Its done, Sila. Try looking into the mirror, Irene suggested while sweeping hair clippings off Silas shoulders.
An amateur barber handed Sila a small mirror, which he used it to inspect his new look. The new haircut was clean and decent, so Sila found it hard to believe that what was reflected in the mirror was really himself. The usual ssy hair had been trimd, revealing more of his facial features.
Looks better, right? It seems you neglected taking care of yourself, leaving your hair frizzy and ssy. Youre just like your dad in the past.
Normally, if its too long, I will have it cut, Mom. However, I was in a hospital for a long ti and Im busy lately.
Based on your haircut, you usually cut it yourself, right? I really cant believe Mora. Haircuts only cost a few baht, why does he have to be so stingy?
Err... Its not like that, Mom. Our dojo has been having financial difficulties recently, so we dont spend money when we can do it ourselves.
In that case, you should have let so girl trim it for you. Which girl will be the best~? Dao or Nam? Oh, or Jund, who is quite shy? You have many girlfriend candidates like your dad in the past~
Sila felt his face beca hot. He had found out earlier that his mother had acquired a special item from Joshua that allowed her to watch his movents, and had been following his adventures through the ga. Therefore, she knew everything that happened to him even though he had yet to tell her anything.
A bright smile never left Irenes face despite knowing that Sila had to leave this place tomorrow morning. If Sila exited later than that, he would end up in an extrely disadvantageous position with no way for him to recover and win against Montra anymore.
You dad is waiting for us to have a al together. Lets go.
Irene led the way, followed closely by Sila.
A dining table was placed next to the pond which glowed at night. Sebastian served the plates of food that Irene had cooked and prepared beforehand on the table while Lookhin was eating non-stop, compensating for when all she could eat were Food Potions. Her cheeks were covered in grains of rice.
Pumin was looking at an eyeball on his palm, seemingly in deep thought.
Sila has co, Darling. Look at him. His eyes are the sa as yours, Irene remarked as they approached Pumin.
Pumin stored the eyeball in his pocket and turned his head to Sila. Umm... Co here, Sila. We have wasted so much ti already.
Yes, sir.
Pumin gave off an overbearing vibe like Mora, so Sila found it difficult to call him Dad. On the contrary, Irene was so friendly that he addressed her as Mom without even realizing it.
Lookhin tried to sit on Silas lap. However, Irene hugged her gently and put Lookhin down on her lap instead.
Lookhin, please sit here for now, okay? Dont disturb Sila yet.
Lookhin looked up to see Irene, who took out a handkerchief to wipe around Lookhins lips. The girl tried to resist at first, but she eventually gave in.
Youre a girl, so you have to eat properly, okay? Lets eat small pieces, bite by bite. Open your mouth. Say ahh~
Irene cut the steak into small pieces and fed Lookhin. The sll of the at was so great that Lookhin montarily forgot that she was supposed to be a majestic great hawk. She obediently opened her mouth and ate it like she was just a docile baby bird.
Sila didnt touch the food yet. It was the sa for Sebastian. Based on Pumins expression, they guessed that the matter Pumin wanted to talk about must be of the utmost importance.
Ti is short, so I will cut to the chase. This place is the Desert of Wishes. Everyone entering this place will have their wish granted. However, they will have to pay for it with sothing of equal value, said Pumin.
What if many people enter together? Sila couldnt help but be curious.
Bistem Desert can only be accessed by a single player at a ti. When soone is within, others wont be able to enter. Otherwise, the flow of ti will beco chaotic.
Pumin answered Silas question without leaving anything out, then continued what he was saying.
Sila, your wish is to win against Montra. Actually, I can simply tell you the thod. However, there is a problem with that...
What is the problem, sir? Is it about a players personal secret? asked Sila.
No, thats not it. I naturally have to keep a players personal information a secret, thats a given. However, the problem is that the price you will have to pay for the information is all of the mories you have created since you entered this place.
Sila gaped. What?!!
You dont have to panic. I wont do that. Otherwise, you will also forget the thod to win, and that will count as failing to grant your wish.
Thats a relief. In that case, you dont have to tell , sir. I will find out a way to win by myself.
Pumin shook his head. In that case, you will lose, Sila, in less than a week. You will lose even without knowing why.
Less than a week? The war event will start next month, wont it? How can I lose even before the event takes place? Sila greatly wondered.
Pumin flicked his fingers, and the shape of the Go board was engraved on the stone floor. Then, he controlled several pebbles to fly and land on the board.
Do you know about Go? asked Pumin.
I have seen Teacher Mora play it, sir. I know so of the rules. Mainly, it is a strategy board ga for two players, in which the aim is to occupy more squares than the opponent.
Pumin nodded. Think of this board in front of you as the current situation in Monster Soul. Montra has played this ga longer than you, so naturally he has more pieces. Worse off, as soon as you entered the ga, you made a grave mistake. Montra took advantage of that to increase his odds of winning.
A mistake? What was it?
You caused the Royal Armant Guild to fall... thats the main reason why you will lose.
Sila deeply furrowed his brows. True, he was a part of the reason why the Royal Armant Guild fell. However, he didnt expect it to beco the reason for his loss against Montra.
I dont understand, sir. How are they related?
Before you entered the ga, Monster Soul had three influential factions: the Heavenly Dragon Guild, the Royal Armant Guild, and the Victorious Wolves Sect. Each faction was in the state of keeping the others in check. Montra had long been looking for a chance to completely crush one of them for him to beco the true number one.
Sila, you probably didnt know this, but Montra is more afraid of Cross than Lone Wolf. As he saw that Cross had a personal grudge against you, he seized the opportunity. On the surface, he allied himself with Cross to kill you. However, when Cross spent his trump cards, Montra betrayed him and completely annihilated the Royal Armant Guild in one go.
But... I personally think that Lone Wolf is stronger than Cross, sir. His guild also seems stronger than the Royal Armant Guild.
You may be right. However, Montra noticed Lone Wolfs weakness long ago. The only reason he didnt make a move against the Victorious Wolves Sect so far was because he was afraid that Cross would attack him in the process. In Montras opinion, the Royal Armant Guild was more of a threat to his plan.
What is Lone Wolfs weakness, sir?
Lone Wolf... this kids na is extrely contradictory to his personality. He is simply too kind and indecisive. Every ti he makes a decision, he will have to look back to see his comrades expressions first. On the contrary, Cross is more decisive. Even with an absurd order like hunting down a no-na new player, his subordinates wouldnt disobey him. When at war, only terrible options exist for people to choose. The person who is decisive will shine more than those who arent.
Pumin waved his hand, and all the pebbles on the board turned black, leaving almost no room for the white. Then, he placed a single white piece in the center of the board.
The white is you, who started the ga late. Can you still see a way for you to win?
Sila looked at the board with great worry. anwhile, Pumin seed to have co up with an idea.
I get it. Lets go with this option... the equal price.
Pardon?
Im talking about the price you have to pay in exchange for the information. Instead of telling you a way to win in great detail, I will just give you ambiguous suggestions. I will tell you what, but wont tell you how or why. It will count as giving you information yet also not giving you anything. This will be a suitable price.
It seed Pumin had already decided since he didnt wait for Silas response.
Lets go with this option. I will also include Sebastians mission in the suggestion.
Hearing that the God of Death ntioned his na, Sebastian began to take part in the conversation. Prior to this mont, he was just standing silently as he didnt want to interrupt the family talk between a father and a child.
Sila was the God of Deaths son... just thinking about it, Sebastian knew that he didnt make a mistake when choosing his master.
Please feel free to entrust with any mission, Lord Anubis. I will obediently do my best to succeed it.
Your mission is to protect Grea City before the war event starts.
Sebastian was slightly surprised, while Sila asked, Is that all?
Your correct response should be Isnt that too difficult?. Your alliance was just recently established and it is still unstable. Montra will rely on the mont when everyone is still careless, launching an attack on the second day after the Unions establishnt. His aim will be Cross, who is the current weakest link in your Union. Montras forces will infiltrate Grea City before you know it and deal a decisive blow to Cross, preventing him from founding the new Royal Armant Guild.
Sebastian bowed his head. Roger, my lord. I will protect Grea City with my life.
Given your ability, you wont be up to the task. There is a high chance that you will have to fight Ramiel. As such, I will let you borrow my Demonic Armant. When Grea City is out of danger, you will have your genuine form back. You get it?
Yes, my lord, replied Sebastian.
Pumin took out an extrely small lantern, only slightly larger than a thumb. The lanterns inside glowed a mysterious light blue. Sebastian stared at it with wide-open eyes. He received it with great care.
M-Manifesting Soul Lantern... Sebastians voice was shaken.
Based on your reaction, I dont think I need to teach you how to use it.
T-This is simply too much, my lord... said Sebastian.
Pumin shook his head. Believe , this is still not enough. Proceed with the ritual.
Sebastian slit the tip of his finger and let his blood drop on the lantern. The lantern absorbed his blood, then a system notification rang inside Silas head.
You have achieved a certain condition. Sebastians status has elevated from being your pet to your partner.
Your partner, Sebastian, has gotten the Demonic Armant: Manifesting Soul Lantern.
The grim reaper symbol on the back of Silas clothing vanished as it couldnt register a partner within. Sila replaced the empty slot with the Crystal Divine Sword.
What happened? asked Sila.
Sebastian politely replied, There are many Demonic Armants in the Monster Realm, sir. Most of them are wielded by supre and mighty monsters. Every Demonic Armant possesses power in its own body. Therefore, even without any skills, I can exert the armants power by channeling my magic power through it. The power of the Manifesting Soul Lantern is even superior to my Grand Magic of Death, sir.
Pumin cut the conversation short. My business with you has ended. Now, I shall talk privately with Sila.
Sebastian bowed his head and stepped back to join Irene and Lookhin, leaving Sila who was still staring at the Go board.
From now on, I wont tell you how and why but will only tell you what. Do you understand?
Yes, sir. Please start. Sila prepared himself to listen to the advice.
Sila... what is Montras goal? This is the most basic question. If you cant answer it, you will lose, asked Pumin.
Win the war, sir, in order to beco the Wulin Lord, replied Sila.
Pumin shook his head. Wrong. Montras goal is to beco the Wulin Lord. It doesnt matter whether he wins the war or not.
Sila was confused by Pumins words. Eh? The condition for him to beco the Wulin Lord is to win the war event, isnt it? So why?
...You have to co up with the answer by yourself. Pumin refused to answer.
Ah, you wont tell why. Sorry, sir. I forgot about it. Please continue.
Win the war, and Montra will beco the Wulin Lord. Then, what if there is no war, who will be considered the winner?
Sila thought for a while before answering, If there is no war, that ans Montra cant win the war, so it will count as my win, right?
Pumin shook his head again. A win without fighting is even more praiseworthy than winning the war. If Montra is the one to make it so that the war doesnt take place, the Elders will consider him a winner.
Eh? Is there such an option? Sila was agape.
Pumin nodded. Montras character is similar to mine, so I know what he is thinking. Actually, if he could just fix so of his habits, the Elders wouldnt even consider others as Wulin Lord candidates.
Next question. Lone Wolf, Beluga, and Cross. These three are your allies. However, who should you trust, and who should you be wary of?
Err... Trust Lone Wolf and Beluga, and be wary of Cross...? Since all of his previous answers ca out incorrect, Sila began to lose confidence.
Wrong. Believe in Cross, trust in Beluga, and be wary of Lone Wolf. My suggestion for you is to give your support to Cross, build up your intimacy with Beluga, and keep your secrets from Lone Wolf.
W-Wait, Dad, why? You say it like this because you dont know them, argued Sila. He didnt realize that he made a slip of the tongue and called his father Dad a mont ago.
Pumins gaze on Sila showed a hint of gentleness. You are still naive to the world around you, Sila. I know what kind of people they are and I didnt say that Lone Wolf is a bad guy. I just told you to be wary of him.
I still dont understand.
Pumin pointed his finger at the pieces on the board. The current situation in Monster Soul is like this board. However, soon, it will change into this.
Pumin waved his hand once, and all the black pieces turned white, while the single white piece in the center, representing Sila, turned black.
Superficially, these three people have a common enemy. However, thats not really the case. Crosss enemy is Montra. Belugas enemy is boredom. anwhile, Lone Wolfs enemy is the wrongdoer.
Pumin looked at Silas confused expression and continued. Out of consideration for your words just now, I will explain it once... Crosss enemy is Montra, so no matter what Montras color is, he will be the opposite color. Belugas enemy is boredom, so he will always choose the most interesting side. For Lone Wolf, his enemy is the wrongdoer, so his color will always be white.
Sila started to get the hang of it. While he was deep in thought, Pumin continued.
Use Illuminus as frequently as you can. Use it before you lose the chance to use it.
Lose the chance to use it?
Pumin nodded. Use it frequently so that Montra will think you always have to rely on it. He has the left arm so he is fully aware of your right arms weakness. The reason he still hasnt used this weakness against you is that he wants to exploit it in the most crucial mont when you truly need it.
How co Montra is aware of the right arms weakness? The left arm has such an ability?
No. Actually, he just realized it when you entered the ga, Sila. Prior to that, he was oblivious of this weakness as well. Montra is attentive to details. To be honest, if you think deeply about it, you will notice its weakness too. However, dont waste your ti thinking about it because you cant do anything about the weakness. Youd be better off spending your ti on other things.
Is that so?
Ultimately, Montra will give you two choices. The first is to admit defeat before even fighting. The second is to struggle from the bottom of the abyss, receiving hateful gazes and curses from all people. At such a ti, the only people by your side will be your true friends and the enemy of your enemy. When the ti cos, even if you dont want to understand Montra, you will understand him. Because you will beco Montra...
I will beco Montra?
I an you will end up in the sa circumstances as Montra, Pumin explained slowly, Looking at the board in front of you, you may think that there will be no way for you to win. However, there is, if you just do this.
Pumin waved his hand again. This ti, nurous red pieces instantly appeared and surrounded the board. Sila was dumbfounded.
Err... Isnt that outside the board? By the way, red pieces dont exist in Go. There are only black and white.
Is that the full extent of how you, the Flaming Cloud dojos main disciple, can think outside of the box? Black is you. White is Montra. What is red? The Go board is the war. Then, what is outside of the board? If you can co up with the answers to these questions, even ten Montras wont be your match, Sila. Montra can only see the board and black and white. He cant see outside of the board or red. You have to use what Montra doesnt predict and do sothing outside of Montras expectations. That is the way for you to win.
Sila stared at Pumins bizarre Go, deeply in thought. This is not Go anymore.
And who told you in the first place you have to play Go? Montra placed a Go board in front of you, so you thought you have to play it. However, no matter how well you play, you will certainly lose.
... Sila was thinking hard to the point he was feeling like his head was going to explode. He jotted down what Pumin told him to prevent himself from forgetting them.
Now, lets eat. We dont have much ti. Afterward, I will train you until morning. Seeing your qi, I have knowledge of Five Elents, so I think I can give you so guidance. As for your swordsmanship, you still have a lot to learn. How co the Sword Prodigys son cant even wield a sword correctly?
Sila nodded. Thanks, Dad.
The two of them joined the table where everyone had a smile on their face. Sila temporarily dismissed all the problems in his head and began to create a precious mory as he imrsed himself in happiness, in the oasis called Family.
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