One-Eyed Monster

Bistal’s dusk always remains exceptionally quiet, as people enjoy the leisure at the end of the day. Even the arrival of outsiders does not disrupt the Bistal people’s tranquility.

This ancient city resembles a serene elder who watches everything unfold with benevolent eyes.

Take, for example, the monster currently running down the street. In other cities, it would definitely cause great panic, but in Bistal, this running monster is like a passing carriage—people instinctively step aside but do not inquire much.

The monster runs recklessly on the street, and its blue eyes radiate a light that carries a kind of aggressiveness; however, no one seems to notice, astonishingly calm as the Bistal people are.

The presence of the monster does not stir a commotion, and people are even too lazy to cast a glance.

In their eyes, this must be some exotic pet of a wealthy family that has escaped, and someone will soon come to capture it back. It’s nothing worth their attention; they have seen enough over the years, and monsters have long ceased to be surprising here.

Disasters always arrive unnoticed, but the Bistal people have never experienced a true catastrophe.

Located in the interior, the flames of war do not reach them here; in front of them are the Star Court and Luona. It’s somewhat challenging for enemies to bypass those two cities.

If Bistal ever falls one day, then the entire Kayne Empire is certainly doomed.

These are the beliefs of Bistal people—they never worry about such matters, and remain confident in the Empire.

After all, this is where the Kayne Empire originated. The ancestors of every household here have shed blood for the Empire, and they carry the proud blood of the Kayne people.

Therefore, a mere monster pet won’t garner their attention, and they have no interest in meddling with the peculiar hobbies of wealthy youths.

The monster seems to understand the Bistal people’s nature and habits very well. It runs straight down the street, seldom disturbing others; running seems to be its sole purpose.

The monster is not without a target; it’s specifically targeting those two young outsiders.

Even though the monster has never seen the two youths, it is remarkably aware of them through the Spirit Power clues it has gathered.

Clues indicate that the two youths are right on this street.

The monster’s target is Igor and Kadi.

Currently, Igor and Kadi are seated on a carriage heading to the hotel Kruz mentioned.

They are quite taken aback by the Bistal people’s calmness, with mouths agape as they watch the old scholars sipping tea undisturbed.

"How much farther to the hotel you mentioned?" Igor suddenly asked Kruz, wanting to settle down quickly so he could truly experience interaction with the Bistal people.

"Not far. That hotel is cheap and perfect for a large group like ours." Kruz chuckled. He remembers the city well from a visit years ago, and the hotel leaves a lasting impression due to its enduring presence.

Precisely speaking, Bistal’s shops boast a long history; none of them close easily, and the city seldom opens new ones. Most are old stores renovated because each sign has a rich history.

This grocery store might have been visited by someone significant, and someone might have drunk at that pub in the past. These stories draw people to these ancient shops, so their names persist even if the original owners can’t keep up with business—the new proprietors keep the old names.

No matter how many years pass, Kruz believes that the hotel will always be there.

Igor silently anticipates the adventure, growing an intense interest in this city. This time, the adventure promises to be quite fascinating.

Yet strange things always interrupt Igor’s thoughts, making his plans incomplete. Now, a monster appears in front of them, initially unnoticed as they only see a vague figure speeding towards them.

Kruz tightens the reins, evidently trying to steer the carriage away from the rapidly moving object. However, several Gudu Times later, they realize it’s a monster, seemingly intent on ramming the carriage.

In this urgent situation, Igor and Kadi act without overthinking—they jump down, determined to stop the monster’s charge!

Igor and Kadi create a defensive Spirit Wall together to block the monster.

Boom!

The monster crashes fiercely into the Spirit Wall, like a wild beast charging forward, causing such a loud noise that even the horses are startled.

Igor and Kadi are knocked back by the impact, exchanging glances—they clearly recognize the monster’s force is quite strong.

The monster, pushed back by the Spirit Wall, suddenly has its blue eye light transform into yellow, evidently finding its target.

The monster does not hesitate, brandishing its eight limbs to attack.

Igor and Kadi freeze; initially intending to question the monster’s intentions, it assaults them without a word, seemingly unreasonable.

"Who are you?" Igor and Kadi ask while dodging intermittently.

Their battle with the monster unfolds right on Bistal’s street.

The Circus members descend from the carriage, hiding behind Kruz as they quietly watch events unfold. The sudden attack surprises the Circus members, but they are thankful to have two exceptionally skilled youths.

But this fight never catches the Bistal people’s attention, as if even with the sky falling, they continue drinking tea and sleeping without the slightest interest.

Yet not all Bistal people are so leisurely; the Administrative Office folks still take action.

As imagined by the lazy residents, someone naturally steps in to catch the monster. That someone is the Bistal Administrative Office’s Court of Guards.

Upon noticing the monster rampaging on the street, they mobilize.

At this moment, the Bistal Court of Guards arrives at the scene of the confrontation between the monster and Igor.