Reincarnated Jester: Taming Players-Chapter 116: Cats

It was a perfect opportunity to save an entire species.

The frozen cats were in a half-dead, half-awake state, meaning waking them up was doable.

Nero’s face was ugly, as tears streaked down her cheeks.

Jung didn’t hide his laughter and made fun of her. "Don’t cry, pussy cat. We will save them, just as I promised you long ago."

Not registering his words, the cat neared her kin, touching and meowing before them.

She was a queen—the leader of her community—and she was back to save them.

Her path was anything but easy.

Yet she still managed to find them, and using her void element, she melted the ice with a quickened heart.

Jung stood beside her, following her every step.

Silence descended as he supported her without actually doing anything, but his presence was enough for the cat to operate her wizardly spells.

One by one, the ice melted, releasing captive animals.

Maskera was a world where a single cat remained, lasting for centuries as their species was almost forgotten.

Until one puny human appeared in her lonely life, forever changing her destiny.

"She was right," Nero muttered in Jung’s head.

The cats were in a deep sleep, but as their bodies found warmth and energy, it was only a matter of time until they woke up.

"Who?" Jung urged with interest.

Nero seldom mentioned people or her past, but based on her current mood, Jung felt like pushing for more.

"A Woman," the cat said, a smile creeping on her face. "I met her two hundred years ago. She was drunk at the pub I slept at that time, but her muttering never left my mind."

"And what did she say?"

"She said that cats were the most superior beings and we would revive one day. I don’t even know about our existence, but she seemed so sure and full of herself that I barely listened to her ramblings."

Chuckling at her attitude and unchanged personality, Jung said, "But here you are. She was right... Cats are the best. Believe me, if you were a puppy, I wouldn’t have done half a thing I did for you."

Nero shook her head, scratching a hand that tried to pet her. freēwēbnovel.com

"But I remember she mentioned a lover. The boy who would appear one day and help me. I doubt you are that lover, but you are here, nonetheless."

"Lover Archetype?" Jung repeated.

He was a lover once, maybe not anymore, but his keeper side made sure to keep his past characteristics.

It was his favourite lifetime and the most tragic one—the first life and the last one when he felt loved.

A lot had changed since, but he still looked back at those moments.

"I am that guy," he said proudly. "Whoever that drunk was, she was right."

"You? You as a lover? Don’t make me laugh. I can imagine every archetype on you, but not a lover."

Initially, Nero didn’t believe him, but then she recalled something.

Jung had joked and teased Vex about him being a taken man, and according to the information he had on his past, Jung indeed lived with various archetype models dictating his lifestyle.

Thinking about it, it wasn’t far-fetched for him to know a thing or two about love.

However, she shipped Jung with the system, and even though he loved her bestie and argued with Jung, she knew both of them would be a good match.

But now that she realized the scoundrel had a past lover, she wasn’t pleased.

She also pondered about the drunken woman, thinking about her identity and how the hell she knew about Jung two hundred years back.

Both of their thought processes were interrupted by a startling sound belonging to the waking cats.

"Look at them. They are so adorable, maybe even cuter than you," Jung teased.

"I’m not offended. They are truly as lovely as I remembered," Nero spoke with conviction, waiting for their final awakening.

Noting her emotional state, Jung asked,

"Do you want me and those losers to leave so you can have a sweet family reunion?"

Nero smiled again.

It was unusual for her to be in such a good mood and not scold his every move or word.

"You can stay," she said softly, stunning him.

Not arguing with the princess, Jung ordered the players and Leora to wait outside and not wander too far.

Of course, they obeyed and left the great hall.

As for the duo, they greeted the cats, who just woke up from their long slumber.

The animals were of various sizes, colours, and attitudes, and their purrs filled every corner of the room.

Seeing their queen brought tears and contentment.

They conversed with Nero, but as it seemed, not a single one of them could speak with him.

Nero was a unique case, and she was the only one with telepathic ability.

Lowering his brows in disappointment, Jung waited patiently, allowing Nero to connect with them.

Tears were shed, greetings were exchanged, and smiles were devoted to each other.

Jung watched, but his thoughts jumbled around, so to make them stop, he announced,

"What is this crying porn?"

His voice was loud, reverberating throughout the entire hall.

Nero was the first one to glare at him, but instead of getting angry at his hateful antics, she giggled and introduced him to others.

It seemed like the cats could understand human language.

’They heard me,’ Jung mused, but didn’t regret his words, and Nero’s people neared him.

"What’s up? Don’t tell me you are going to use them and beat my ass. If you want to and are capable, do it yourself. You know I am always up for a challenge."

Nero stayed quiet, smirking to herself.

Jung didn’t take a single step back, bravely waiting for their approach.

Their archetypes varied, and all of them were represented, starting with Tier I youngsters and ending with two Tier XII elder cats.

Those powerhouses were part of the Nero family.

They were true royalty, and whatever she said to them, it didn’t look too good for Jung.

Yet he had a premonition that nothing bad would happen to him, and thankfully, his prediction was fulfilled, as instead of attacking him, the cats jumped at him in a friendly fashion, drowning him in their cuteness and fluffiness.

"They are thankful for your service. It’s not an everyday occasion when we allow others to touch, and it’s even rarer for us to greet someone so joyfully."

Nero explained their reasons, indulging in happiness.

Jung couldn’t catch a breath to answer her, nor could he move as he was entirely swallowed by waves of cats that circled him from every direction.

They were like a cold blanket, warming his coldness.

’This is so good. Maybe I am in heaven, or if there is a better place than that, it’s definitely here.’

His thoughts were flapping in excitement.

But one particular thought saddened him.

’What if Elara was here? If she is here somewhere, I need to find her as soon as possible, and maybe she might love cats as much as I do.’

As if she read his mind, Nero meowed, calling her kin before her.

Her command was a rule, and her words were obeyed in a second, and, without wasting a single moment, the cat army stood behind her, waiting for the next instructions.

Even if she wasn’t the strongest in her tier, she was the mightiest existence, selected and respected by all.

She was humble with them, acting like a good leader.

"We need to find your sister. There is no time to goof around."

She didn’t break eye contact with Jung, making fun of his status as his clothes were covered with colourful furs.

Feeling thankful but still in a daze, Jung opened the door, leading this enormous army outside.

"They want to help us. I am not forcing them to help us, but they still want to express their gratitude and repay their debt."

Jung didn’t shy away and agreed right away, knowing that any help he could get might save his ass.

"Come, join us on this adventure to slay the god. This is a grand occasion," he declared, overlooking everyone present. "Players and cats, fighting alongside to take down the world’s mightiest force."

Cheers erupted, and his new army moved.

He gained confidence and conviction as his long-time wish was fulfilled, uniting the players and cats under his care and creating a new, legendary force.

Not only would this be the greatest achievement on Maskera, but even the Earth would speak of his tales.

His status window showed something interesting as well.

<Archetype Monsters In Your Care: Nero the Shadowpaw; Entire player base; Cats.

Every single cat was tamed, following Nero’s orders.

She was his devoted believer and sometimes friend even.

He could also see their system panel, but it only displayed their progress and skills.

With the thought that he still needed to see Nero’s secret, Jung reached a small wooden room that blared with divine power inside.

"He is here."

The ruler god was one door away.