Tang Qi, the Tattletale

Tang Qi's skull trembled slightly, and he nearly failed to maintain his calm expression.

He had imagined that Miskatata's collection would contain some bizarre, powerful beings. After all, that giant crab liked not only rare ships but also powerful Sea Monsters. Its collection was far richer than Tang Qi's own.

But clearly, he had not expected Miskatata's collection to include a... Monarch Octopus!

Most importantly, this octopus was obviously one of its latest acquisitions.

Because not long ago, Tang Qi had encountered the Monarch Octopus currently inside that bubble in another region.

More precisely, that encounter had earned Tang Qi the title Tang the Runner.

Of course, he did not consider that humiliating. On the Mystic Side, even Demigod Level beings—no, even true gods—would unhesitatingly decline an invitation to a gathering from a whole group of Monarch Octopuses.

Even if they enthusiastically promised to bring organs from Parallax Monsters and Chaos Monsters as gifts.

The last time they had met, Tang Qi had immediately chosen to run. That humiliating scene seemed to still be right before his eyes.

Back then, the Monarch Octopus before him had been teary-eyed, looking utterly heartbroken.

By all rights, their reunion should have begun with accusations, perhaps even furious roars.

Yet it did not.

As Tang Qi met the gaze of those crystalline, Azure Blue Radiance-emitting eyeballs, which looked both adorable and cute, a familiar voice sounded in his mind.

"Good friend, we meet again."

"Did you come looking for me on purpose? You changed your mind, didn't you? The rumors really cannot be wrong. Every being who possesses the Ship of Fools is a wise and benevolent sage. How could you bear to reject such passionate, friendly Great Octopuses as us..."

As the chatterbox-like muttering ignored every obstacle and penetrated Tang Qi's mind, that