Chapter 123: The Amphibian Conspiracy Theory

Chapter 123: The Amphibian’s Conspiracy Theory

“There were probably three waves of them coming, each larger than the last. I followed one of those waves and for the first time came into contact with the human world…”

“At that time, I could turn invisible and wandered unnoticed through your city. I learned a great deal. Later, when I returned here, the war had already begun. That foolish big water beast was killed by you, and then the fighting among you started…”

“I dared not show myself, fearing the same fate as the big water beast, so I hid nearby, watching your battles and learning from you. I saw much and learned much. Later, I followed Li Qingshui to your research facility and came to understand what a great man he is. Without him, there would be neither me nor my descendants.”

“I see,” Liu Chang nodded, sensing the sincerity in the creature’s words.

Yet, despite the creature’s friendly demeanor, Liu Chang remained cautious. After all, the being harbored deep suspicions and prejudices against humans, which was evident in Liuxin’s attitude.

Liuxin had little contact with humans, and his worldview was shaped entirely by the monster before him. Judging by Liuxin’s initial hostility, Liu Chang doubted the creature was as benevolent as it claimed.

“Let me show you my home,” the creature said upon seeing Liu Chang’s nod. Rising from the ground, it added, “It’s built according to your human aesthetics and our amphibian habits. Come, take a look.”

As the creature spoke, it headed toward a sandy hollow. Liuxin glanced at his father and Liu Chang before following. Liu Chang knew there was no chance of escape and simply accompanied them.

The three reached the edge of the sand pit. The creature nodded at Liu Chang, then leapt down into the hollow’s depths. Liu Chang mimicked the jump and entered another world.

Inside, Liu Chang found a space resembling a house, dug out and remodeled, spacious within.

The creature pressed a button on the sand wall, and suddenly the interior lit up.

“Electricity?” Liu Chang exclaimed in surprise.

“Electrical work isn’t difficult. I stole these devices and cables from humans,” the creature smiled. “I hope you don’t mind?”

“Not at all. They’re useless left with humans. But where does the power come from?” Liu Chang asked.

“I also stole a small fuel-powered generator,” the creature joked. “Don’t ask where the gasoline came from—also stolen.”

“Alright, no more questions,” Liu Chang laughed and nodded.

“Dad, he hurt me!” Liuxin shouted from behind. “Since he knows Li Qingshui, why don’t you trade him to Li Qingshui for what you want…”

“Shut up!” The creature bellowed at Liuxin, its voice deep and powerful like a roaring generator, revealing its immense lung capacity and internal strength.

Liuxin sneered but dared not speak further.

Liu Chang kept silent as the amphibian led him on a tour of the place.

There were imprisoned humans, strange equipment, and even a laboratory.

After the tour, the amphibian took Liu Chang back to his room, where three or four other young ones were present. He sent them away and invited Liu Chang to sit.

“Mr. Liu Chang, your purpose here today is to find me, isn’t it?” The amphibian poured a large cup of tea and knelt on his thick tail, adopting a formal demeanor.

“After all, few venture into the northern city jungle because of the poisonous areas. Also, I just smelled my own scent on you. Li Qingshui must have given you that, right?”

“Yes,” Liu Chang nodded. “He wanted me to find you. He seemed very interested in you.”

“Haha, Mr. Li has been interested in me for a long time. He set several traps trying to catch me, but I never came near, so he failed every time,” the amphibian said with a smile and a nod. “Our intelligence isn’t low. By your standards, my IQ is close to that of a human who has undergone a cerebral mutation. Catching me isn’t so easy.”

“Besides, I can tell that Mr. Li anticipated you being caught today. He must have been prepared for it.”

“Don’t sow discord between us,” Liu Chang said sharply.

“No, I wouldn’t stoop to such petty things. I’m just stating facts.” The amphibian took a sip from what to Liu Chang was a bucketful of tea and continued, “Mr. Li knows my abilities, my sense of smell, and my territory. He sent you here knowing there was more than a seventy percent chance I would detect you because my sense of smell is better than yours. So, before you even smelled me, I had already detected you—and the thing on you carrying my scent.”

“And once I detect you, there’s no way you won’t be caught. You’re strong among humans, yes, but compared to me…”

The amphibian paused.

“I know. Before you, I am powerless. Even your son can easily catch me.”

“If he had caught you today, you’d be unlucky. I didn’t smell you this time,” the amphibian smiled, “but the result would have been the same.”

“Heh heh heh. So according to you, Li Qingshui sent me here for some purpose? To kill me? That would be trivial for him; no need for such elaborate schemes.”

“No. Mr. Li knows that even if I catch you, I won’t kill you.” The amphibian smiled. “I think he counted on this. He also knew I met you four years ago, so he trusted sending you.”

“So what is his purpose? Tell me.”

“It’s probably to have a conversation with me. As you can see, although I can reproduce asexually now, it’s on a tiny scale, never enough to establish a population.” The amphibian frowned. “What I desperately need is reproductive ability, and on that front, Mr. Li can help.”

“And you probably are facing insurmountable troubles as well. So Mr. Li likely needs my help too.” The amphibian analyzed on the spot. “His purpose in sending you is clear: he wants to negotiate with me, and you are the bargaining chip he entrusted to me.”