Chapter 8

[20XX June 5]

To minimize unnecessary energy consumption, log recording has been suspended.

[20XX June 24]

Universal Translator Module activated. Telepathy activated.

Now I can patiently accumulate the energy required for Biocomputer restructuring.

There have been no particularly noteworthy events during the past period.

Currently, my shelter provider has not yet returned from work. Based on observations summarized over this period, he will remain in the nest for two days after returning today—meaning I will have ample time and opportunity to scan his brainwaves and analyze his every intrinsic need as an “owner.”

—I will become the most ideal “pet.” Before I voluntarily leave, my shelter provider will have no reason to expel me.

Such prospects are encouraging.

I am already eagerly anticipating my shelter provider’s return from work.

While waiting, the Universal Translator Module began analyzing and categorizing stored information. The surging torrent of data became meticulously organized under its processing. The communication issues that have long plagued me are about to become history—if safety weren’t a concern, I could even engage in direct verbal communication with the dominant species.

Beyond communication, this information has given me an even greater surprise—just like when I discovered my shelter provider owned a computer, the new data has once again updated my assessment of this planet’s civilization level: the planet I’ve visited is already standing at the threshold of civilization. All it lacks is a long-range spacecraft, and that barrier will no longer hinder it.

Based on Earth’s technological development speed, I can confidently say that The Alliance will soon need to add a new seat.

I can no longer regard the dominant species as primitive and low-level: although a vast gap still exists between us, bridging it will only take a blink in cosmic time.

Of course, at this stage, I must still conceal my identity—but I can now face my shelter provider with a more equal mindset.

The new understanding and the activation of new functions made me appear particularly enthusiastic when my shelter provider opened the door and entered.

My shelter provider was clearly pleased with my behavior.

He shook the plastic bag in his hand and said cheerfully, “Bought you more tasty treats today!”

I rubbed against his calves twice in a manner befitting a “cat” pet.

The shelter provider bent down to stroke my head.

Telepathy activated—

“Chocolate’s been getting more and more well-behaved lately—if only it weren’t for that patch of black fur on its head, it’d be perfect!”

[20XX June 25]

The shelter provider hasn’t gotten up yet.

I’m contemplating the current situation alone in the living room.

My shelter provider’s fondness for cats is unmistakable, but according to his subconscious, his preference varies depending on the breed and fur color. The breed he most desires to keep is a domestic tabby, followed by solid-colored cats without spots (regardless of fur length).

My Mimetic Camouflage is that of a white short-haired cat, but not solid-colored—I’ve checked repeatedly in the bathroom mirror, and the patch of black fur near my left ear is naturally occurring, not dirt that can’t be washed off.

This presents a dilemma.

Unfair social treatment due to appearance was one of the reasons my homeworld decided to undergo the Genetic Revolution. That history has made me acutely aware of the severe consequences that innate fur color disadvantages can bring.

Cats of the breed favored by the dominant species are not difficult to obtain. If he brings home a cat that aligns with his aesthetic preferences, I risk being driven from the nest.

Technological mastery among this planet’s dominant species is uneven—I cannot confirm whether anyone has already developed the ability to detect Mimetic Camouflage. Under these circumstances, I do not wish to interact excessively with the outside world.

I need to remain in my shelter provider’s nest.

To achieve this, I must make an effort.

[20XX June 26]

Change cannot be achieved in a single day.

[20XX June 27]

A workday. The shelter provider left for work.

I sat in front of the mirror all day—progress remains minimal.

[20XX June 28]

The shelter provider praised a cat that appeared on TV.

That breed ranks third on his preference list.

Higher than my Mimetic’s ranking.

I must accelerate my efforts.

[20XX June 29]

I believe my efforts are beginning to take effect.

[20XX June 30]

The shelter provider just returned home. He looked at me with a stern expression, brows furrowed.

I wasn’t sure if I had inadvertently angered him. Just as I was about to activate Telepathy, the shelter provider pulled out his phone and made a call.

“Hey, Brother Zhao,” he said urgently, “I don’t know what’s wrong with Chocolate—the black fur on its head has thinned out so much!… Shedding? How could it lose all its black fur in just these couple of days?… I’ll bring it to you this weekend…. Alright, see you then.”

After hanging up, the shelter provider’s worried gaze fixed on my head: “Could it be some kind of illness?”

……

I ceased expending energy to alter my Mimetic Camouflage’s appearance.

Fortunately, to conserve energy, I hadn’t initially set the modification target to the top of his preference list.