The ten students of the Earth Tiger turned around one after another, donned their masks, and faced the “cargo hold,” looking as though they were about to enter.
About a dozen seconds later, a slightly overweight Earth Horse ambled over. Stretching lazily, he glanced at the few “Human-level” figures by the door and asked softly, “What’s the situation now?”
The Human Monkey paused for a few seconds before slowly turning to the Earth Horse and replying, “We’re not entirely sure… As soon as we got the message, we rushed over and ran into the Sky Bull at the door. She said the situation has changed and that we should hold off on taking action for now.”
“Seriously…” The Earth Horse sighed helplessly. “Changing plans every minute—how are we supposed to keep up?”
Before long, about a dozen more “Human-level” figures and two other “Earth-level” individuals began to appear.
They didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic, gathering sluggishly, yet they encircled the Human Monkey and his group in the center before launching into a discussion about what had just happened.
“That was insane…” said a Human Rabbit. “I was just about to head back to my room when suddenly the ‘broadcast’ blared out—so loud!”
“Are we really not allowed inside now?” asked a Human Dog.
“No idea. Seems like we’re supposed to wait here for now.”
“Does anyone actually know what’s going on with the ‘Participants’ today? What’s the deal with that huge crowd boarding the ‘train’?”
A cacophony of voices erupted. Sweat trickled down the Human Monkey’s face beneath his mask—such a flimsy lie could be exposed at any moment.
Fortunately, none of these people knew each other, and no one could prove he was lying.
Standing with his back to the crowd, the Human Monkey blocked the entrance with his slender frame, silently praying for the battle inside the cargo hold to end quickly.
But even if it did, what then?
Three “Earth-level” figures guarded the door, and after taking down the Sky Bull, the others would hardly have the strength left to fight their way out.
“Hey… we can’t just stand around waiting forever,” grumbled the slightly overweight Earth Horse as he stepped forward. His voice was thick with impatience. “You lot in front—move aside. I’ll just smash the door down.”
The Human Monkey stiffened slightly before turning to reply in a low voice, “But the Sky Bull just said not to act yet. I’m worried smashing the door might cause problems. You’re ‘Earth-level,’ but she’s ‘Sky-level’—we have to prioritize her orders.”
“Not our problem,” the Earth Horse retorted, shaking his head. “Everyone heard the Sky Bull say ‘break the door.’ I’m just following through. Even if the plan’s changed, only you few heard about it. That’s on you if things go wrong.”
“You—” The Human Monkey hesitated. “Then… can we at least give her a little more time? Right now—”
“Time? At a moment like this? You know how the Azure Dragon operates.” The Earth Horse scoffed. “I’m not risking my life for this. Anyone still blocking the door will be treated as a traitor and dealt with.”
With that, the Human Monkey’s strategy crumbled. His side had ten “Human-level” fighters, while the opposition had over a dozen “Human-level” and three “Earth-level” figures. Keeping the door intact under these circumstances was nearly impossible.
She took a slow step aside, and the others—fellow students of the Earth Tiger—followed suit.
The Human Monkey lowered her head. She knew the only way to protect the door now was to redirect the enemy’s focus—and the easiest target for that was herself. In other words… if she drew enough attention, no one would care about the door anymore.
“Everyone—”
She lifted her head to speak, but suddenly, the door burst open. A man in a black leather jacket stumbled out in a frantic rush, shouting as he ran, “Done! The damn Sky Bull’s dead! Let’s go!”
Before the stunned crowd could react, the man dashed past the gathered “Zodiacs” and vanished down the hallway.
“Damn it!” The Earth Horse snapped out of his daze and immediately gave chase. “Stop!!”
Several “Human-level” figures followed suit. The Human Monkey’s heart pounded in her throat.
It seemed she and that man had the same idea—but his approach was far riskier.
For a mortal to lure away an “Earth-level” was practically suicide.
With the door now open, the crowd could clearly see other “Participants” standing inside—led by a bewildered middle-aged woman.
She clearly hadn’t coordinated with the leather-clad man, frozen in place as she stared at the sea of “Zodiacs” before her.
Though they were face-to-face, the woman stood just inside the doorway, and the hesitant “Zodiacs” outside didn’t dare charge in.
“Hey—”
A towering Earth Rat stepped forward from the crowd, his ill-fitting suit draped loosely over his frame. He cracked his knuckles and growled,
“If none of you have the guts to go in, step aside. I’ll handle it.”
Shoving a few people out of the way, he strode straight to the door. The Human Monkey’s pulse raced as she watched his movements, ready to pounce the moment he attacked. Even if she couldn’t save the door, this was her last resort.
“Tell our people to get ready…” she whispered to the Human Dog beside her.
“Already waiting…” came the reply.
“It’s alright, child. I don’t mind dying here.” The middle-aged woman spoke calmly as she stepped forward, positioning herself squarely in front of the “Zodiacs,” blocking their path.
Her boldness left even the towering Earth Rat momentarily baffled.
“Child, you can kill me. The Mother Goddess will forgive your actions here.” She met the Earth Rat’s gaze steadily. “I’ll stand right here and watch you do it.”
The Human Monkey froze. This woman was thinking the same thing—buying time at any cost. She was willing to sacrifice herself. So… should she save her now?
The Earth Rat stared at her, then let out a scornful chuckle.
“You, a mere ‘Participant,’ dare talk tough to me? Expecting some miracle?” He took a step forward, flexing his massive arm. “Since you’re offering, I’ll gladly oblige.”
With that, he swung his arm toward the woman’s face. At the last second, a Human Pig from behind suddenly lunged, slamming into the Earth Rat and knocking him to the ground.
“Run, Xiaochan!!” the Human Pig roared.
“Now!!” the Human Monkey bellowed in response.
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