Doomsday Cat City Lord - Chapter 5

Dark clouds blotted out the sky, and the curtain of rain poured down like a waterfall. Mi Miaomiao’s heterochromatic gold and blue eyes shone brightly in the dim light, looking like the bright sun and the clear sky. Only upon looking closer would one discover a peaceful, faint smile hidden deep within those eyes.

Leaping from the ninth-floor windowsill to an outdoor viewing platform slightly to the left of the eighth floor, it easily made its way down to the third floor using the decorative stairs along the outer wall. Its soft paw pads provided excellent cushioning, ensuring it didn’t alert the soldiers entering the building from the opposite side.

Bringing its shovel-handler safely back to the temporary warehouse, the time was 11:00 AM on August 31st.

Three patrol boats bearing the insignia of the Second Army were transporting supplies from the commercial building back and forth, and the faint sound of distant explosions could still be heard standing by the window. About an hour later, the soldiers boarded the boats with the final batch of supplies and quickly vanished into the curtain of rain.

“They aren’t lacking these supplies on the ships, and the citizens boarding have all brought plenty of luggage, so they probably won’t need them either.” One of the soldiers couldn’t understand this operation. He always felt there might come a day when the sea level receded, and when that time came, these things would be solid leverage for their Second Army!

“What foolish thoughts are you harboring? Who knows how many fleeing citizens we’ll encounter along the way is there a problem with preparing more supplies?”

“Then… are these prepared for the citizens too?” The soldier pointed to the freshly organized civilian knives, clubs, riot forks, and stun guns inside the warehouse.

“Don’t worry so much, just follow orders.”

The officer was the one responsible for implementing the commands and naturally knew a lot more. Looking at the recruit’s tender, under-twenty appearance, he couldn’t help but remind him: “Your home is in the northwestern mountainous region of Yongji Province. Although it isn’t on the tsunami list, it isn’t completely safe either. When you get back later, call your family and tell them to prepare more supplies of all kinds. The gear you’re pointing at have them stock up on some too, it can be used for self-defense.”

“Huh?!”

“What are you ‘huh’-ing about, consider this an order!”

“Received! Sir! Guaranteed to complete the order!”

After the fleet withdrew, Mi Miaomiao returned to the vicinity of the commercial building with Cheng Ningye on its back. Once it used its psychic perception to confirm no one was left inside, they finally entered.

The military hadn’t taken all the supplies from the building either, leaving a portion behind on the top floor. Food, medicine, and clothing were packed into large bags alongside outdoor camping gear, with a line deeply carved into the floor: “One portion per person!”

Cheng Ningye checked the backpacks and found that the quantity of supplies in each portion was roughly the same. However, he had searched earlier and knew that the food in this building had been almost entirely looted; the items in these backpacks were likely the rations of those soldiers themselves.

Mi Miaomiao kept watch on their surroundings while observing the complicated expression on its shovel-handler’s face. It had to admit that as a cat, it was indifferent to most humans, but the military among humans was highly commendable. When would the feline race be able to train a troop that moved strictly according to commands?

Thinking of this, images automatically replayed in its mind: the fat orange tabby that ate while sleeping and slept right after waking up; the elderly short-legged cat that lay with its belly exposed to bask in the sun and moon all day long; the black cat that would absolutely never speak if it could communicate with its eyes; the calico cat that wept in sorrow all day because it couldn’t have kittens due to being sterilized; the clingy Ragdoll cat that wouldn’t even walk unless it was pressed against a companion; the grey tabby that only knew how to charge and fight with a brain that seemed like decoration…

Its tail consciously smacked its chin, as if mocking its own delusional daydreams.

In the end, Cheng Ningye took three large outdoor tents and left behind a few laser knives and daggers.

Hoping that latecomers would find something, hoping the building would survive the tsunami, hoping that if survivors came here after the apocalypse, they would have a lifeline…

The gathered resources were organized into two portions one was sent back home first, while the other was delivered to the warehouse where the boat was parked and hidden away in the cabin.

Before setting out to collect more resources, Mi Miaomiao glanced at the map and noticed they were very close to Pier 17, where the large ships were docked.

“Meow.” Let’s go scout the path. Don’t forget that this time, the humans and animals of Lehai City are basically gathered on those large ships.

A cold sweat broke out across Cheng Ningye’s back. With this level of density, if the defensive measures weren’t adequately prepared when the apocalypse arrived, it would become a breeding ground for parasites, incubating high-level or even Monarch-tier monsters.

The fabric at his waist tightened, and the world spun before Cheng Ningye’s eyes as his body naturally adjusted its posture to avoid being jolted off by the sprinting cat.

The vicinity of the pier was highly bustling, with large loudspeakers looping content that mostly consisted of: introductions to the functional areas of the large ships, locations of emergency channels, how to adapt to life on board, and emergency escape methods.

People streamed in and out of the large ships, and a row of tents bearing medical insignias stood on the deck, where people lined up to undergo physical examinations. Some passed the examination smoothly and returned to their cabins; some troubled by illnesses received reserve medications and were assigned dedicated doctors; while some who were physically injured were transferred to the medical floors to be settled.

The military’s actions appeared entirely reasonable, but Cheng Ningye, viewing from a neighboring high-rise with binoculars, discovered that the true purpose of the unified medical check was to isolate those with a history of illness, weak bodies, and low defense capabilities into separate quarters.

“In the third year of the apocalypse, I saw an article that summarized it like this: during the great doomsday evolution, the evolution success rate for healthy ordinary people is 50%. If their willpower is strong enough, the success rate will gradually increase. Those who are physically strong and steadfast have a 90% success rate in the first stage and a 60% success rate in the second stage.

Conversely, those who are physically weak and possess low willpower have a very high probability of failing to evolve and degenerating into monsters.”

“Meow?” How do I remember that in the report published by the Human Base Federation, the human evolution success rate in the early stages of the apocalypse was 30%?

“The top brass of the Federation and the original Central Plains Alliance branch belong to the same family; the reports they issue would naturally cover up the flaws of their previous work. Among that 70% of ‘monsters’ who failed to evolve, how many do you think were ordinary people who died from monster attacks?”

Mi Miaomiao fell silent, changing the subject:

“Meow?” Then why are they conducting screenings now?

“How should I know?”

Cheng Ningye rubbed its ears with a smile, voicing his true deduction when Mi Miaomiao glared over:

“It’s highly likely because more and more monsters are hiding in the corners of the city, and the military doesn’t lack medical research talent who can deduce some patterns from it. Combined with the intelligence from my ‘prophecy’ and various doomsday speculations on the internet, sorting out a proper risk contingency plan isn’t difficult.”

“Meow!” The hard part is that someone actually believes it and puts it into action!

Mi Miaomiao and Cheng Ningye observed for a moment, finding that Gu Jing had indeed arranged things very properly, so they turned around with peace of mind to continue gathering supplies.

Lehai City had many stray animals and many pet owners, meaning the number of pet shops and pet hospitals was correspondingly high.

People would bring their own pets when evacuating, but pet shops and pet hospitals couldn’t possibly transport all their resources away. The evacuees searching for supplies hadn’t reached the point of hardship where they needed to eat pet food just yet.

Animal food, animal medicine, animal nutritional supplements, pet canned snacks, bite-proof muzzles, and Elizabethan collars.

Pet windbreakers, pet tactical harnesses, pet backpacks, animal goggles, pet hats, and animal shoes.

Pet carrier bags, pet folding cages, large pet dryers…

Cheng Ningye let out a sigh. He and Miaomiao had been busy all afternoon, picking and choosing until the house was practically overflowing, yet they had only searched four or five shops.

“If only we could upgrade the city to Level 2 right now.”

With the warehouse available, they wouldn’t have to waste so many supplies. One had to know that the drought began in the third year of the apocalypse, and the full-scale famine lagged behind the drought by a mere three months!

A strong tugging force pulled at his clothes. Cheng Ningye looked down, surprised to find Miaomiao’s claws digging a pit into the ground!

“Meow!” Go home, it feels like a mountain is about to collapse onto me, it’s too uncomfortable!

Cheng Ningye understood instantly; this was an animal’s instinctual reaction to sensing danger.

Looking down at the time: 6:00 PM.

“We’re going home.” He turned the car around and accelerated.

In their past life, Miaomiao had started feeling uncomfortable at 2:00 PM on the afternoon of the 31st. It had spun frantically inside the house, sniffed around anxiously after going out, and spent most of the day in an anxious state, but it ultimately brought its shovel-handler back home before midnight. The place it considered safest.

But it hadn’t truly settled down even after returning home, only completely regaining its reason the next day when it caught the lingering scent of the cat squad at the commercial center’s sewer entrance.

Being able to delay its anxiety until this late in this lifetime was due to a massive increase in Mi Miaomiao’s willpower, and secondly because all the cats it cared about were safe at home.

As they neared the house, they could see three dogs standing at the door from afar. Two short-legged dogs that looked almost identical were frantically scratching at the door, their barking deafening!

“Woof, woof, woof!” Open up quickly, I know you’re all hiding inside!

“Woof, woof, woof!” You cat squad are pushing things too far! Give us back our dog-hostage right now, or watch out or Taiyang will come and tear your front door to shreds!

“Meow-oww!” Bullying your way to my front door, you dogs are way too arrogant!

Mi Miaomiao let out a furious roar, charging forward with a rapid-fire triple cat punch. bam, bam, bam!

The Border Collie held its head aggrievedly, whimpering in pain alongside Ha-Da and Ha-Er! Just as it was about to open its mouth to explain, the door that had been entirely silent suddenly swung open from within.

The large orange cat used a single hind leg to propel itself forward, leaping abruptly into its shovel-handler’s arms, its cries sounding incredibly wronged: “Meow, meow, meow!”

These two short-legged mixed-breeds are so fierce! The moment they arrived, they indiscriminately accused our cat squad of stealing dogs! They even scratched the door! They woke everyone up!

After rubbing against its shovel-handler, it turned back to complain to the large cat: “Meow, meow, meow!”

If Xuanyu hadn’t been holding things down, everyone moving around would have probably made their injuries worse!

Ju Dabang knew exactly how to assess the situation. Currently, the cat squad held the moral high ground, and the strongest pillar of their strength had returned. His words completely painted their side as pathetic victims, making it seem like the cat squad had suffered a baseless disaster out of nowhere.

“Woof, woof, woof?” I was just leading the way, why do I have to get beaten up too?

Dongfeng felt that if they let the orange cat keep talking, the three of them probably wouldn’t be able to leave today, so it hurriedly spoke up to interrupt.

It felt strange in its heart why did the cat squad look to a Samoyed to make the decisions? Didn’t they still hate dogs after all?

Lifting its head, a moment later. The Border Collie’s eyes widened in shock, saying in utter disbelief: “Woof, woof, woof?”

Are you Mi Miaomiao? No way, how did you get so big?

“Meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow!” You fence-sitter who wants to please both sides! Don’t make excuses, you knew Xuanyu was injured, so you deliberately brought dogs over to cause trouble, didn’t you!

Ju Dabang’s fur puffed up, and cursing wasn’t enough to satisfy him. He wouldn’t allow any dog to question Miaomiao, turning his head to hiss and baring his teeth at the Border Collie: “Meow-oww!”

Miaomiao eats a lot and eats well, why can’t it grow tall and strong? Don’t talk nonsense if you lack experience!

Mi Miaomiao: “…”

Cheng Ningye: “…”

Having vented its frustration by thumping the dogs and learning that Xuanyu and the cats had all woken up, Mi Miaomiao had no desire to stand in the rain at the doorway anymore. It gave Ju Dabang’s head fur an appeasing lick and spoke to the three dogs:

“Meow!” Have you calmed down? If there’s real business, come inside and talk. If not, leave right now. For the sake of us all being animals, I won’t go looking for trouble with you!

Mi Miaomiao took the lead into the house, and the cat walking out to meet it caused its tail to sway gently out of control.

The black cat’s build was slender and athletic. As its long legs moved, the rippling curves of muscle under its sleek short fur were faintly visible. Aside from its eyes, its entire body was black, its fur reflecting a deep, rich layer of crimson under the lights like black satin.

It walked soundlessly and gracefully up to the white cat. Its form paused slightly upon realizing it had to tilt its head up to look, but right after, it unceremoniously rubbed its ear against the white cat’s leg, its black nose tapping gently against the lowered pink nose of the white cat.

Having expressed its affection, Mi Miaomiao finally felt comfortable. Swaying its tail, it lay down on the carpet. Worried that Xuanyu’s wound might catch a chill, it used its tail to coil the black cat against its belly.

Throughout the process, the black cat showed not a shred of resistance, entirely allowing Mi Miaomiao to arrange it.

Ju Dabang had long since grown accustomed to the actions of the two cats. If he hadn’t watched them both grow up with his own eyes, he would have suspected Miaomiao was Xuanyu’s biological son, pampered from childhood and protected like the apple of his eye.

No, male cats didn’t raise kittens, and a biological son wouldn’t be pampered like this. …This attitude, in human terms, was raising a child bride!

Meeting the green eyes of the black cat that seemed capable of seeing right through him, Ju Dabang shuddered violently, flattening himself behind the large white cat and frantically licking his puffed-up fur!

Although Dongfeng was displeased with Mi Miaomiao treating it like a friend a few days ago but like thin air today, it was currently facing three pairs of cat eyes, one pair of human eyes, and two pairs of dog eyes. It knew it couldn’t let the standoff continue, otherwise it would escalate into a gang war between cats and dogs. It had no choice but to step forward and explain on behalf of the two shivering dogs.

The Border Collie sat up straight, its hind leg kicking the large backsides of the two dogs, introducing them: “Woof, woof, woof.”

These two are Taiyang’s adopted sons, Ha-Da and Ha-Er. Coming here today was to look for their maternal half-brother. The mother and her two pups have been missing for four days, and Taiyang’s side is going crazy looking for them. The other dogs in his pack couldn’t handle the increasingly anxious danger instincts and have all fled inland.

In order to find the pups, Taiyang was practically crying as he begged me today, so I helped search. Following the scent brought us to your house, but I didn’t expect the two of them to have such explosive tempers. I didn’t hold them back, I apologize!

Taiyang again? Another Husky mixed-breed?

Mi Miaomiao looked seriously at the two short-legged dogs, Corgi build and appearance, with Husky coat colors and eyes. It fell silent for a moment before spitting out two words: “Meow?” Horgi?

“Meow.” Haskorgi.

The black cat opened its eyes from within the white fur that was about to submerge it, catching the shocked confusion beneath the large white cat’s calm expression, a trace of amusement flashing within its quiet green eyes.

Knowing the two dogs were the biological older brothers of the puppies, Ju Dabang’s attitude wasn’t quite as terrible anymore. Glaring at the Border Collie who sat nearby, posing elegantly like a fake statue, he spoke about the process of picking up the two puppies: “Meow, meow, meow.”

We happened to discover the two puppies while searching for a missing member of the cat squad. Their mother had already been eaten by a monster at the time, and the location was in the sewer of the commercial center. If you go look now, you might still find a few traces.

Hearing this, Ha-Da and Ha-Er started crying outright, tears streaming continuously from their round blue eyes as they whimpered, unable to speak.

Ju Dabang reflected on whether he had bullied the dogs too much earlier: “Cough, meow, meow.”

Cough, cough. Seeing your appearance, you plan to take the puppies back, but it’s not like…

“Meow!” No!

Noticing its stern tone had frightened the two dogs into halting their crying, Mi Miaomiao softened its voice: “Meow, meow, meow.”

The two puppies have done the cat squad a favor, and I promised to protect them as they grow up. Normally, letting you take them back wouldn’t be out of the question, but everyone can sense today that the true major disaster is about to arrive. Staying here with me means having food and shelter, and the supplies for fleeing have been thoroughly prepared.

Furthermore, Taiyang’s subordinates have all left who will protect the puppies? They lost their mother at such a young age, what are you going to feed them with?

Ha-Da, Ha-Er, and the listening Dongfeng simultaneously revealed expressions of being swayed.

Mi Miaomiao quit while it was ahead, signaling its shovel-handler to pick up Xuanyu, whose wound showed signs of splitting. Before heading upstairs, it left behind a sentence: “Meow?”

Why don’t you guys stay behind to look after the puppies first too? Once tonight passes, if the situation outside isn’t too terrible, we can judge whether the puppies stay or go.

Even as Dongfeng lay on the study carpet, devouring a large portion of cat food mixed with fish, chicken breast, beef, and egg yolk, it still couldn’t comprehend how it had ended up being left behind so mindlessly.

Cheng Ningye emptied the food from the refrigerator, preparing a sumptuous feast for himself and the cats, and kept busy vacuum-packing the cooked food after the meal.

He inventoried the small household appliances that could be taken along in short, he kept himself from idling.

Second-floor bedroom.

It was rare for Mi Miaomiao to see confusion in Xuanyu’s consistently calm expression. Leaving the black cat to fall into deep thought, it cheerfully chased and bit at the black tail.

This was an entertainment activity it and Xuanyu had played together since childhood, and they had agreed they could only bite each other’s tails.

The black cat used its tail to tease the cat; its eyes fixed tightly on the semi-transparent system panel. From its serious and earnest expression, it was clear it had rapidly adapted to the fact that it could suddenly understand human text.

Just like before, it had quickly accepted that Miaomiao was bound to a system and wanted to establish a city belonging to animals to save this doomsday world on the brink of destruction.

The black cat tried using its paw pad to swipe the system panel, understanding the responsibilities of the Vice-City Lord.

“Xuanyu, Banyan City is still just a barren mountain right now, so just treat the panel as a communication tool. If anything happens, you can send me messages. As for the apocalypse, don’t worry, the shovel-handler and I have prepared a lot of supplies. We will definitely be able to bring everyone safely to Banyan City.”

Then Mi Miaomiao shifted the topic, excitedly envisioning what Banyan City would be built into in the future.

The black cat pricked its ears to listen intently, but its mind was contemplating other matters: based on its understanding of Miaomiao, it was hiding something from it. What matter could be more important than the system and the apocalypse?

Eyes that resembled a clear green lake turned dim for a split second, looking like a pool of freezing water where the light couldn’t reach. Xuanyu looked silently at Miaomiao’s tail, his paw pad unconsciously clicking open the call interface with System 012, typing out a line of text as if guided by a supernatural force: How can I quickly recover from my injuries?

Receiving no response, the black cat shook its head, sensing that its behavior just now carried a bizarre sense of familiarity amidst the strangeness.

“The time has come.”

At 11:59 PM on August 31st, the white cat abruptly halted its non-stop chattering, its gold and blue eyes staring tightly out the window.

As the digits on the electronic clock reverted to 00:00 on September 1st, the entire world fell into an instant, absolute serenity.

The sound of rain, the wind, the rustling of leaves outside the window, the anxious chirping of birds on the back mountain that had lasted since the afternoon, the crashing impact of waves against buildings in the distance, the chaotic broadcasts on the large ships even further away all vanished completely.

The entire world seemed to have its pause button pressed at this very moment.