The Creatures that We Are

“This is a decision straight from the leadership of the three organizations.” But they did consider my opinion, Gao Yang didn’t say.

“In the future, Team Heavenbreaker will be split into two units. The one in charge of continuing the investigation into the Godbearer Cult is the Investigation Unit.”

“The other in charge of looking into everything about life monsters is the Action Unit.”

Gao Yang scanned the room and added, “We’ve found a life monster altar in both the West Nation and the Island Nation. According to what we’ve learned, the Godbearer Cult is also after life monsters, so we’re looking into life monsters to advance our investigation into the Cult indirectly.”

“The team will be divided as follows.”

“Due to special circumstances, Yellow Ox has temporarily left the team.”

“The Investigation Unit are Chen Ying, Amon, Can, and Nainai, joined by White Rabbit from the Twelve Zodiac Signs and Colorless from the Hundred Rivers Union. Chen Ying is the unit leader, and White Rabbit the deputy.”

“The Action Unit are me, Gray Bear, Lithe Snake, Nine Frost, Green Snake, and Heavenly Dog, joined by War Tiger from the Twelve Zodiac Signs as my deputy.”

Gray Bear clenched his fists discreetly. Fuck, it’s finally my turn to take the stage!

“Captain.” Can hesitated for a moment before raising her hand. “I…I just comprehended Gale two days ago.”

Gale, serial number 27, Element-type. The Talent of her former captain, Three Air.

Gao Yang got a little sentimental. It seemed that there was an ineffable connection between a Talent and an awakener, like some sort of legacy.

“Hm.” Gao Yang was going to congratulate her, but considering the formal nature of the meeting, he nodded in approval instead.

It was clear that Can wasn’t satisfied with the response. She mustered the courage to say, “I can fight now too, Captain. I want to join the Action Unit.”

Under the table, Can clutched her jeans tightly unconsciously with both hands. Although life monsters were terrifying, worrying over Captain while not being around him was an even greater torment to her.

Moreover, everyone else from the original fifth operations team had joined the Action Team, while she alone had been allocated to the Investigation Team. That brought her back to the time in school when she was isolated and marginalized.

Can’s expression was serious, and her gaze fiery. She was waiting for Gao Yang to grant her request.

Gao Yang could more or less understand her disappointment, but he had thought long and hard about the arrangement.

Can and Nainai’s Talents were better suited for investigation. The joining of White Rabbit and Colorless was meant to improve the unit’s overall strength.

Once they found anything on the Godbearer Cult, the Investigation Team wouldn’t need to go to the frontlines on their own; Team Azure Dragon would join and take over.

Gao Yang’s Action Unit, on the other hand, would be venturing into great danger since they could encounter life monsters. Thus, they needed experienced combatants as members. That was why a veteran like War Tiger was joining them.

“Stay with the Investigation Unit and do your job, Can. You should consider yourself lucky.” Gray Bear crossed his arms and spoke like an adult chiding a child. “Life monsters are no joke. We all have our heads on our belts, likely to lose our lives at any time.”

“I’m not afraid of dying!” Can raised her voice, getting worked up. “I can fight too!”

“Who among us fears death?” Lithe Snake retorted.

Nine Frost nodded. “Death isn’t a problem, but we have to make our deaths worthwhile. We each have our job. Don’t take things too personally.”

“Ha, mortals will all face death in the end. Only this Empress…” Nainai silenced herself when she met Qing Ling’s icy gaze.

“But…” Can was going to say something, but Gao Yang snapped at her.

“This is an order, Can.”

Can paused and slowly lowered her head, her voice quiet. “As you command, Captain.”

Gao Yang nodded slightly, leaning into the seat. “Anything else?”

No one said anything.

“Then this is it for tonight,” he announced. “You’re dismissed.”

They each rose to their feet and left with their belongings. When Can stood up, Gao Yang called out, “Stay, Can.”

Can was caught off guard. She thought she had heard it wrong. Pointing at her own nose, she asked, “Me?”

Gao Yang nodded.

Heavenly Dog was the last to leave the room. Like the last meeting, he considerately closed the door behind him.

Gao Yang and Can were left alone. It was suddenly silent in the room.

Can sat down meekly next to Gao Yang with her eyes lowered, avoiding Gao Yang’s gaze. She was ready for Gao Yang to lay into her. It was wrong to openly disobey the leader’s arrangement during the meeting.

Without anyone else here, Gao Yang took off his leader’s hat and said in a softer voice, “Do you know how dangerous being on the Action Unit will be, Can?”

Can lowered her head further. I know, and that’s why I want to join.

Gao Yang said both to advise her and to confide in her, “If not for Dragon coming to our help at the last moment, our trip to Island Nation would’ve been the last mission for the four of us.”

“I know you’re trying to do the right thing for me, Captain. You don’t want me to be in danger…” Can said with a hint of hurt. “But I’d rather be with everyone. If something happens to all of you, and I’m the only one left alive…”

“Can.” Gao Yang believed it was now the right time. “Look at me.”

Can lifted her head, her eyes red.

Gao Yang held her gaze. “Can I trust you?”

Can paused. She didn’t understand why he was asking that.

“I mean can I trust you even if I’m no longer Elder Seven Shadow?”

Can finally caught on. She hurriedly wiped the corner of her eyes and nodded vehemently. “Yeah, you can trust me, Captain! Elder Seven Shadow or not, Captain will always have me!”

Realizing how her words could be taken the wrong way, Can waved her hands in embarrassment, blushing. “No no no, I mean, no matter where Captain is, I’ll always be with you!”

“Ah, I mean…no, I meant to say…” Can was digging herself into a hole. She was ready to pull her hair out.

“I understand,” Gao Yang cut her off with a smile. “I believe you.”

Still, he had to do what he had to do. Once Lie Detection’s cooldown ended, he would use it on Can.

He put a gentle hand on Can’s frail shoulder. “I’m glad that you comprehended Gale, Can. Among the members of the fifth team, you are the one I trust the most.”

Can’s lips parted. She couldn’t find the words to say.

“I trust Gray Bear, Lithe Snake, and Nine Frost too, but not as much as I do you.” Gao Yang was being honest. “That’s why I have to take them with me and learn more about them. When the time is right, I’ll determine if they are worthy of the same level of trust.”

“Yeah!” Can nodded vehemently.

“We’re true companions now, Can,” Gao Yang said encouragingly. “Now, do you understand why I put you on the Investigation Unit?”

“I do!” Can was flattered. She lowered her voice unconsciously. “Rest assured, Captain, if the Investigation Unit hides anything from you or does anything unusual, I’ll let you know immediately.”

“Good.” Gao Yang was pleased. Can had grown not only in terms of power.

After some consideration, he added, “Monsters aren’t the only sources of danger in this world, Can. You must watch everything you say and do.”

“Don’t worry, Captain. I’ll be careful.” Can met his gaze. “You must stay safe too. Please, please be safe.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be fine. I’ve told our fortune.”

Can blinked. “Huh?”

Gao Yang chuckled. “I played a match of HOK last night. The difference in headcounts between me and the opponent is an even number, which means everything will be alright.”

Can knew Gao Yang was teasing her on purpose, but a laugh still escaped her mouth.

Houseau3's Thoughts

Hmm are Talents more likely to go to someone with a connection to the previous owners?

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