One-Eyed Monster

This is very important to me!

The Great Mentor’s words baffled Igor and Kadi. What could possibly be so important to this monster chief? Moreover, the Great Mentor’s sudden question caught them off guard, leaving them quite startled.

”This...” The two of them exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond.

”Actually, it’s not a tough question. It’s simply a matter of your willingness,” Grand Master Guzan continued.

”Well, why don’t you tell us? Maybe I can help you achieve it,” Igor said. He felt that the Great Mentor certainly wanted them to help him with something.

”I’m with Igor.” Kadi had full trust in Igor. He wasn’t sure when this sentiment started, but ever since Igor mentioned the word ’friend,’ he had developed new feelings for him. This ineffable feeling brought a warmth that dispelled his loneliness, much like the comfort he found in thinking of Kevin during times of adversity.

”Good. It’s heartwarming to see that you trust each other,” the Great Mentor chuckled lightly. He felt rejuvenated, brimming with energy.

”So, what is it you want to say? Let’s see if we can help you at all,” Igor said, eager to learn what secrets Guru Mountain held.

”But wait!” Kadi suddenly interrupted the Great Mentor, who was about to speak. It was as if a sudden realization had struck him, and he felt an urgent need to ask before the opportunity was lost.

”Oh? What is it, young man?” Guzan was naturally curious about what could startle Kadi so much, as it was a rare occurrence.

”Before we proceed, I need to ask about the White Cloud Fruit, also known as the Rum Fruit. I’ve consumed so much, yet why didn’t I gain any power or have my wish come true?” Kadi’s question caught everyone by surprise. He was still bothered by this seemingly minor point; his way of thinking was indeed different from others.

”HAHAHA...”

The Great Mentor was amused by Kadi’s question, and the previously solemn atmosphere instantly lightened. The Great Mentor’s laughter was hearty and clear, without a trace of annoyance in it. This Nothingness smile, the Great Mentor had not experienced in a long time.

”What are you laughing at?” Kadi was puzzled. ”Isn’t this a problem worth considering?”

Kadi didn’t find it funny at all. If the White Cloud Fruit actually exists, then the legend must be true, he thought. After drinking so much White Cloud Fruit juice, why didn’t I gain its unexpected power as stated in the legend? Or at least, have one of my wishes granted. Deep down, Kadi had truly hoped the White Cloud Fruit could grant him a wish.

”HAHAHA...” The Great Mentor still didn’t stop his hearty laughter, which soon echoed throughout Moonflow Stream, bringing a sense of comfort to Kevin and the others standing guard outside.

It had been a long time since the Great Mentor had laughed so heartily.

”What’s so funny?” Kadi asked Igor, his eye wide. His only hope now rested with Igor, whom he believed could answer this nagging question. After all, Igor too had tasted the White Cloud Fruit—or rather, the Rum Fruit’s juice. Wasn’t he puzzled at all?

Igor scratched his head, looking at Kadi, who looked utterly confused, and was unsure what to say.

”HUH?”

Kadi’s persistence forced Igor to address the issue. He had understood the truth about the White Cloud Fruit from his first sip—it tasted like rum. The Great Mentor’s words had only confirmed the true meaning behind the legend of the White Cloud Fruit. However, explaining it to Kadi was another matter. The experience of alcohol was often personal and hard to put into words.

So, Igor furrowed his brows, racking his brain for a way to make Kadi understand.

”Well, have you ever tasted alcohol?” The moment the words left his mouth, Igor felt his question was pointless. He and Kadi had drunk the Rum Fruit juice together. How could Kadi not have tasted alcohol?

But after Kadi responded, Igor was dumbfounded once again.

Kadi replied that he had never tasted alcohol.

This was incredibly hard to believe...

Or perhaps Kadi simply had no idea what alcohol even was.

This gave Igor a headache, while Grand Master Guzan found it even more amusing.

”Alcohol... alcohol is a magical thing. Once you drink it, you feel like you can achieve anything. Never mind power or wishes; at that moment, if you wanted to reach for the sky, you’d feel like you could...” Igor began babbling as though he were drunk.

”What does this have to do with the White Cloud Fruit?” Kadi remained puzzled.

”The juice of the White Cloud Fruit tastes like rum, and rum is alcohol. So, the Rum Fruit is essentially alcohol,” Igor explained patiently, knowing it was unwise to rush Kadi.

”But why didn’t I feel that sensation you mentioned after drinking it? I didn’t feel anything special.”

”That’s because you can handle your liquor,” Igor mumbled quietly.

Of course, Kadi didn’t hear this, which was just as well. It would have only confused him further, as he wouldn’t have understood what ”handling your liquor” meant anyway.

”It seems that rascal Kevin didn’t teach you properly,” Master Guzan, having laughed his fill, finally settled down and began to explain the matter to Kadi.

”What does this have to do with Kevin?” Kadi was even more confounded.

”He didn’t tell you what alcohol is, child. HAHAHA,” Master Guzan laughed again.

”As Igor said, alcohol can give you a sense of unexpected power. For that one moment, it makes you feel like you can do anything. But it’s only for that moment. Afterward, you return to your usual self.”

”Uh, okay. So you’re saying the power alcohol gives you is only momentary, and once it’s gone, it’s gone,” Kadi said, trying to understand.

”Indeed. When the time is right, I’ll let you experience it properly,” Grand Master Guzan said softly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

”Alright then,” Kadi reluctantly agreed.

”Now, may I proceed with my invitation?” Guzan asked, a smile on his face.

”Yeah, go ahead! I can’t wait,” Igor was antsy again, like a monkey.

”It’s simple. You’ve heard about the six professions before. Now, are you willing to join the ranks of Adventurers with Class?” Guzan asked.

”I’m willing!” Igor answered casually. ”I’ve always wanted to be an Adventurer with Class.”

”Although I don’t quite understand what an Adventurer with Class is, if Igor is willing, then so am I,” Kadi replied readily.

”Good, very good,” Master Guzan smiled with satisfaction, pleased that his knowledge and skills could now be passed on.

”So, can you tell us the secret of this mountain now?” Igor asked impatiently again.

Igor had previously suspected that these monsters were the cause of the mountain’s strangeness. Now, with their leader sitting right in front of him, he felt it was time to confirm his theory.

”Be patient, my child. Before that, I haven’t finished my questions. I also want to know if you are willing to accept my skills and become an Alchemist?”

An Alchemist, huh...

Igor was visibly hesitant, but not for long. He quickly made his choice.

”I don’t want to become an Alchemist!”