Chapter 143: Duel on the Wilderness (Part I)

"Player 1, you start. I’m just a plain villager. I only joined the police queue to clear my name, but I didn't expect so many people to show up. Since I’m speaking first and have no leads, I’ll just wish everyone a Happy New Year in advance." Player 1 cupped his hands politely with a smile.

"Speaking... speaking in the police queue is a bit nerve-wracking. I’m second. Player 1’s state of mind is good; I can accept him as a good guy. I’m a good guy, too. Let’s see how the rest of you perform."

Zhao Gongming curled his lips and followed the plan made last night: "I am the only Seer. Yesterday, I checked the player in the front position, Player 2. I intended to give him a 'golden water' (clear), but it turned out to be a 'guilty' result. There are only two players below the police line, 4 and 8. I’ll use my police badge clues to check them one by one. I’m taking the police badge. Pass."

Player 5 hung his head in thought for a moment before looking up. "The guilty result carries some weight, and the tone is an 85 out of 100. I’ll wait to see if anyone else jumps as a Seer in the later positions. If it’s a 'timid wolf' strategy, I’ll assume all four wolves are in the police queue. I’m a good guy. Pass."

It was Chen Fan’s turn. The preceding players had been brief, leaving him little time to prepare. He hesitated, then steadied his demeanor: "I’m a power role; I’m guarding against fake claims. I’m confident I can lead. If there’s only one Seer, I’ll withdraw, but if there are two, I definitely won't."

Claiming a power role is a risky strategy. If played well, you can identify all the other power roles and strike true, but if you overreach, you get dragged down. If the logic isn't sound, you won't be able to justify yourself later.

Player 7 paused, evaluating the previous speakers. "Player 2 is bowing to Player 1. Player 3’s claim as a Seer with a guilty result carries weight. Player 5 is so-so. I don’t quite understand why Player 6 is claiming a power role in the police queue. Even if the guard variant has a higher margin of error, there’s no need to claim this early. I’m suspicious. As a blind player, that’s all I can say. Pass."

"A power role, huh... There’s nothing left to say in the police queue; you’ve all covered everything. Let’s see if anyone else in the later positions claims to be a Seer." Player 9, who was killed on the first night, feigned a sigh. It was unclear who that comment about the "power role" was aimed at.

Player 10, Wu Yunxian, hurried to clarify: "I’m not the Seer; I’m just a plain card. Now only 11 and 12 are left. Could this be a 'timid wolf' game?"

"That’s naturally impossible, because I am the real Seer. Player 3 is a werewolf bluffing against me. Yesterday, I checked Player 12 in the back, and he is a 'golden water.' I’m not afraid of you challenging my claim. Player 2’s speech was very mediocre, and by accepting Player 1 as a good guy, he’s effectively lowered his own standing."

Player 11 sorted out the wolf team’s strategy for the night and added, "They are likely playing a 'wolf accusing a wolf' board, sacrificing Player 2 to elevate Player 3’s status and using that to frame me, the real Seer. The police badge must go to me. With them starting this way, the good guys are guaranteed a win."

Player 12, however, was skeptical. "Of course you aren't afraid of me challenging the claim; I’m speaking last. Both Seers have already appeared; would the wolf team send another to bluff? That would be suicide. Keep your 'golden water' to yourself; I’m not buying it. This round, I’m leaning more toward believing Player 3. I’ll wait to see the results of the next check before deciding."

"Fellow Daoist 3 has successfully become the host of the Investiture of the Gods ceremony. Last night, Fellow Daoist 9 over-cultivated, and his primordial spirit dissipated," Nuwa solemnly announced the voting results and the death. Players 4 and 8 below the police line both voted for Player 3. The Jie Sect’s wolf strategy had achieved initial success.

"Why didn't the Witch save me... Oh, I’m the Hunter!" Player 9 panicked. On the first day, a blind shot is more likely to hit a good guy, so Hunters who don't want to be blamed usually choose to keep their guns silent.

"Just keep your gun silent. Starting by slaughtering the gods is a solid play, and the police badge is still in my teammate's hands," Chen Fan muttered to himself.

Hunter 9 looked around, suddenly realizing something. "The speaking order is based on the positions of the deceased, right? That means there might be a 'clamped' kill position. Let me think..."

Chen Fan was startled. Had the "clamped kill" tactic been seen through?

"If I’m going to be blamed, so be it. It’s you, ugly! I’m taking you out!" Hunter 9 pointed at Wu Yunxian and revealed his role. "Player 9, the Hunter, activates his skill and takes Player 10 down with him."

Wu Yunxian had been idly stroking his fish whiskers, but he was so startled that he pulled them all out.

"Good heavens! I’m just a villager! Is being ugly my fault? I’m actually very handsome; you can’t blame me for the fish spirit character design! Ugh, one god and one villager gone."

Yunzhongzi of the Chan Sect made a perfect shot—one god for one wolf—recovering some ground for the good guys.

"Player 11, you speak first."

Zhao Gongming, holding the police badge, naturally arranged the order to create survival space for the wolf team.

"Afraid that speaking after me will put you under pressure?" Player 11 sneered, then explained to Player 12, "When I said I wasn't afraid of you challenging my claim, I meant I was confident. Perhaps my phrasing was off, but you must believe that I am the real Seer."

"This round, we tear off the badge, eliminate Player 3, and use the police badge clues to check 4 then 8. There’s definitely a wolf hiding underneath." Player 11’s logic was clear, though his delivery was a bit stiff.

Player 12, the "golden water," disagreed. "No, no, eliminating Player 3 is too risky. If there’s a guilty result, why not go for the guilty player? Player 2 spoke so poorly in the police queue; there's nothing wrong with eliminating him since he can't reveal a role. In my view, let's keep both Seers for one more round."

Player 1 also agreed. "Exactly. I think Hunter 9’s analysis of the 'clamped kill' was right. Player 10’s fortune-telling definitely pointed toward a role; it’s highly likely a wolf. If Player 2 can’t reveal a role this round, let’s eliminate him. Even if you, Player 11, think 3 and 2 are wolves framing each other, it doesn't matter who the real Seer is; eliminating 2 is definitely right."

Player 2 felt wronged. He had only spoken two sentences in the police queue, and now everyone below the line was calling him a wolf. "But I really don't have a role! Player 8 has played with me before; he knows my villager speeches are always weak. This Player 3 is a fake Seer; I don't accept his guilty result."

"In my eyes, I only know that 11 is real, 12 is the 'golden water' checked by a real Seer, and you, Player 1, are just following 12 to frame me. You... you 1 and 3 are wolves working together."

"Don't get excited; you can't even speak properly when you're nervous. Player 2, just self-destruct already. If you don't, I’ll start listing the wolf pit. Okay, 3... 2... 1..." Zhao Gongming threatened convincingly.

"This Player 12 speaks with a sunny disposition; he should be a real good guy. Player 1 is just following the trend; we can analyze if he’s a 'hook' wolf in a few days. The one Hunter 9 shot must be the lead wolf. Badge clues: 4 then 8. I won't worry about 6 claiming a god for now. Regardless, we have to eliminate 2 this round. I won't force the elimination of 11; I'm confident I can debate him tomorrow. Alright, that’s it."

"Hmm, Player 3’s speech below the police line is also okay. 2 is likely a wolf, or at least a plain card. We can afford to push him out." Player 4 also chose to side with 3 for now, and players 5 and 6, Chen Fan, also indicated they would push for Player 2’s elimination.

"Player 2 is truly pitiful, being stepped on by so many," Player 7 said, trying to fish for information but ultimately deciding to strike. "Though, if his speech is bad, it doesn't matter if he’s eliminated. I still don't understand why 6 had to claim a power role in the first round. Whatever, I hope 6 can give me an explanation later."

Player 8, Yuyixian, was placed at the end of the speaking order by his teammates. He naturally said, "I know Player 2, but he plays this way whether he’s a wolf or a villager. Honestly, I’m not sure if 3 is framing you or what, but since everyone says we should push you, as a righteous ally, I’ll choose to abstain this round and help you tidy up afterward."

"The Police Chief votes for Player 2."

Driven by the right time, place, and people, the wolf police officer Zhao Gongming led the wolf team to recover one round, and the Daoist plain villager, Player 2, was pushed out of the game.