One-Eyed Monster

This reminder from the World Setting Technique completely jolted Igor to his senses.

He suddenly discovered he possessed a spell that could talk—a truly unexpected gain.

At the same time, he was incredibly dissatisfied with his own observational skills. That he hadn’t noticed such a unique spell within himself was simply unbelievable.

”Your expression now is more natural; your expression just now was a bit exaggerated,” the World Setting Technique continued. His sarcasm was perfectly timed, neither stinging Igor’s sensitive nerves nor probing too deeply into his sore spots. This mockery was more like a reminder, and a well-meaning one at that.

”You’re right,” Igor said, chastising himself like a child who had done something wrong and constantly summarizing his failings. ”I was negligent and shouldn’t have been. You’re indeed not the first talking spell I’ve encountered. I always overlook the most important things around me. Today’s lesson has deeply wounded me. However, a shortcoming is a shortcoming. I must admit I’ve neglected far too much.”

”Interesting. I’m starting to like you more and more,” the World Setting Technique said, feeling that Igor was not only an innocent child but also a sincere one.

”But I still think you’re different from the storytelling grandma,” Igor frowned thoughtfully. The discoveries of this period were like raging beasts, making him a little breathless, but he was also quite satisfied with these recent experiences. He felt that although the process was complicated, the gains were significant and enough for him to digest for a good while.

However, judging by his current state, his comprehension wasn’t progressing well. It seemed he focused too much on the immediate scenes before him and neglected some past experiences. Although those old things were deeply ingrained in his bones, he still unwittingly forgot some details.

But now he considered another problem. Perhaps when I initially accepted these spells, I didn’t fully understand their profound implications. I only focused on superficial things and didn’t pay attention to deeper aspects.

This might be my own fault. Back then, I was young, ignorant, and impetuous, only wanting to learn a spell and then eager to show it off. It’s just like our earlier discussion about the World Setting Technique: mastering the basics can be flaunted, but what’s the point of the World Setting Technique if I can’t even enter the Inner World?

Thinking about it now, Igor felt he had indeed been too impetuous. I hadn’t deeply grasped the spell’s profound meaning, which is why I was completely unaware of such a remarkable spell within me.

Things can’t go on like this, Igor resolved. In the future, when studying spells, I must deeply understand their original intent and development. Only by understanding all aspects can I fully grasp a spell’s significance.

Igor sighed. He felt sorrow for his past self, yet also a sense of fortune. It seemed he had discovered his shortcomings at precisely the right moment, just as he encountered these incredible events.

This trip to Guru Mountain had benefited him immensely, yielding a great harvest in an instant. He would need a very long time to process it all. The thought of a full travelogue afterward made his heart blossom with joy.

At the same time, he felt a surge of gratitude towards the tree branch that had pointed towards Guru Mountain. If that branch hadn’t unerringly pointed towards Guru Mountain, he might not have been so lucky to reap so much. Therefore, he was deeply grateful to the branch. Simultaneously, an unwritten rule formed in his mind: whenever he couldn’t make a choice, or found it difficult to choose, he must entrust the decision to a tree branch. This branch represented the arrangements of fate and the choices of fortune. Entrusting everything to fate, fate would bring him extraordinary luck.

Perhaps this is the ’uncertainty’ those people were talking about, he mused, though I still don’t quite understand what this uncertainty truly brings.

Those people—whether it was the Great Mentor, Kuren, or even the current World Setting Technique—had always, intentionally or unintentionally, remarked on an ’uncertainty’ about him, something different. Although he hadn’t understood it at the time, their expressions told him that this uniqueness was something others didn’t possess, and no one could clearly explain it.

Now, I think I have a slight understanding of how they felt about me.

”Interesting. No wonder you could awaken me,” the World Setting Technique said after a long silence, his voice laden with meaning. This sentence carried profound implications.

This sentence clarified one thing: Igor had activated the World Setting Technique, causing it to evolve into a sentient spell.

”What you just said has raised a host of questions for me. But before that, I first need to clear up my previous misconceptions. I wonder, could you tell me frankly?”

”I know what you want to ask. Don’t forget I can easily enter your mind. Although that Spirit Book may treat you as its master, I won’t. To some extent, I was awakened by you. You have certain rights to order me around, but you’re still a bit green right now,” the World Setting Technique said without hesitation.

”Since you know everything, then tell me, why, having just awakened, do you already possess such an ancient demeanor? From your behavior, you seem like someone who has lived through ages,” Igor voiced his doubts, even though he knew the other party was aware of what he intended to ask.

”Heh, it’s not surprising that you have this doubt. When your level of insight reaches a new height, you’ll naturally understand. However, since you asked, I’ll say a few words. Whether you can understand depends on your own insight,” the World Setting Technique said truthfully. His words were not pleasant, but he knew that Igor wouldn’t be angry. A person truly yearning for answers will pursue them relentlessly, regardless of the setbacks or grievances endured. Their hearts are so set on the pursuit of knowledge that they can overlook everything else.

This, too, was a form of enlightenment, and Igor was in such a state now. So he grinned, asking in a calm voice, ”I want to know the answer. Even if my current level of insight isn’t enough to fully understand it, I still want to hear it.”

”I like your honesty, young man!” The World Setting Technique also smiled slightly and then began his explanation.

”All spells are composed of equivalent components. These components exist in nature. Spells combine these elements to form a driving force.

”This force is the outward manifestation of your spells.

”And we are the manipulators behind this force.

”Our Awakening comes from your summons—a fact you may not know. We lie hidden within nature. Upon being summoned, we become the power directing the force. Your summons provide the rhythm, and we manipulate the spell in accordance with that rhythm.

”So, even a new spell is controlled by us old guys.”