists kept following their own twisted paths, unwilling to return to the right track.

Kadi, as an observer, saw everything clearly, but he was thoroughly confused about the current situation. He didn’t understand why, after all this fuss, they had ended up back at Storytelling. They originally held a complete advantage in Storytelling, but Igor’s concession had wiped it out. Initially, they could have used those fairy tales to drive the Dark Force far away, but now, fictional stories were prohibited in the Storytelling process.

How could Igor surrender such a huge advantage? Kadi wondered. He must have had some reason for giving it up, but I still don’t understand his logic. One story for five? Quantity is our weak point! Fighting with numbers is like shooting ourselves in the foot. I really don’t know what Igor is thinking… And the Dark Force, too, making threats now? Where was it at the beginning? What’s the point of showing its might at this stage? This Storytelling Contest is heading for a stalemate. It’s simply because these two contestants think so differently from most people.

However, past events had often proven Kadi’s speculations inaccurate, sometimes even completely contrary to reality…

At this moment, Igor was unusually silent. He didn’t seem rushed at all, acting as if everything were normal, apparently unconcerned by the passage of time. He appeared to be waiting, simply waiting for the Dark Force to react, as if everything was under his control.

Where does Igor get this confidence from…? Kadi mused.

Honestly, even Igor himself didn’t know why he was so calm. Moreover, he could accurately sense that this feeling wasn’t a gamble but stemmed from pure understanding. It’s as if I know what’s going to happen next, he thought. This feeling is very peculiar, indescribable. My inspiration has suddenly surged! I can clearly sense the instability in my opponent. This Dark Force carries too many experiences of others; in other words, it possesses too many stories belonging to others. And its understanding of itself seems to be a complete blank. This is similar to the Little Black Hands. My logical ability must be working correctly. The conclusion I drew from the old woman’s words was that this Dark Force is a lost Spirit. I’ve encountered quite a few Spirits in my previous experiences, and I’m gradually coming to understand some of their characteristics. These Spirits have an overabundance of time, yet they seem to know very little about this world. Thus, after being slightly bewitched in this world, they become ensnared. Some become so lost they can’t extricate themselves. Why do these stories hold such a great appeal for them? It’s because their original world was too monotonous. Consequently, when they encounter even a bit of ordinary daily life in this new realm, they become incredibly excited. Indeed, while this Dark Force knows many stories of others, it is utterly ignorant of its own experiences. I’m not gambling; I’m sure of it.

”Every story is unique because it belongs to each individual,” Igor stated seriously.

The Dark Force remained silent. For so many years, I truly haven’t paid attention to my own story, it reflected. I don’t even know what kind of existence I am. Every time I consider this problem, my scalp tingles, and today this boy has brought it up again! However, its sole purpose was to listen to stories; it was unwilling to discuss other matters. Therefore, exchanging one of its stories for another didn’t put too much pressure on it. It just needed to start telling a story.

”Alright, alright, I understand the rules! Stop nagging. I’ll tell a story, then you hurry up and finish yours,” the impatient Dark Force declared, unwilling to be entangled any longer.

Igor also ceased his rambling, indicating that the Dark Force could proceed.

Kadi rubbed his eyes, looking forward to what would happen next. Although Kadi hadn’t played a significant role in Igor’s presence thus far, his Fire Tree Silver Flower was still maintaining the operation of the Inner World. In this respect, Kadi’s contribution was monumental. Everyone in the Inner World was striving to escape their current predicament, unaware that a boy was helping them through this awkward moment.

The story the Dark Force told wasn’t long; it was a simple account of one of the souls it had Devoured. It was a straightforward revenge tale: family feuds had led to a single member of a clan being left alive. This lone survivor sought power for vengeance but, in pursuing shortcuts, strayed from his path and became another soul Devoured by the Dark Force.

After finishing its story, the Dark Force resumed its arrogant demeanor.

”It seems other people’s stories have a numbing effect on you,” Igor said lightly.

The Dark Force, which had recovered slightly, was plunged into confusion once more.

”Now it’s my turn to tell a story,” Igor continued in a calm tone, seemingly without any pointedness.

You should have told your story long ago, the Dark Force thought. It’s truly bizarre that you’ve dragged it on until now.

”The story I’m going to tell is about myself.”

At these words, not only the Dark Force but Kadi too was rather surprised.

Kadi was astonished. Why is Igor revealing his own information like this? What’s he up to, just handing over details about himself? Does he want to lose faster?

The Dark Force was puzzled. Why is this fellow still refusing to tell the story he was hyping up so much earlier?

”My story isn’t finished,” Igor said. ”I’m just going to share some of the more interesting parts. Not all stories have an ending, but every story has a beginning.”

The Dark Force was on the verge of collapse. Is there something wrong with this boy’s brain? He’s still dragging things out! If I weren’t so fixated on that story, I would absolutely Devour this boy right now… And the boy had said the story he was going to tell was about himself—a point it found utterly incomprehensible.