“Will this kid get beaten to death… what’s it to me?”
Brother Goat stared coldly at Uncle Tiger, his gaze sending a chill down one’s spine.
“Brother Goat, you know how the Earth-level ‘Zodiacs’ are around here,” Uncle Tiger said. “This kid won’t earn any ‘Tao’—she won’t last more than a few days.”
“How do you know she can’t earn ‘Tao’?” Brother Goat replied. “Anyone who can wear a mask can’t possibly be ordinary.”
“But—”
Uncle Tiger seemed to find it odd too. After a pause, he turned to me. “Little Mouse, how did you put on the mask?”
“I—”
Seeing everyone’s eyes on me, I had no choice but to recount everything that had happened that day.
After hearing my story, their expressions changed.
Uncle Snake even burst into tears.
That’s when I realized—despite his unpleasant smell, he was actually a kind man.
“Tell me, are those people even human…?” Uncle Snake sobbed. “Tomorrow, I’ll chop their corpses into mincemeat and make meatballs for you all… *sob*…”
I take that back. He’s still weird.
“Keep them for yourself,” Uncle Tiger snapped before turning back to Brother Goat. “Brother Goat, you heard her. This kid’s reason for becoming a ‘Zodiac’ is different from ours. Can you really bear to watch her die…?”
Brother Goat stayed silent, but Uncle Black Sheep spoke up.
“Human-Tiger, have you lost your mind?” He rose slowly. “Do you even remember why we’re ‘Zodiacs’? If you’re this soft-hearted, when will you ever sign a contract?”
“If I were as heartless as you, *that* would be madness,” Uncle Tiger retorted angrily. “Yeah, we can kill as we please—but does that mean we can’t help a kid? Does she deserve to die?”
“Whether she deserves it or not, she’s already worn the mask,” Uncle Black Sheep said. “If she can’t handle the consequences, she’ll suffer worse than anyone. You can’t just burden us because you miss your daughter. I agree with Brother Goat—if she’s doomed anyway, better to end it now.”
“End *your* mom!”
Uncle Tiger roared, lunging forward—but Brother Goat lightly tapped the table.
All four legs snapped instantly, sending the dishes crashing to the floor. I tried to catch them, but it was hopeless. Plates and bowls shattered with a deafening *clatter*.
Brother Goat slowly lifted his gaze. “Did you two eat something rotten? Daring to fight in front of me?”
The moment he spoke, both men shuddered.
“S-Sorry…”
“Our bad, Brother Goat…”
They bowed their heads immediately, clearly terrified.
It was strange—Brother Goat’s voice was as soft as a goat’s, yet everyone feared him to death.
“Um…” I whispered, “Uncles, please don’t fight… It’s my fault. I’m full now, so I’ll just leave. Don’t let me cause trouble…”
“Shut it, Little Mouse.” Uncle Tiger pressed a heavy hand on my head. “I didn’t bring you here just for a free meal.”
“Fine.” Brother Goat pondered for a moment. “Little Mouse, if you agree to my terms, I’ll consider letting you stay.”
“Stay… with you?” Though I’d just met them, I *wanted* to stay.
They were nothing like anyone I’d ever met.
Maybe because they fed me right away?
Without this meal, I might’ve starved to death.
“Listen closely,” Brother Goat said. “These are the rules every ‘Zodiac’ must follow—the ‘Zodiac Code.’ Break one, and the ‘Divine Beasts’ will execute you.”
“Huh? I—”
“First: Never abandon your ‘Zodiac’ identity—unless you die.”
“Second: Never remove your mask—unless you die.”
“Third: Never reveal your real name—unless you die.”
“Fourth: A ‘Zodiac’ never ‘Echoes.'”
“Fifth: A ‘Zodiac’ never ‘Flees.'”
I didn’t fully understand, but I nodded anyway.
So… I’m a ‘Zodiac’ now? Since I’m wearing the mouse mask, does that make me the Mouse of the Zodiac?
“Next, the game design rules…” Brother Goat paused. “Little Mouse, you don’t have a ‘game’ yet, do you?”
“G-Game? I—” My mind was blank. I had no idea how to answer.
“I’ll give you tonight,” Brother Goat said. “Design a ‘game’ for me by morning.”
“Design a game…?” That sort of made sense. “Well… I’ve only played sack races and hopscotch, so—”
Before I could finish, Uncle Tiger clamped a hand over my mouth.
“Stop talking nonsense, kid. I’ll explain later.”
“Sack races and hopscotch…?” Brother Goat smirked. “If that’s your answer tomorrow, I’ll personally throw you out.”
“Huh?”
Seeing how deferential everyone was to him, I didn’t dare say another word.
Brother Goat stood slowly, eyeing the uncles. “I’m going to read. See you at breakfast.”
He left, and the three men exhaled in relief, slumping into their chairs.
With everyone silent, I quietly picked up the broken plates.
They looked expensive. What a waste…
“Kid, stop cleaning,” Uncle Tiger said. “You’d better start thinking about that ‘game.'”
“But if you step on the shards—”
“Not your problem!” He yanked me up. “Little Mouse, listen—if you want to survive here, Brother Goat’s help is everything! He’s not like the other Earth-levels. You—”
“You’re overthinking it,” Uncle Black Sheep cut in. “Brother Goat is ruthless. He’s just finding an excuse to kick her out properly.”
Lost, I glanced at Uncle Snake.
He winked, then sidled up to Uncle Black Sheep.
“What now?” Uncle Black Sheep grumbled.
“Oh, Sheepy…” Uncle Snake massaged his shoulders. “I don’t care what Brother Goat *really* thinks—he told her to design a game. You’re the smartest here. Why not help her?”
“Why should I?”
“If you don’t…” Uncle Snake grinned. “I’ll cling to you all night.”
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