After these words, the room fell into silence once more.
“「Immortal Arts」…?” Earth Tiger stared blankly at Earth Ox, utterly confused. “What are you talking about, sis? We’re 「Zodiacs」. 「Immortal Arts」 are just 「Echoes」, right? Brother Goat told me—「Zodiacs」 never 「Echo」.”
Earth Ox ignored him, scanning the room again before speaking. “We’re all on the same side now. At the very least, we should trust each other. If anyone here has an 「Immortal Art」, just tell me outright.”
Earth Chicken narrowed her eyes slightly, taking half a step back and folding her arms defensively, her gaze sharp with suspicion.
Seeing no one step forward, Earth Ox raised her hand first. “I have an 「Immortal Art」 myself. But revealing its nature would mean exposing my name, so I can’t say more. Anyone else?”
Lazy Dog studied Earth Ox for a long moment, as if struck by a realization.
Just as he was about to raise his hand, Earth Rat subtly reached over and pressed it down.
“Boss… how do you train those muscles?” Earth Rat asked casually. “Even your forearms are so toned. Planning to become a military dog?”
“You—”
Lazy Dog frowned, not understanding Earth Rat’s implication.
If things had already come this far, what was left to hide?
He knew it wasn’t the time to press further, so he simply followed Earth Rat’s lead and turned his gaze back to Earth Ox.
At the side of the room, Earth Rabbit, who had been standing quietly beside Earth Horse, hesitated before slowly raising his hand. “I have an 「Immortal Art」.”
The others immediately turned to stare at the towering Earth Rabbit, who had barely spoken since entering the room. He actually possessed an 「Immortal Art」?
If word of this got out, it would be a death sentence.
“Good!” Earth Ox nodded. “What kind of ability is it?”
“I can—”
“Wait!” Earth Chicken cut in sharply, then turned to Earth Ox with a probing look. “Do we really need to expose everyone’s secrets in our first meeting…?”
“Oh…?” Earth Ox paused for three seconds before replying, “But this is White Goat’s plan. I’m just following orders.”
“You’re saying White Goat told you to uncover everyone’s 「Echo」 types here?” Earth Chicken pressed. “Was that really part of the plan?”
Earth Ox didn’t answer directly. Instead, she addressed the group. “Regardless, you can trust me completely.”
“It’s not about distrusting you,” Earth Chicken countered. “But there are too many 「Zodiacs」 in this room. The situation is murky, and we can’t just lay all our cards on the table. Stop pushing—you’ll get us all killed before the plan even starts.”
Earth Ox fell silent for a moment before conceding. “You’re right.”
Though no one fully grasped what was happening, the atmosphere in the room had undeniably shifted.
They had expected Earth Ox to take charge, but now it seemed she and Earth Chicken were at odds.
“Anyway, that’s the gist of the plan,” Earth Ox said. “Prepare yourselves. The Great Bell and the display could be destroyed anytime—within hours, or the next cycle. I’ll be resting in Earth Chicken’s room. If anyone wants to talk about 「Immortal Arts」 privately, come find me.”
The room remained silent as Earth Ox politely bowed and left.
Earth Chicken, still frowning, cast a final glance at the others before following.
After a long pause, Black Sheep stood up. “Boring. I’m going back to sleep.”
“Huh?” Earth Tiger blinked. “Hey, don’t leave, you grumpy bastard! We still need to discuss killing 「Heavenly Tiger」! You know how important that is to me—”
“Not my problem,” Black Sheep replied coldly, slamming the door behind him.
“Ugh… that damn sheep…” Earth Tiger rubbed his head. “No loyalty at all…”
With everyone lost in their own thoughts, Earth Rat also stood. “Leaders, since the plan’s been laid out, we’ll head back and prepare accordingly.”
He tugged at Lazy Dog, who quickly caught on. “Right, right… time to clock out. I’ll go nap for a bit.”
The two left the room with grim expressions.
As the others dispersed, Earth Horse turned to the towering Earth Rabbit. “Don’t be so naive.”
“What?” Earth Rabbit blinked.
“Now we all know you have an 「Echo」. If anyone runs into 「Heavenly Snake」, you’re dead.”
“Come on… it can’t be that bad, right?” Earth Rabbit muttered.
Earth Pig studied him for a long moment before whispering, “「Broadcast」…?”
“Wh-what 「Broadcast」?” Earth Rabbit stiffened. “You little—”
“Just a guess.” Earth Pig frowned. “I need to talk to you. Come with me?”
Earth Rabbit’s eyes widened. After a nervous glance around, he nodded vigorously.
The two left, leaving only Earth Tiger and Earth Horse in the room. After a heavy silence, Earth Horse wordlessly exited as well.
What had begun as a gathering of allies had quickly fractured—all because of Earth Ox’s arrival, as if she’d uncovered something dangerous.
Next door, in Earth Chicken’s room…
After closing the door softly behind her, Earth Chicken turned to Earth Ox with a strange expression.
“What?” Earth Ox asked.
“What are you really trying to do?” Earth Chicken demanded. “That 「plan」 you just told everyone—what was that? It’s nothing like what we agreed on!”
“I…” Earth Ox smiled faintly. “What’s the difference?”
“You—” Before Earth Chicken could retort, a faint knock echoed from outside.
Startled, she cracked the door open to find Black Sheep standing there.
“What is it?” she asked warily.
“I forgot to ask something important about the 「plan」,” Black Sheep said.
“About the 「plan」…?”
“It’s not safe to talk here.” He frowned slightly. “Mind if I come in?”
“Fine…” Earth Chicken stepped aside, letting him enter before shutting the door behind him.
After thanking them, Black Sheep turned—locking the door before they could react.
*Click.*
The soft sound put both 「Zodiacs」 on edge.
“Why lock the door?” Earth Ox asked.
“Earth Ox… you’ve got some nerve, lying to a 「Sheep」’s face.”
Black Sheep’s gaze darkened with murderous intent as he slowly turned around.
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