One-Eyed Monster

The three members of the Smoke Organization were also anxious. They were furious at Kadi’s disdainful words, but they couldn’t act without their master’s direct orders, leaving them to watch helplessly as the masked brat rambled on.

Both Ruben and Sims were gnashing their teeth, wishing they could rush over and give the masked guy a good beating. But without orders, they were like puppets, unable to move, and it was incredibly frustrating for them.

They were waiting for their master’s order, but it never came. Although they had become exceptionally strong under this master’s control, the inability to act freely still caused them significant discomfort.

Kadi swaggered forward, with the range of the Exotic Fire changing with every step he took. It seemed that he didn’t care about these people at all, simply doing his own thing. Igor, along with Master Lao, followed behind Kadi with abject obedience, clearly showing that Kadi was now the master of the situation.

The Swamp Flames, such an Exotic Fire, completely trapped these people, which was indeed something Igor hadn’t expected. He thought that the opponent was a tough adversary, yet before much effort was expended, it was over, which was quite surprising.

At this moment, the wizard named Sims was the most frustrated. The previous orders he received were to probe, and after launching two fire attacks, the probing was considered over. Nevertheless, he had been itching for a showdown with this Exotic Fire, being a Flame Type wizard himself. Now it seemed like he was helplessly trapped by fire, causing him considerable discomfort.

”Didn’t you hear what our master said earlier? If you want to fight, take it outside; I won’t accompany you inside!” Kadi quipped as he walked out of the tavern doors, not forgetting to mock this group, with the mockery cutting deeply like arrows through the hearts of the Smoke members.

”You...” Ruben was furious but couldn’t voice his anger.

”Arrogant!” Grim was extremely annoyed.

These people, like Sims, were closely watching the smoking old man, hoping he would deliver the master’s latest instructions at this moment.

However, their master was also furious at the moment and hadn’t made a decision yet.

The Smoke members could do nothing but obediently follow Igor and Kadi outside.

The smoking old man felt conflicted. Although their master had prematurely awakened, why hadn’t the master displayed the expected power? Over the past two years, the Smoke’s reputation had soared under the master’s guidance, diminishing other factions that once underestimated them, sending many to the Eternal Tranquility Realm.

Their master’s power was indeed immense, but why did the master seem to struggle issuing orders when faced with these two young ones? Could there be something unique about them?

To the smoking old man, these two teenagers possessed many peculiarities, not least of which was their ability to control Exotic Fire, warranting much contemplation.

Yet, their master should not have reacted this way in the face of such youths — the master had encountered innumerable challenges; an Exotic Fire couldn’t possibly render the master helpless.

But the reality was undeniable; their master indeed had no solution for this Exotic Fire!

Perhaps the master hadn’t fully awakened, or maybe there was a hidden aspect. The smoking old man mulled over these thoughts incessantly, wanting to understand why things had come to this — feeling their organization had been derided. Kadi’s actions undeniably brought them deep humiliation.

As they moved outside the tavern, the Exotic Fire also followed them out, trailing behind the Smoke members like a tail they couldn’t shake off!

”Boss!” Ruben was unbearably aggrieved!

”No instructions still?” Sims, who seldom spoke, couldn’t help but look at the girl beside the old man.

The smoking old man took a puff of his cigarette, shaking his head, clearly showing their master hadn’t reacted yet.

The peculiar behavior of their master left the Smoke members somewhat at a loss, but their previous instructions were to find the young one. Now that they had found him, they couldn’t let him escape. Thus, the Smoke members continued to follow Igor and Kadi steadily, not letting them out of sight.

The more the Smoke members behaved this way, the more Igor found it eerie and unpredictable.

The situation seemed to be progressing in the direction Igor feared... Although Igor didn’t want this, it appeared to be beyond his control now.

Igor suspected Master Lao’s identity had been detected; otherwise, why would these people keep tailing them even after Kadi’s humiliating taunts and refuse to retaliate? It indicated they were definitely waiting for something.

What were they waiting for? Igor furrowed his brows, pondering if they were waiting for an opportune moment?

Kadi and Master Lao continued their strides, heading towards the blacksmith shop. Although it was only a few steps away, Igor felt they’d been walking forever.

Watching Kadi and Master Lao jesting ahead, while Igor nervously observed from behind, the scene amused him, but he had to do so. He felt he needed to protect Master Lao, not for anything else, but for the heart behind gifting him the sword.

His Mail Bird had already been dispatched. Upon reaching the tavern, he immediately sent a message to Perkins, unsure if that clumsy bird had reached Perkins yet. The Alchemist’s Exchange Beast was much faster than ordinary birds, which was one reason they replaced carrier pigeons... But now wasn’t the time for such considerations as Igor noticed Master Lao was about to start the forge’s bellows.

Once Master Lao began smithing, the Craftsman Spirit would be revealed, exposing everything to these people.

Igor originally intended to lead them elsewhere, but now it seemed impossible.

”Master!” Kadi looked at the tailing group beside him, full of displeasure, ”Let’s make a pact!”

”While you’re forging, I’ll ensure these guys don’t come near you!” Kadi stated.

”I trust you all. Moreover, I can promise you that before you truly want to act, my blade will be complete!”

Listening to their conversation, Igor thought, both of you truly have confidence...