One-Eyed Monster

Elder Rostellum had been feeling unsettled recently. Though he had only been on Guru Mountain for a few days, he was already surrounded by a host of unknowns, plunging him into unprecedented confusion. He had seen the Alchemists moving back and forth at the foot of the mountain but had no idea what they were up to. He had also discovered that someone was covertly purchasing Guru Mountain's stones. Although Aliusan of the Black Mountain Organization had tracked down the source of these purchases, Rostellum still didn't understand the motive behind acquiring such seemingly worthless stones.

Furthermore, the team dispatched to find Governor Rostov's son had been gone for some time. So far, the Earth Wolf planted within the team had only sent a single message via Mail Bird. This solitary message was infuriatingly succinct: "We've reached the mountaintop."

Elder Rostellum couldn't glean any further information from these few words. Tugging at his handlebar mustache, he found himself wandering around the foot of Guru Mountain, eventually ending up at the tavern run by Aliusan of the Black Mountain Organization.

"My Lord, we're honored by your presence!" In Guru Mountain, everyone, whether from the shadowy factions or ordinary villagers, genuinely admired Elder Rostellum.

"I came to check on things and to see if there's any news of my Housekeeper," Rostellum said calmly.

Aliusan's tavern looked shabby, nothing like a typical place to enjoy a drink. Yet, this filthy, dilapidated establishment was always crowded. In this moderately sized, grimy place, a diverse mix of people stood or lounged about. These individuals didn't look like drunkards or diners; rather, they were cautious and careful, frequently glancing around suspiciously. The crowd included lower-class residents seeking to serve the Black Mountain Organization, various factions wanting to cooperate with them, and even Puppet Merchants peddling all sorts of resources.

Rostellum observed the chaotic scene in the tavern, a reluctant admiration for Aliusan stirring within him. To think this cripple had managed to elevate such a small band of rogues to such prominence! And to actually spot a rarely encountered Puppet Merchant in this shabby place... That genuinely surprised Elder Rostellum.

If this keeps up, Guru Mountain might even develop its own Dusk Market soon. Puppet Merchants could offer a wider variety of resources. They were the most mysterious traders on the continent, always procuring bizarre items from unknown sources and managing to catch one's eye when least expected. In their hands, gold coins, plants, people, and even eyes were commodities for trade. There was an old saying on the continent: "Befriend a Puppet Merchant, and you indirectly gain access to another world."

While Rostellum was surprised, he also felt a wave of relief. The Black Mountain Organization was still under his control, and everything this dark faction currently dealt with served his Gaga County. But one day, this fellow Aliusan might expand the organization significantly. Whether it would still contribute gold coins to the Gaga County Administrative Office then... that's hard to say.

This thought plunged Elder Rostellum into deeper contemplation. I need to find a way to curb the vigorous growth of Aliusan's Black Mountain Organization. If I let it grow too powerful, the future consequences would be dire. However, excessively suppressing its development could also backfire and be counterproductive. It seems the only way to avoid the risk of being overthrown is to become even stronger myself as they solidify their power.

At times like this, Rostellum couldn't help but think of his Housekeeper, Uli. That Fighter from an Alien Race possessed not only extraordinary strength but also a sharp mind. This copper-skinned Mantai man always had a knack for seeing to the heart of matters instantly. Moreover, his way of handling problems was very direct: he never wasted breath on issues that could be solved with his fists. Though simple and crude, this approach was often highly effective.

But there's been no news from my Housekeeper lately. Logically, Guru Mountain isn't a very dangerous place; with the skills of someone from an Alien Race like him, an accident is unlikely. Yet, the last impression Lord Uli, Gaga County's Chief Housekeeper, had left on everyone in Guru Mountain was of resounding slaps—those delivered squarely to Aliusan's face.

Hearing that Lord Rostellum had come to inquire about the Housekeeper, Aliusan involuntarily rubbed his cheeks. Those slaps had left not just physical pain but also a profound, burning humiliation. However, he understood the art of survival: a Hunter who lacked patience would never catch the biggest prey. Thus, when he limped before Rostellum, his face still wore that same fawning, obsequious smile.

"My Lord, what brings you here?" Aliusan's knack for flattery was as sharp as ever. "If you needed anything, you could have just sent a Mail Bird. We would have delivered it to you. There's no need for you to come in person."

"That may be so, but I still can't rest easy," Rostellum said, suddenly looking dispirited, as if making this trip had been a great effort for him.

"My Lord, we're making some headway on the matter of that merchant, Buka, buying Dead Object stones. He's due to pick up another batch in a couple of days. We can question him thoroughly then," Aliusan reported calmly, detailing the findings of the past few days' inquiries.

"Good. When the time comes, don't forget to ask the merchant where he's from and why none of the major merchant guilds have ever heard of him."

"Naturally. If he wants to make purchases in your territory, My Lord, he'll certainly need to show some sincerity."

"Hmm, have those two Treasure Hunters confessed anything?" Clearly, Elder Rostellum was concerned about Liko and Pita. Rumors of the Black Mountain Organization's failure had spread through Guru Mountain's taverns within a day or two. Rostellum's interest was piqued by these tidbits of gossip; he too wanted to know if the two guides, always dismissed as fools, could truly materialize a Spirit Power Helmet or possessed even more incredible Stealth Abilities, as the rumors claimed.

"Those two still haven't seen reason; they're unwilling to cooperate." Aliusan sounded quite frustrated. We've used a host of interrogation techniques, but those two idiots just keep denying everything. And their terror of death, their fervent pleas for mercy... they don't seem feigned at all.

"Oh? Well, try persuading them again. Also, is there still no news about my Housekeeper?"

"Er, My Lord, nowadays, whenever my men get near Guru Mountain, they're driven off by the Alchemists. They can't get anywhere near the area to search for clues."

"And the Crows? They haven't found any relevant information either?"

"Er, very little, My Lord. Hardly anything."

This is truly strange. A grown man like him... how could he just disappear without a trace? Don't tell me he's actually gone missing!