One-Eyed Monster

"Young Master Hustace!" Hearing the sounds of a fight, Qi Liu rushed in that direction, taking large strides.

He had a hunch that this fight was definitely related to Young Master Hustace. He even wishfully believed that everything happening on Guru Mountain was connected to Hustace. After all, Young Master Hustace was the son of Governor Rostov, and Rostov was currently the most prominent name in the Empire—perhaps surpassed only by His Majesty the King. It was, therefore, quite normal for someone with such a status to cause a stir in this remote corner of the Empire. Qi Liu had encountered many such situations on his journey, so he was unperturbed. No matter what, Young Master Hustace should be the center of attention, with people vying to serve him, honor him, and keep him content...

However, the reality was different from what Qi Liu had imagined.

Firstly, this fight had nothing to do with Young Master Hustace. None of the combatants showed the slightest concern for the unconscious young master at the side; not even a flicker of it. Their attention was entirely focused on the mid-air battle, and for the moment, no one paid any heed to the young master. It seemed that, apart from the hulking figure standing guard with a sword, everyone else had automatically overlooked the young boy.

Secondly, Young Master Hustace was not receiving the treatment he deserved. Given the young master's status, people should be offering their most precious possessions for his use, Qi Liu thought. For instance, on this seemingly barren and desolate mountain, he should be receiving meticulous care, with someone attending to his rest and meals. However, the reality was disheartening. The young master lay unconscious to the side, in a truly pitiful state, looking as if he hadn't eaten in a very long time. Seeing the young master's wretched condition, Qi Liu's heart ached. The dignified son of a Governor, lying here on the mountain, ignored by everyone! This is an outright insult!

Although a hulking figure holding two swords stood guard near the young master, anyone with discernment could see it was merely for show. His attention was already completely captivated by the ongoing fight, and he hadn't even noticed Qi Liu calling out "Young Master Hustace" twice. This hulking figure was, of course, Baharo. His very soul seemed to have been drawn away by the battle unfolding before him, his eyes fixed, unblinking, on every move Stan Sol and Joela made.

It was strange, but perhaps because the fight demanded such complete concentration, no one showed any surprise when Qi Liu's party approached. The combatants were each engrossed in their own struggles, paying no mind at all to the arrival of several more people on the narrow path.

"Lord Joela! Senior Hector! Senior Brad!" Axia, who had been silent all this time, couldn't help but cry out upon seeing the three Golden Seats from the Alchemy Workshop. She looked like a deeply wronged child who, having finally found refuge just as a storm was about to break, instinctively cried out for her parents.

"This scene... it's simply divine!" Fighter Musa couldn't help exclaiming as he took it all in. As a member of Black Mountain, he had never witnessed such marvels as Flame Folk and a Sharkmon before, so it was only natural for him to voice his amazement.

Only Great Witch Biggs remained silent, as if everything happening before her had nothing to do with her.

The combat abilities of the two sides seemed somewhat uneven; the Flame Folk's side was clearly superior. The humanoid flame alone was suppressing two Golden Seat holders, while the Sharkmon periodically weaved through the gaps between the three from the Alchemy Workshop, looking for any opportunity to, it seemed, devour their Spirit Power.

Of course, Qi Liu and his companions could not comprehend the intricacies of the Sharkmon's attacks.

What they could currently comprehend was that a large rabbit wielding two sabers was skillfully forcing the Alchemists from the Alchemy Workshop into another corner. If the Alchemists didn't quickly devise a countermeasure, they were in danger of being pushed off the cliff by this large rabbit and the Flame Folk.

Who wins or loses this fight doesn't really concern me, Qi Liu mused. My target is Hustace. As long as I can get rid of that oafish brute standing beside him, everything else will fall into place. As for how to lure that big oaf away... that requires a detailed plan.

CLANG! The large rabbit Dastan's scimitar struck a Diamond on Joela, sending sparks flying. The sound shattered Qi Liu's train of thought. It seems forming a plan in this chaotic scene is impossible.

"Everyone, please help Governor Rostov retrieve his son! Governor Rostov will absolutely not mistreat you and will reward you generously!" Since achieving his goal without any sacrifices was clearly not feasible, Qi Liu decided to resort to a more direct approach. Although he wasn't certain of Baharo's actual strength, he reckoned that with the newly advanced Lord Witch and the not-too-reckless Fighter in his small contingent, the two of them combined should at least be able to contend with this oafish, hulking figure. Even if they aren't his match, as long as they can tie him down, I'll have a chance to get to the unconscious young master. As long as I can reach the young master, I'll be content.

Thus, Qi Liu, a natural Politician, found his own mind in a muddle at this moment. He too had lost his usual composure and rationality, becoming as dazed as Baharo, unsure of what he should do.

The combatants were not evenly matched; the Alchemy Workshop was struggling desperately to hold on. Axia's face turned pale at the sight. The thought that the mighty Alchemy Workshop was being suppressed by two unknown entities nearly caused the glorious image of the Workshop she had cherished for so many years to come crashing down. The only thing that prevented its complete collapse was the unwavering determination in the eyes of the three Golden Seats. Even though they were clearly at a disadvantage, there wasn't the slightest hint of surrender in their expressions. This was precisely the quality that she, an Alchemy Servant, needed to learn.

Qi Liu's proposal failed to elicit any response from Witch Biggs or Fighter Musa. No matter how he put it, neither of them was willing to gratuitously make an enemy, especially one whose background and strength were completely unknown.

This left Qi Liu feeling extremely awkward. Just a short while ago on the road, these same people were addressing me respectfully as 'Leader' and solicitously inquiring after my well-being. Now, in the blink of an eye, they completely ignore my words. How unreliable! This also served as an indirect reminder that he simply lacked the true power to make others heed his words. If only I possessed the kind of authority Governor Rostov commands!

Unbeknownst to them, these individuals, all caught in the same predicament, were gradually converging.

Was this convergence a mere coincidence, or had it been deliberately orchestrated by someone? No one could fathom the mysteries at play...

And just at this moment, Young Master Hustace, who had been lying unconscious on the ground, stirred. A hand moved, and then he slowly raised his haggard face.

Hustace was awake.