Dice In The Darkness: Cthulhu Calls

The rural hunting bird gun, in essence, can be understood as a budget version of a shotgun. It uses gunpowder as a propellant to shoot steel balls or iron pellets at the enemy. While the bird gun’s long-range accuracy and damage are both quite unimpressive, it excels at close range, with nearly a hundred percent hit rate and considerable damage.

In the operation to deal with the Troll tomorrow, if the Troll tries to escape through the basement exit, these two bird guns could prove highly effective. Firstly, because the Troll should be entangled in the fishing net, significantly reducing its mobility. Secondly, these two bird guns were most likely already loaded at close range, so even if the Troll has tough skin, taking two shots up close would undoubtedly be very painful.

So, Hu Cang was really lending a big hand this time.

Thinking of this, Liu Xing couldn’t help but pick up one of the bird guns and examine it.

This homemade bird gun (loaded with steel balls) had decent craftsmanship. Although it had been in use for over a decade, meticulous maintenance had kept it almost like new.

Damage (close/medium/long range): 2d6/1d6/1d3, reload speed 1d2 combat rounds.

All shotguns had damage categorized into close, medium, and long-range types. After all, the farther the distance, the lower the theoretical damage of a shotgun, and the accuracy would also drop significantly.

As for the bird gun’s slow reload speed, Liu Xing was mentally prepared for it. In the real world, Liu Xing had used this type of bird gun before while hunting wild chickens in the mountains back in his hometown. At that time, it took him over a minute to reload ammunition.

However, Liu Xing believed that the slow reload speed of the bird gun could be disregarded. In dealing with the Troll, they would most likely need to fire only one shot at most.

Of course, although the information about this bird gun seemed somewhat lacking, Liu Xing was quite satisfied with the damage aspect, which he cared about the most. Two 2d6 bird guns should conservatively be able to remove 10 points of the Troll’s HP.

Based on Liu Xing’s estimation, Troll, as a high-attack and high-agility mythical creature, probably had around 15 HP. So, if they could instantly remove 10 points of the Troll’s HP, it would likely leave the Troll severely wounded. They might not even need Hu Li’s assistance; their group could handle the Troll on their own.

With this in mind, Liu Xing’s confidence swelled.

At this moment, Hu Cang spoke, "By the way, Ryuusei-sensei, you should see the leather bag next to it. That’s where the black gunpowder for the bird guns is stored. As for the steel balls, they are in that plastic bottle. When you reload ammunition later, remember to load the gunpowder first, don’t overfill it to avoid barrel explosions, and then insert about ten steel balls."

Liu Xing nodded and smiled, "I understand this. I’ve used these bird guns for hunting back in Island Nation, so I’m quite familiar with their use."

Upon hearing Liu Xing’s words, Hu Cang sighed with relief and said, "That’s good. I was worried that you might try to maximize the output of these bird guns by overloading them with gunpowder and steel balls when reloading. This bird gun is a homemade weapon, and its safety factor is already very low. If it explodes, it can cause serious harm to the shooter."

Liu Xing nodded. He had heard about bird gun explosions many times, and the consequences were always severe, ranging from disfigurement to death.

After explaining the bird guns, Liu Xing and the others had dinner. They didn’t plan to activate the Private Room feature on the third floor that night because there was no need to delve further into the day’s events. They had already discussed almost everything relevant, so they didn’t want to waste their valuable Private Room time.

Liu Xing and the others chatted casually for a while and then went to their respective rooms to rest.

Ling Ishikawa continued studying magic, while Liu Xing, who had nothing else to do, played with his phone for a while before going to sleep.

A quiet night passed without incident.

The next morning, as soon as Liu Xing woke up, he noticed that Ling Ishikawa was still studying magic.

"Ling Ishikawa, there’s no need to push yourself so hard. You don’t have to learn this magic so quickly, and... wait, Ling Ishikawa, why do you have long hair now?" Liu Xing exclaimed in shock.

Indeed, the Ling Ishikawa standing with her back to Liu Xing, wearing the same clothes as before, no longer had the half-snake scales. Instead, she had long, glossy black hair.

Could it be?!

Ling Ishikawa turned around, confirming Liu Xing’s suspicion.

At this moment, Ling Ishikawa had transformed into a girl with well-defined features, exuding an air of vitality. She appeared to be around 80 on the attractiveness scale.

Seeing this, Liu Xing couldn’t help but jokingly say, "Ling Ishikawa, I didn’t expect you to look so good as a girl. Maybe you shouldn’t change back."

Ling Ishikawa looked at Liu Xing with a resigned expression and said, "Master, please don’t tease me. You have no idea how much determination it took for me to decide to use this transformation magic. I knew you’d make fun of me..."

Ling Ishikawa’s voice was now incredibly pleasant, completely different from her previous tone.

Liu Xing quickly suppressed his laughter and said seriously, "Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore. But I have to admit, Ling Ishikawa, your transformation magic is quite impressive. If I didn’t know your current situation, I wouldn’t recognize you at all. You look completely different now, with no resemblance to your previous appearance."

Ling Ishikawa nodded and said, "That’s true. After all, transformation magic is meant to completely change oneself, to prevent others from discovering your true identity. So, the effect of this transformation magic is excellent, almost like becoming a different person."

Liu Xing pondered for a moment and decided to change the topic. "Speaking of which, Ling Ishikawa, you still haven’t answered me. Why are you studying magic so early? Isn’t it a bit too eager?"

Ling Ishikawa shook her head and smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Master. Actually, I went to bed early last night, but I woke up early today because of some psychological pressure. So, as soon as it was light out, I made up my mind to use transformation magic and started learning magic. Although I don’t need this magic urgently, it’s always a good thing to learn it sooner."

Liu Xing rubbed his chin and said, "You’re right. But now that you’ve transformed into this appearance, Ling Ishikawa, Hu Li might not recognize you anymore. So, when we go to see Hu Li later, how about you change your name?"

Frowning, Ling Ishikawa hesitated, "I’m not sure if I can fool Hu Li with this transformation. After all, as you mentioned, Hu Li identifies people based on their scent, not their appearance.…"

Liu Xing nodded and said, "That’s true. Hu Li distinguishes people by their scent. However, Ling Ishikawa, you’ve probably noticed that your scent has changed after using the transformation magic. So, Hu Li shouldn’t be able to recognize your true identity."

Liu Xing could indeed smell a unique, indescribable fragrance emanating from Ling Ishikawa now.

After thinking it over, Ling Ishikawa nodded and said, "You’re right, Master. I’ve noticed that my scent has changed after using the transformation magic. So, Hu Li shouldn’t be able to discern my true identity. But, Master, what do you plan to have me do when I go to Hu Li’s side? Act as a spy?"

Liu Xing chuckled and replied seriously, "Yes, that’s what I’m thinking. I want you, Ling Ishikawa, to act as a spy on Hu Li’s side. Although Hu Li is officially our partner now, to be honest, I can’t fully trust that Hu Li is completely aligned with us. So, I need a way to find out Hu Li’s true intentions. And now that you’ve transformed into this appearance, you should be able to become Hu Li’s confidante. Hu Li seems to have a good attitude towards women, and you’re currently the only female in all of Panlong Town."

Ling Ishikawa touched her head and said, "Even though what you’re saying makes sense, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s not right. But since you’re saying this, Master, I’ll follow your lead and try my luck with Hu Li. I hope she won’t recognize me."

So, Liu Xing began discussing with Ling Ishikawa to create a new identity for her.

Following the common trope seen in Island Nation anime, Ling Ishikawa’s new name became Ishikawa Ayako. Her backstory was that she was Ling Ishikawa’s younger sister, who had come to Panlong Town in search of her missing older brother.

"Ishikawa Ayako, please take care of me," Liu Xing said with a smile.

Ling Ishikawa nodded reluctantly and replied, "Please take care of me, Master."

At that moment, Zhang Jingxu walked into the room and, with a surprised expression, said, "Ryuusei-sensei, are you all awake? If you are, let’s go down and have breakfast together... Wait, who are you!?"

Zhang Jingxu looked at Ling Ishikawa in shock.

Ling Ishikawa felt a bit embarrassed and adjusted her hair before saying, "I am Ling Ishikawa."

Zhang Jingxu then realized and said, "Ah, I didn’t expect you to actually use that transformation magic, Ling Ishikawa. But to be honest, you look quite beautiful like this. Maybe you should keep this appearance, and when you return to your country, you can become an idol."

Ling Ishikawa chuckled and said, "Get lost!"

Since Zhang Jingxu wasn’t Liu Xing, Ling Ishikawa didn’t need to be polite.

However, Zhang Jingxu didn’t mind and approached with a playful smile, saying, "I was just joking, Ling Ishikawa. If you’d allow me to..."

Before Zhang Jingxu could finish his sentence, Ling Ishikawa interrupted, "I’ll tell Lu Tianya about this."

Lu Tianya was Zhang Jingxu’s Achilles’ heel, so he quickly shook his head and said with a forced smile, "No, no, Ling Ishikawa, I was just joking. You’re a grown-up; please don’t tell Lu Tianya about this."

Ling Ishikawa smiled and said, "We’ll see how you behave in the future."

Liu Xing watched the slightly tsundere Ling Ishikawa and couldn’t help but think she was getting into character.

But it was quite entertaining.

At this moment, Li Dian and Wan Chongshan entered the room and saw the "new" Ling Ishikawa. They both exclaimed in surprise.

Liu Xing informed Zhang Jingxu and the others about Ling Ishikawa’s new identity, and they all understood his reasoning.

After finalizing their story, they all went downstairs for breakfast. Hu Cang also expressed amazement at Ling Ishikawa’s transformation.

After breakfast, Liu Xing decided to take Ling Ishikawa to find Hu Li. One reason was to test if Hu Li knew Ling Ishikawa’s real identity. If Hu Li didn’t, then Liu Xing could introduce Ling Ishikawa to her. The other reason was Ling Ishikawa’s clothing; it appeared too masculine in her current form. Liu Xing thought it would be a good idea to buy some women’s clothing from Hu Li’s store.

Since Ling Ishikawa had transformed into a female, she didn’t mind wearing women’s clothing.

So, Liu Xing and Ling Ishikawa went downstairs to find Hu Li.

Today wasn’t a special event day, so Hu Li’s clothing store wasn’t open yet.

As Liu Xing contemplated whether to call out to Hu Li from downstairs, Hu Li lifted the storefront curtain and looked at Ling Ishikawa with a hint of curiosity.

Seeing this, Liu Xing realized that Hu Li probably didn’t know Ling Ishikawa’s true identity.

So, Liu Xing presented their prepared explanation, "Miss Hu Li, this is Ishikawa Ayako, Ling Ishikawa’s younger sister. We came here because we found out that her brother and I had gone missing suddenly. On our way to Panlong Town, we lost our luggage, and her clothes got wet due to falling into the water. So, I brought her here to buy some clothes."

Hu Li nodded and looked at Ling Ishikawa thoughtfully.

Then, the sound of dice rolling echoed.

However, Liu Xing had expected this reaction since Hu Li wasn’t a Fool. She would naturally have doubts about the authenticity of their story.

"I see. It’s unexpected that someone can still enter Panlong Town these days. But it’s a good thing; after all, more people mean more strength. Alright, Ishikawa Ayako, let’s go pick out some clothes for you," Hu Li said with a smile.

It seemed that Hu Li hadn’t realized Ling Ishikawa’s true identity.

However, Ling Ishikawa remained unfazed.

Liu Xing suddenly remembered that Ling Ishikawa couldn’t understand Hu Li’s words.

So, he quickly said, "Miss Hu Li, could you please activate telepathic ability for Ishikawa Ayako? She’s from Island Nation and doesn’t understand Chinese."

Hu Li nodded, smiling, and said, "You’re right; I completely forgot about that. Let me give her telepathic ability."

As Hu Li approached Ling Ishikawa, she suddenly leaned in and kissed her on the lips!

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