One-Eyed Monster

Igor’s answer was indeed very satisfying.

His response stirred Kadi; if he could see where the other party was, Kadi would have charged by now.

Not only Kadi but everyone else who heard his response was also very moved. However, they all understood this was just Igor’s wishful thinking.

They couldn’t even see where the other party was. How could they strike?

If they could have their way, they would pummel the Dark Wizard without mercy.

”How are we supposed to beat this guy? He’s always hiding and won’t stop laughing,” Kadi volunteered, eager as always. He had been itching for a fight for some time.

Kadi’s question was what everyone else wanted to ask as well.

”Wait. This guy will show up sooner or later,” Igor said.

Igor’s suggestions were, as always, rather pointless. Everyone there knew they had to wait; what they really wanted to know was how to avoid it.

Perhaps Kadi hadn’t expressed it clearly, or perhaps Igor had misunderstood. In any case, his statement was utterly useless.

However, this wasn’t the first time Igor had said something pointless, and everyone was used to it.

Everyone understood that this young man’s way of thinking was different from others. What he said didn’t necessarily reflect what he would do.

What he referred to as ”waiting” could be another matter entirely. As for what that entailed, only time would tell.

The whole situation was strange. No one knew what would happen next. Coupled with the mocking laughter of Wizard Reed’s remnant, the entire Moonflow Stream felt like a chaotic melting pot.

There’s nothing we can do right now, Igor knew in his heart. We really do just have to wait.

Having experienced one Inner World after another and contacted one Spirit after another, Igor’s entire perception had undergone a massive shift. His new understanding of the so-called Equivalent Exchange, and even of the Dark Force, was intrinsically linked to these experiences.

What struck him most deeply were the Spirits.

The opportunities within the Inner World had allowed him to enter another realm. That realm was surprisingly monotonous; most Living Beings there were in a state of slumber, while the awakened ones were active within their own separate spheres.

Igor couldn’t comprehend the principles governing it, but the Living Beings in that realm seemed like immature children, curious about everything in this world.

But nothing came for free; a price always had to be paid.

This was the concept of Equivalent Exchange.

After entering the Spirit World, Igor gained an even deeper understanding of the meaning of Equivalent Exchange.

There was always some justice in the world; every investment would yield a certain return, but there was no uniform standard for defining that investment.

In the Spirit World, there was no so-called right or wrong. As long as someone could provide them with an equivalent, the Spirits would grant power in return. This exchange, however, was not always truly equal.

Sometimes, a Spirit might offer assistance in exchange for a mere story; at other times, for a simple object.

For instance, the Little Black Hands had been captivated by the scenery of this world. They were summoned multiple times using paintings, and in the end, they were even deceived into remaining in that other world, unable to return.

The Dark Force was more direct. Its own past experience was almost laughable: the mere taste of someone’s blood had made it feel compelled to dedicate its entire existence.

It had become lost in this world, losing its sense of self and its understanding of what Equivalent Exchange truly meant.

After witnessing all this, Igor couldn’t help but ponder: Is Equivalent Exchange truly equivalent?

Igor had never considered the world fair. From a young age, he knew he was different. During festivals, other children received new clothes, but he did not; he had to give his to his younger siblings.

His father had also never treated him and his siblings equally. His younger brothers and sisters had to go to the mountains to chop and gather firewood, but he was exempt...

These were all manifestations of unfairness...

Igor didn’t resent these instances of unfairness. He knew that fairness and unfairness were merely concepts within each person’s mind.

Whether something was fair or not didn’t depend on external appearances but on one’s inner perception. Some people’s hearts were inherently empty. They would never believe fairness existed. Even if you acted with perfect impartiality, they would still find some hint of inequality.

Others inherently accepted fate, attributing everything to it. Therefore, no matter the prejudice they faced, they would still consider it fair.

All this led Igor to think about the Dark Force. Despite being despised by most, it possessed its own unique aspects.

Many believed that relying on the Dark Force was a shortcut to power, an unrealistic desire to gain something for nothing.

The main reason these people despised the Dark Force was their belief that its wielders acquired such power without any real effort.

No, it wasn’t that no effort was made. It was that the efforts made were not the kind *they* recognized or valued.

They always felt this was unfair. Why can others acquire strength comparable to ours without putting in the same effort we did? It’s unfair!

Such people only saw their own sacrifices and remained blind to the sacrifices of others.

In truth, such people possessed a twisted mentality.

After all these experiences, Igor had come to truly understand the complexities of right and wrong.

Take, for example, the lost Spirit that had previously wanted to completely devour them. Could you truly say it was evil? That it was a villain?

That creature was merely a lost child, unable to distinguish good from evil, or beauty from ugliness.

Because of all this, Igor’s perceptions had gradually shifted. Simultaneously, he began to comprehend certain underlying truths.

Back in the academy, he hadn’t understood. Now, out in the real world, he was finally beginning to grasp the meaning behind Teacher Hadi’s words.

Only by truly stepping out into the world can one genuinely grow.

Igor closed his eyes, gradually finding that specific sensation.

Kadi, standing nearby, didn’t quite understand. He wanted to ask Igor but was stopped by Hustace.

Kadi looked at Hustace, surprised.

”Don’t disturb him,” Hustace whispered.

Kadi looked puzzled, not understanding why Hustace was stopping him.

”I can see some Symbols,” Hustace whispered, explaining to Kadi.

”What Symbols?”

”Igor’s Symbols,” Hustace replied. ”I see his Symbols are attempting to connect with other, similar Symbols. It seems he’s trying something!”

”Could you please explain it in a way I can understand?” Kadi asked Hustace, his eyes wide.