Chapter 54.1

The white fox moved with lightning speed. Once released, it seemed to embrace its primal nature, racing through the starship’s wide corridors and reaching the next cabin within seconds.

Mu Ling hurried to keep up, while the captain followed, simultaneously coordinating with the broadcast room through his light brain.

Moments later, the ship’s announcement system came alive, a measured voice resonating from above:

“Dear passengers, we have detected a potential mutant beast aboard this vessel. War Beast Lingren is currently working to apprehend it. Please remain calm and avoid running through the cabins. If you encounter a white hamster, maintain your distance. If you see a white fox, do not impede its movements or interfere with its mission. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Chaos erupted across multiple cabins before the announcement even finished.

“A mutant beast? Here?”

“A mutant hamster? How could the starship company be so negligent? What if someone gets hurt?”

“I heard someone’s already injured—my colleague saw crew members escorting a blood-covered man to the medical bay!”

“Everyone stay calm. They said a War Beast is handling it. With a War Beast present, we’re safe.”

Amid the commotion, some passengers searched anxiously for signs of the beast, others wrapped their children protectively in clothing, while several activated their light brains to record the scene.

Indeed, never underestimate the public’s compulsion to document—no matter how dire the situation, their first instinct is to record.

At 8:00 PM—peak hours for network traffic—StarNet users scrolling through their feeds suddenly encountered a barrage of sensationally titled videos:

– *Mutant Beast Detected on Flight A2271!*

– *Watch: War Beast in Live Combat!*

– *Closest Brush with Death: 0.01cm from the Beast!*

– *Mom, I Made History—Saw a Real War Beast!*

– *The True Killing Power of a Mutant Hamster*

– *My Final Testament: If I Die, This Is My Black Box*

Initially bewildered, netizens were soon captivated as they watched video after video. The footage titled “0.01cm from the Beast” particularly left viewers breathless.

The recording showed a blood-spattered hamster charging through the cabin, its crimson eyes blazing and razor-sharp teeth dripping with fresh blood. Chaos followed in its wake—passengers screaming and fleeing. While most retreated, one bold passenger hurled a water bottle at the creature.

The bottle struck true, but the hamster showed no reaction. Instead, it turned and charged at its attacker. The passenger’s bravado instantly transformed into terror as the beast climbed his body, scrambled over his head, and leaped onto the ceiling.

The hamster scurried along the ceiling’s surface, constantly glancing backward. Its unfortunate target, legs trembling with fear, had to be dragged to safety by fellow passengers.

Suddenly, a white fox appeared, its body wrapped in strategic bandages. Snow-white except for a distinctive crimson tuft between its eyes, its piercing purple gaze locked onto the target. With precise calculation, it launched from a seat back, soaring toward its prey.

Sensing imminent danger and finding no escape route above, the hamster slipped through a door crack into the adjacent cabin. The white fox, moving with fluid grace, vanished in pursuit.

The video continued as a young woman clutching a backpack sprinted into frame, following the fox’s path without hesitation. Behind her, several uniformed security officers gave chase.

This heart-pounding footage dominated the online discussion, spawning countless comments:

「Terrifying! When that guy threw the bottle at the beast, I thought he was dead. So reckless—if a normal hamster’s threat level is 1, a mutated one’s is easily 1000, maybe even 10000. He’s lucky the War Beast was pursuing it, or he wouldn’t have lasted ten seconds.」

「The blood on that hamster… someone must have died.」

「How did a mutant beast get aboard? The Starship Center must be held accountable!」

「Not to derail, but that War Beast was magnificent. Foxes hunt rodents naturally—go War Beast, eliminate that mutant!」

「Wait—did anyone else notice? That girl looks like Wifey!」

This last comment sparked a heated discussion: 「We know there are many Bi Ke Zoo fans, but please show some respect.

A War Beast is injured while protecting us—this isn’t the time for fandom. Respect it and its master”」

However, a new reply soon appeared: 「Actually… I’m on the ship. Here’s a clear photo—it really is Wifey… [Photo]..」

The revelation caused the comment section to explode:

「It IS Wife! I’d recognize her anywhere!」

「So this War Beast belongs to her? We’ve never seen it before…」

「Look! A flight attendant just posted a social media photo with Wifey and the white fox—apparently its name is Lingren!」

「Lingren? Never heard of it. Not in any databases. Perhaps not a retired War Beast?」

「If it’s not retired, why is it with Wifey? Curious…」

Back on the starship, the agile hamster darted into an open restroom, scaling the wall toward a ventilation duct. Just as escape seemed certain, a sharp snap echoed—the white fox had arrived. Balanced atop the water tank, it leaped, catching the hamster’s hindquarters in its jaws and yanking it back.

The hamster twisted violently, red eyes blazing as it attempted to strike the fox’s face. In the confined space, the fox whipped its head, hurling the beast into the corridor where it landed, stunned.

As the hamster struggled to flee, the fox pounced, pinning it with one powerful paw. Despite desperate resistance, the fox delivered a decisive bite, severing its prey.

A shrill squeak pierced the air, then silence fell over the cabin. The gathering crowd and their recording devices slowly approached, all falling quiet at the sight of the majestic white fox standing over its fallen prey.

Mu Ling finally arrived, breathless. She pushed through the onlookers to find Lingren meticulously cleaning blood from its fur.

Seeing her, the fox immediately bounded over. She embraced it, letting it rest against her shoulder before addressing the crowd.

When the captain and security arrived, an officer revealed a festering wound beneath the hamster’s belly.

“This is definitely a mutant beast,” Mu Ling declared. “I’ve encountered them before. Any Beast tamer officer can verify this.”

The captain quickly initiated a video call, broadcasting it for all present. A military officer confirmed the creature’s nature at first glance.

As the captain began thanking Mu Ling, she gently interrupted: “Your gratitude is misplaced, Captain. All credit belongs to Lingren. He detected and neutralized the threat, preventing further casualties. The victory is his alone.”

She turned slightly, allowing the camera to capture the fox’s face as she tenderly wiped blood from its muzzle. “Isn’t that right? Our Lingren was absolutely brilliant today.” She planted a soft kiss on the crimson fur between its eyes.

Despite being covered in battle grime, the fox affectionately nuzzled her cheek, emitting soft, contented purrs.

Supporting her precious companion, Mu Ling addressed the captain: “Can you handle things from here? I should clean Lingren up before we both end up covered in blood.”

Captain Li quickly ordered an officer, “Escort Director Mu back.”

The officer tactfully took Mu Ling’s empty backpack and led the way: “This way, please.”

Mu Ling followed, somewhat uncomfortable with the stares from surrounding passengers, quickening her pace to escape the attention.