SWBG - Chapter 14

Shang Min'e's member ID was 04315-96. As a veteran player from one of the oldest rooms, he stared blankly at the beaming Cheng... Cheng-something outside his door.

Though the door wasn't open wide, the girl's slender frame slipped right through. Rubbing his eyes, Shang wondered if he was truly awake.

"We're clearing the instance today. Isn't throwing yourself at me a bit late now?"

Ignoring his nonsense, Gu Jing Sheng cut to the chase: "If we confirm who the werewolf is, can you deal with him?"

Shang Min'e looked her up and down, then countered: "Detective's Friend?"

Gu Jing Sheng was genuinely surprised: "So players affected by items can immediately know their status?"

Her directness confirmed his suspicions, easing Shang's morning grumpiness. He unusually explained: "Normally no, but with special items, yes."

["No Escape" Flashlight: A miraculous flashlight needing no charge. Though its lens appears slightly damaged, Mr. Frog still sells it alongside intact ones.

It barely illuminates ahead, but shows yourself with perfect clarity.

"Clearance items are non-refundable!"

Rating: ★★★★★

Note: For your eye’s safety, avoid staring directly at the light.]

When activated, the flashlight reveals status effects on its user.

On the first day, Shang Min'e had been shocked to discover an unusual buff applied to him:

[From: Happy Board Game

Participant 04315-96 meets conditions for [Detective Traveling with Companion].

The detective is surprised to find his friend has also arrived at this charming yet dangerous farm.

"With such keen intellect and perception, your life brims with adventure and peril—you are the renowned detective Mr.04315-96!"

Note: Mr.04315-96 understands that should his friend depart, he cannot remain either.]

As a veteran, Shang Min'e knew "cannot remain" referred not to himself, but his detective persona—which would vanish if Gu Jing Sheng left or was eliminated.

Since the buff seemed harmless, Shang Min'e hadn't rushed to remove it—though after two days, he'd concluded it wasn't particularly helpful. Before Gu Jing Sheng's revelation, he'd waffled between suspecting Yao Ruo Ling or He Nan.

Shang Min'e raised an eyebrow: "Getting such an item right after joining—lucky you."

Gu Jing Sheng had no retort, feeling he was showing off: "A veteran lecturing me about items..."

Shang Min'e changed subjects: "You came about the werewolf?"

Gu Jing Sheng stated firmly: "I think I know who it is."

Out of rare kindness to a fellow deduction ally, Shang Min'e explained: "I have suspicions too, but lack proof. Acting directly might violate game rules."

Gu Jing Sheng frowned: "Must we catch them red-handed?"

Shang Min'e sighed—while others picked fruit, he got an extra puzzle: "Hard to witness. Even if we did, we couldn't act unless we knew their kill conditions and caught them mid-transformation."

Gu Jing Sheng: "Happy Board Game is too harsh on the good guys."

Shang Min’e concurred: "Abetting evil—truly outrageous."

Gu Jing Sheng: "But this time's fine—I know their kill condition."

Shang Min'e: "...What?"

Mr.04315-96 checked his status again, wondering if [Detective] actually boosted observation—why did his junior seem better at deduction?

Gu Jing Sheng stated confidently: "Asking about the time."

In Shang Min'e's mind, a rusty string twanged violently.

Though less versed in game rules, Gu knew Shang's deduction skills. She explained: "The deceased—Cao Wan Yan, Ma Cong, Liu Han Ru—all shared one trait besides being rookies: each had answered He Suo Wen's questions about time."

She'd noticed this while reviewing her memos—every entry had exact timestamps.

Not her habit, but influenced by someone else.

Gu Jing Sheng: "He's vision-impaired—a perfect excuse to ask for details. His careful targeting created the illusion that werewolves only attack weak rookies."

She almost admired He's restraint—after killing Ma Cong, he'd spared Wang Meng Yuan despite meeting conditions. Eliminating both rookies who followed him would've drawn immediate suspicion.

"Another detail: He's impeccably dressed despite hiking. His shoes gleam daily." Gu added, "Could be OCD—or needing to remove stains for some reason."

Shang studied her complexly: "One question—why assume I'd confront He Suo Wen?"

Gu Jing Sheng admitted: "I wasn't sure. But without counterbalance, this game would be unfairly difficult."

During loading, when notified of increased difficulty, Happy Board Game had given her [Little Fool's Bee Friend] for balance.

Its description suggested it located targets—meaning identifying the anomaly would revert the instance to low difficulty.

The bee had first appeared motionless on He—unlike its usual liveliness. Its single remaining use wasn't due to cheapness, but having already fulfilled its purpose.

"I might've realized sooner if the color puzzle hadn't distracted me," she sighed. New games always took time to master.

Though not fully following, Shang's detective pride prevented admitting confusion. He messaged Happy Board Game Gu's conclusions.

"Can't message teammates here, but can contact Happy Board Game once—especially for special missions," Shang explained while typing. Seeing the reply, he smirked: "Restrictions lifted. It's hunting season."

The farm was eerily silent—as if no life remained besides them.

Shang Min’e adjusted his cap: "Fitting pre-battle atmosphere."

Gu Jing Sheng: "It's so early—no internet here either. Normally I'd still be in bed... or maybe not asleep yet."

Shang: "...Did you literally die from overwork?"

En route, they found You Yi Ming and Wang Meng Yuan's corpses. He Nan and Yao Ruo Ling's cabins stood open—their occupants gone.

Shang: "You got lucky."

Gu Jing Sheng admitted: "Because I lived nearest to you."

At exactly 4 AM, the main house remained shut—even diligent Chef Sam wasn't working yet. He Suo Wen waited there already—his elegant demeanor more suited to a photoshoot than fruit-picking.

Noticing their footsteps, He Suo Wen turned with a smile: "I didn't expect you two together."

Shang kept his hands in pockets, frowning: "Where are the others—Yao what's-her-name and that fat guy?"

He looked innocent: "I wanted to ask you the same."

During this exchange, Gu sidled away to avoid impending combat.

Noticing this, He Suo Wen smiled: "Miss Cheng never trusted me."

His manner seemed both hurt and sorrowful.

Having exhausted supernatural explanations, Gu Jing Sheng tried something new: "I'm allergic to dog hair."

He Suo Wen: "..."

Shang Min’e reminded: "Pretty sure we established he's a wolf?"

Gu Jing Sheng amended: "Allergic to canid hair." Glancing at He Suo Wen, she added helpfully: "You may not know—dogs and wolves are the same species with no reproductive barriers."

Isn't our protagonist hilarious?