One-Eyed Monster

Midway up Guru Mountain, Vister, looking anxious, found himself in a bind. He could neither retreat nor advance, unsure of what to do. His so-called comrades nearby were either trapped by the flames, unable to move, or had been mysteriously taken down by the three bound individuals. This was nothing like what they had planned or imagined. Last night's send-off drinks had been so spirited and passionate, yet the reality unfolding on the mountain was a bitter irony.

As one of the few leaders, Vister should have shouldered more responsibility. When the group began to falter, he should have stepped up to lead, even if his recent injury prevented him from joining the attack directly. At the very least, as a leader, it was crucial for him to shout a few words to boost morale. However, Vister paced carefully, avoiding any direct confrontation; he was unwilling to risk another blow to his chin.

Certainly, when they first arrived at the location designated by the Elders, Vister, like everyone else, had been brimming with confidence. This was, after all, the first joint mission for the Black Crow members who had been lying low on Guru Mountain. In theory, a few leaders and fewer than twenty minions should have easily overwhelmed and annihilated these people. Everyone had been eager for a major confrontation, feeling prepared both mentally and physically.

At that time, Vister had been thrilled. Last night's send-off drinks had also served as a social gathering where Black Crow members, who typically only knew their direct superiors, could meet other comrades. For instance, Vister, as a leader, had one or two minions under his command, but these minions knew no one else in the organization besides him. Ordinarily, on Guru Mountain, even if they crossed paths in a tavern, they wouldn't recognize one another as Black Crow members. Had it not been for this assembly, they might never have known they belonged to the same organization.

When individuals who were previously strangers discovered they belonged to the same organization, a sense of camaraderie would inevitably arise. Fueled by this newfound bond, they would then revel together. After all, lying low in one place for an extended period inevitably led to a sense of confinement, and the moment of liberation often brought a temporary state of mental daze.

Vister had met his superior, an Elder, twice in a single day. The first time, the Elder told him the main Black Crow forces were coming to Guru Mountain and to be ready. The second time, the Elder directly gave him a batch of potions for his subordinates, instructing them to drink the potions for enhanced strength when they saw the fireworks signal. The Elder had given him many instructions and spoken at length. He also gave Vister an iron token, telling him to visit the various taverns on Guru Mountain and gather others holding identical tokens. Once these leaders were assembled, they were to summon their respective minions, as a major task awaited them.

At that moment, Vister felt a surge of importance. He eagerly went from tavern to tavern with the iron token. The Elder hadn't specified how many people he could rally, but things rarely went as imagined. Soon, others carrying iron tokens found him. Upon mutual probing, they realized they all belonged to the Black Crow. In that instant, Vister was ecstatic. After so many years of solitary drinking on Guru Mountain, he had finally found his comrades. A hearty celebration was definitely in order.

Thus, this group of previously unacquainted individuals gathered, each summoning their own minions. They then proceeded en masse towards the Non Intoxication Tavern on Guru Mountain for a grand celebration. They had initially considered the Lubin Tavern, but due to the troublesome Alchemists often found there, they settled for the next best option. Of course, during a lull in their gathering, they each used Mail Birds to inform their respective Elders that everyone had assembled.

As they were reveling in the Non Intoxication Tavern, the Elders' Mail Bird arrived, COOING softly. They had each sent three to five Mail Birds to their Elders, yet the Elders had sent only one in return. Moreover, this one was battered and looked almost abandoned. That Mail Bird carried the Elders' orders: find a specific person on Guru Mountain before morning. A detailed and reliable portrait described his appearance and features.

Already somewhat intoxicated, the group was suddenly filled with confidence and zeal, each man thumping his chest and vowing to complete the mission. Even the tavern keeper thought they were mad. After all, choosing to climb a mountain late at night, especially with extreme winter approaching, was clearly unwise. But Vister and his companions paid no heed. They downed their last drinks and surged towards Guru Mountain, disregarding all past experiences and the recent warnings from those Alchemists. Nothing could stop their ascent.

However, some were faster than others. They failed to reach the location designated by the Elders simultaneously. Vister and his group were quicker, being the first to engage in combat. The battle, however, was not going well at all.

Especially when Vister saw that familiar face, his composure shattered. The memory of his previous beating was still vivid, and encountering this person again was hardly a good omen. Vister had intended to warn his comrades, but for some reason, another leader's shout caused him to lose his caution and attack blindly. Being an Alchemist currently without any alchemy charms, his only option was to hurl potions he had gathered during his two days of recuperation from afar. In truth, his injuries hadn't fully healed; he himself couldn't explain how he'd mustered the strength to climb this far.

After a period of chaotic fighting, Vister felt as if he were back in the old days. Without his alchemy charms, he was virtually powerless. Moreover, the young man with the powerful fists, though his hands were bound, hadn't seemed to spot him yet. If that fellow sees me... Vister dreaded to imagine the consequences.

It wasn't just that young man; the blue-skinned Alien Species was also formidable. Its long tail swatted back every potion pellet Vister threw. These pellets, intended to slow enemies, exploded in mid-air and inadvertently hit several of his own comrades. This made him hesitant to throw any more pellets carelessly.

That demonic fire, the burly man, the mysterious person fiercely battling another Alien Species... It seemed none of them were easy to deal with. This was no mere confrontation; it was an outright, albeit disguised, rout by the enemy.

And to think, three of them are tied up! If they were unbound, would we even have a place to stand here? Vister didn't dare to think further. He felt his mind becoming overwhelmed.

Unless the Elders light the fireworks, it will be difficult for us to turn the tables, Vister thought subconsciously. Simultaneously, he instinctively touched the potion vial he carried. The Elder had said that drinking it would grant him true power.

I can't wait. I want this power...

Vister's face was a mask of anxiety, yet his heart throbbed with anticipation.