The Final Odyssey, the fantastical journey of a cat boy

"Mr. Fish, you saw something different from what we saw just now, didn't you?" After Fish said those words, Xiaoxing understood—back when they were adventuring together in Twilight City, she already knew that certain tricks from the old civilization era could not affect Fish.

The most typical example is the "Virtual Paradise," which can be considered the greatest enemy of explorers.

While this system is theoretically nothing more than "creating false sounds and images" and has no real harmful power, the problem is that it doesn't rely on any form of audio-visual effects; instead, it directly targets the recipient's brain. Therefore, various detectors and probes are ineffective against "Virtual Paradise." Generally, victims only realize what is happening after direct contact.

It is precisely because of this difficult nature that even the most experienced explorers and treasure hunters can fall into a deadly trap due to momentary carelessness in the ruins of old civilization cities filled with the "illusory paradise" effect. Even armored warriors with sophisticated detection methods are no exception.

What's more troublesome is that "Virtual Paradise" also has models integrated into smaller Old Civilization Era products, making them more concealed and more likely to ensnare people into dangerous illusions without their knowledge. Many serious accidents that have occurred while testing relics from the Old Civilization Era are related to this kind of contraption.

What's astonishing is that Fish can completely ignore the effects of the "Virtual Paradise" on his brain if he wants to—and even he himself can't explain why.

"There's a big... uh, silvery-white tent over there? But the material doesn't seem like a normal tent, at least it looks a bit like... a balloon?" Fish said as he approached, trying his best to describe it with his limited vocabulary.

Just in case, Huang Yan's arm armor, which could be covered by the sleeves of his military green cloak, had been reconstructed into monomolecular wrist blades and ion guns, so that he would have a way to retaliate should someone suddenly attack.

"Not bad, Mr. Fish. Although you haven't received any formal education, you still recognized it as a portable inflatable structure at a glance," Huang Yan said in the security channel. Since it lacks a brain and nervous system in the conventional sense, this mysterious artificial intelligence residing in the intelligent combat armor is naturally unaffected.

"Portable inflatable building?"

"Yes, these are creations from the old civilization era. They were originally intended for use by expedition teams exploring terrestrial planets beyond Earth," Huang Yan explained. "These structures come in many sizes, but they are all made of high-tenacity carbon fiber coated with flame-retardant material and radiation-shielding layers. They are extremely lightweight. The one in front of us, for example, weighs less than 6 kilograms when folded up."

"This is even lighter than a military summer tent," Ange commented. "Doesn't that mean it's not very sturdy?"

"Quite the opposite," Huang Yan said. "Even this small Beta-1 type inflatable tent is strong enough. According to the data in my database, this tent should be able to withstand attacks from light projectile weapons within 100 meters, and it also has nuclear, biological, and chemical protection capabilities."

"Things from the old civilization era are as outrageous as ever," Shuangye muttered upon hearing this. "Not to mention, this thing even comes with a 'Virtual Paradise' as a cover. I really wonder who could possess something like this."

"We can't draw any conclusions yet," Ange replied. "After all, products from the old civilization era fall into two categories: custom-made and mass-produced. The former are owned by specific individuals and often have genetic locks for protection. Even if they are unearthed in modern times, they are unusable and can only be sold in museums or trash cans depending on their appearance. The latter, on the other hand, are mass-produced ordinary goods that are often easier to use than products from our time... such as the 'Goron' used by the military."

"And there's intelligent combat armor... although it's rather special, only a select few can use it," Fish added as they approached within ten meters of the inflatable tent.

Perhaps because they were so confident in the stealth capabilities of their built-in "Virtual Paradise" system, the people inside the tent remained completely still even as Fish and his group approached. Of course, to avoid arousing suspicion, although they had activated the weapon system just in case, Fish and the others continued to feign complete indifference to the "tree branch hut," as if they hadn't noticed anything amiss ahead.

Until they are close enough to their target.

Just in case, Fish paused for a few seconds in front of the inflatable tent. At the same time, Huang Yan turned all the detection systems to maximum sensitivity and conducted a series of detections, including electronic reconnaissance, metal detection, and explosive detection, to confirm that the other party had not placed any unethical things such as directional mines or IEDs.

After confirming that there were no such things around, Fish, like a superhero in disguise, took off his cloak and fully activated Phoenix Flame, transforming it from a light, close-fitting armor that only covered his torso back into a full-body armor with a helmet.

Then, having made thorough preparations, he quickly rushed to the entrance of the inflatable tent, unzipped the door, and charged inside, holding the ion gun built into his arm armor high.

"Wow--"

"ah--"

Although the interior of this portable inflatable structure is quite spacious by tent standards, it is still just a tent after all, and there are no separate rooms inside. A lot of miscellaneous items, dirty clothes, leftover food, and other personal belongings are scattered haphazardly inside.

In the corner of the tent, there was a small bathtub made of the same inflatable material. Two petite, naked girls were soaking in the warm water in the bathtub, wiping each other's bodies.

Although a thin veil of mist floated in the air, thanks to Huang Yan's high-precision multi-spectral optical sensor array, Fish was able to see every detail of the two of them, enjoying a feast for the eyes.

However... for him, a pure-hearted young man, this was far too stimulating.

"Aaaaaaahh ...

"I'm sorry, Miss Melu, I didn't realize you were taking a bath." Compared to Fish, Xiaoxing and Ange didn't need to panic so much. After finding no threat inside the inflatable tent, Ange immediately apologized to the girls in the kindest possible tone, trying to reassure them.

Unfortunately, this didn't work very well. Melu was still clinging tightly to the other girl, her whole body trembling with fear.

Welcome to the fantastical world of science fiction! The entrance is here:

The girl held in Melu's arms looked even younger than her. She appeared to be no more than ten years old, with curly blonde hair, emerald green eyes, skin as white as solidified milk, and features as exquisite as a life-size doll sold in a toy store in the past.

Generally speaking, her "physical attributes" surpassed those of about 90% of girls her age, reaching a level that would attract the attention of the vast majority of men and even women upon first meeting her... However, at this moment, Fish's companions were staring at her with wide eyes for a completely different reason.

This girl lacks some essential elements of this era.

"Hmm... what's this? Cat ears made of velvet?"

After the two little girls stopped throwing various odds and ends at him, Fish stood up cautiously and picked up something that had fallen to his feet: a hair clip made of ash wood with two fluffy cat ears sewn on it. Although the material was crude, the workmanship was very fine, and at first glance it could be mistaken for the real thing.

Fish had heard from Huang Yan that in the ancient civilization era, many self-proclaimed cosplayers liked to wear such things for photos and videos. The reason why the new humans commonly possess features such as animal ears and tails is also related to this preference of humans in the old civilization era.

However, in an era where everyone has animal ears, the act of making animal ear hair ornaments seems somewhat meaningless. Even stranger, among the miscellaneous items found near Fish, there was even a fake cat tail made from the tail of a wild lynx. Judging from the structure of one end of the cat tail, it was clearly meant to be fixed to the wearer.

The blonde, green-eyed girl being held tightly by Melu had neither animal ears nor a tail. Of course, she also lacked horns, nictitating membranes, claws, hoofed feet, sharp canines, or intradermal bone formations—physical structures that different Newtypes might possess.

This is a very "pure" human girl. Ten centuries ago, her appearance would have been considered that of an ordinary, unremarkable normal girl. However, in this era, this "normality" itself is extremely abnormal.

"As expected..." Ange nodded, having already roughly guessed the cause and effect through reasoning before entering.

"As expected..." Xiaoxing also made the same move - although she usually doesn't talk much and has a low profile, she is also very quick-witted.

"Not surprising at all." Mint, along with her subordinates Xiao Luo and Peanut, all showed expressions of "that's true."

"You... are you the legendary 'jinx,' a survivor from an old civilization who can control autonomous weapons?" Finally, Shuangye drew her sword, pointing the blade at the girl. Of course, she had no intention of harming her. However, in front of a legendary "jinx," no amount of caution was excessive.

"Shana isn't some kind of 'jinx'!" Although still trembling with fear, Meru mustered her courage and said, "She...she's just an ordinary girl I found in the forest a while ago! I promise, she's a very nice person and means no harm to anyone!"

"Hmm...really?" Ange muttered doubtfully.

"It might be true," Huang Yan replied. "As far as I know, all citizens registered in the old civilization have higher security priority than the new humans. Once the automated systems left behind by the old civilization detect that the personal safety of such a person is under imminent threat, they will immediately take all possible actions."

Does this also include eliminating the "threat"?

"Yes. And this action is not necessarily related to the individual's will. It will be executed automatically once a threat is detected—but then again, as long as one has at least the basic control equipment and knows the most basic way of issuing commands, a genuine old human can theoretically control most of the remaining old civilization era equipment on Earth," Huang Yan said. "Of course, this does not include special individuals like myself."

"So which side are you on?" Shuangye asked.

"I take orders directly from the Joint Operations Headquarters and fight for the greatest benefit of human civilization, not for any individual human being," Huang Yan replied. "As for specific details, I cannot disclose them."

"So... how do we deal with this 'jinx'?" Ange continued to ask. "According to what that person said before, she does seem to pose a danger to others."

"I...I didn't mean to! I didn't want this to happen either..." After hearing Ange's words, Shana, who had been silent all along, finally spoke in a weak voice, "I didn't want to hurt anyone...I never want that to happen again..."

"Analysis of the subject's body temperature, tone of voice, heart rate, and facial expressions indicates that there is a 78% probability that this statement is true, with an error margin of ±14%," Huang Yan reported. "It is recommended to accept this statement with limited credibility."

"In that case, shall we take her back?" Shuangye said. "Although there are countless legends of 'Calamities' and 'Survivors of the Old Civilization Era,' if I remember correctly, there has never been an official record of discovering any living ancient humans! Such a significant discovery needs to be carefully protected!"

"I agree," Huang Yan said. "Please don't hurt her."

"Leave it to me," Fish nodded, bent down to pick up a slightly dirty dress, and tossed it to the two little girls in the inflatable bathtub. "Please put this on first, and we'll escort you to a safe ship where there's plenty of food and clothing..."

"Splash!"

Before Fish could finish speaking, Shana suddenly stood up from the water, brazenly exposing her naked body to Fish. This bold move startled Fish, causing him to instinctively close his eyes.

Then, the anomaly occurred.

After pointing at Fish, Shana, who had previously appeared fearful and weak, shouted several words sharply. Then, a bracelet suddenly appeared out of thin air on her slender hand.

As the bracelet began to glow an ominous red light, Fish sensed something large and unfamiliar trying to force its way into his consciousness. Although he didn't know what it was, he knew it was attempting to seize control of his body!

Fish tried to stop the other party, but he had no idea what to do in this situation. In a panic, he could only be like a plant parasitized by dodder, gradually being penetrated, bound, and swallowed up by that thing... until another, more powerful force suddenly broke in and began to struggle with the previous intruder.

"Ughhhhhhh—" Fish was plunged into intense pain as the two forces collided. Then, in the instant a bright flash appeared, his consciousness was completely swallowed up.

Chapter 59, "The Special Girl (Part 2)," is now available! Read it now!