One-Eyed Monster

A man lives if the sword lives! If the sword dies, the man dies!

This is the motto of the Mantai people, who have always regarded the sword in their hands as their life.

But now everything has become quite laughable; some Mantai knights have already thrown away the scimitars in their hands, even abandoning the steeds beneath them.

”Fools! Who allowed you to abandon!” the Mantai Leader screamed, but it was to no avail. These knights were completely chaotic.

There were a few who resisted alongside the Leader, but they were a minority. Among over ten people, half had already thrown away their weapons and fled with their hands over their heads. Igor was amazed at this sight; what on earth was happening? How could something called Exchange Beast defeat these cavalry?

Upon closer observation, Igor discovered this wasn’t merely a normal attack from the Exchange Beast; it was interlaced with Alchemy Array.

Igor gazed at the strange man, not expecting him to be so formidable—single-handedly subduing all the cavalry.

”This is the result of our collaboration,” the strange man said softly, clearly having guessed what Igor was thinking.

Douglas wasn’t very interested in the matter. He was too lazy to explain these things to a newcomer.

He focused more on the result, and he was relatively satisfied with the current outcomes.

Igor wanted to ask these two veterans for details but felt too shy to speak.

”Don’t dwell on these things, young man. Defeating the Mantai cavalry is what truly matters. Next, we need to question them,” Douglas noticed Igor’s distressed expression and couldn’t help but reassure him.

”Without your help delaying time, I wouldn’t have been able to write such complex equations,” the strange man continued.

Igor felt very ashamed; he thought these veterans were just flattering him, as he had played no part. In reality, Igor didn’t know that his struggle with the Mantai Leader directly led to the Leader’s complete breakdown. The chaotic Mantai Leader lost all momentum due to his relentless fighting.

Now, these Mantai people had all been defeated. They fell from their mounts, and those who attempted to escape were seized by the Exchange Beast, like a pack of Spirit Connection hounds, reclaiming their master’s prey one by one.

Even the strong physique of the Mantai Leader couldn’t withstand the onslaught of so many Exchange Beasts, gradually succumbing.

They were all injured to varying degrees, becoming utterly disheveled. The proud Mantai people paid a heavy price and were now bound there, completely devoid of freedom.

After capturing these men, the Exchange Beasts suddenly turned into ropes, easily binding the Mantai people, who expressed astonishment at this. This made the Mantai realize that the Alchemist could not be provoked.

The whole matter cooled down in this atmosphere, and the ropes calmed the Mantai people, bringing peace to Igor as well. They all felt a strange sensation about the events unfolding before them.

Igor found it strange because he felt many events had occurred too abruptly.

The Mantai people found it strange because they couldn’t believe they had been defeated just like that.

Moreover, they were surprised to find that their mounts somehow naturally submitted to the Gray Plain Wolf before them.

Much of this success was owed to Douglas, who pacified each mount like calming children, using techniques no one could perceive. Yet, every time he passed by a Gray Plain Wolf, these wolves would transform.

The defeated wolves were fearful and cautious, hesitating to move forward, yet somewhat unwilling, considering rebellion. However, upon seeing the Leader Wolf’s fierce countenance, they became docile, like a frightened big dog!

Douglas touched each wolf gently and murmured something, and the wolf would suddenly stand upright, following the Leader Wolf, entirely renewed, transformed.

They looked vibrant, as if reborn anew.

Igor was curious, finding the scene before him too incredible.

”Why do they all change their appearance? What exactly did Elder Douglas do?” Igor asked curiously, having only the strange man by his side.

”He probably gave these wolves something they inherently possessed!”

”Something inherently possessed?” Igor was perplexed, unable to understand.

His thoughts were simple, yet at that moment, he couldn’t discern what had been returned to these wolves.

The wolves gradually formed a circle, then slowly dispersed, while Douglas descended from the Leader Wolf.

”That’s it. Though our time together was short, it was enjoyable. I wish you all continued good fortune,” Douglas spoke with a smile toward the wolves, seeming to communicate perfectly with them.

Igor was stunned by this scene; could Douglas truly communicate with the wolves?

Although the Mantai Leader was captured and bound, he remained defiant, sneering at the situation. He snorted to represent his attitude, but unfortunately, it was drowned out by the groans of other Mantai people.

”Awooo—” The Gray Plain Wolves formed a lineup, with the Leader Wolf in the forefront, letting out a long howl toward the sky, seemingly in tribute to Douglas.

”Yes, yes, I know you’re happy. Now that you’re free, stop lingering and quickly return to your forest!” Tears welled in Douglas’ eyes, moved by the scene.

Soon, Igor noticed all the Gray Plain Wolves running, dashing toward the distance, free and unrestrained.

Douglas had healed the wolves’ injuries while touching them, returning many things to them.

Most importantly, he returned their freedom, allowing the wolves to return to the forest.

”It turns out, this is what’s truly precious!” Igor suddenly understood, realizing freedom is indeed precious.

The strange man beside him chuckled, very pleased with Igor’s insight.