One-Eyed Monster

While Igor and Stan Sol were discussing future arrangements, Kadi was engaged in intense communication with the Little Black Hands.

The Little Black Hands had inexplicably clung to Kadi. Perhaps it was because he spoke the most, or because his words quickly instilled in them a sense of belonging. Whatever the reason, Kadi made the Little Black Hands feel comfortable, and they couldn’t help but be drawn towards him.

”I’ve told you clearly, planning doesn’t work this way, you need to think things through,” Kadi claimed, though he was doubtful inside, buoyed only by vanity and stubbornness.

The Little Black Hands didn’t seem to care. They felt an undeniable need to stick close to Kadi. The sense of familiar warmth the One-Eyed Monster exuded felt too much like their own. This familiarity mirrored their own nature—playful yet intensely longing for their Homeland. It was as if a playful child had suddenly matured, developing complex emotions.

The feeling was indescribable. The Little Black Hands could only continue to gravitate towards Kadi. As strange as it was, this Medium became their anchor.

”Whatever you say, we will cooperate.”

”Wherever you go, we will follow, without hesitation.”

”Whatever you need, just command us.”

”We will obey without complaint.”

The Little Black Hands’ declarations touched Kadi deeply. He knew these assurances held little real weight and were merely meant to comfort him, yet they did bring him solace in that moment. Even though uncertain about the future, he reveled in their admiration.

People are often like that—leading the way even when utterly lost. Kadi certainly felt that way. If Igor hadn’t come up with this idea, Kadi would never have agreed to it.

Thinking about it, rashness got him into this mess, that damnable vanity of his...

Kadi understood all this, but he refused to back down. Igor and his team had previously managed so well without any outside help, and Kadi wanted to be just like Igor. Moreover, being surrounded by these Little Black Hands actually felt quite nice.

This was probably the first time Kadi had ever been ”the boss.” His pride might have soared if not for the nagging problem of what to do next. Thankfully, he retained some semblance of reason. The core issues remained unresolved, so he couldn’t let his pride get the better of him just yet.

”How do you return to that Black Cage?” Kadi suddenly had an idea. If contemplation yielded nothing, perhaps stirring trouble in the Black Cage would be more productive.

This wasn’t Kadi being merely impulsive; he had always been this way. He would charge into situations unprepared, driven by a mixture of sheer courage and an insatiable curiosity. Kadi was interested in anything he didn’t know...

The Little Black Hands’ view of Kadi had changed long ago; at this moment, they all wanted to help this One-Eyed Monster as much as possible.

”Once we complete our task, or if the Summoner deems us a failure, we will return there.”

”Oh, I see.” The Little Black Hands had mentioned this before, but Kadi hadn’t been certain. Now that he was, a daring idea formed in his mind. He was very confident in this idea and felt no need to consult with Igor and the others.

”If you pretend to have completed your task, can you also go back to the Black Cage?” Kadi began to validate his thoughts. He reasoned that if the Little Black Hands agreed, he could proceed with his plan.

”We suppose so.”

”We are not certain though.”

”But it might be worth a shot.”

The Little Black Hands lacked confidence, but they were also restless and unwilling not to try. So they hesitated, unsure of what to do.

”Alright then, let’s do it this way.” A fifty percent chance of success was good enough for Kadi. Without dwelling on whether it would actually work, he boldly made his decision.

”Hey, Igor, let’s go and smash that place to bits!” For some reason, Kadi’s confidence surged, and he felt an urge to show off in front of Igor.

”Alright, we’ll follow your lead.” Igor was calm, as though he knew this would happen.

Stan Sol stood by Igor and was aware that Kadi had surpassed the barrier and connected with the Spirits! Even now, Stan Sol still didn’t understand how Kadi had connected with them. However, once the yellow gas around Kadi began to expand, Stan Sol knew Kadi had succeeded.

”Now, let’s put on a good show, shall we? Let’s show that bastard hiding behind the scenes just how formidable he is.” Kadi’s words were intriguing. Igor and the others understood; they were counting on this to lure out the invader.

The idea sounded good, but its realization would hinge on Kadi’s next move.

”What should we do?” The Little Black Hands circled Kadi again. It was as if they had found their new leader, sticking close to him unwaveringly.

”Since your task is to scare us, well, consider it done! You’ve completed your task!” With that, Kadi clutched his heart and stumbled backward...

The Little Black Hands were bewildered. Kadi’s sudden change was perplexing.

Igor, watching Kadi’s performance, wanted to laugh. Kadi’s acting was grounded and not at all exaggerated, genuinely embodying the persona of a terrified youngster. But Igor couldn’t laugh. For now, Kadi was in charge, and Igor needed to play along.

So, Igor also put on an expression of fear. Pretending to be scared required some acting skill, but it wasn’t entirely feigned; they all genuinely harbored some level of fear. Stan Sol felt the same. He had experienced this sensation before, so its return wasn’t surprising. He had always harbored a deep-seated fear of the unknown, and this was no different.

Meanwhile, Igor was consolidating his Spirit Power to cast the Ant Connection Spell. He needed to connect two individuals: Kadi and Stan Sol.

A new adventure lay ahead, but they were prepared. Igor was ready to charge headlong into anything with Kadi. They were confident about what was to come. This would be an unknown experience, but Igor and his team were ready for it.

The Little Black Hands suddenly sensed a powerful wave of fear emanating from them. Only then did they realize Kadi and his group weren’t entirely acting!