One-Eyed Monster

Igor walked and paused, hoping that during these pauses he could find something new.

The journey southward was quite long, with many places to traverse.

Fortunately, Igor had those Spirit Books with him, which detailed everything about the Yowein Continent. Opening those books was like looking at maps, eliminating any worry about following the wrong route.

Igor had decided to enter the Mantai Empire’s region, to venture into the Ghost Realm. The general direction was set—to enter the Ghost Realm first and see what happens.

The Ghost Realm was an extremely complex place, very polarized. The further west, the drier it became—a land of grass turned into a barren desert due to nation development. Southwest of this region was a hilly forest where Mountain Monsters roamed.

Mantai People lived around those deserts, migrating wherever there were resources. They cherished their mounts, which were as important as life itself.

However, at this moment, Igor had not yet entered the Mantai Empire’s territory. He followed the Spirit Book’s guidance to a border town.

The Spirit Book advised him that taking remote routes could save time, so Igor unhesitatingly bypassed the Imperial Capital and major roads, opting for this small town route.

Indeed, the wisdom summarized by predecessors was trustworthy. Igor followed this secluded path and soon arrived at the border between the Kayne Realm and the Ghost Realm.

This town was somewhat rundown, situated at the border where two empires contested, leaving the area in ruins early on. Those left were brave and meticulous, surviving in this gray zone, naturally having their survival methods.

Igor was naturally aware that the people here were no ordinary folk, so he was very cautious upon entering this town.

Despite being at the border with few people, the area was a mix of all sorts.

Igor felt that most who came here had their own missions or were desperados—who would venture to a constantly disputed place otherwise. There was always the risk of losing life here; people seeking peace wouldn’t choose to stay. Locals either wouldn’t leave or had deep affections for the place…

Yet, even in such a dangerous place, life went on.

Businesses continued as people traded, seemingly unaffected by the empires’ disputes. Igor found a place to rest due to such circumstances.

This was a dilapidated pub, but it had what it needed; the wine was poor, and the food was cheap, even the low-cost water contained impurities that didn’t affect taste.

Despite being of poor quality, these items were slightly precious, enabling sales in this pub. The pub didn’t overcharge either, as not many could afford much Gold here.

Igor ordered a beer and some roasted meat in this pub, sitting alone in a corner, eating and drinking.

These items cost him one Gold; reasonably, this was a bit pricey, but Igor thought the Gold worth it for roasted meat here.

The beer tasted bland and the meat tough, yet Igor ate contentedly.

The pub owner was indifferent, sparing Igor not even a glance.

Despite its rundown state, the pub had good clientele; it was the only one here, so travelers had only this pub to stop at.

Unbeknownst to Igor, this place had another purpose—it was also a trading hub.

Various deals were struck here, and Igor, new to this place, wasn’t yet familiar with its nature.

This place was akin to the Imperial Capital’s black market, with people like Crows and Spiders present.

People could engage in clandestine trades here.

Being on the border, many couldn’t imagine the dark deals made here. Other black market trades were a frequent occurrence.

Trades might not be for money—those who traded here had mysterious identities.

Igor naturally didn’t know these details. It was his first visit, finding everything novel yet exercising caution, evident from his choice to sit in a corner.

In this position, he could observe everyone in the pub.

Aside from him, four others sat sporadically. One was a disheveled man resembling a madman, yet he flamboyantly shook his leg. This flamboyant person sat opposite Igor, ordering the pub’s priciest bottle—still not catching the owner’s eye.

To Igor’s left sat an elder carrying a large knife, with a lonely gaze, seeming to wait for someone, ordering only water.

As for the other two, they appeared odd, frequently glancing at Igor as if he possessed something they desired.

These two wore fur, seemingly not from the Kayne Realm, with deep eye sockets and flushed cheeks, resembling Mantai People.

Yet Igor couldn’t confirm this as the Mantai Empire consisted of numerous tribes with varied appearances, unlike the Kayne Realm. Mantai People were mostly identified by attire.

Mantai People generally dressed casually, appearing rugged, yet those watching Igor dressed less casually…

Being watched was uneasy; Igor felt targeted, making him uncomfortable.

However, this was merely a simple beginning.

For a person suddenly sat across from Igor, holding a bottle with a friendly smile.

Igor raised his head, eyeing this flamboyant guy, his gaze filled with questions…