One-Eyed Monster

Old Hamu, elder of Guru Village, sensed that Guru Mountain wouldn’t be peaceful for much longer. He remembered that on his way back from Elder Rostellum’s mansion last time, his eyelid had been twitching uncontrollably. At the time, Old Hamu hadn’t thought much of it, even joking with the two elders accompanying him that the fine wine they were bringing back was making his eyelids dance. However, Oha’s sudden collapse today gave him quite a shock. It was also the first time he had sensed anxiety from the usually imperturbable Lord Rostellum.

This was the first time in his life he had witnessed such a thing: a living person unknowingly controlled by an unseen entity, with those around completely oblivious. Thankfully, the strange entity merely used Oha’s mouth to babble for a while and didn’t use Oha’s body for any nefarious deeds. If it had controlled Oha to attack Elder Rostellum then, the consequences would have been truly unthinkable. However, there were no ’ifs’ in this world. They didn’t know what that entity controlling Oha was; they only knew it had spouted some self-satisfying nonsense before disappearing.

Old Hamu looked at Oha with concern. Regardless, Oha deserved thanks this time. If Oha hadn’t reported it immediately, no one would have known that unusual events were about to occur on Guru Mountain. As for whether these unusual events were a blessing or a curse, it was impossible to judge for now.

”Is there still no news of Uli?” Elder Rostellum asked Aliusan, who was beside him.

”My Lord, please give us a little more time. Lord Uli is definitely on the mountain. However, our men temporarily can’t go up the mountain these few days, so news will certainly be delayed...”

”Enough, I know,” Elder Rostellum impatiently cut off Aliusan’s explanation. ”I know it’s not easy for you all, and I don’t mean to blame you. It’s just that if Uli were by my side, there would at least be one more person to share this burden.”

”My Lord, don’t worry. Lord Uli will definitely rush back.”

”Let’s hope so. *Sigh*,” Elder Rostellum sighed deeply.

That sigh made Aliusan’s hair stand on end. He hadn’t immediately grasped the County Elder’s intention and felt a sense of guilt. He felt it was his inadequacy that had caused Elder Rostellum to worry again. Look, the Elder is even sighing repeatedly.

Old Hamu, however, didn’t think so. He felt the County Elder’s sigh was heartfelt because Old Hamu could sense a tension in Rostellum that was rarely seen. This County Elder was very good at hiding his emotions, but Old Hamu could still sense them. This wasn’t any Spirit Power ability of his; it was entirely based on life experience. No matter how well emotions were hidden, habits couldn’t be changed. Old Hamu knew that once Elder Rostellum felt tense, he would clench his fists. This was a pattern he had observed and heard about over many years of visiting the Gaga County mansion. Tempered by time, it had become a fact. The fact was: Elder Rostellum would clench his fists when nervous, tug his beard when annoyed or angry, and squint his eyes when happy or excited... Of course, Old Hamu had never told anyone about this pattern.

”Village Elder, you must constantly monitor the village for any abnormalities. Relying on Black Mountain’s actions is far from enough. The strength of the villagers is limitless; this grocer is a very good example.”

”Yes, yes, yes. If there are any special circumstances, I will report to you immediately.”

「When Old Hamu left Aliusan’s tavern with Oha, it was almost noon. Wisps of cooking smoke could already be seen rising from the village.」

After settling the weakened Oha, Old Hamu invited the two village elders and also had someone summon all the tavern owners from the foot of Guru Mountain. It wasn’t until near dusk that these tavern owners began to arrive one after another at Old Hamu’s courtyard.

Once everyone had arrived, Old Hamu got straight to the point: ”Have there been any strange occurrences at the foot of the mountain these days? If so, speak up. Say whatever comes to mind.”

This opening statement completely stunned the group of tavern owners, who had been boasting to each other just moments before.

What’s this all about? Summoning everyone just for this? Does he have nothing better to do?

How many ridiculous things happen at the foot of Guru Mountain every day? If we had to talk about every single one, we’d be here until the depths of winter!

The Village Elder is just looking for trouble…

”I cooked for Elder Rostellum recently. Does that count as strange?” The honest Lubin broke the awkward silence. In fact, Lubin just wanted to show off again in front of his numerous peers.

”Tch, what’s so great about that?”

”Exactly, it’s just cooking a meal.”

”His tail’s already pointing to the sky.”

...

The chorus of denunciations made Lubin’s sense of pride swell once more. He puffed out his belly, beaming as he watched his peers’ sarcastic remarks.

I can brag about this for a lifetime, but you all can’t. Who told you not to have such luck? Lubin thought to himself, not noticing Old Hamu shaking his head nearby.

”Silence, silence! This is outrageous!” The two elders Old Hamu had invited finally couldn’t bear it. They tapped their canes forcefully on the ground—THUMP, THUMP, THUMP—reminding the brawling crowd to quiet down.

The elders’ age still held some authority, and the group of tavern owners quickly quieted down.

”Each of you, talk about anything strange in your own taverns. Lubin, you don’t need to say anything; everyone knows about your tavern,” the elders said, helping Old Hamu out of his predicament.

”Nothing special. Same as usual, those treasure hunters are lazing around in the tavern, drinking and bragging. It’s like this every day, nothing worth mentioning,” someone blurted out.

”Actually, a strange thing happened in my tavern. You could call it strange, or not so strange,” said Buxie, the owner of the Non-Intoxication Tavern. Indeed, some incredible things had happened in his tavern recently.

”A few mornings ago, three men booked out my entire tavern. For some reason, I still feel like those three fellows brought a hint of decay with them.”

”Decay in what way?” Although Old Hamu was old, he still had a keen sense of perception.

”Like a piece of rotting flesh…” Buxie suddenly began to tremble.

Old Hamu was taken aback.

”Also, two strange people came to my tavern today,” Buxie added.

”Oh?”

”Two lavishly dressed, alluring women checked in. They looked like two Wizards. One of them even chattered at a mouse for a long time.”

”Did these two women just arrive today?”

”Yes, that’s right. These two women give me the same feeling as that group staying at Lubin Tavern—they’re not simple folk.”

Old Hamu’s mind began to race: Alchemists, Wizards, Fighters…

Why have they all swarmed to Guru Mountain?

Could a disaster truly be coming?

Old Hamu thought deeply for a long while.

Relying on the patterns accumulated from his past life experiences, Old Hamu discussed with the elders for quite some time.

That entity controlling Oha is right here. Who knows who it will control tomorrow?

More and more strange people are gathering on the mountain. It feels like something big is about to happen.

After discussion, Old Hamu finally made a decision.

「Much later, many years after, Old Hamu would realize that this was the most correct decision he had ever made in his life.」