One-Eyed Monster

Teacher Hadi fell silent after speaking...

Igor’s heart was pounding, beating incessantly, as if worried something bad might happen. After blaming himself, he felt a bit flustered, as if he couldn’t find the path he needed to take next.

Especially when he heard that Dean Hoffman’s predictions had a high probability of coming true, he became even more anxious.

Because once, influenced by Teacher Hadi, he stole Dean Hoffman’s scorched rice. When Hoffman caught him, he left him with a saying that he didn’t quite understand at the time, but thinking back on it now, it was chilling.

Dean Hoffman had patted his head, saying that if he kept doing such things, he would be unsuccessful all his life, straying down a path from which he could never recover.

Thinking about it now, Igor was understandably anxious because Dean Hoffman’s predictions were often accurate. If he said Igor would be unsuccessful all his life, then perhaps that fate was indeed in store for him!

This emotion was visible on Igor’s face, and the others were clueless about what was going on. To them, Igor appeared like a child who hadn’t yet figured out the situation, tangled up in his own thoughts.

So, they paid no mind to Igor’s current thoughts and continued their chat. As Teacher Hadi put it, they were discussing serious matters.

Stan Sol’s serious matter was to meet his brother Tobin as soon as possible, to find out exactly what Tobin’s status was, so he straightforwardly asked Teacher Hadi, ”Can you take me to see my brother now?”

Teacher Hadi was taken aback by the question. He looked at Stan Sol with a surprised expression, saying, ”I don’t know where your brother is. I just mentioned that I don’t know much about Tobin’s situation.”

This response left Stan Sol feeling awkward and surprised Perkins: ”Didn’t you just say we could see Dean Hoffman? How can you not know Tobin’s whereabouts?”

”Dean Hoffman knows these matters, not me. There’s no need for me to know. Everyone has their own business to attend to. Dean Hoffman likes to hustle; I have no need for such antics.” Teacher Hadi shrugged.

”What’s going on here?” Perkins was a bit confused. At that moment, he looked at Igor’s state and suddenly felt that Igor was the clearest-minded person, as he was unaware of anything, unlike himself, tangled in his reasoning and judgments.

”It’s simple; don’t overthink it.” Teacher Hadi crossed his legs and picked up a cup of tea, looking quite leisurely.

”Do you mean it’s all part of Dean Hoffman’s plan?” Stan Sol asked.

”It’s not really a plan. Scholars calculate things; they have nothing better to do than predict futures—which can be quite pointless. Though I must say, Dean Hoffman’s pointless ventures can sometimes be quite annoying. You see, like this time, he’s dragged me into it, even though it doesn’t really concern me.”

”Could you tell us in detail why Dean Hoffman involved you, Teacher?” Perkins asked, feeling a bit exhausted, as if his whole framework had collapsed dramatically.

”Of course, I can. These things have already happened; there’s no need to hide them. Everything hidden in the world will eventually be discovered. That’s inevitable. So, rather than letting them remain buried for years, it’s better to make use of them early on.” Teacher Hadi replied, as if opening up another topic.

”Did Dean Hoffman know we were coming, and know I am Tobin’s brother?”

”There are no walls in the world that don’t leak. Besides, with Dean Hoffman’s level of scholarship, such predictions are within his capability.” Teacher Hadi was nonchalant about Stan Sol’s question.

”Often, I feel as if we are living under others’ surveillance. The scholars’ abilities are truly remarkable!” Perkins remarked, finding it incredible.

”We have always been aware of our future, and this, Igor knows best.” Teacher Hadi said with a smile.

”Huh?” Igor was suddenly mentioned, looking quite puzzled—how did the conversation shift to him?

”The teacher said you know the future,” Perkins repeated to Igor beside him.

”How could that be? Currently, I’m confused and unsure if the path I’m taking is right.”

”Haha, Igor is truly an adorable child. I love his naivety!” Teacher Hadi laughed heartily, appreciating Igor’s reaction.

”We have always known the future...” Stan Sol pondered those words.

”Indeed, we have always known. The sky will be blue, the earth will darken, and eventually, we shall all pass.” Teacher Hadi declared with certainty.

”What must come will come, and what shouldn’t will ultimately fade away!” Stan Sol seemed to have a revelation.

”Understanding this allows you to face Dean Hoffman’s calculations.” Teacher Hadi nodded slightly, ”You can now control yourself and not be swayed by emotions, and you understand where you want to go. Next, you’ll face challenges beyond your comprehension, but now you’re ready.”

”Thank you, Teacher. I now know how to face Tobin.”

Perkins looked at Stan Sol with a sudden sense of familiarity, a feeling he had also seen in Tobin before. Could it be that these two brothers had discussed this?

Igor didn’t understand anyway. He looked around, wanting to pass the time.

”Dean Hoffman has been waiting for this day for a long time. I’m quite pleased that these old bones of mine have accompanied him until now.” Teacher Hadi said with a smile, standing up.

”He is now waiting for you in the hall of Yonder Travel Academy, along with Lord Governor. After having lunch here, you’re set to start a new adventure.”

”What are you even talking about, Teacher? I can’t understand a word.” Igor was getting impatient.

”You’ll understand soon, as it will soon be your turn. I’ll train you well too, Igor, so you won’t be ruled by your emotions.”

Just as Perkins anticipated, Teacher Hadi’s healing was comprehensive. Now the last one left was the troublesome Igor.

”Get ready, Igor. It’s time for you to make a decision.” Perkins said with a smile, always having faith in Igor.

”I’m waiting for you. You are my companion now, Igor!” Stan Sol also looked forward eagerly.

Only Igor himself was at a loss, unaware of what he was about to face.