One-Eyed Monster

When Rostov mentioned that the skin of the League Guards who were found had all turned black, Perkins felt a jolt in his heart. Having traveled the world for so long, he had encountered many strange things and naturally had a deep impression of such peculiar occurrences.

”Could it be that these League Guards are being controlled?” Perkins tentatively asked.

”At first, I wasn’t sure either, but Dean Hoffman of Yonder Travel Academy pointed this out to me.”

”Could it be the Poisonous Bugs?” Stan Sol suddenly asked.

”What you said is exactly what Dean Hoffman said.” Rostov looked at Stan Sol, hardly able to believe it.

Igor was quite puzzled. What on earth are these Poisonous Bugs? They sounded really odd.

”I don’t know about these things, but it’s said that they are concocted by Dark Hunters, a sinister practice that is quite nauseating.”

”Poisonous Bugs are artificially bred; they were originally tools used to hunt large prey, an ancient technique used by Hunters often. But after Wizards discovered anesthetics, this method was abandoned by us. If someone is still using it now, it indicates that these people are from ancient hunting families.” Stan Sol frowned.

”I naturally don’t understand these, but I know my League Guards are not wild dogs, and because of these Poisonous Bugs, they are living non-human lives.” Rostov sighed after speaking, seemingly very sympathetic to the plight of his subordinates.

”When Poisonous Bugs are placed on humans, there are no apparent features, and no changes can be seen. But the master of the Poisonous Bugs can control them through their nests, thus achieving control over the host.” Stan Sol explained.

Wait a minute, isn’t this the Wire Puppet used by that Dark Alchemy we encountered on Guru Mountain?

Igor couldn’t help but be startled; the similarity between the two was quite high.

But now wasn’t the time for him to speak; he would have to continue listening.

”There aren’t many people who can utilize these bugs, as breeding them requires specialized personnel, requiring one to give of themselves!”

”This all sounds so vile!” Hustace exclaimed indignantly.

”Many things aren’t as they appear, sometimes the truth is more hurtful.” Rostov continued, his story already half-told with another part to follow.

”A pity, if I could see those hurt by Poisonous Bugs now, I might find the culprits behind this!” Stan Sol said with confidence.

”My League Guards have always been held at the back mountain of Yonder Travel Academy, right next to Tobin Sol.” Rostov glanced at Stan Sol, a trace of hope suddenly flickering in his eyes.

”Alright, once we leave this Inner World, we’ll take action immediately!” Perkins suggested.

”No, the story isn’t finished; once it’s told, we’ll set our action plan.” Rostov said.

”Yes, let him finish speaking. Tobin isn’t someone to fall so easily; there’s surely more to this.” Stan Sol was resolute, thinking his brother had something more to convey.

”You’re completely right; the familial bond allows certain resonance between you. Tobin is indeed a formidable guy.” Rostov said, believing that the Sol Family were different indeed.

”I’m walking a path similar to Tobin’s, so I can resonate with many things!” Stan Sol said.

”Could it be leading to the same path?” Perkins wondered, considering various possibilities, being somewhat sensitive due to his extensive travels.

”I don’t know; there might be such a scenario, but I can’t confirm it yet!” Stan Sol replied to Perkins.

”Let Lord Governor speak, perhaps you’ll find similarities with your experiences.”

”Yes!”

”Father, please hurry up and finish the story.” Hustace urged his father, eager for the tale’s completion.

”Things must be told one at a time, haste will not suffice. What you need to know, you must be aware of, for after knowing everything, you’ll bear a certain responsibility.”

”Since we’ve chosen to listen, we’ll bear this responsibility. I don’t want Tobin to suffer alone.” Perkins said.

”Although I have no ties to Tobin, he’s contributed so much to us at Rowandu, I’ll do my best to assist him.” Hustace was also excited, making a statement, which pleased Rostov.

”Tobin is my brother!” Stan Sol said simply.

”Your vows are impressive.” Rostov was satisfied and then turned his attention to Igor.

Igor: ”Why look at me? I won’t stand idly by, besides, I’d like to see Tobin Sol’s demeanor when he’s awake.”

”Good, the story you’re about to hear will become the responsibility you need to bear.” Governor Rostov said.

In the Inner World, the group exchanged glances, then smiled—they knew a new adventure was about to begin.

”Tobin Sol is a great Hunter; not only did he capture Lightning, but he also captured things beyond cognition.”

”Oh?” Perkins was quite surprised.

”Beyond our world lies another one, in which exists our reflections. Everyone can awaken a reflection but not everyone can see their own...”

Upon hearing this, Igor felt a sense of déjà vu—it seemed similar to the world of Spirits.

”These reflections don’t perish; they exist indefinitely, but our calling causes significant changes, enough to collapse the world over there.”

This was also similar to what the Spirit said. Igor’s heart was unconsciously touched.

”Tobin is like a prophet; he knows he’ll lose consciousness and won’t awaken shortly.”

On hearing this, Igor seemed to realize something! Could Tobin also be an Awakened Being, and still a special one like him?

”Tobin said, if he fails to awaken and loses consciousness, be sure to bring him Rain Crystals.” Rostov paused, ”I never understood what this meant, but I know it’s a reminder.”

”What else did he say?” Stan Sol asked.

”What needs awakening isn’t just the shadow but ourselves. When we step onto a piece of land in this world, we must take responsibility!” Rostov said, his voice somewhat trembling, ”It’s Tobin’s own words and the responsibility I’m speaking of.”