Lost in the Otherworld

Gaoyang loosened his left hand and clenched his right: “Once triggered under certain conditions, the switch flips, and they instantly transform into their beastly form and persona.”

Officer Huang nodded, motioning for Gaoyang to continue.

“Like us, beasts are living creatures, and every living thing has a lifespan. As they age, their bodies weaken, they get sick, and various problems emerge.”

Gaoyang spread his hands and clasped them together: “Now, the switch inside Old Master Gu has malfunctioned. His two forms have merged, like a flickering light bulb with a bad connection, constantly blinking on and off. But because he is the gentlest of the lost ones, he hasn’t noticed the change.”

As he spoke, Gaoyang remembered that summer when he was four years old. He saw his grandfather’s arm through a crack in the door—perhaps his grandfather was also a “sick” beast.

“In the past, I wouldn’t have believed beasts could ‘fall ill.’ After all, I’ve encountered many elderly lost ones,” Officer Huang smacked his lips, “but now, I’m not so sure.”

“Hah—” Tears brimmed in Wang Zikai’s eyes as he yawned. “After all that analysis, it feels useless. If you ask me, since we can't find the mastermind, why not just slaughter the whole village? They’re all lizard people anyway, one clean sweep.”

Gaoyang was secretly shocked: Wang Zikai, you’re a beast too. How can you be so cruel to your kind?

“Brother Kai, that’s classic gamer logic,” Fat Jun licked his lips. “I think it’s more complicated than that.”

“So what’s your solution? Wait here and die?” Wang Zikai retorted.

Fat Jun stammered, falling silent.

“I agree with Wang Zikai,” Qing Ling, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. “Whatever we do, we can’t die here.”

“It’s a plan,” Officer Huang sighed. “If we strike first, we might flush out the mastermind. But there’s no turning back, and it’s incredibly risky. Not everyone in the village is lost. Just a few enraged beasts would be enough to finish us off, not to mention if there’s something even stronger hidden.”

“What do we do?” Fat Jun was getting anxious again. “We can’t leave, we can’t fight, we’re doomed either way.”

“Coward! Have you forgotten I’m still here?” Wang Zikai puffed out his chest. “I can take on ten at a time, no problem!”

“That’s not enough!”

“You know nothing! I’ll take down ten first, then maybe trigger my unlimited potential and go berserk again. Problem solved, right?”

“Haha,” Officer Huang laughed at Wang Zikai’s naive optimism. “This isn’t a movie. Can you guarantee you’ll go berserk on cue?”

Gaoyang rolled his eyes on the side: Forget his abilities going berserk—what if his intelligence goes berserk instead, and he finally realizes he’s a beast too? If he switches sides, we’re truly doomed.

“Of course!” Wang Zikai beamed with pride. “I’m the chosen one, aren’t I, Gaoyang?”

“…Yes,” Gaoyang smiled, though it looked more like a grimace.

“Shall we vote?” Officer Huang suggested. “Raise your hand if you agree to strike first.”

Wang Zikai and Qing Ling raised their hands immediately. After a moment of thought, Officer Huang did the same. Fat Jun hesitated but followed suit. Only Gaoyang remained. He felt it didn’t matter whether he raised his hand or not.

“Alright!” Officer Huang made the decision. “Then we attack.”

“When?” Qing Ling asked.

“Right now! What are we waiting for?” Wang Zikai was already raring to go.

“Hold on,” Gaoyang objected. “Let’s rest tonight and investigate for one more day tomorrow. There are still some things I need to confirm. How about tomorrow night?”

“I’ve no objections,” Officer Huang said.

Qing Ling nodded.

Fat Jun, lacking any opinions, followed suit.

“Such a drag!” Wang Zikai was a bit disappointed but ultimately relented to the majority. “Fine, tomorrow night it is!”