Everyone felt puzzled.
The usually arrogant and socially inearthed Boar turned out to be a chuunibyou.
“I thought you guys were a team of weak links, but now it seems like fate has its own plans for each of you!” Earthly Boar nodded. “I have a lot of information you don’t know, and you have a meticulous plan. If we really join forces… if we truly work together… the consequences would be unimaginable.”
“Is ‘unimaginable’ even the right word here?” Black Sheep found it odd.
“So… what’s your plan?” Earthly Boar asked, as if he hadn’t heard. “This matter is too huge. When do we start?”
Everyone turned their eyes to Loss Tiger—after all, he was the first to propose rebellion.
“Plan…?” Earthly Tiger blinked and forced himself to speak. “I… I do have a plan. We just kick the door down, shout, ‘Heavenly Beasts, come out and die!’ That should pretty much cover it.”
His words plunged the entire room into silence.
“Boss, you’re really something…” Earthly Rat chuckled awkwardly. “Your plan sounds so fresh. Is it called ‘No Plan’ by any chance?”
“I really didn’t think much about it,” Earthly Tiger admitted. “I didn’t even know how many people I could gather—how could I have a solid plan?”
The silence deepened, and everyone’s expressions turned blank.
“Can I kill him now?” Black Sheep asked. “Right now. I can’t take it anymore.”
“Hey, hey, come on, buddy!” Earthly Tiger grinned. “There’s strength in numbers! We should brainstorm together—that’s the right path. Do you really expect me to handle such a big thing alone?”
“I’ll kill you first,” Black Sheep said flatly. “I feel like this plan would work just fine without you.”
“So ruthless?” Earthly Tiger turned to the others. “Do you all feel the same way?”
“Boss, if you’re gonna talk like that, I might as well flip sides right now,” Earthly Rat smirked without warmth. “You all seem like decent folks, so I won’t sell you out just yet. Let’s call it quits here.”
“Wait, no!”
The atmosphere turned tense. Slacker Dog lazily put his hands behind his head and said, “How about we introduce ourselves first?”
“Huh?” Earthly Tiger was taken aback. “That formal?”
“We’re already in the same boat. Isn’t it weird if we don’t even know each other?”
“Alright, alright!” Earthly Tiger hurriedly nodded. “I’ll go first. I’m Earthly Tiger.”
Everyone stared at him blankly.
“What?” Earthly Tiger asked, confused.
“And then?!” they chorused.
“That’s it!” Earthly Tiger looked puzzled. “What else is there? We can’t share real names, and we can’t show our faces. What more info do you need?”
He thought for a moment and added, “Oh, right. Maybe I can tell you about my game? Sheep bro designed it just for me—no thinking required, perfect for my style. I can explain in detail if you guys have time.”
Black Sheep turned to Earthly Dog. “Can I kill him now? Right now.”
“Alright, alright, enough,” Earthly Dog rubbed his temples. “I never thought my off-duty hours would stress me out this much.”
“What’s there to stress about?” Earthly Tiger asked. “Introductions are great for bonding. Who’s next?”
No one seemed eager to respond. An Earthly-level introduction boiled down to just saying, “I’m Earthly Tiger”—what else was there to add?
“Boring. I’m out,” Earthly Dog stood up and headed for the door. “This plan’s going nowhere. I’d rather go back and sleep.”
“Huh?”
Before Earthly Tiger could say anything, Black Sheep also rose.
“I’m leaving too,” he sighed. “If I stay any longer, I might actually kill you.”
“Hey?!”
The two walked out without another word. The onlookers outside had already dispersed.
Earthly Rat covered a smirk. “Well then… we’ll take our leave. Let’s call it a day.”
“Why is everyone leaving…?” Earthly Tiger looked at the three departing figures with a pitiful expression. “I’ll get us some drinks later—can’t you stay?”
No one stopped. Only the fading sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway.
The three left in the room exchanged awkward glances.
Earthly Tiger studied the rabbit before him—a figure as brawny as himself. Neither knew the other, and the silence was thick. Thankfully, the rabbit seemed composed, showing no obvious reaction.
“Uh… buddy… you…” Earthly Tiger scratched his head, unsure how to break the ice. “Wanna grab a drink?”
“Uh…” Earthly Rabbit hesitated before finally looking awkward. “I should probably head back too. I’m covered in injuries—can’t stay up drinking.”
“Huh? Doesn’t have to be alcohol…” Earthly Tiger scrambled to keep him, grabbing a handful of sunflower seeds from the floor. “We could just chat? Want some seeds?”
“No, no, I’m good…” Earthly Rabbit waved politely. “Let’s call it a night. Maybe another time.”
Watching the rabbit flee, Earthly Tiger’s face fell. The only person left standing in the room was Earthly Boar—the one who had earlier kicked him in the knee.
“You okay, big guy?” Earthly Boar asked.
“I’m fine, little pig,” Earthly Tiger shook his head. “Never thought it’d just be the two of us left for this rebellion… But I still have faith. As long as someone’s with me, I can definitely…”
“I gotta go too,” Earthly Boar said. “Got students waiting for me to scold them.”
“Huh?”
“But today was definitely fruitful,” Earthly Boar smirked. “When you manage to gather everyone again, I’ll be back.”
Earthly Tiger lowered his head. How could he possibly reunite such a motley crew of Earthly Beasts?
Seeing his dejection, Earthly Boar raised a fist in front of him.
“What?” Earthly Tiger asked.
“This is our promise,” Earthly Boar smiled. “Fist bump. We’ll move forward carrying this vow.”
Earthly Tiger stared blankly before half-heartedly bumping his massive fist against the Boar’s.
After seeing him off, Earthly Tiger slumped onto the floor, utterly disheartened.
He knew White Sheep had spent the entire day outside rallying the other “Beasts.” Today, seven of them had gathered—a rare, golden opportunity.
And he had ruined it.
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