"Master Liu?!" Officer Huang called out first.
The old man, nicknamed Monkey, was indeed none other than Master Liu, the one who often bought spicy hotpot.
Master Liu looked equally surprised. "You know me?"
Officer Huang was incredulous. "Aren't you...a Lost One?"
Master Liu chuckled as realization dawned on him. "Ah, the man you're thinking of is my older brother."
"Your brother?" Officer Huang frowned. "So you and Master Liu...you're twins?"
The elder, known as Monkey, smiled and nodded. "You can call me Second Master Liu."
Gao Yang scrutinized the man carefully. Although he bore a striking resemblance to Master Liu, he looked far younger, brimming with vitality, with a clarity in his gaze that contrasted with Master Liu's foggy demeanor. His bearing exuded a calm, unworldly wisdom, free from the airs of the mundane.
"Second Master Liu?" Officer Huang was both shocked and puzzled. "Your brother is a beast, while you're human... How is that possible between twins?"
He voiced Gao Yang’s own question.
"To unravel that mystery is precisely why I joined the Zodiac Twelve," Second Master Liu replied with a serene smile. "Though I'm no young man, in terms of tenure here, I'm among the last."
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So that was it. Gao Yang increasingly felt as if he hadn’t even left the beginner’s village; there were too many mysteries in this “world” still waiting to be uncovered.
“Second Master Liu,” Officer Huang stepped forward and firmly shook his hand. “Honestly, today is the happiest I’ve ever been to see someone.”
“Oh? And why is that?”
Officer Huang managed a bitter smile. "Of all the awakened ones I've encountered, you're the only one who’s lived to such an age."
"Ha-ha!" Second Master Liu laughed heartily.
“A household with an elder is a treasure indeed,” White Rabbit joined with a smile. "Second Master Liu is also the only elder in the organization, and everyone regards him as a good-luck charm!"
“You too can live long and prosper, just like me,” Second Master Liu said, slipping his mask back on.
All eyes naturally shifted to the last member.
Songbird was a young woman with cascading brown curls, a finely crafted mask covering the top half of her face, adorned with lifelike bird feathers. Her dress—a vividly colored, floral halter gown—embodied a lush, natural beauty. Her slender, smooth legs were bare, and her slim, elegant arms were draped in bracelets and bangles in contrasting hues. She moved gracefully, her every step accompanied by a soft, delightful chime, like a magnificent peacock.
She didn’t remove her mask, but even the lower half of her face revealed a true beauty: a delicate nose, lush red lips, and a sharp, yet warm chin.
She smiled, extending her hand in a soft voice, “You may call me Songbird.”
“Hello, Songbird.”
Gao Yang, Qing Ling, and Officer Huang greeted her in turn. Despite her friendly demeanor, Songbird said no more, leading to a brief, awkward silence.
White Rabbit quickly intervened, “Oh, don’t get the wrong idea—Songbird isn’t aloof. She just keeps quiet to avoid lulling us to sleep.”
“Her ability?” Gao Yang guessed.
“Yes,” White Rabbit explained. “Songbird’s ability is called *Requiem*, serial number 66. Her voice has a natural hypnotic effect; few can last thirty seconds once she starts singing. Conversation is easier, but most people still can't endure beyond five minutes. If any of you need help with insomnia, feel free to talk to her. She’s always eager to chat, so don't hesitate to reach out.”