Cat 195: Let’s Go Farm Equipment

Chapter 195: Let’s Go Farm Equipment

[Wannabe Human] Livestream Room:

“I can’t stop laughing—the other players all think the kitten is a cold-blooded sniper, but in reality, he’s so nervous he’s shaking out his hands. The contrast is absolutely adorable.”

“At this point, I’m only here for the kitten and his master. They’re growing more and more trusting of each other.”

“Does the master still not know the kitten’s true identity? If the kitten is exposed, wouldn’t that be thrilling?”

“I can’t believe I actually look forward to the reveal. Hahaha!”

“Waiting for the mask to drop, hehehe.”

“The process is intense, but there are twice as many clones as players now. Can they really escape this instance? I’m so worried.”

“No way, my heart can’t take it. Nothing bad can happen to my kitten! But on the other hand, this instance can replicate so many little black cats—damn, they’re so cute! This trashy game livestream is ruining my youth!”

While the viewers fretted over whether Yan Jiyun could make it safely out of the top-level instance, Yan Jiyun himself was gaining a whole new perspective on who he was.

He found that, ever since entering the top-level zone, his eyesight was no longer that of a cat. It had been a bit blurry before—nothing terribly clear—but this time, he discovered that his vision was probably 5.2 or even 5.3, a textbook-perfect score.

As everyone knows, though cats have excellent dynamic vision, they are naturally nearsighted. After he became human, he’d mostly relied on his hearing, not his sight. But now, he realized his vision was far better than when he’d first entered the instance. He could read the license plate on the car downstairs with perfect clarity—he guessed his vision was now 5.3.

Could it be the result of using the trial card? Maybe extended use had this kind of “side effect,” or even upgraded his abilities?

If he got the chance to leave the top-level instance, he’d have to ask the system about it.

He could make out every move and expression of the people downstairs, and with his exceptional hearing—even crouched on the sixth floor—it was as though he were standing right next to them.

With two clones eliminated, only five remained.

Chu Mo gave Qi Feng a thumbs-up. “Impressive—didn’t expect you to have a trump card up your sleeve.” He was still curious. “Who was that? Can we meet them?”

Qi Feng had not expected Yan Jiyun’s marksmanship to be so formidable. Proud as he was of his teammate, he resolutely refused to reveal Yan Jiyun’s identity. He knew full well how odd it would be for a rookie to appear here—and keeping his secret was also for his protection.

“He’s someone I trust completely,” he said simply.

Anyone willing to follow his Caramel’s clone was a trustworthy ally.

Su Qiuming, surprisingly, was the first to support Qi Feng. “Best not to say. If another round of clones appears, our teammate might get exposed. The fewer who know, the safer we’ll be.”

Chu Mo nodded. “That’s true—I didn’t consider that. Anyway, now that we’ve dealt with the clones of Qi Yunchu and Yu Zhe, shouldn’t it be easier to find the real ones? Maybe we should stick together. If we split up again, we’ll just end up having to verify each other all over.”

They all knew there had been so many rounds of clones, it was becoming numbing. Everyone was mentally exhausted to some degree. If the chaos continued, mistakes in judgment were bound to happen.

Each of them was probably nearing their mental contamination limit.

Now, counting Qi Feng, they had five confirmed originals.

Qi Feng wasn’t affiliated with any guild. Chu Mo had cooperated with him before; there were no grudges there. The conflict between him and Su Qiuming was complex, and the others couldn’t say for sure what went on between them. Xu Xian looked around anxiously, lips chewed raw, unsure how to speak up.

Xu Xian dared neither speak nor ask. “Feng-ge, Ming-ge, what do we do now?”

Su Qiuming leaned back on the car hood, one leg bent, boot braced atop—unconcerned with taking charge, he said to Qi Feng, “I’ll follow your lead for now.”

Qi Feng had started out solo—no one knew when he’d picked up a partner. Su Qiuming glanced around the mall, but couldn’t see anything.

Chu Mo and Wen Ye exchanged glances. “We’ll follow your plan too, Feng-ge.”

Qi Feng had no reason to refuse—this was the result he wanted. Now, he aimed to keep all the information in his grasp. With the help of Yan Jiyun and the Caramel clones, they could quickly identify and eliminate the clones, uniting all the players to clear the game together.

“Can we join you?”

They turned to see Brother Yang supporting Yin Zi, whose face was pale from blood loss.

All of them, except Qi Feng, eyed Yin Zi and Brother Yang with suspicion.

Fresh from helping them eliminate a clone, Yan Jiyun simply asked, “What was your relationship to the man just now?”

Brother Yang answered angrily, “The three of us entered the game together—always cooperating to kill monsters in the instance. In Building A, Yin Zi, he, and I were separated for ten minutes. Afterward, we stuck together. Who’d have thought that ten minutes was all the window a clone needed?”

Yin Zi said, “We really aren’t clones.”

Xu Xian, the most blunt-tongued among them, asked, “How can you prove you’re not clones?”

Yin Zi looked troubled. “We can’t.”

Now, the odds of proving a stranger wasn’t a clone were zero—an impossible task.

Qi Feng cast a glance at Little Blackie, who had just hopped back into his arms. He decided to try a different approach.

“We can’t distinguish by ordinary means, but perhaps my cat here can help.” Qi Feng stroked Little Blackie’s neck with practiced ease—the kitten, inheriting some of his owner’s memories, was entirely at ease and trusting with Qi Feng. “If my cat’s willing to approach you, I’ll believe you’re not clones.” He was, admittedly, taking a gamble.

Xu Xian was about to object—this seemed much too careless—but before he could utter a word, Su Qiuming yanked him aside and out of earshot.

Yin Zi eyed the black cat with its emerald eyes, shoulders shrinking as she edged away. “I’m… I’m afraid of cats. Animals don’t like me. This doesn’t prove we aren’t clones.”

Qi Feng gave her a meaningful look, then turned to Brother Yang. “And you? If neither of you is willing to be tested this way, then you can’t be in our group. I’m responsible for my teammates’ safety.”

Upstairs, Yan Jiyun admired how quiet charisma slipped from some people so easily.

Who wouldn’t want Qi Feng as a teammate? A responsible person inspires confidence in any environment.

The previously indignant Xu Xian bit his tongue.

After a moment, Brother Yang reassured Yin Zi, “Don’t worry—sensitive cats won’t react badly to us.”

Reluctantly, Yin Zi nodded, looking aggrieved. “Alright.”

Yan Jiyun, watching from above, noted the sharp change in her demeanor—odd, as she hadn’t acted this way just a moment ago.

Qi Feng set Little Blackie on the ground. “Go on, Little Blackie.”

Little Blackie understood without explanation; trotting straight to Yin Zi and Brother Yang, it paused, refused to get any closer. Two seconds later, it twitched its nose, inched closer, but still didn’t touch them, much less rub against their legs. Then it turned and scampered back.

Chu Mo and the others now eyed the pair with changed expressions.

Qi Feng said evenly, “Sorry, my little friend doesn’t quite trust you.”

Yan Jiyun had to admire the move.

After all, Little Blackie was Yan Jiyun’s own clone—he knew Caramel’s habits well. The cat would never randomly rub against strangers. With Caramel’s memories and behaviors, it could sense those of ill intent.

Whether Yin Zi and Brother Yang were clones or not, Qi Feng had no intention of bringing them into the team, and Little Blackie was his gentle way of declining.

If they were clones, the group would soon split up. If they weren’t, it wouldn’t affect any friendship.

Yan Jiyun observed the whole process—Little Blackie’s actions were flawless, simply indicating it didn’t care for the two. This didn’t mean they were clones.

He’d been close to the clones before and detected no unusual scent—they were indistinguishable, flesh and blood, even their memories a perfect match for the originals.

Letting strangers judge each other so easily led to friendly fire—Qi Feng’s method, using Little Blackie’s assessment, was far superior.

Rather than judging if someone was a clone, why not judge if someone was good or bad—whether they were worth saving?

And besides, since Little Blackie was a clone too, perhaps it had some way to recognize other clones.

The clone cats had only just appeared. Feline cognition was different from humans’—it couldn’t all be generalized. Both Qi Feng and Yan Jiyun were still feeling their way—and time was running out.

Yan Jiyun guessed their five-man squad wouldn’t be splitting up soon.

Even if they did, with Little Blackie’s scent on them, there shouldn’t be any problem.

With the team rejecting Yin Zi and Brother Yang, the two wisely kept at a distance, though with Yin Zi injured, they stayed nearby for now rather than departing at once.

Letting them go without a fight was as good as letting them leave freely.

Xu Xian, hot-tempered as ever, grumbled after they left, “If they weren’t clones, why let them leave?”

Su Qiuming explained, “Because we aren’t sure—it’s easier to just say the cat didn’t like them, rather than risk being wrong. There’s no need to attack without confirmation.” Then he looked at Qi Feng. “Right?”

Qi Feng couldn’t say Su Qiuming was wrong—more or less. “More or less.”

For now, they didn’t need to reveal that cats could be cloned, either.

Yan Jiyun, enjoying this semi-free trial status, was still coordinating with Qi Feng, and wouldn’t act solo anytime soon.

Abruptly, Little White glanced off toward a corner. Yan Jiyun heard the same noise coming, from the sixth floor.

Immediately, he packed up his rifle and slung it over his back—he was too exposed up here. “Let’s go, Little White.”

His plan now was to remain concealed, keep his main account safe.

Little White was the most timid of the clones—crowds sent him clinging to Yan Jiyun, for whom Yan Jiyun was, in essence, the main account, the big boss who could protect him.

Yan Jiyun figured Little White must be a defective product—he refused to admit to this own cowardice!

Footfalls approached on both sides of the sixth floor—not together, but converging.

No, there were more than two—there was movement downstairs as well.

Yan Jiyun grabbed Little White and ducked under the front desk of a Chinese restaurant.

What the hell?

Why were there suddenly so many people?

Players were still tiptoeing in terror—had the clones already joined forces?

An escalator was to his right, but taking it would expose his presence.

The footsteps drew nearer. Soon, many familiar faces came into view.

Everyone had a weapon in hand.

Tch, they sure arrived fast.

Yan Jiyun and Qi Feng had just discussed bringing players into the game to find items, then coming out to deal with clones—unfortunately, the clones had Qi Feng’s memories.

Indeed, the one now standing at Yan Jiyun’s former spot was none other than a fake Qi Feng!

Clones flooded out of Building C—at least twenty, while there were only twenty-nine players left altogether.

Chu Mo and Wen Ye immediately closed ranks. “Lucky there aren’t clones of you and me.”

Qi Feng said, “Yours both died in Sin City.”

Chu Mo: “Which is why you trust us.”

Qi Feng: “Yes.” With their abilities, any clones would have been priorities to take out; Yan Jiyun was just unlucky to run into one himself.

All of them saw the sudden surge of clones—clearly, things were escalating.

It was Qi Feng versus Qi Feng.

The fake Qi Feng on the upper floor addressed his gathered clones: “We’ve got five originals—there’s our chance. Kill them.”

Among the clones, there were two Xu Xians, one Su Qiuming, one Qi Feng, two Qi Yunchus; the rest, clones of unfamiliar players. Even Yin Zi and Brother Yang, not yet departed, now had two clones each.

Xu Xian cursed, “Did he just gather every clone here?”

Dragging Qi Feng into this had once been such a thrill—now he was kicking himself for the trouble it caused.

Qi Feng, having just handled one clone of himself, wasn’t worried about the current one.

He could guess the other’s reasons for striking now: First, lacking up-to-date memories, he’d be recognized too easily; second, with five players together, taking some out would narrow his hunt for the originals.

Chu Mo despaired, “That’s too many clones—we can’t win.”

Wen Ye said, “If we work together, maybe. Barely.”

Yan Jiyun recognized that it was this man who had lured Qi Yunchu into the lounge to be killed—the fake Qi Feng.

The real Qi Feng inspired his team through charisma. The clone corralled them through deceit. The difference in character between originals and copies couldn’t be clearer.

Still, the fake Qi Feng was a coward—he sent the others in as cannon fodder, while remaining above to await the outcome. Twenty clones against six or seven people posed no challenge.

The originals had to die. The clones would win this round.

Yan Jiyun understood Qi Feng’s skills. The fact that the fake inherited them meant that any attempt to slip away unnoticed behind his back was risky. His current hiding spot couldn’t provide much help for the group.

There were too many clones—twenty against five meant three-on-one odds, and Yin Zi and Brother Yang’s status was still uncertain. Qi Feng’s group was beset from all sides.

But Qi Feng would not wait passively.

All the clones were upstairs; the players remained below, some distance between them.

“While they’re still up there, everyone run!” He urged, “Before you go—touch my cat.”

Xu Xian couldn’t fathom Qi Feng’s obsession with the cat. “Seriously? Now of all times—pet a cat, are you—” insane?

Before he could finish, Su Qiuming was the first to give Little Blackie a pat and dash off in one direction. Xu Xian, left with no choice, did the same.

Chu Mo and Wen Ye exchanged a look, quickly patted Little Blackie in turn, and ran off in the other direction.

They’d thought Qi Feng would stay behind and fight—wasn’t that his specialty?

Qi Feng, however, had shifted his thinking since meeting Yan Jiyun. Sometimes you didn’t have to stand your ground—if you can’t win, or don’t want to, you run.

There was another reason not to fight: with Yan Jiyun on the sixth floor, any move would instantly reveal his location to the fake Qi Feng.

Qi Feng gathered up Little Blackie and bolted for Building D, suddenly shouting up to the fake Qi Feng, “We’re going to farm for gear!”

Fake Qi Feng had no idea what that meant. “Why are you telling me that? Is there some hidden meaning?”

As soon as the five players broke to run, the clones gave chase.

Hearing Qi Feng’s words, the others also changed direction, following him—Yin Zi and Brother Yang gritted their teeth and trailed as well.

Fake Qi Feng didn’t understand the signal, but Yan Jiyun did—that was their code word.

Fake Qi Feng, unable to parse it, stared after them for a few seconds before racing down the escalator after the crowd.

Only then did Yan Jiyun, hugging Little White, bolt for the elevator.

He waited for all the clones and the fake Qi Feng to leave Building C, then slipped after them to Building D.

By that time, ten minutes had passed.

Yan Jiyun found himself once again in the game hall, still clad in a staff uniform.

The hall was full of NPCs; Qi Feng and the others were nowhere in sight. He glanced at the machine running Sin City—the NPCs inside were all familiar faces.

As a “staff member”, he helped himself to a handful of tokens at the front desk and stuffed them all into the arcade machine.

At that moment, he received an alert from the system: a new wave of clones would attack in three minutes.

[Attention: Next wave of clones will arrive soon. Please prepare yourselves~]

Time was tight!

Yan Jiyun rubbed his palms together and took a deep breath at the screen. “Let’s get to work!”