episode_0029

Needless to say, the staff member from earlier was likely in grave danger.

The rules exist to help people avoid the influence of the Emotion Beasts.

Violating them would most likely draw the attention of the Emotion Beasts, resulting in an attack.

“Niannian, what do you think?”

After a moment of silence, Su Qingya tugged at the rules in her hand and muttered something cryptic.

Perhaps even she wasn’t sure what she was trying to ask.

A trace of panic flickered in her eyes, impossible to hide—just one glance was enough to evoke deep sympathy.

Though Su Qingya had now become an Emoter, it had only been a few days, and her understanding of Emoters came solely from Lin Ye’s explanations.

This was essentially her first time being caught in an Emotion Beast incident since becoming one.

She had already prepared herself for the possibility of encountering an Emotion Beast, but… why did it have to happen now?

Their long-awaited date had been ruined.

How infuriating!

A date should be sweet and romantic.

She would feed Xu Nian a bite of ice cream, Xu Nian would feed her a takoyaki ball, then they’d discuss which fun ride to try next, and finally enjoy a heartwarming romance movie—that’s how it should have gone.

Not this nerve-wracking ordeal where a single misstep could cost them their lives.

“Now that we’re involved, we can’t afford to complain. Understanding the situation and finding a way out should be our priority,” Xu Nian said thoughtfully.

“First, we need to figure out what pathways those staff members represent. From what I can tell, the red uniforms probably correspond to [Joy].”

“What about the black, yellow, and pink ones?”

Those were the other staff uniforms Su Qingya had noticed along the way.

“Black is likely [Fear]. As for yellow and pink, I’m not sure, but one of them must represent [Awe].”

“How do you know that?” Su Qingya raised an eyebrow.

This aligned somewhat with her own guesses, but she still wanted to hear Xu Nian’s reasoning.

“Pfft, pfft, what a clueless little minnow you are, Qingya. Isn’t it obvious? The red ones are all smiling and cracking jokes, but their words are full of manipulation. The black ones look like they’ve been sucking on lemons, like the whole world owes them money. How can you not see that? You’re really hopeless. What if you run into danger alone someday—”

Xu Nian’s expression suddenly darkened.

“You’re not allowed to run into danger alone.”

“Huh? How can I promise that?” Of course, Su Qingya knew Xu Nian was just worried about her. “But why couldn’t the grumpy one be [Anxiety]?”

“[Anxiety]? I don’t know what that emotion represents, but it definitely wouldn’t be black.”

Instinctively, black just felt tied to [Fear].

That was such a stereotype.

“You’re probably right.”

Su Qingya accepted the stereotype.

But there were just too many Emotion Beasts here.

At a conservative estimate, there were at least four different types present.

This was no longer just a large-scale Emotion Beast incident—it was far worse.

“Niannian, when do you think the authorities will show up? A place this dangerous, and so out in the open—they have to deal with it, right?”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

Xu Nian sighed helplessly. “Because the scale is so vast, even if there are authorities, they’ll probably operate in secret.”

“After all, if you know of the Emotion Beasts, the Emotion Beasts know of you. If this causes widespread panic and the news spreads, it could trigger an even greater disaster.”

Hearing Xu Nian’s analysis, Su Qingya fell silent before finally nodding firmly.

“Got it. Niannian, until the Emotion Beasts are completely dealt with, I’ll protect you.”

“Okay, okay~ Then I’ll be counting on Qingya to keep me safe.”

Hearing Xu Nian play along so readily, Su Qingya huffed and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Su Qingya’s arms were surprisingly warm.

With her by her side, this crisis didn’t feel quite as terrifying anymore.

[Fear Level: 42%]

Seeing the fear level dropping steadily, Su Qingya couldn’t suppress a smile.

Taking things step by step really was effective.

Just like this, slowly, slowly breaking down her defenses—surely Niannian wouldn’t be so afraid of her anymore, right?

“Let’s get out of here. It’s not safe to stay.”

Since the staff were likely beyond saving, there was no point waiting around.

“Okay.”

But just then, an abrupt voice shattered the moment.

“Hey, are you two staff? Why aren’t you in uniform?”

It was a low, youthful voice that instantly seized their attention.

Xu Nian and Su Qingya turned to explain—

Only for their eyes to widen in shock.

The figure before them wasn’t a boy at all, but a talking goat.

Xu Nian didn’t answer, considering whether to flee immediately. The rules stated there were no animals in the park.

Let alone talking ones.

If you saw one, you were supposed to get away at once.

Wait…

Xu Nian suddenly realized something.

There was another possibility.

A yokai.

Like herself.

She was a fox spirit, after all.

Maybe the rule about “no animals in the park” and “immediately leave if you see one” referred to this?

If so, Xu Nian could technically be considered a talking fox.

No, that didn’t quite add up.

The logic didn’t seem to fit.

As Xu Nian wrestled with her thoughts, the goat took slow, deliberate steps toward them.

“Why won’t you speak? Why won’t you answer me?”

It let out a bleating cry, its eyes gradually turning blood-red.

“What’s with those looks? Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Are you a yokai? Why are you wandering around in your true form?” Xu Nian couldn’t help but ask.

“A yokai? I’m not a yokai!”

“But you look like a goat right now.”

Su Qingya chimed in as well.

At those words, the goat began thrashing wildly, kicking its hooves in frenzy.

“A goat? What are you talking about? I’m human! I’m not a goat, and I’m definitely not a yokai!”

It lowered its head, muttering strange words, until suddenly—it caught sight of its own hooves. Its expression twisted into something even more deranged.

“How could I be a goat? It’s impossible! No! NO!”

Seeing this, Su Qingya shakily pulled Xu Nian behind her. A tangible barrier flared to life around them, more solid and defined than before.

Even the surrounding space darkened.

Xu Nian frowned, gripping Su Qingya’s arm tightly as she scanned the area for anything they could use.

Then—the goat snapped its head up.

“Give me your tickets! I need them! NOW!”

With that, the goat charged at them, eyes bloodshot and veins bulging. A ghastly screech tore from its throat as the air grew thick and oppressive, making movement nearly impossible.

Its jaws gaped wide, unleashing a wave of putrid stench. Between its jagged teeth, shreds of flesh clung in the gaps.

Trembling, Su Qingya summoned a coil of black energy.

Though her entire body shook uncontrollably, her face etched with terror, her hands moved without hesitation.

As if guided by an external force, her arm shot forward at an inhuman speed, driving the dark spear straight into the goat’s skull.

The beast had been moments from reaching them when an eerie force froze it in place.

Like an invisible hand had seized it by the throat.

The obsidian spear pierced its brain.

Instantly, inky tendrils of fear erupted, engulfing the goat in a shroud of black mist.

All that remained was its piercing, agonized scream.