diskusbooks #536 - Discussion of candidates
#536 - Discussion of candidates
The lights in the cafeteria shone particularly brightly in the night. Tang Yin narrowed his eyes, digesting the information he had just received: "Hellspring Wolf?"
Zhao Gang's voice sounded especially heavy in the silent night: "It means a wolf that has returned from the Yellow Springs to the human world."
These words stirred a ripple in Tang Yin's mind, a sense of déjà vu washing over him.
...Hmm? It's like I've heard that phrase somewhere before...
His thoughts raced, and an idea suddenly flashed: So, does the mountain's rule also apply to wolves?
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting mottled shadows on the floor at Tang Yin's feet. This matter is a bit subtle, he mused to himself.
The wolf belongs to the Yellow Springs human camp, an existence opposed to the mountain.
Moreover, the mountain's rule is [Only one person can be killed per day].
Executing one person during the day is already the limit. If they continue to kill people at night, they would be violating the rule, and should trigger the pollution penalty.
Tang Yin frowned even more deeply. ...I can't figure it out.
However, at least one rule has been confirmed: the wolf can only kill one person per day.
He looked up at Zhao Gang's face, etched with vicissitudes: "I'm sorry to trouble you. I'll obediently hide myself..." He changed his words halfway through:
"No, if you need anything, you can come to me at any time. Although my position isn't suitable for interfering without permission, I'd like to do what I can."
Zhao Gang's eyes flickered, and his tone was somewhat perfunctory: "...Yeah, I understand..."
Although Zhao Gang's final attitude was perfunctory, it at least confirmed a rule. Tang Yin silently noted this in his mind.
When Tang Yin pushed open the cafeteria door, warm light and noisy sounds rushed towards him.
Three high school students, Wang Lina, and... Qin Ming's younger brother, Qin Yi, were inside. Little Mei had already gone back. The cafeteria was filled with the aroma of food, and the wall clock ticked.
As soon as Tong Xiaoliang saw Tang Yin, he grinned, revealing a set of white teeth: "Poop Man! No, Uncle Tang."
Qin Ming was wiping the cutlery and looked up when he heard this: "What's that?"
Tang Yin looked at the group of young people in front of him and decided to ignore it for now. The most important thing was to investigate the situation of the [Banquet]. But remembering the complex love triangle between them, Tang Yin suddenly felt a little awkward...
He cleared his throat: "Excuse me, can I have a few words with Wang Lina?"
Wang Lina smoothed the long hair that fell over her shoulders, a sly look flashing in her eyes: "Wow, am I really that popular?"
Gao Mei stood up abruptly, her chair making a harsh scraping sound on the floor. Her hands were clenched into fists: "You... are you taking my words as wind?"
Qin Ming put down the rag in his hand and said gently: "Xiaomei, that's enough. Let's go help Mom with things."
Gao Mei's cheeks flushed, her voice carrying a hint of coquetry: "Brother, what are you talking about!"
Qin Ming's gaze swept between Tang Yin and Wang Lina: "They have something important to talk about."
Tong Xiaoliang hopped over: "I'll go help you break plates."
Chen Xiang poked her head out of the kitchen, a hint of caution on her face: "Xiaomei, can you help watch Xiaoliang?"
Gao Mei widened her eyes, looking at the people around her in disbelief: "Hey, wait, what does this mean--!!"
...
The night wind in late autumn carried a hint of coolness. Tang Yin and Wang Lina stood in the open space outside the cafeteria, the distant streetlights appearing somewhat hazy in the mist. Wang Lina wrapped her knitted cardigan tighter around herself, her delicate features showing a hint of fatigue in the daylight.
"Sorry, I'm troubling you," Wang Lina said softly, her eyes flickering.
Tang Yin leaned against the wall, cutting straight to the point: "What did Qin Ming tell you?"
Wang Lina pursed her lips, her slender fingers unconsciously twisting together: "...Today's banquet is a bit troublesome."
So it was about this. Tang Yin nodded to himself.
"Are you saying that Zhao Gang revealed his identity as [Snake]? Xiaoliang already told me," Tang Yin's voice sounded particularly calm in the night.
Wang Lina nodded slightly, her long hair gently swaying in the evening breeze: "Yes, that's right."
"What about the other Snakes?"
"Others?" Wang Lina shook her head. "No, there's only one Snake."
Tang Yin's gaze turned to the village shrouded in mist in the distance, his mind quickly sorting through the information:
...There are a total of four types of mountain blessings.
The Snake can use the oracle to verify the identities of other participants, which is the most crucial power to counter the wolf.
There are two Apes, and they know each other's identities, which is a guarantee of mutual trust.
The Crow can use the oracle to verify the identity of the executed corpse, which can verify the correctness of the execution.
The Spider can pray to the mountain god to prevent a wolf attack once, but--
Why can the mountain god only protect one person? This question flashed through Tang Yin's mind.
In short, besides the blessed ones, the others are just ordinary villagers and wolves.
The rules of this life-or-death game are very simple: humans choose one person to execute during the day, and the wolf chooses one person to kill at night, until one of the camps is completely wiped out--
The human camp must find out the identity of the wolf and then execute it.
If they can't find out the identity of the wolf, the [Banquet] has no meaning, and the entire Mist Hidden Village will be slaughtered by the wolf. This thought sent a chill down Tang Yin's spine.
He took a deep breath: "Regardless of the correctness of the killing, today's [Banquet] didn't execute a suspected wolf, so it's already a wasted opportunity, right?"
Wang Lina's expression became serious, the daylight casting a faint shadow on her face: "...Yes, that's what we were saying just now."
"Moreover, the Snake's identity has been exposed," Tang Yin's voice carried a trace of worry.
"Yes, it's very dangerous now," Wang Lina said softly, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes.
Wang Lina already understands, Tang Yin thought. The opponent is a supernatural monster, so a scientific investigation can't be carried out. As it stands, the Snake's oracle is the only way to find out the identity of the wolf.
Conversely, once the Snake is lost, the human camp loses the decisive trump card to deal with the wolf--
"But, it should be okay today, right? The [Spider] should be protecting Gang-ge tonight," her voice carried a hint of expectation.
Tang Yin frowned, his originally calm expression suddenly becoming alert: "Hey, wait, has the Spider's identity also been exposed?"
Wang Lina shook her head, her long hair gleaming faintly in the sunlight: "No, Qin Ming said that if the Spider reveals their identity, the wolf will definitely hear it, so the Spider must keep it a secret."
...Smart. Tang Yin secretly admired Qin Ming's meticulous thinking.
"Moreover, Uncle Gao didn't have any objections, so it was decided," Wang Lina added, her fair fingers gently playing with the hair beside her ear.
"The right decision," Tang Yin leaned against the wall, his gaze deep. That's what I thought too. I hope the Snake's safety can always be guaranteed.
Indeed, the wolf's identity hasn't been exposed yet, so secretly gathering information is the safest method.
Tang Yin's thoughts also settled down. Especially the Snake, they should hide their identity and slowly gather information through the oracle. When enough information has been accumulated, then reveal it all at once.
Unfortunately, reality is cruel. The Snake's identity was exposed on the first day... A trace of helplessness flashed in Tang Yin's eyes.
...Zhao Gang was too persistent in his own methods and principles, so he made the wrong judgment. Several cicada chirps came from the distance, breaking the silence of the night. Although he pretends to be calm, he can't be indifferent deep down.
Wang Lina stood at the edge of the circle of light cast by the sunlight, her delicate features appearing particularly three-dimensional at the boundary between light and dark: "What do you think will happen?"
Asking the obvious. Tang Yin sighed inwardly.
"The [Spider] will protect Zhao Gang, and the [Wolf] may know about this," Tang Yin's voice was low and calm, as if he was stating a very ordinary fact.
He continued to analyze: "If they want to kill Zhao Gang, they will be blocked by the [Spider]'s protection, right? But, I don't know how it's done specifically."
A look of contemplation flashed in Wang Lina's eyes: "Yes, in that case, the [Wolf] will waste a [Killing Right]."
--It seems Wang Lina has realized that the current situation is similar to a logic game. In the sunlight, her delicate face looked particularly calm.
"If I were the wolf, I would ignore Zhao Gang and choose to attack someone else," Tang Yin said, his gaze turned to the village shrouded in mist.
Wang Lina turned slightly, her hair gently fluttering in the wind: "Tang Yin, is that what you think too... Who do you think the wolf's target will be?" Her voice carried a hint of imperceptible nervousness.
"I don't know, and I'm not sure about the wolf camp's selection tendency," Tang Yin shook his head, his voice revealing a deep sense of powerlessness.
Wang Lina stood there, the sunlight plating her delicate silhouette with a faint silver edge. Her slender fingers unconsciously rubbed the corner of her clothes, obviously worried about the coming night.
Tang Yin's eyes became deep and sharp, and he said softly: "If the wolf wants to drink the blood of women or children, the target should be young people, right?"
In the sunlight, Wang Lina's slender body trembled slightly, and she subconsciously hugged her arms: "How scary."
Tang Yin looked at her frightened appearance and smirked playfully: "Don't worry, you're not the youngest."
Wang Lina instantly put away her panic, glaring at him with a cold gaze: "Do you want to die?"
"N-no! But! You're the cutest!" Tang Yin quickly waved his hand, cold sweat sliding down his forehead.
A gentle breeze blew, and Wang Lina's long hair fluttered gently in the night. She lowered her eyes, her voice trembling slightly: "Never mind... But, the more I think about it, the more terrifying it becomes. I wonder what will happen before I'm killed."
...So that's what you're thinking? Tang Yin sighed inwardly. Several owl hoots came from the distance, adding to the eerie atmosphere. I hope the worst doesn't happen.
"If we exclude personal preferences, how should I put it, the target should be the person who has the biggest impact on the human camp, right?" Tang Yin's gaze penetrated the thick night, as if to see through the essence of the game.
He continued to analyze: "The leader of the village. Or an excellent player who can lead the development of the game."
Wang Lina's eyes suddenly became sharp: "...Uncle Gao or Qin Ming."
Indeed. Tang Yin silently agreed in his heart.
Qin Ming is the only one who has been thinking calmly today and contributing to the human camp.
The sunlight streamed through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground, just like his clear thinking. His thinking is clear, and he is the leader of the high school student group.
The leader of Mist Hidden Village is Gao Zhijie, and everyone has to consult his opinion. Moreover, he has a strong personality. However, he also accepts reasonable opinions from young people, and he is a very capable leader.
In any case, he is a talent that no one wants to lose. In the sunlight, Tang Yin's expression suddenly became serious.
...Ah, that's right.
"Who did Zhao Gang decide to check the identity of today?" Tang Yin suddenly asked.
"Qian Jin," Wang Lina replied briefly.
Tang Yin's brows furrowed: "...Hey, why?"
Wang Lina leaned against the trunk of the old locust tree and said lightly: "This suggestion was made by Qian Jin himself. He said that the interpersonal relationships here are unfavorable to him, and prioritizing checking his identity can actually guarantee his safety."
...How should I put it? Tang Yin fell into thought.
The Snake's proof is indeed beneficial to future actions, at least so that they won't be suspected of being the wolf's misdirection. In other words, they should choose someone suitable to become a leader to check the identity of.
Qian Jin's leadership ability is still unknown, but his popularity definitely doesn't meet the standards of a leader. As expected, Gao Zhijie is the most suitable--
But...
"...If the person whose identity the Snake checks happens to be killed by the wolf, it would be a waste of an opportunity, right?" Tang Yin's voice carried a trace of hesitation.
He continued: "After all, the [Crow] can check the identity of the dead..."
Wang Lina's eyes suddenly became sharp, she turned around, the light outlining her delicate profile: "Huh? No, the one killed by the wolf must be human, right? The Crow can only check the identity of the person executed through the banquet."
Tang Yin suddenly realized: "Ah, is that so, indeed."
In any case, checking Qian Jin's identity isn't a wrong decision.
...In other words, the current situation isn't as dangerous as I thought?
But, if Gao Zhijie is killed, it would be troublesome...
Wang Lina: "..."
Wang Lina looked worried.
Although they haven't made a completely wrong decision, they are still uneasy.
Tang Yin, Wang Lina, or rather, everyone is in this mood.
Tang Yin thought to himself:
The beginning of the [Banquet] is [Object Taboo],
In other words, when a person stays indoors, the [Banquet] has already begun.
But, why don't even the students go to school?
Their reply is "It's so dangerous now, how can we go out."
It seems that the blind faith that [You must never go out when it's foggy] has become so serious that it affects the lives of the people in Mist Hidden Village.
...Bai Feng Manor definitely knows about the fog in Mist Hidden Village, especially in this rural branch school with so few people,
Three students from Mist Hidden Village suddenly absent without reason, how could the school be indifferent?
Even if it's an isolated village, it shouldn't be ignored so thoroughly, right?
It seems that the entire Bai Feng Manor knows about the [Banquet], and they are hiding this matter.