One-Eyed Monster

Milo and the others had not anticipated encountering so many people at the summit before they arrived.

Although Milo’s Exchange Beast sensed a remarkable Spirit Power, it failed to provide Milo with detailed information about these individuals.

It only proved how adept Hunters were at concealment; even someone like Milo, who possessed an Exchange Beast skilled in unearthing information, failed to detect Stan Sol’s presence.

Not until he climbed to the summit did Milo realize that this was Young Clan Leader Sol, whom they had fought earlier.

”Senior Milo, these two seem to be Soul Puppets.” Upon reaching the summit, Pedro witnessed a rather bizarre scene, primarily because the Great Witch Biggs was standing foolishly in the center.

”This looks like Reed’s handiwork. That guy might be somewhere around here.” Milo also noticed the two Soul Puppets. Initially, their Alchemy Workshop hadn’t known these things were Soul Puppets. Perhaps out of curiosity, perhaps out of caution, Wizard Reed’s arrival had unsettled them, as not everyone was as unperturbed by the Dark Arts as Kuyi Tulan. Milo and his group were more traditional in their thinking. Although Kuyi Tulan’s progressive views sometimes prompted a slight shift in their perspectives, they remained deeply conservative at heart. For instance, concerning the Dark Arts, while they professed impartiality like the Chief, they loathed these dark powers to their core.

That was why Milo had gone to investigate the two ’pets’ chained by Wizard Reed. Ultimately, they discovered they weren’t pets at all, but Soul Puppets controlled by Necromancy.

Milo still remembered how, when they first realized those two entities were Soul Puppets, several Alchemists had vomited on the spot.

The stench of death and the putrid scene—this was the most direct assault the Dark Wizard inflicted on their senses.

Seeing these two Soul Puppets attack Stan Sol and Estev, Milo felt an impulse.

He wanted to help these two out. Of course, he did not sympathize with them. One of them was his enemy; how could he possibly sympathize? His desire to help stemmed purely from his deep-seated hatred of Soul Puppets.

He believed such things, such disgusting things, should not exist in this world; they belonged in Hell with Devils.

But he was the Golden Seat of the Alchemy Workshop, his status second only to Chief Kuyi Tulan. He could not act on such impulsive thoughts.

”Be on guard! Reed is a Dark Wizard; who knows what insidious plans he might be hatching.”

This was what he, Milo, ought to do. He was the leader of this team. It was his duty to inform everyone of the necessary precautions. His personal impulses had to be pushed to the back of his mind.

”Yes, Senior Milo,” Joela, Brad, and Pedro answered in unison.

The Alchemy Workshop had now reached the summit. After all, they were the Alchemy Workshop, not unscrupulous Dark Wizards. When others were under attack, they chose to stand by vigilantly instead of kicking them while they were down or adding fuel to the fire. This upright conduct naturally left a favorable impression on Estev and his companions.

Estev had never imagined things would turn out this way. He had originally hoped to meet the Black Crows, but it ended up being Alchemists from the Alchemy Workshop instead. Estev recognized these people as members of the Imperial Alchemy Workshop at first glance, as he would recognize the purple capes adorned with the six-pointed star emblem even if they were burnt to ashes. After all, he was the Deputy Court Chief of the Imperial Court of Guards System.

He just couldn’t understand what these alchemists had come here for.

Could it be that these alchemists also coveted the secrets of Guru Mountain?

If that were the case, then the little goodwill he had initially felt would instantly vanish.

Who would have thought that the Alchemy Workshop could stoop so low as to show interest in such dark affairs? More importantly, they were even collaborating with those Black Crows who lurked in the shadows. This truly tarnished the Empire’s reputation.

Estev couldn’t help but shake his head at this thought. Although his true identity was that of a Soul Guardian, and his position as Deputy Court Chief of the Imperial Court of Guards was merely a cover, after so many years of receiving the Empire’s stipend, he had gradually developed a sense of affection, or perhaps responsibility, towards it. In his heart, Estev felt it was more a matter of responsibility. Therefore, he did not want to see the Alchemy Workshop, an organization highly valued by the Empire, go astray on its path of advancement.

So, Estev resolved to take the opportunity to teach these alchemists a lesson, as part of his duty to the Empire.

”Senior Milo, it seems that the boy who came up the mountain to find Governor Rostov’s son still bears the mark of your Exchange Beast,” Joela said, pointing to Qi Liu, who was hiding nearby.

”He had the opportunity to descend the mountain with us, but he chose not to take it, opting to stay back. I respect his choice. Since he doesn’t want to join us, there’s no need for us to consider him a ’marker’ any longer,” Milo replied. He no longer considered Qi Liu one of them.

”But Senior, he is, after all, one of Governor Rostov’s son’s people. If we...”

”I know, Joela, but remember why we are here. I believe that everyone who has reached this summit, ourselves included, is hardly a saint. We shouldn’t let ourselves be constrained.” Milo’s reasoning was, in fact, for the sake of the Alchemy Workshop. Before them stood an Ancient Hunter capable of unleashing the Incomplete Moon, and a Fighter of ambiguous status. Lurking behind them was a furtive Dark Wizard. At this juncture, if they didn’t cast off all inhibitions and prepare for an all-out struggle, their chances of completing the mission entrusted to them by the Chief would be slim.

How could they spare the thought to protect anyone else at a time like this?

Milo would not take that risk. Similarly, he wouldn’t risk helping those two potential adversaries against the Soul Puppets, despite his profound loathing for such entities.

While evading the Soul Puppets’ attacks, Estev pondered what this group of alchemists intended to do.

The alchemists were right: those who come here are not well-intentioned. Everyone who comes to this mountain, especially those on its peak, has their own agenda, including this Ancient Hunter who had formed a temporary alliance with him.

All these people had come here, and no matter their reasons, they were all, in one way or another, connected to the secrets concealed within this mountain.

Will the Ancient Will continue to be passed down? New powers and ideas were constantly reshaping the world.

Estev had always wondered: would there be Soul Guardians after him?

Estev reined in his thoughts. He was overthinking. Now was not the time for such considerations.

The two Soul Puppets before them were still relentlessly attacking, while the alchemists from the Alchemy Workshop stood by, poised and observant. While he wasn’t intimidated by this standoff, he found it increasingly vexing.

The irritation came from within him, not from the surrounding environment.

Without realizing it, Estev had drifted into a daze. He hadn’t noticed anything amiss for a considerable time, too preoccupied with other matters to perceive the fundamental reality of his situation.

Those two Soul Puppets... they weren’t merely stalling for time.