One-Eyed Monster

Yonder Travel Academy, only Dean Hoffman and Teacher Hadi remained in the office.

The others went off to do their own tasks according to Hoffman’s instructions. The process of digesting the information kept going, but no one was stuck on it anymore. As Dean Hoffman said, they must be ready at all times and not lose their footing because of the current few pieces of information.

Dean Hoffman was pacing back and forth in the room, slowly, like an elder’s rhythm.

"Do you think Bern is the real mastermind?" Teacher Hadi sat there unmoving, asking expressionlessly.

"That guy seems quite polite. Though he’s wealthy enough to rival a nation, he hasn’t done anything outlandish," Hoffman replied with a smile.

"So you’re saying that this mogul is also controlled by those forces?" Teacher Hadi remained unmoving.

"We can’t jump to conclusions. Over the years, I’ve felt that the hardest things in the world to understand aren’t those bewildering forces, nor the hidden mysteries; the hardest to comprehend is always human nature itself."

"You’re right. Even after exploring much of the unknown, it’s still difficult to truly uncover how a person’s mind operates, what really goes on inside, is indeed hard to explore," Teacher Hadi said lightly.

"Yes, people like Igor, pure-hearted, are indeed rare nowadays."

"I hope this kid can still retain his innocent heart. Being out for so long, he will inevitably come across all sorts of people and things; it’s truly hard for the heart not to change."

The two elders discussed the notions of movement and stillness within the office. The Adventurer Hadi sat still like a statue, while the Scholar Hoffman paced back and forth like ants on a hot stove.

They had their own understandings of the two pieces of information, but they were powerless.

The world belongs to the young; all they can provide is advice. Yet this time, they felt truly powerless because the familiar things they once knew kept disappearing, just like them, gradually being phased out by the world.

The pace of the world’s development was beyond their imagination. The once united Kayne Empire seemed unstable, and Kuyi Tulan becoming Hand of the King was a spark for internal conflict.

Whether the Wensi Empire or the Mantai Empire would take advantage of the situation is uncertain; all they could do was quietly do the things they were supposed to do.

Dean Hoffman found himself exceedingly tired at that moment. When Lord Governor was around, he only offered suggestions. Now with Lord Governor far in Xinbal, every single matter here needed consultation, making him wonder if his identity was a Scholar or a Politician...

These young folks, sigh, still need to grow some more.

In Hoffman and Hadi’s view, among these people, only Tobin Sol had a little decision-making ability; the rest were in a state of confusion. Whether from the bottom like Aevernan or having traveled the continent like Perkins, something always felt lacking.

But what exactly was lacking, Dean Hoffman could never pinpoint.

Perhaps they had not endured hardship, lacked experiences of failure, which led to their current state.

No matter what, they old geezers still had a tiny bit of role to play. Even if they indeed didn’t know what to do, they still had to calmly provide advice to others.

"Ah, can’t deny old age anymore; my brain can no longer deduce what ties Bern has with the Circus."

"Bern has always been someone with a big curiosity. He loves collecting and enjoys Circus themes, which seems completely normal."

"Being rich enough to rival a nation, what more could he want? Living inland without any concern his wealth would be stolen."

"There’s absolutely no reason that links him to these mysterious forces!" Hoffman stopped pacing.

"This also confirms my deduction to some extent."

"If it’s indeed the case, perhaps we should mourn for Bern."

"You’re right, Dean; Bern hasn’t done anything substantially abnormal. Even scandals are rare."

"I’d much rather all this be true because I don’t wish for the Bern I knew to be an illusion," Dean Hoffman sighed; some books in his library were bought by Bern.

"Whether it’s true or not, we’ll have to wait for Igor and the others’ response." Teacher Hadi rose from the chair.

"You’re so sure your foolish disciple will go find Bern?" Dean Hoffman grinned at Teacher Hadi.

"Bet meatballs? If Igor heads inland to find Bern, your monthly supply of fried meatballs will be mine," Teacher Hadi said, eyes narrowing with his laughter.

"This bet is hefty, I have to..."

"See, you’re stumped too; I’m quite confident about this conclusion."

"Heh, one month’s worth of fried meatballs. You’ve got a bet."

"It’s a deal, you’re sure to lose," Teacher Hadi chuckled heartbreakingly.

"Why so confident?" Dean Hoffman didn’t quite understand Hadi’s confidence.

"Because Igor’s a naive kid, naive kids only do honest things, so surely, he’ll go ask Bern face to face."

"Ask what?"

"Haha, well, you’ll find out then. I just know Igor will ask to find the answer."

"Let’s wait and see."

While Dean Hoffman and Teacher Hadi were betting in the office, Igor and Kadi were already on the road again with Kruz’s Circus.

To Igor’s surprise, those apprentices, upon waking, clung to him and Kadi, asking where they gained such great power...

They initially thought these intimidated guys would opt to leave, yet no one expected them to cling to Igor and Kadi shamelessly.

Kadi, witnessing this scene, recalled the Treasure Hunters below Guru Mountain; those folks back then were indistinguishable from these apprentices.

They always hoped to receive windfalls from the sky, reaping bountiful rewards without any effort.

Ultimately, those Treasure Hunters seemed not to have met great outcomes, right?

Instead, the villagers of Guru Mountain made a fortune...

Thus, the inspired Kadi felt he could use these people to help Kruz reestablish the Circus, though they would need to act during this process.

However, in aid of Kruz, Kadi thought even acting was worthwhile.

Therefore, Kadi smoothly became the leader of these people...