One-Eyed Monster

The Great Witch couldn’t fathom the Dark Wizard’s mysteries, filling her with waves of sorrow. What kind of experience was this? To watch as others controlled an ambiguous power while she stood by helplessly, like a piece of wood, unable to do anything. And what kind of feeling was it, to be unnoticed even with so many eyes upon her, as invisible as air on this mountain summit?

The Great Witch watched as the Dark Wizard single-handedly took on a group of people, an indescribable feeling surging involuntarily within her. This feeling was a conflict deep within her. She envied the Dark Wizard’s abilities; even the Devil within her beckoned her to join their ranks and become a Dark Wizard. However, as a disciple of Teacher Vivian, the allure of the Dark Force, no matter how seductive, could not make her forget her identity. She would not forget that she was a person who yearned for sunlight, so no amount of darkness could make her abandon her original intentions. So, what was this envy truly about? She couldn’t articulate this feeling, as if some unseen plan were guiding her towards something the Dark Wizard possessed.

Great Witch Biggs didn’t know why this group was fighting here. Apart from those from the Alchemy Workshop, she knew no one else. Yet, since she did not belong to the Alchemy Workshop, she could not decide whose side to take.

Should she stand alongside the three monsters from Guru Mountain? Impossible. Not only were they strangers, but she was also not of the same kind as these monsters. She couldn’t just align herself with them without a second thought. Furthermore, she didn’t even know what these monsters were capable of. What if, in a fit of anger, they decided to devour her? The loss would be too great to bear.

So, should she choose to stand with the Alchemy Workshop? As a Wizard, such a choice would be an absolute disgrace, a stain on her life’s path. Hence, she would never do that.

That left her with the Dark Wizard’s side... What should I do? What choice should I make? Great Witch Biggs’s mind was once again in turmoil. She constantly felt drawn to something the Dark Wizard possessed, yet she could not pinpoint what it was. Thus, she continued to watch their battles with envious eyes, torn internally about her choice.

Wizard Reed wielded his Obsidian Staff, hindering the Golden Seats from the Alchemy Workshop and the monsters from Guru Mountain from approaching him. After several confrontations, the Alchemists from the Alchemy Workshop finally realized their Spirit Attacks were ineffective—on the contrary, they were counterproductive. They discovered that their Spirit Power only added to the enemy’s strength. With this realization, Joela and Pedro retreated, making way for Brad and Milo, as their own Physique Techniques were not strong enough.

Yet, Wizard Reed’s Obsidian Staff continuously emitted Black Smoke. This smoke morphed into flying swords and spears, relentlessly attacking Milo and the others, giving them no chance to get close.

The Alchemists from the Alchemy Workshop were deeply frustrated, unable to use their Physique Techniques for attack or even get close to their opponent.

Simon dodged the waves of Black Smoke. He felt that the opponent was hiding something, but he couldn’t figure out what. He could only wait for Jemma to activate the Heavenly Eye again. However, Jemma had already expended too much energy identifying the contagion spell and might not be able to withstand another activation.

Spirit Attacks were counterproductive, and Physical Technique Attacks failed to bring them close. It was a complete stalemate, with no breakthrough.

Yuga watched everything before him, unsure what to say. He felt they stood no chance against their opponent, who used offense as defense, giving them no openings. If they used Spirit Power, the Dark Wizard would eagerly absorb it and, using the Dark Arts, turn it back on them. The enemy seemed thoroughly prepared, and they could find no way to break through.

The Alchemy Workshop was at a loss, and the monsters from Guru Mountain had no good strategies either. The standoff made it impossible for either side to break free. Everyone was caught in a dilemma, unable to advance or retreat. Even Great Witch Biggs, who was merely a bystander, didn’t know what to do. She too was completely stuck, uncertain whether to retreat or advance. Although these events seemed unrelated to her, and no one on the mountain had even noticed her.

Of course, not everyone was helpless. Wizard Reed felt quite satisfied. Although his true form was not here, this being just a shell, he could still sense an unexpected joy.

The discarded Obsidian Staff had played an unexpected role, rendering many skilled wizards puzzled. He had neither anticipated nor predicted that a mere hint of the Dark Force would cause these people to crumble. Yet, even before the barest edges of darkness had revealed themselves, these people were already caught in deep confusion. This bewilderment alone was enough to deeply trouble them for some time.

Wizard Reed was satisfied; the situation was even better than he had expected. The preliminary display of the Power of Darkness had plunged this group of supposedly superior individuals into confusion. So, when true darkness arrives, wouldn’t this world be overthrown?

Overthrowing this world was exactly what he hoped for. Now, he had to act quickly to obtain the scroll sealed within this mountain. Once he obtained the scroll, Willem would naturally be able to bring the secret technique within it to fruition. Then, the boundary between life and death would be shattered. By that time, they would command a vast and powerful army.

With that army, they could launch an assault on the existing world.

The true purpose of Black Crow was not to become a renowned organization on this continent. Its real aim was to change the continent’s current state of affairs.

Success or failure lay on this mountain, within this scroll...

Wizard Reed’s true self was already envisioning the not-too-distant future. He no longer regarded the current situation as a challenge. Whether his shell at Grey Eagle Peak wins or loses, it will lead to one result: the utter shock of those arrogant individuals.

If his shell were to win, the Dark Arts would be deeply ingrained in these people’s minds, and they would do everything in their power to find him. This would fuel the flames of his vengeance even further.

If his shell were to lose, these people would uncover an earth-shattering secret. Only then would they realize what the true Dark Arts are; only then would they truly comprehend the terror of the Dark Arts.

Fear brings disaster; disaster causes chaos. And in chaos, the Dark Wizard has a greater chance to achieve glory. Then they would truly stand tall; then they would truly have a voice.

This world is indeed governed by Equivalent Exchange, but it still cannot escape the law of the jungle: the strong eliminate the weak, forging a new world order.

Wizard Reed savored the helplessness and confusion of the group at Grey Eagle Peak. True darkness had not yet fully descended, yet these individuals were already succumbing to helplessness.

And what he would bring to this world next would be far more than just a glimpse of darkness.

This glimpse of darkness was merely the curtain-raiser; a grand drama is set to unfold.

The protagonists of this drama have yet to take the stage. When they do, all else will fade into insignificance.