The Creatures that We Are

Meanwhile, the Judge’s domain.

Inside the world with black sky and white land, eight people, a parrot, and a double began a “fair” turn-based match under the witness of the gray stone pillar that connected heaven and earth. Among them, a person and a double had died and thus been eliminated from the game.

Liao Liao’s will to fight rekindled, her determination to survive hardened.

She elaborated her deduction with composure, “I believe Gao Yang won’t use Absolute Defense. Sir Jiang, you should protect yourself this turn. Gao Yang’s very likely to kill you.”

Sir Jiang acknowledged with a silent nod.

"Qin You, attack Gao Yang with everything. No holding back."

"Understood," Qin You replied, voice dark with intent.

Liao Liao's gaze shifted to the parrot. "I'll handle the bird." Whatever Dr. Jia had fed it demanded serious attention. She knew enough about the man to fear his inventions.

Finally, she turned to Void. "Take out Dr. Jia. We can't risk another of his tricks."

“Leave it to me!” Void responded strongly. It was impossible for him to kill Gao Yang, but Dr. Jia wouldn’t be a challenge.

…

On the opposing side, Gao Yang's team formulated their own strategy. "What did you feed the parrot?" he asked Dr. Jia.

Dr. Jia glanced meaningfully at Nico before shaking his head. Speaking would risk the wanderer revealing their plan to the enemy.

Gao Yang didn't press. He closed his eyes, mind racing through possibilities. When he opened them again, seeking additional information, he noticed something crucial.

The gray stone pillar had changed. Clear Mirror's carved face seemed to blur—no, melt.

"Clear Mirror!" Gao Yang called out, revelation striking. "You sacrificed your life to trap us here, didn't you? To force this conflict?"

The face on the pillar shifted. Black and white eyes gazed down at him as a voice—cold, dignified, and seemingly from everywhere—responded: "What if I did?"

“So the number of turns is limited! It depends on how long you can live, or how much energy you have!” Gao Yang guessed.

Clear Mirror's silence confirmed the theory.

"If I drag this out, you'll die first!" Gao Yang challenged, testing the waters.

Clear Mirror's melting features twisted into what might have been a sneer. "You're welcome to try."

Gao Yang’s heart sank. Clear Mirror didn’t fall for it.

Yes, it might be true that Clear Mirror was operating with limited time, but Gao Yang, even more so. Even if Gao Yang’s speculation was right, it would be impossible for him to carry out the plan.

Using Absolute Defense twice would exhaust his energy. Two turns. That was Gao Yang’s limit. That, however, wasn’t Clear Mirror’s limit. And Sir Jiang and the others wouldn’t let the chance to kill Gao Yang slip.

Of course, Gao Yang could tell the other side the truth and come to a temporary truce until Clear Mirror used up his life, but that wouldn’t work, either.

Doubt begot doubt. Neither side could be certain that the other would honor their promise to stay their hands. If Gao Yang had stayed put while the other side made a move, Gao Yang would lose; similarly, if Gao Yang had taken action when the other side didn’t, Gao Yang would gain an advantage. There was no chance that his enemies would take the risk.

That was the source of Clear Mirror's confidence. Even if everyone discovered the truth, their fundamental mistrust would drive them to fight until both sides had sacrificed many lives.

"Poor lamb. You are lost." Nico's voice rose with fervent conviction. "Do not stray further down the wrong path. You are a mistake, but your mission is complete. Come, return with us to God's world..."

"Go ahead without me. I'd like to play a while longer." Gao Yang didn't spare him a glance.

Nico's sigh of disappointment was cut short by a familiar voice.

[Thinking Time ends.]

[The third turn begins.]

The gray barrier lifted. Once again, Gao Yang moved first.

Liao Liao had been right—he hadn't used Absolute Defense. But as he vanished, her team realized with horror that she'd been wrong about everything else. Again, he'd chosen Teleportation and a simple attack—far too weak to threaten Sir Jiang!

"Ah..."

Gao Yang materialized before Void, his dagger finding the man's heart with devastating precision. Blood painted Gao Yang's hands crimson.

"Why... why..."

Void reached for Gao Yang's collar with trembling fingers but grasped only air. Gao Yang had already returned to his position, bloody dagger in hand.

Blood poured from Void's chest as he collapsed to his knees. His lips moved silently before a final twitch left him lifeless in a spreading pool of red.

Sir Jiang, Qin You, and Liao Liao watched with grim faces. Each death of their teammates chipped away at their rationality, pushing them closer to fear and breakdown.

Liao Liao's renewed fighting spirit crumbled. Once again, Gao Yang had seen through her completely.

But it made no sense. How dare he ignore Sir Jiang for Void? Why target the least threatening opponent?

Her mind raced. Even knowing Sir Jiang would defend himself, he should have targeted me or Qin You. We're the real threats.

Why? WHY?

Calm down, Liao Liao. Think from his perspective.

What's different between killing Void versus killing me or Qin You?

Teleportation and a basic attack wouldn't have been enough against us. We could dodge, then heal with Medicine C.

That's it! He'd need stronger skills to kill either of us—using too much energy too quickly.

Of course! Killing Void cost minimal energy while guaranteeing a reduction in our numbers. Maximum efficiency!

I've been so blind!

Gao Yang never viewed this as a personal battle—he's playing it like an omniscient observer! He's not thinking about surviving the next round, but being the last one standing!

Every move serves his endgame. Our numerical advantage trapped us in short-term thinking. We assumed surviving one more round would limit his options, put him at a disadvantage.

No more mistakes, Liao Liao! You have to think like he does—see the whole board!

Her turn came. She activated God of Firearms, targeting the parrot.

Bang, bang—

Houseau3's Thoughts

I'm getting whiplash from the back and forth. Geez.

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