One-Eyed Monster

The problems Joseph mentioned were indeed objective facts.

Regardless of whether his own views aligned with others, particularly concerning the second issue, this safe house wasn’t somewhere one could leave just by deciding to.

This cave, fortified by mystical arts, was not a place one could simply walk out of.

Joseph’s reminder plunged Igor, who had just calmed down, back into deep thought.

Kadi also fell silent at this statement.

As long as Igor didn’t speak, Kadi absolutely wouldn’t either. He didn’t want his recklessness to affect Igor’s train of thought.

Igor realized that reality deviated significantly from his imagination. He had originally thought that once he mastered the World Setting Technique, he would be able to break the current deadlock.

He had initially believed that mastering a mystical art meant fully understanding it. Now, he understood that it wasn’t that simple.

A mystical art could have many meanings, and each person interpreted it differently. Moreover, after entering his Inner World, he had discovered even more.

These findings were recent and hadn’t been fully verified, but the shock they brought was significant.

Regardless, they had to verify these findings; they couldn’t just continue to meditate in the cave.

The intruder, the mysterious intruder, might also have come for these things... Igor’s thoughts grew increasingly numerous, so much so that he couldn’t clear his mind.

Igor fell silent, seemingly disarrayed by the rush of thoughts.

Anxiety wouldn’t yield effective solutions, only further confusion. Igor understood this, so he once again closed his eyes and began to meditate.

He’d leave Kadi to handle things outside, Igor decided, though persuading Joseph would be a strenuous task.

”Think carefully about what I said. During this time, we need to recuperate, not cause trouble.” Joseph’s words were somewhat harsh but completely reasonable, to the point that even Kadi was almost persuaded.

Kadi looked at Igor and saw his eyes were closed. He instantly understood Igor’s intentions. He lifted his head, looked at Joseph, and contemplated how to convince him.

”Joseph, you’re very reasonable,” Kadi complimented. Internally, however, he was unsure how to begin his persuasion.

”Your intentions are good—to quickly go out and assist the Great Mentor and the others. But you also need to consider your own condition. Is leaving like this truly your best option? And what exactly is your current state?” Joseph continued. Seeing Igor’s silence and Kadi seemingly deferring to him, he felt he had successfully convinced the two youths.

Thus, Joseph’s tone softened, and he began to acknowledge their initial intentions.

”If you can’t perform at your best after leaving, it would be better to rest well here. That way, the Great Mentor’s efforts won’t be wasted.”

”Joseph, do you know why the Great Mentor brought us to this Slumber Room—no, this safe house?” Kadi asked, surprised. He genuinely thought Joseph knew details he wasn’t privy to.

”If you think about it carefully, you’d know, silly,” Joseph said, chuckling at Kadi’s naivety. This kid really is innocent, he thought.

Exploiting an opponent’s weaknesses was common knowledge for any combatant. Disruptions during battle were dreaded, and the wounded and weak often became burdens. Devious people would stop at nothing; upon seeing the weak and injured, they would pounce without hesitation. They would use such despicable tactics to threaten their opponents. This was Joseph’s perspective.

Of course, Kadi understood this rationale as well. Joseph and Kuren were wounded and, by rights, should be protected. As for himself and Igor, though not entirely weak, they were still young. They didn’t fully comprehend the world yet and could easily have their weaknesses exploited by enemies.

”What you said is quite reasonable, but I always feel that if we don’t try, we’ll never know anything,” Kadi said cheerfully. In his heart, he wasn’t very confident about persuading Joseph. He knew this would be difficult, but he still wanted to try.

If we don’t even try, how will we know if it’s possible?

”You have to consider the consequences of trying this. ’Know yourself and know your enemy, and in a hundred battles you will not be in danger.’ This also applies to you,” Joseph said patiently.

Actually, Joseph didn’t realize that Kadi couldn’t persuade him. Conversely, it was also difficult for Joseph to convince Kadi. The principle was actually quite simple, but those immersed in their own worlds wouldn’t grasp it quickly. Whether Kadi or Joseph, both were merely trying to persuade the other.

After falling into contemplation, Igor gradually immersed himself in the flow of Spirit Power related to the World Setting Technique. The mystical arts fortifying this cave weren’t cast by Kuren, but Kuren could sense the technique’s general location. Joseph had mentioned before that due to Spirit Connection within the World Setting Technique, the Slumber Room possessed a certain healing power, transmitted through this Spirit Power. Although Igor hadn’t fully grasped this power yet, he was quite clear on its pathways.

He could sense where this stream of Spirit Power originated.

If he could find the source, perhaps the entire secret could be unraveled.

Joseph had also said before that it wasn’t so easy to leave this safe house once entered. The reason was simple: they had all been placed in this ’setting’ by someone else. Without the caster’s Spirit Power, there was no way to unlock this invisible shackle.

Kevin had brought them to this cave; he might very well be the key to the cave’s entire mystery.

Igor strove to release his Spirit Power. He wanted to find the source, find Kevin. Once he found these, everything would resolve itself.

Igor could sense Kadi and Joseph arguing nearby. Their argument was pointless but didn’t hinder him. Instead, a few of their casual remarks occasionally sparked some inspiration in him.

Igor continued to release his Spirit Power. He wanted to achieve his desired outcome and, at the same time, connect with the Spirit Power of those he was already linked to.

Kadi and Joseph were still arguing, each defending their own views, neither able to persuade the other.

Igor had originally intended to meditate. However, in the process, he inadvertently discovered another principle. This principle, in turn, led him to a method.

A method to persuade Joseph.

Since Spirit Connection existed within this technique, things might be simpler.

If he could just present the entire situation to Joseph, it would explain everything.

Wasn’t the initial purpose of the World Setting Technique sharing? Why do I always forget this fundamental point at critical moments?

Igor couldn’t help but shake his head, feeling regretful.

The revelations from this Spirit Connection were indeed substantial.