The Creatures That We Are

Chapter 416: Heavenbreaker Meeting 2

A minute later, when the others had quieted, Officer Huang said, “The second thing Mischievous Monkey recalled is a black and white television on the desk of one of the researchers. It was always playing a silent film. Since the screen was facing right at Mischievous Monkey’s growth tank, he remembers it well.”

Heavenly Dog added lazily, “We spent days watching silent films with Mischievous Monkey and finally found the movie he was talking about, Mr. Chaplin’s Modern Times.”

“About seventy years ago, a black-and-white TV showing Mr. Chaplin’s silent film...” Lithe Snake crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes slightly. “Ha, it was in the West Nation.”

Gao Yang thought back to the information on the Mist World. Indeed, the West Nation was the only place that fit the description.

West Nation was the second largest isolated island in the Mist World with an expansive fictional land, when in truth the area of activity was no bigger than ten thousand square kilometers, and the population, consisting mostly of wanderers and elite monsters, amounted to more than five hundred thousand.

There were awakeners in the West Nation too, but very few; they were either killed, or had moved out to join the three major organizations in Li City.

“We believe it was the West Nation too.” Officer Huang nodded. “We have a tentative hypothesis: seventy years ago, while Mischievous Monkey was an infant, he became the Godbearer Cult’s test subject. The Cult conducted some sort of experiment on him—perhaps he was cloned, or a wanderer infant identical to him was created.”

“Then the ‘twins’ were sent to a family of wanderers in Li City to be raised, until nine years ago, Mischievous Monkey awakened and realized that his brother was a wanderer, thus beginning his pursuit of the truth.”

“Why would the Cult do that?” Nine Frost asked in a low voice. “What’s their goal?”

“Maybe they’re just bored,” Gray Bear joked. It wasn’t really meant to be funny.

“We don’t know.” Officer Huang’s gaze turned serious. “Monsters don’t have proper reproductive systems. How do they procreate, and where did humans come from? Perhaps we’ll find the answer to the questions that have been plaguing us from Mischievous Monkey.”

And perhaps it’ll explain how my wife got pregnant.

Officer Huang didn’t voice that thought.

“That’s all we have.” He turned to Gao Yang.

The others fell silent.

Gao Yang thought for thirty seconds, coming to a rough plan.

He turned to Officer Huang. “Yellow Ox, compile the information from Mischievous Monkey and hand it to Chen Ying.”

Officer Huang nodded.

Gao Yang continued, “Chen Ying, send intelligence agents to the West Nation to investigate. Since the Godbearer Cult had a lab in the West Nation seventy years ago, there should be much to be found. The Cult may even still be hiding there.”

“Remember, don’t venture into the tiger den yourselves. Just gather information, even indirect information. Leave the rest to the team.”

“Got it.” Chen Ying nodded.

Gao Yang paused and thought of something else. “It’s best for those going to the West Nation to know their language, which won’t be easy on such short notice.”

“Since Mischievous Monkey has comprehended Memory, it should be possible to create medicine to enhance memory in the short term with his help. Gray Bear, work with Yellow Ox on this. Make sure to create the medicine in a week.”

A member of the Qilin Guild’s back office had Pharmacist, serial number 86, Knowledge-type.

And a member of the Hundred Rivers Union’s back office had Blacksmith, serial number 85, Knowledge-type.

Most special medicines and Black Gold equipment of the world of awakeners were made by the two.

“Leave it to me,” said Gray Bear.

Gao Yang nodded. “The rest of you, keep looking into the Godbearer Cult. Report to me ASAP when you find something. You don’t have to wait until the weekly meeting.”

“Understood,” the others responded at the same time.

Gao Yang hardened his voice. “And watch out for a group that calls themselves the Tails. They serve the Cult and each member has their own strange, dangerous Talent. Do not make a reckless move when you run into one of them on your own. Ask for support immediately. I’ll send information on the Tails to the encoded group chat later. Remember to check your message.”

“Ah.” Heavenly Dog spoke up, remembering something. He took out a small metal box from his pocket and opened it. Inside were eleven buttons of different colors.

“These are our improved SOS buttons. Wear it and crush it when you’re in danger. The support members of each of the three organizations will receive the alert immediately with precise location, enabling them to send reinforcements.”

Qing Ling curled her finger. The metal box moved to the center of the table. They each took one button and wore it on their clothes.

Can picked a white one for herself and then a black one for Gao Yang.

Gao Yang wore his button and scanned the table. “Anyone would like to add something?”

No one said anything.

Gao Yang nodded and announced, “That’s it for today. Leave separately and don’t attract attention.”

They rose to their feet one after another.

Then Gao Yang remembered something and added, “Green Snake, stay here.”

Qing Ling glanced at him before sitting down.

Can was already out of the door when she heard her captain tell Green Snake to stay. She stopped and popped her head back into the room, looking over at the two of them curiously.

“Come on!” Gray Bear patted Can on the head and dragged her away.

Heavenly Dog was the last to leave, and he closed the door behind him, leaving Gao Yang and Qing Ling alone.

“What is it?” Qing Ling asked.

Gao Yang checked his phone. It was a little over six o’clock, dinner time.

He asked with a smile, “Didn’t you ask me out?”

Qing Ling paused. Right. Her sister had asked Gao Yang to have hot pot with her.

She nodded. “Yeah.”

“Let’s go somewhere nearby. I just entered the school and don’t know a lot about Degenerate Street. Do you have a recommendation?”

“I’ll ask her.” Qing Ling closed her eyes. About thirty seconds later, she opened them. “Don’t Stop Drinking.”

It seemed that the sisters had discussed the matter thoroughly.

“A hot pot place?”

Qing Ling nodded. “Yes.”

“Do we go now, or later?”

Qing Ling closed her eyes again. This time, it only took her two seconds. “Now.”

Huh, they’re quick to reach a decision this time.

...

Ten minutes later, the two of them left Borderrunners. The night had already fallen, and Degenerate Street was packed full of college students looking for food or fun, crowding the restaurants and food stands lining the street. Amid the permeating smoke and boisterous hubbub, it seemed as if one could smell the degenerate atmosphere of hedonistic pursuit.

Gao Yang and Qing Ling weaved through the crowd, arriving at Don’t Stop Drinking, a hot pot place on the second floor.

It wasn’t big, clearly renovated from a residential building. Outside of the load-bearing walls, all the other walls had been torn down, the space divided into about a dozen tables with wooden screens.

The design was retro and lived-in. The smell of fresh meat and other ingredients filled the air.

“Welcome, table for two?” A friendly waiter came up to them.

“Three,” Qing Ling said.

“Yeah, we came first to look for a seat,” Gao Yang added without missing a beat.

“Of course. There is a table for three here. This way.” The waiter led them through the main hall to a small space isolated by a screen.

Gao Yang chuckled. It was an open balcony. They sure didn’t waste any space.

Just as well. It’s small, but relatively quiet. And it’s a good vantage point overlooking the artificial lake of the university.

The two of them sat down. The waiter brought them a disposable menu and handed Gao Yang a pencil. “Call me anytime after you’ve marked your order.”

Once the waiter left, Gao Yang gave Qing Ling the pencil. “Go ahead.”