Chapter 9 Dominant Ling Zuo
1395 Words
After hearing Player 4 Nian Nian’s post-police speech and wolf analysis, Ling Zuo couldn’t help but admire their skill.
Their wolf identification was flawless—almost perfect. The only slight error was misjudging the identities of the eliminated Players 2 and 10.
Player 4 assumed at least one of the three dead players must be good, but in reality, all three were wolves.
This mistake was understandable, though. Three wolves dying in one night was practically unheard of.
For a Seer with limited information, correctly identifying two wolves among the dead was already impressive.
Unfortunately, their lackluster energy during police speeches had caused many good players to misalign.
“Player 4’s post-police speech is far stronger than their earlier one—both in energy and content,” commentator A Gu marveled.
“Do you think this will convince the good guys to switch sides?” Xiao Yi asked.
“Player 4 has redeemed their Seer claim, but flipping everyone is tough. Their initial speech was too weak,” A Gu replied, thinking.
“Plus, their perspective is slightly off.”
“Are you referring to Players 2 and 10?” Xiao Yi pressed.
“Exactly. Player 4 defended Player 1 (who leaned toward Player 12) while suspecting the dead Players 2 and 10. That’s contradictory,” A Gu explained.
“Player 2 was the only off-stand player to vote for Player 4 and even claimed Guard. A real Seer should never suspect them.”
“Fair point,” Xiao Yi agreed.
“Will Ling Zuo change his stance after hearing Player 4?” A Gu wondered.
“Doubt it,” Xiao Yi said firmly. “Ling Zuo’s playstyle is stubborn. Once he picks a side, he rarely budges—for better or worse.”
“Barring a major reversal or slip-up, he’ll stick with Player 4.”
“Ling Zuo’s style is high-risk, high-reward. Nailing a stance wins big; missing costs dearly. No wonder they call him ‘the MVP/Scapegoat Dancer,’” A Gu noted.
“Statistics show his alignment accuracy is surprisingly high,” Xiao Yi added.
“I checked—he’s at 76.4% this tournament. Impressive,” A Gu admitted.
“Explains how he made it to the final round,” Xiao Yi said proudly.
“Might drop after this round, though,” A Gu sighed.
“Not necessarily. If Player 4 is real, his accuracy will climb,” Xiao Yi argued.
While commentators debated Seer legitimacy and Ling Zuo’s choices, viewers chimed in:
“Player 4’s post-police energy is way better.”
“Still not buying it. Their first speech was too weak.”
“Agreed. No Seer acts that apathetic initially.”
“I’m more confused about Ling Zuo. Why back Player 4 so hard?”
“He says Player 4’s logic holds up.”
“Where? I’m not seeing it.”
“Probably because he poisoned Player 5 and needs Player 4 to be real to justify it.”
“Player 5 is a wolf, but that doesn’t make Player 4 Seer.”
“Wolves use all sorts of tactics—charging, defecting, sabotage. Hard to tell.”
“Overcomplicating it. Ling Zuo’s turn to speak—this’ll be good.”
“Can’t wait!”
“Love watching Ling Zuo play. Always entertaining.”
In the viewing room, eliminated wolves closely watched Player 4’s speech—their fate depended on whether the good guys’ momentum could be broken.
“Nian Nian (Player 4) is really strong. Their logic and perspective are airtight,” Player 10 Qiang Qiang admitted, impressed.
“Ranking first for a reason. No debate there,” Player 5 Hui Jin agreed.
“Calling me a wolf—can’t argue with that,” Player 2 Nie Pan chuckled, grudgingly impressed.
“Talent comes with pressure, though,” Hui Jin shrugged.
“Player 4’s low energy might still cost them. Good guys might stick with Player 12,” Nie Pan analyzed.
“Lucky Player 4’s already in finals. Even if they lose, it’s fine. But can they shatter the good guys’ momentum?” Qiang Qiang wondered.
“Player 12’s first speech was bold—accusing Player 9 outright. Confidence matters,” Nie Pan countered.
“Player 4’s post-police speech is solid, but Player 12 still has a shot.”
“Hope Player 12 pulls through. Eliminate Player 4 and crush their spirits.”
As discussions raged, Ling Zuo finally spoke:
“I’m the Witch. Player 2 was killed by wolves; Players 5 and 10 were poisoned by me.”
“No poisons left, but I still have a healing potion—proof of my identity.”
“One warning: If anyone gets attacked tonight, I’ll save them. No exceptions.”
“I survive, no one dies.”
“Simple math.”
“Everyone saw Player 5 is a wolf. No need to belabor that.”
“Only a fool would fake Witch against me now.”
“Police stand had six players. Player 1 didn’t claim Witch—only Player 9 remains.”
“Witches who skip healing to use double poison don’t hide off-stand.”
“Between the Seers? I’m sticking with Player 4. No flip.”
“Player 4’s speech was brilliant—airtight logic, perfect perspective.”
“I don’t need to hear Player 12’s post-police speech. Player 4 is Seer, so Player 12 is wolf.”
“Player 5 and 12 are partners. Vote out Player 12 today—everyone follow.”
“With me here, Player 4 stays alive to check more players. Game over.”
“Player 8 (Miracle Merchant) saw me poison Player 5—he’ll back me. No mistakes.”
“Player 5 (wolf) sided with 12. We (confirmed good) side with 4. No brainer.”
“Good guys shouldn’t mess this up.”
“Especially Player 3—you’re Player 4’s ally!”
“Missed Sheriff vote is fine, but today’s vote must go to Player 12.”
“Player 1, you’re on the fence? Follow me. I’m the Lucky Witch—trust me.”
“Players 7, 9, 11—at least one of you is good. Join us.”
“Finally, Player 2 claimed Guard and voted for Player 4. If you believe that—”
“Witch, Miracle Merchant, and Guard all back Player 4. Any villager siding with 12 is delusional.”
“I’m the Witch. Side with Player 4. Vote out Player 12!”
Ling Zuo hit stop.
His identity was unassailable. No need for long speeches—just alignment and a vote.
Whether others followed depended on them, but Ling Zuo had done his part.
With three wolves dead, good guys had to win. The only question was whether they’d secure a “perfect victory” (eliminating all wolves without losing good guys).
Ling Zuo wanted that perfect victory—MVP points would guarantee his finals spot.
Even without it, his current points plus MVP might still suffice, but certainty was better.
“Ling Zuo stays loyal to Player 4, as expected,” A Gu said, glancing at Xiao Yi.
“I’ve studied his gameplay. This is classic Ling Zuo,” Xiao Yi replied.
“Revealing Witch and backing Player 4 could swing the tide,” A Gu analyzed.
“If Player 8 follows, Player 12 is in trouble.”
“Witch, Miracle Merchant, and likely Guard all backing 4? That’s persuasive.”
“Player 4’s survival is now assured. Tension’s building.”
Xiao Yi counted votes: “Player 12 has the badge. Player 4 needs 5 votes to eliminate them.”
“Players 4 and 6 (Ling Zuo) are locked in—2 votes.”
“Player 8 will probably follow Ling Zuo—3 votes. Need 2 more.”
“Players 1,3,7,9,11. Need 2 of these.”
“Players 1 and 3 lean 12. Players 7,9,11 voted 12 for Sheriff.”
“Tall order.”
“Player 4’s weak start haunts them,” A Gu agreed. “Ling Zuo’s pushing hard, but momentum’s against them.”
“Still, stranger things have happened. The remaining speeches will decide,” Xiao Yi smiled.
“Player 8 (Miracle Merchant) is critical. If he flips, Player 12 survives. If he stays with Ling Zuo… it’s anyone’s game.”
Commentators debated fiercely, while in the viewing room, eliminated wolves tensed.
Uh-oh.
This is bad.
Trouble’s coming.
- Writer
