One-Eyed Monster
Chapter 874
Igor's powers quickly manifested. Outsiders found it hard to see any change; the Inner World process was invisible to them, and its speed was beyond their comprehension.
Everything proceeded according to Igor's wishes, regardless of the outcome, at least within the Inner World, where Igor called the shots.
As the main controller, naturally, Igor had his advantages and remained unhurried, effortlessly pulling everyone into the Inner World.
First to enter was Hustace, wearing a bewildered expression, then calm, showing no emotional fluctuation as if none of this concerned him.
Next were Governor Rostov, tense with emotion, and Stan Sol, with a gloomy face. The two stood opposite each other but hadn't spoken a word.
Lastly, a bystander named Perkins strolled in leisurely, shrugging his shoulders, feeling like a spectator watching the show with amusement.
"What the hell, how did you come in? I didn't pull you in," Igor was amazed that Perkins had entered his Inner World. Ordinarily, non-Adventurers shouldn't be able to perceive Spirit Power.
"I don't even know how I came in; I just did. Are you planning to throw me out?"
"Not at all, I'm just puzzled. It's better you came in; perhaps you can help resolve their misunderstanding," Igor replied.
"You still believe it's a misunderstanding between them?" Perkins couldn't believe Igor still thought it was a misunderstanding at this point.
"There's no use arguing now; let's see what they say."
"Heh, what can they say? I bet whoever can will make a move, and those who can avoid will avoid," Perkins concluded, unable to grasp the rules inside the Inner World, but figuring things would turn out as expected. ๐ฏ๐ง๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ฃ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐ต.๐๐ค๐ข
"Here, they can't fight. Don't worry!" Igor didn't elaborate as Rostov was already moving toward Hustace.
"What are you doing? He's my negotiating leverage!" Stan Sol said coldly as Rostov approached.
"Huh? What's this about? He's just speaking now. Do you not need to translate anymore?" Perkins stared at Igor in shock, finding Stan Sol's ability to communicate smoothly surprising.
"Here, you can say whatever you want!" Igor smiled faintly, seemingly proud.
Perkins continued his role as the curious spectator, eager to see what unfolds within.
"He's my son; why can't I approach him? Is there no law here?" Governor Rostov, shedding his politician persona, suddenly became more of a commoner, speaking in a more down-to-earth manner.
"What kind of magic is this, so strange!" Perkins sensed something amiss, seeking confirmation from Igor, as he had never heard Rostov speak so personally before.
"Shh, don't interrupt them," Igor gestured for Perkins to remain silent.
Stan Sol raised his hand, preparing to act against Rostov.
"Hey, why can't I summon flames?" Stan Sol glanced at Igor, then abandoned the attempt, realizing he couldn't use violence within the Inner World.
Perkins continued observing with a curious mind; to him, the process was secondary; it was the minutiae he focused on.
"Hustace, come on over, just come back, that's all we need," Rostov was genuinely embodying a father figure at that moment, only concerned for his son, indifferent to everything else.
"I'm not coming over!"
??
No one expected this; Hustace's determination hinted he might have intended to be Stan Sol's hostage all along.
Stan Sol himself was momentarily stunned.
"Why won't you come over? I'm your family, your father!" Rostov grew impatient.
"Sol won't harm me; why are you so tense?" Hustace retorted.
Rostov was left speechless.
Igor hadn't anticipated this turn of events; he had expected a confrontation between Sol and Rostov, not a father-son exchange.
Yet, it was for the best, allowing the rarely conversing father and son to open their hearts to each other.
Igor had created an environment where fighting was impossible and Spirit Power skills couldn't be used, leaving only open-hearted communication.
"I've figured it out; this place is fit for verbal sparring, hehe," Perkins chuckled at Igor, feeling like he'd uncovered a secret.
"Well, saying it like that is kind of true, but my aim is to facilitate genuine communication so the misunderstandings can be resolved."
"Let's see. Still, I don't believe it's just a misunderstanding!" Perkins maintained his stance, feeling there were hidden motives from Rostov.
Being familiar with his foster father, Perkins also had insights into Tobin.
Now, he merely needed to listen carefully to uncover the real events.
However, it wasn't that simple; some things remained concealed, not to be fully revealed at this moment. Rostov's years as a politician meant that, even in the Inner World, he couldn't divulge all his secrets.
Igor kept his distance, serving only as an observer despite being the main controller. He didn't wish to interfere with anyone's actions. His goal was to clear up the misunderstanding.
Whether it was truly a misunderstanding needed time to unfold. Hustace and Rostov stood at odds, seemingly caught in a fierce conflict.
"I've spoiled you too much; never cared for you. Look at the danger you're in nowโฆ" Rostov, addressing his son, showed genuine emotion, blaming himself even as his words targeted his son.
"Leaving your protection gave me friends; your privilege left me friendless, surrounded, an uncomfortable feeling you've never experienced," Hustace said, opening up entirely, having nothing to hide here.
Rostov, in contrast, seemed hesitant, as if constrained.
Others might be unaware, assuming he had unspeakable secrets, but Perkins saw his foster father's struggle to keep something hidden, reluctant to voice those matters.