One-Eyed Monster

”What is the power of belief?” Hustace suddenly asked.

”Actually, I’ve mentioned it before, but it seems you weren’t listening carefully!” Igor’s face showed displeasure.

Igor had indeed mentioned it before, but he spoke quite succinctly, never delving into details. Even if someone wanted to explain, others might not have the patience to listen carefully; a casual mention isn’t something that sticks in people’s memories.

Upon reflection, Igor let go of his annoyance. After all, only he understood these things at present, and since he isn’t a Scholar, explaining it to others clearly is indeed challenging.

However, Igor is a persistent young man who, despite knowing the challenges ahead, is determined to tackle them head-on. Despite knowing things are difficult, he refuses to succumb and insists on trying.

”This power of belief is also a form of Spirit Sensing, just more hidden, and no one can detect it.”

”Oh? How so?” There are always people in this world who become interested in anything others mention and express admiration, and Hustace is one of those people.

”You must have seen quite a few competitions, right? Skill is, of course, vital in a competition, like in a sword fight, where swordsmanship is crucial. But sometimes, the cheers and encouragement from the surroundings are important too!” The more Igor spoke, the more enthusiastic he became; he felt it was essential to make everyone understand this point.

At this point, Perkins showed a somewhat negative expression, feeling that if Igor continued in this vein, he wouldn’t finish until tomorrow morning. Despite not conversing with Igor for long, Perkins already grasped the nature of Igor’s communication style.

”When the swordsmanship of two competitors is relatively equal, a stalemate situation arises, making the entire match seem dull.” Igor shrugged as he spoke, finding such matches genuinely boring.

”What does this have to do with the cheering crowd?” Hustace still didn’t quite understand and wanted to know the connection.

”It’s related because if you were watching that dull match, wouldn’t you fall asleep?”

Perkins felt that he’d witnessed another facet of Igor, surprised by how vivid Igor’s explanation was and how it engaged everyone around, attracting more interest from Dean Hoffman and Governor Rostov.

”Obviously, I wouldn’t fall asleep. No matter how boring the match, a crowd will still watch it, and shouting doesn’t put people to sleep, does it?” Hustace replied.

”That might not be the case...” Dean Hoffman thought he might still fall asleep in such situations; he could sleep soundly in any setting, which was a bit of a talent of his.

”Exactly, of course, you wouldn’t fall asleep. This indirectly explains the critical role of the cheering crowd!” Igor directly ignored Dean Hoffman’s peculiar situation and continued with Hustace’s comment.

”Interesting. The cheering crowd might even disturb equally skilled duelists; whoever gets disturbed loses,” Governor Rostov also joined in, showing interest in Igor’s story.

”Exactly, Lord Governor is spot on. This is the power of the cheering crowd I’m talking about. These forces seem trivial, but sometimes they can truly influence an unexpected match.”

”’Disturbance’ is a well-used term. Indeed, sometimes cheering can motivate our side, but from a certain perspective, it’s a major disturbance to the opponent,” Dean Hoffman also began reflecting, as Igor’s narrative had already drawn everyone in.

Perkins decided he had to find a way to interrupt Igor, or else it might go on until the next morning.

”And the power of belief I mentioned is similar to this cheering,” as Perkins expected, Igor was just starting to elaborate slowly.

He started with such a lengthy preamble and interaction, and if he continued joyfully, how long would it take...

Perkins couldn’t tolerate the situation, quickly stepping forward to pull Stan Sol.

”Sol brother, we can’t let Igor continue like this; he’s getting addicted, it’s wasting too much time...”

”But he’s making sense!” Stan Sol indifferently dismissed Perkins’ suggestion.

Well, they’ve all been swayed, Perkins felt like he was the only clear-headed person amidst a crowd of intoxicated ones.

What to do now, should he create chaos? Perkins pondered whether to disrupt or try to persuade, as he was experienced in big situations and wouldn’t be intimidated.

Perkins looked around, feeling there was no room to showcase his talents.

There was no choice but to act decisively.

Ignoring Igor’s momentum and the eager audience, Perkins took a bold step forward and slapped Igor.

The sound echoed, stunning everyone.

”Why did you hit me?” Igor looked at Perkins, unable to comprehend; it felt like a sudden calamity, why just get hit?

”Yeah, Perkins, why did you hit Igor?”

The others were equally baffled.

”I think he’s wasting time, and everyone already trusts him, which aligns with the power of belief, but he hasn’t done anything until now!” Perkins declared loudly, undeterred by the bewildered gazes.

”Wasn’t he explaining to us...”

”What’s there to explain? Just try it directly; it either works or doesn’t, no need for so much blabbering.” Perkins’ aura suddenly intensified, immediately suppressing anyone who attempted to defend Igor.

Perkins understood that if he didn’t project a strong presence at this moment, he wouldn’t be able to control the situation!

He felt helpless, but given the circumstances, he had to act accordingly, and Stan Sol’s earlier words reminded him or else he wouldn’t have risked employing such a method.

Hopefully, this slap would awaken the previously entranced Igor.

Igor rubbed his cheek, realizing that the communication between him and Perkins had reached a new level; others were yet to understand but he fully comprehended.

”Sorry, I got carried away,” Igor admitted, ”I got a bit too proud and almost neglected the main task, indeed too dilatory.”

Everyone looked puzzled, like none of it made sense!