After seeing off Sky Horse and Sky Tiger, the prison fell into silence, and Qian Wu sank into deep thought once more.
“Brother Wu…” Song Qi approached Qian Wu, bending down with a hesitant expression. “Was it really necessary to make that deal with them? With just one word from you, we could’ve started a fight. Whether she’s ‘Sky Horse’ or not, the brothers would’ve—”
“Unnecessary.” Qian Wu cut him off. “I also want to know what that massive ‘Echo’ was about. Since the ‘Cats’ were established, we’ve never heard anything like it. Understanding their stance is crucial.”
“Understood, Brother Wu.” Song Qi nodded.
“By the way…” Qian Wu narrowed his eyes. “It seems Sky Horse and the others don’t know about ‘Paradise Port’…”
“‘Paradise Port’…?” Song Qi frowned. “Brother Wu, are you saying that massive ‘Echo’ might be related to our last job?”
“It’s highly possible.” Qian Wu nodded. “Our full-scale attack could easily trigger someone else’s ‘Echo.’ And given that it happened late at night, it’s hard to believe it wasn’t connected to that incident.”
“I see.” Song Qi nodded again. “Brother Wu, I’ll go burn Twenty-One now. Let the brothers rest tonight, and we’ll head to ‘Paradise Port’ at dawn.”
“Good.” Qian Wu agreed. “Old Seven, pass this down—if we do find that person… keep it quiet.”
…
Earth Tiger saw the glowing door light up nearby and slowly rose to his feet.
A few participants were walking toward him, likely trying to join his game before night fully fell.
“Get lost.” Earth Tiger snarled. “Take one more step, and I’ll fucking kill you.”
The participants hesitated, then slowly retreated.
Another day without overtime.
Carrying a massive sack, Earth Tiger stepped through the glowing door. Several human-level ‘Zodiacs’ bowed to him before disappearing down the corridor without a second glance.
But Earth Tiger was in no hurry. He leisurely approached a wooden door, as if waiting for something.
Before long, a young man wearing a horse-head mask approached and called out softly, “Teacher, today…”
“Scram first,” Earth Tiger said. “I’ll find you later.”
“Oh…” The horse-masked figure nodded respectfully, clearly familiar with Earth Tiger’s temper, and silently walked away down the corridor.
Earth Tiger waited patiently, growing increasingly impatient, until just as he was about to leave in frustration, the wooden door finally creaked open.
On the other side was a bar. Earth Sheep stepped out, having deliberately arrived late—only to find Earth Tiger standing right in front of him. With no choice, he turned to leave.
“Hey…” A smirk tugged at Earth Tiger’s lips as he watched Earth Sheep expectantly.
Earth Sheep acted as if he hadn’t seen anything, brushing past him.
Annoyed, Earth Tiger quickly stepped in front of him again. “Hey!”
Realizing he couldn’t escape this pest, Earth Sheep sighed. “What do you want?”
“You’re back late today!” Earth Tiger grinned. “Busy? Win or lose?”
“What’s it to you?”
“We’re old classmates!” Earth Tiger said excitedly. “We share fortunes—and misfortunes! So spill it!”
“I don’t need your help.” Earth Sheep shook his head. “I’ll handle my own problems.”
“But I’ve got a ready-made solution!” Earth Tiger dumped the sack in front of Earth Sheep. “Look at all these shiny new ‘Paths’! So annoying… What am I supposed to do with them all?”
“Do whatever you want.”
“You want some? I’ll lend ’em to you!” Earth Tiger offered. “Just 9.5% daily interest—nowhere else will you find such a cheap loan!”
Earth Sheep glanced at the sack, then looked up impassively. “Earth Tiger… Be serious. Who exactly was that person you sent today?”
“Who?” Earth Tiger frowned slightly. “What are you getting at?”
“I want to know if you’re truly an idiot… or if you saw through this from the start.”
Earth Tiger lowered his head and fell silent.
Seeing his expression, Earth Sheep pieced it together.
“His eyes… His methods…” Earth Sheep’s voice trembled. “Don’t you think we’ve seen him before?!”
“I… I know what you mean, but is that even possible?” Earth Tiger gestured behind him. “He’s a participant without an ‘Echo’… How could he be—”
“Tiger, ‘Sky Sheep’ is vacant.”
“What?!” Earth Tiger froze. “Old Black… What the hell did you just say…?”
“I met Sky Dragon. He told me himself.” Earth Sheep said quietly. “I shouldn’t be saying this… but do you understand now?”
“You mean Sheep Brother never became ‘Sky Sheep’…” Earth Tiger blinked. “He left about a month ago… only to return as a participant?”
“Isn’t that even scarier?” Earth Sheep turned to him. “You and I both know what Sheep Brother is like… He could turn this place upside down. How many ‘Zodiacs’ could stop him?!”
Just as the tension between them peaked, a lazy voice cut in from behind.
“Impossible.”
They turned to see Human Snake approaching.
“You little—!” Earth Tiger raised a hand to smack him but remembered his new ‘Earth-level’ status and settled for a light shove. “Who the hell said you could eavesdrop?”
Human Snake staggered back, chuckling. “What’s the big deal? We’re all close here.”
Earth Tiger hesitated, then asked, “Why do you say it’s ‘impossible’? With Sheep Brother’s skills, he could easily clear all our games.”
“Little Tiger, you’re so single-minded.” Human Snake laughed, shoving him back—though Earth Tiger didn’t budge.
“How am I single-minded?”
“Remember…” Human Snake turned to Earth Sheep. “Sheep Brother once told us why he joined the ‘Zodiacs.'”
The words triggered a memory in both of them.
“He did say that…” Earth Tiger murmured. “Because he was one of the ‘Unfortunates’… He could never hear an ‘Echo,’ and his memories never lasted… Joining the ‘Zodiacs’ was his only way out.”
“So even if Sheep Brother became a participant again…” Earth Tiger lowered his head. “He could never clear the game… Because every time would be like starting over…”
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