The Second Dessert
Octopus Ka's words were like a cruel blade, shattering everyone's original plan for a harmonious [dessert] session.
Robin asked tentatively.
"Um... this card... do I have to use it?"
"Of course," Octopus Ka's merciless voice shattered Robin's fantasy, "If you haven't used this card by the time everyone has finished [dessert], it will be 'randomly used'."
Octopus Ka said with a smile.
Upon Robin the answer, Robin's expression turned rather unpleasant.
Now, apart from her and Lin Yu, everyone else on the field only has two ropes left at most.
In other words...
This card allows Robin to choose two people to cut all the ropes.
Robin didn't have the courage to choose herself.
After all...
If she only has two ropes left, and someone else has the same [Scissors Card], then without a doubt...
Robin is tantamount to handing over one's Destiny to someone else.
So, Robin held the card in her hand and fell into deep thought.
It seems like they're doing some mental preparation.
Lin Yu noticed Robin's state and immediately spoke up.
"We don't have to use this card yet... Anyway, the last time this card can be used is after the [dessert] segment, after we've seen everyone else's cards, then we can make a decision."
"There may be more than just this one type of card."
Lin Yu said in a low voice.
Upon Robin, Robin realized what was happening.
That makes sense.
Then, she gripped the card tightly and said nothing more.
But Robin wasn't the only one feeling heavy-hearted.
Octopus Ka's words just now made everyone realize something...
This stage is definitely not based on "cooperation".
The "cards" that others obtain could very well become a weapon wielded against you.
Perhaps instead of helping others, interfering with them while they are trying to get through a difficult situation is the right thing to do!
And...
Having already seen Robin pass this stage once, perhaps getting the card as soon as possible is the best strategy!
Just as the Player present realized this...
A'yu has already raised her hand.
"I'll be the second one."
She said it without hesitation.
Although at this point she only had one rope, and it was likely a genuine one-time opportunity.
But...
A'yu still raised her hand.
"Do you think that the intelligence advantage from continuing to observe isn't as worthwhile as taking more risks to get the card first?" Li Hua commented, adjusting his glasses. "That's very much in line with this guy's style."
A'yu ignored Li Hua's comments.
She just stared at the Octopus Ka, oblivious to her surroundings.
"Hurry up and bring me dessert, cook."
A'yu spoke, Octopus Ka sized her up.
"Oh, it seems our second customer has arrived... In that case, I'll bring you a dessert that I guarantee you'll be satisfied with!"
Then...
The Octopus then retrieved new ingredients and cooking utensils from the pool and began preparing them at a dazzling speed.
The loud clanging and banging sounds were incessant; the cooking process of A'yu's dessert sounded like home renovation work!
Soon...
A clock-shaped cake was completed from Octopus Ka's hands.
He stuck a bell-shaped Candy on the clock-shaped cake, then pushed the dessert toward A'yu.
Lin Yu also looked at A'yu.
He knew that A'yu's Profession was also her "Unique Profession."
Furthermore, the Profession called "Freelancer" seems to also be able to use the abilities of other Profession.
Lin Yu wanted to see the dessert that was presented to her...
What exactly is going on?
"Please enjoy your dessert; I've named it [Alarm Clock]."
A'yu looked at the cake being served in front of her with a very unpleasant expression.
"Whispering sound..."
She clearly had no clue.
Seeing this, Lin Yu asked, "Hey, A'yu, is this a [Tier 2 Item] that you didn't choose?"
A'yu looked at Lin Yu with some surprise.
"Fluoxetine, are you trying to cause trouble or help me?"
"Of course I'll help you."
Lin Yu said with a smile.
Others might use Robin as a reference, but for Lin Yu...
Of course, "A'yu," who also has Unique Profession, is more valuable for reference.
Even better, if you can get something useful out of the questions...
Perhaps they can all be used in the next "Tier Advancement" Instance!
As expected, A'yu pursed her lips and ultimately chose to respond to Lin Yu.
"This isn't a [Tier 2 Item] that I didn't choose, but rather a [Tier 1 Item] that I didn't choose."
Since no one knew what the Tier Advancement Item for the "Unique Profession" was, A'yu's words surprised everyone.
"This is your [Tier 1 Item]? Why are you Tier 1?"
Lin Yu asked curiously.
"Who knows? Maybe it was random all along, or maybe it's because of my 'Unique Profession'," A'yu shrugged. "But... why did you help me?"
"Even though you have the most ropes on the field right now, you still don't want others to get the cards, right?"
A'yu countered with a question tinged with wariness.
This question is less like "Why are you helping me?" and more like "Give me a reason to trust you."
Judging from her troubled expression just now, A'yu clearly had no clue what to do with the Alarm Clock.
However, A'yu doesn't necessarily believe the "Fluoxetine" that actively comes to her aid!
Lin Yu also roughly understood A'yu's current state of mind.
His motives and reasons were certainly valid, but as someone who was involved with "Fluoxetine," Lin Yu couldn't possibly say it was because of his Unique Profession.
But it's easy to come up with a reason that can convince A'yu.
"Because I believe that even if you get the card that can cut the rope, you won't use it on me," Lin Yu said with a smile, "So... I'll still do you a favor."
A'yu narrowed her eyes. "But what if I insist on using it on you?"
Her tone was somewhat unfriendly.
Upon hearing A'yu's reply, Lin Yu burst into laughter. "That's just too interesting—I'll like you even more, and I'll look forward to you actually doing such a thing!"
"Prove it to me... I was wrong about you!"
His gaze was genuinely fixed on A'yu, and his tone was extremely ardent.
Seeing Lin Yu's appearance, A'yu scratched her head.
"You're really crazy... Fine, you win."
"I certainly won't harm you. If I had to choose two people to cut the rope, I already have someone in mind."
Upon hearing this, Qianhuan stroked his chin. "Eh, who could it be?"
Li Hua, standing beside him, glanced at him and said coldly, "No need to look, the bags belong to both of us."
Qianhuan sized up Li Hua: "Ha? You, a lackey of 'Order,' are sworn enemies with her 'Marauders,' so it's only natural that you're involved."
"But I'm part of the 'Freedom Alliance,' and while we're not allies with the 'Marauders,' we're at least on friendly terms... So why should we?"
Qianhuan asked, and Li Hua coldly replied, "Because you look cheap."
Qianhuan burst out laughing in anger at those words: "What the hell!"
Qianhuan looked at A'yu: "Look at you, A'yu, this 'Order' thing is trying to sow discord between us!"
A'yu looked at Qianhuan and said coldly, "Who do you think you are? I'll cut it up and send it away as soon as I get the card."