One-Eyed Monster

”What do you mean it’s not like I think it is? Then tell me how it is!” Kadi continued to press Joseph for information. He had already decided in his heart to see this through, but he needed to understand what Joseph was hiding before he could act.

”There are some things that... I can’t explain clearly.” Joseph’s face flushed; he really wasn’t good at hiding things or lying.

Kadi couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Seeing Joseph in this state meant the secrets he was hiding weren’t far from being revealed. Kadi was confident he had a knack for this; after all, these skills were taught to him by old Kevin. He wondered how Kevin was doing out there.

Thinking of Kevin, Kadi glanced at Igor again. The man’s eyes were still half-closed, deep in thought. Kadi had heard an unprecedented self-confidence in Igor’s earlier words. Since Igor had promised to lead everyone out of the Slumber Room, he must possess the capability and confidence to accomplish this seemingly impossible task.

Despite a slight distrust in his heart, born from past experiences, Kadi decided to trust Igor. Igor was his friend, and mutual trust was fundamental between friends. Of course, Kadi also felt he needed to constantly watch out for his friend. If his friend ever fell into danger, he had to extend a helping hand. Friends should face hardships together.

Take now, for instance. Igor had entered an indescribable state—sleep or meditation—a complete unknown. This uncertainty baffled Kadi. He didn’t know what state Igor was in. Was it a blessing or a curse? Safe or dangerous? He had no idea. From Igor’s expression, nothing seemed amiss. However, when Kadi tried to perceive Igor with his Spirit Power, he found he couldn’t penetrate that space. This attempt with his Spirit Power made him suspicious, but his lack of understanding of Kuren’s techniques prevented him from making a judgment. That was the awkward part.

However, a breakthrough now seemed possible. It stemmed from Joseph’s earlier greeting—perhaps a coincidence, perhaps a slip of the tongue. Regardless, an opportunity had presented itself, and Kadi intended to seize it. He needed to know if Igor was in any danger within this technique so he could provide timely aid.

Therefore, what Joseph said next would be crucial.

”Regardless of whether you can explain clearly or not, we at least need to establish some kind of connection,” Kadi said, cutting to the chase. He noted the gravity on Joseph’s face; it seemed Joseph was genuinely worried about something.

”First, tell me about this Igor. What’s his background? Why does the Great Mentor favor him so much?” Joseph knew he couldn’t hide it from Kadi any longer. So, he decided to follow the principle of Equivalent Exchange: trade what he knew for what Kadi knew, each getting what they needed, and then they could make their own judgments.

Kadi naturally understood Joseph’s reaction very well. Since Joseph had spoken up like this, he must have resolved to tell him the whole story.

However, Kadi really didn’t know much about Igor. Their meeting had been a coincidence. Igor’s various actions had convinced him, and he admired Igor immensely. He felt that Igor was always doing what he himself aspired to do. Compared to Igor, he was indeed a bit too naive and innocent.

”Igor... he’s just an ordinary person. As for why the Great Mentor took a liking to him, I don’t know either. It was also my first time meeting Guru Guru—or the Great Mentor, as you call him,” Kadi said truthfully. Regarding Igor, he really had nothing to hide.

Although Joseph wasn’t good at lying, his eagle-like eyes could discern falsehoods. This was an ability of his. Therefore, he was quite clear about Kadi’s previous answer: Kadi hadn’t lied; he had spoken the complete truth.

Perhaps I was too eager to get information and didn’t realize asking that question was inappropriate, Joseph thought. Kadi met the Great Mentor for the first time today. It seems Kevin’s previous guidance didn’t mention a ’Great Mentor.’ Forcing this concept on him now might be counterproductive. If Kadi’s mood were to change strangely, then his answers would lose all meaning.

Fortunately, Kadi’s mood didn’t show any strange changes, so Joseph could temporarily set his worries aside.

”That’s true. The Great Mentor must have his own thoughts,” Joseph comforted himself.

”Although I don’t know why you all revere this Guru Guru so much, from my brief contact with him, he truly can be considered a Great Mentor.” Kadi’s praise for Guzan was heartfelt.

”Yes, his guidance is very beneficial for each of us. He allowed us to be reborn.” Kadi’s words plunged Joseph into contemplation again. This contemplation was both beautiful and painful, but regardless, it was the spiritual nourishment that allowed them to stand up once more.

”So, we must all trust the Great Mentor. No matter what, we must rally closely around him,” Kadi continued, guiding Joseph in the direction he intended.

In other words, Kadi was leading Joseph down the garden path.

”Yes, we should trust the Great Mentor. We must rally closely around the Great Mentor,” Joseph said, willingly and quite naturally stepping into Kadi’s trap.

”So, we should trust each other now, right?” Kadi persisted, continuing his guidance.

”Yes, we should trust each other!” Joseph clenched his fists, his eyes shining with anticipation.

”Then can you share what’s happened to them?” Kadi pointed towards Igor and Kuren, his eyes wide as he stared at Joseph.

”They’re in the Inner World of the World Setting Technique. That place... I can’t enter.” The man, once cornered, truly held nothing back. In that brief exchange, Joseph had revealed the crucial details of the situation.

”The Inner World?” Kadi naturally didn’t understand.

”Yes. It’s the highest level of the World Setting Technique. Those of us who only have a superficial understanding can’t comprehend it.”

”Don’t tell me Igor has also mastered the Inner World, and he’s gone in too?” Kadi was astonished. His mind buzzed with surprise and a thrill; Igor was truly a miraculous person, and everything he brought forth was astounding.

”It seems so, judging by the situation.”

”WOW...” Kadi couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

”But... it seems there’s a bit of a problem with the time,” Joseph said, apologetically interrupting Kadi’s admiration. ”This time, they’ve been in the Inner World for too long. I feel something isn’t quite right.”

”Not right?” Kadi was greatly surprised.

”Yes, not right. It’s been too long this time.”