The Chain of Deterrence

This is the meeting room of Building 18 at Diaoyutai.

The enormous traditional Chinese painting is breathtaking, and the red carpet is solemn and dignified. This place has been featured on television many times, showcasing exchanges between Chinese and foreign heads of state and world-shaking talks. There are countless stories here.

Now, in this vast hall, a conversation unknown to the world is taking place. There are three attendees and two speakers, and only a few people know that today's conversation will set the tone for something.

And it will completely change the landscape of extraordinary individuals in China and even the world.

Senior Colonel Tian looked solemn and deep as he gazed at the excessively young Kang De across from him.

He's not even as old as his son.

But I can sit here and discuss the most important things with myself, who represents the will of the nation.

Because some things have already happened, and some things are about to happen, the social structure that has been stable for thousands of years, developed for hundreds of years, and built up for decades has reached a crossroads of change.

He was sent by the central government to meet with Kang De, bringing with him the will and proposals of the state.

Discuss the future of this nation and a new group with the world's most powerful superhuman.

"How to manage, guide, and coordinate the ever-emerging groups of extraordinary individuals, enabling them to coexist harmoniously with the vast majority of ordinary people, and ensuring their rights to life safety, personal dignity, freedom, and equality, while allowing them to find their place in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

Senior Colonel Tian emphasized again, saying sincerely, "Perhaps this sounds like bureaucratic jargon and empty talk to you, but this is precisely what the elders care about... Whether they are extraordinary individuals or ordinary people, they are all our citizens, all members of the Chinese nation, and we are responsible to everyone."

Kang De, sitting opposite him, remained silent, organizing his thoughts.

Senior Colonel Tian remained patiently silent.

Through numerous negotiations with the rulers of top-tier forces in other worlds, Kang De had mastered many negotiation skills—no, perhaps not skills, but rather a kind of confidence and habit.

In other words, I should take the initiative.

Instead of answering the question directly, he pondered for a moment and said, "In the Battle of Moyani, I fought against a group of superhumans with government backing from the Fr*nce. I think you all know the details and the outcome."

Senior Colonel Tian seemed to understand Kang De's meaning and nodded with a wry smile.

"They are well-equipped, have unique tactics, and their superpowers, combined with high-tech weapons and gadgets designed specifically for them, allow them to perform far better than conventional troops. They are highly trained, they cooperate well, they are a cohesive unit, and each member has their own role and strengths. I think that on the right battlefield, this superpowered unit could play a role far exceeding that of a special forces unit."

Kang De calmly replied, "Coincidentally, the country also sent superhumans to help me that time. I met those two once. The man used a weapon similar to a hydraulic gauntlet, while the woman carried a bag of bottles and jars with Flame Element swirling around it, probably high-energy fuel or even a metallic substance."

"I think this should be the general policy of various countries in the cultivation and use of superhumans, using the top industrial and scientific research capabilities of modern society to provide them with technical and equipment support, so that even superhumans with weak abilities can exert tremendous destructive power, and even cultivate and train a group of weak superhumans to make them a complete combat unit, making up for the lack of individual qualities and emphasizing the power of teamwork."

Senior Colonel Tian nodded slightly and sighed silently.

"I figured it out right away. This must be a tacit understanding among nations regarding superhumans: monitoring the weak and harmless, while incorporating those with potential or power into the system."

"Then prepare an evolution plan for the latter... oh, an enhancement plan."

Kang De wagged his finger. "While it's true that with the strong support of the state apparatus and resources, even weak superhumans can acquire powerful combat abilities in a short time by relying on external forces, this combat ability is ultimately external. Once they lose the logistical support of the state apparatus and the replenishment of supplies and equipment, their combat ability will quickly plummet to nothing, making it much easier for the relevant departments to suppress, contain, and execute them."

"Moreover, when the country set up the strengthening path, it was already considering how to control them... policies, welfare, care, meticulous attention, they will become overgrown babies. The state provides housing, cars, and job placement, five social insurances and one housing fund, all kinds of benefits. They will gradually lose themselves in the so-called privileges and benefits, and be domesticated into a state where the state makes all the decisions. They will believe everything without question..."

The Fire Thief's expression became meaningful.

"Including training direction and strengthening strategies."

"Their intelligence and knowledge are insufficient to challenge the scientists' technical terminology, and they are naturally unaware that their enhancement strategies are designed—perhaps efficient, but harboring fatal flaws as a countermeasure in case they go out of control."

He looked at Senior Colonel Tian across from him and slowly said, "This means that superhumans cultivated and controlled by the state have a huge flaw. They may be invincible in certain situations and on the battlefield, but if they encounter truly powerful superhumans, they are no match for them."

"They will be killed like dogs."

"This is what you saw in Moyani."

The meeting room was completely silent.

After a moment, Senior Colonel Tian sighed, "You are an unexpected surprise to everyone. We still don't know how you grew to this level, but we have to painfully admit that your appearance has disrupted the long-standing balance and touched the most terrifying chord in the hearts of all heads of state."

"--A superhuman being, beyond the control of the state and powerful enough to make the state apparatus hesitant and helpless, has appeared."

He looked at Kang De.

Kang De also looked at him.

The two remained silent.

This is the biggest problem.

Beyond the commoners who wielded swords and were conscripted by the state, some raised the emperor's sword.

Senior Colonel Tian, who had worked within the system for decades, carefully pondered Kang De's thoughts.

But he couldn't fathom what Kang De was thinking.

Kang De thought to himself, "That's a great compliment. I'd like to say a few more words; that would be wonderful."

After a moment, Senior Colonel Tian said with a wry smile, "You may have some reservations about the country's actions, but..."

Kang De shrugged and said, "No."

Senior Colonel Tian was stunned for a moment, then looked incredulous.

Kang De immediately saw the doubt in his eyes and laughed, "Why would I need to lie?"

Upon hearing this, the other person smiled helplessly, "That's true."

The nation's will sit before him openly and honestly, treating him as an equal. He fully understands his own power and deterrent force, so what reason does he have to lie and conceal his true thoughts?

Regardless, Senior Colonel Tian felt a sense of relief and said softly, "I thought you would have some reservations about the way the country controls superhumans, after all, you are one of them too..."

Kang De asked in bewilderment, "Wait, you don't intend to control me like this too, do you?"

Senior Colonel Tian said with a wry smile, "To be honest, it's true, but what can I do? I'm willing but unable."

That's certainly honest.

Kang De laughed, "That's it, isn't it? It's none of my business."

The colonel seemed still not quite grasping the situation. "You too..."

Kang De shook his head, took something out of his pocket—a card—and pointed to the back. "Do you see this? These two lines read, 'Resident Identity Card of the People's Republic of China'."

Then, turning to the front. "See that? Ethnicity, Han."

He waved his ID card. "You seem to have some misunderstanding about me, thinking that I've changed drastically, that I see humans as ants, that I'm cold-blooded, ruthless, and arrogant, etc. That's not true at all."

"I am an Earthling, I am China, I am Han Chinese. The foundation of my character and values was laid during my childhood and adolescence, when I did not yet have awakened powers."

"I have a strong sense of identity with my nation, country, and political party, and I believe that personal honor and disgrace are closely related to the rise and fall of the nation. I yearn for justice and hate injustice; I rejoice in kindness and despise evil. The imprint of my thoughts comes from the learning memories of my ignorant childhood, which was to study for the rise of China, to do to others what you would not have them do to you, to ask, 'Are kings and generals born with a special destiny?' and to uphold the great way and the common good of the world."

"I'm like this, you're like this, everyone in this country is like this."

He took back his ID card. "I don't know if you understand—simply put, I don't want to have two ID cards, nor do I want my ethnicity listed as 'superpowered' or anything like that. I still see many things from a China perspective, and that will always be the case."

"Therefore, regarding the issue of controlling superhumans, I will only say one thing."

Kang De looked at the soldier opposite him, his expression calm and frank. "I have always supported gun control."

Senior Colonel Tian listened quietly, and it was clear that his micro-expressions were constantly changing—surprise, hesitation, disbelief... He had never expected such an answer.

Subconsciously, he looked at Qin Mengjin, who was standing behind Kang De.

Miss Qin nodded slightly to him.

Kang De's voice rang out again. "What, you don't believe me?"

"If you can maintain this mindset, that would be fantastic news." Senior Colonel Tian let out a long sigh of relief. "It's not that I don't trust you... but people's hearts are fickle, and trust is just too difficult to maintain."

Kang De raised an eyebrow and asked, "What makes you say that?"

Senior Colonel Tian sighed and changed the subject, "What are your thoughts and evaluations of those six extraordinary individuals?"

Kang De thought for a moment and replied, "The three People's People's Liberation Army are alright, but the remaining three are superficial, weak, boastful, and confused, like ordinary people who have suddenly become rich and are teetering on the edge of danger."

"Well said."

The high-ranking official from the Central Military Commission said softly, "Any individual with special abilities who comes to the attention of relevant departments will be brought under our control. Those with abilities that are clearly destructive and unique will be forcibly incorporated into the system. We will give them two choices: one is to join the military, and the other is to enter the civil service."

Kang De laughed and said, "Give me a choice?"

"Forced relationships don't work out, and the military isn't necessarily suitable for everyone. We also don't want to let too much trouble into it." Senior Colonel Tian gave a wry smile. "Alright, don't look at me like that. There were political considerations involved, but I won't go into details here—but you've seen the result."

Kang De nodded. "Their mental outlooks are worlds apart."

"There has also been a comprehensive decline in discipline, ideology, and behavioral habits."

Senior Colonel Tian said, "This is a topic that has always been a headache and a source of distress for us. People always change. We can't cram all the extraordinary individuals into the military. Coercive measures often backfire. But without strong discipline, scientific organization, and the tempering of a sense of collective honor, those extraordinary individuals working in non-violent organizations and cooperating in research change at an alarming rate..."

A cold glint flashed in Kang De's eyes. "Committing evil deeds and harming the innocent?"

"It hasn't come to that... That's the bottom line, and we won't tolerate it." Senior Colonel Tian said with a wry smile, "If that's the case, then it's easier to handle. We'll sentence them according to the law—those who should be imprisoned will be imprisoned, those who should be executed will be executed, and those who should be rendered harmless will be rendered harmless... The most difficult thing is often not the crime itself."

"--How so?"

"That Su Qingmo who provoked you was originally Su Zhuangzhuang. Before the age of seventeen, he was an ordinary student, naturally introverted, withdrawn, and unpopular. He experienced mild bullying at school and was somewhat insecure. Then he awakened his abilities and was invited to join Institute 507, where he has been for five years now."

Kang De asked, "I didn't realize you looked so out of place."

Senior Colonel Tian asked in confusion, "A 'normie'?"

Qin Mengjin immediately explained, "It's internet slang, referring to successful people whose real lives are extremely fulfilling. In its online meaning, it specifically refers to men who are very good at flirting with girls, frequent bars and nightclubs, constantly change girlfriends and partners, are very skilled at interacting with women, and are very popular..."

"Oh, I see. I'm ashamed to say, an old man like me doesn't understand young people's culture."

Senior Colonel Tian chuckled and made a self-deprecating remark.

"Yeah, he's a 'real person' (someone who's out and about)." He immediately grasped the internet slang, "Just like you."

Immediately afterwards, this high-ranking figure, seemingly pleased with his understanding of the new culture and his ability to connect with young people, chuckled and said, "Hehe."

--WDNMD!

Kang De remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he nearly erupted like a volcano.

Qin Mengjin almost burst out laughing. She quickly winked at Senior Colonel Tian, who was a shrewd man. Although he didn't know what he had said wrong, he immediately changed the subject.

"Did you know? When I was first invited to join Institute 507, I met Su Zhuangzhuang. He was quiet and introverted, very polite, and would say thank you to all the staff. He accepted the invitation without hesitation and worked hard to cooperate with all the work. He was excited about it, felt extremely honored and happy, because it was a contribution to the country. He was like a superhero in TV shows and novels—kind, upright, enthusiastic, and simple."

"Then he slowly changed."

"About six months later, he said thank you less and less. He gradually began to take the service and care from the staff for granted. He gradually felt that his position in Institute 507 was unshakeable. He could no longer tolerate the monotonous life and began to look towards the dazzling city life."

"He changed his name, he changed his appearance, and he frequented nightclubs with his hefty salary that he couldn't spend. Gradually, he transformed from an introverted and silent boy into an experienced womanizer. Soon, he was no longer satisfied and began to use his unique abilities and background working in a secret government department to achieve more."

"He doesn't usually break the rules because he doesn't reveal his identity or department, but you know, just through some hints and details, astute people can realize his mysterious background. The entertainment industry in the capital is especially full of shrewd people. He cleverly uses his resources to get to know more high-end people, befriend them, and use his abilities more and more frequently—usually on women, especially in bed..."

Kang De said coldly, "Bastard!"

Senior Colonel Tian was surprised.

--Damn, so righteous indignant? You'd be better suited for the Discipline Inspection Commission, young comrade.

He then started talking about another person.

"Li Xiaojie, that fashionable and beautiful young woman, was originally a very ordinary girl. She was quite pretty when she dressed up, from an average family, with average grades and average hobbies. Her normal life would have been to graduate from an ordinary second-tier university, find an ordinary job, and marry an ordinary person..."

"Then she also gained the ability."

Kang De imagined the woman adorned with jewels. "And then she started buying and buying?"

"... Yes, when she first joined the system, she was cautious, obedient, and polite. But after a while, she took everything for granted, while her desires continued to swell and grow."

"She bought luxury goods in large quantities, spending lavishly, and supported her idols on charts—I know this phrase because of her. Her competitive spirit and materialism swelled over time, eventually reaching the point where she wanted to emulate all the rich second-generation kids in the country, to the point that even her generous salary couldn't support her spending."

Senior Colonel Tian shook his head at this point. "So she started taking out microloans."

"..." Kang De said subtly, "..."

"She borrowed a large sum of money, and when it was due, no company dared to chase her for payment. If her family was harassed by debt collection calls, she would go to the relevant department to complain and cry, and those irregular platforms would immediately give in and disappear. When legitimate banks suspended her credit line and froze her accounts, she also begged the department to help her resolve the issue. Then she demanded a raise, and when that wasn't agreed to, she would throw a tantrum, cry, and refuse to cooperate with any research work."

Kang De's face is now that of an elderly person on the subway looking at their phone.

He wondered, "Why don't we just put a sack over her head and give her a beating to make her understand the situation? Where's your iron fist of the people's democratic dictatorship? Beat her up! Criticize her! Educate her!"

Senior Colonel Tian sighed, "Compared to her abilities and value, these are actually minor matters. It's not that we don't have ways to deal with her, but the higher-ups think it's just a young girl's vanity and there's no need to make a big deal out of it, so they've instructed the relevant departments to provide more guidance and education."

"As you know, this is one of the drawbacks of large governments. As long as the higher-ups feel it's unnecessary to escalate the situation, those below will inevitably have to swallow their anger."

Kang De seemed to be deep in thought—he probably guessed why the government had contacted him.

"But we eventually had a conflict with Li Xiaojie —her idol had recently encountered some opposition online, and she insisted that it was a deliberate persecution and smear campaign. She demanded that relevant departments use administrative means to intervene and protect her idol, and after being refused, she made a huge scene."

Senior Colonel Tian shook his head and said, "At least the frontline departments know what's important. Paying off some loans and dealing with some illegal fundraising platforms are minor matters, but interfering with public opinion platforms is another story."

"They reported the problem, which finally drew the attention and displeasure of their superiors. The matter was characterized as an attempt by superhumans to interfere with public opinion. We specially dispatched a team of superhumans from the Armed Police Force to her department and issued her a formal and stern warning."

"She then realized the seriousness of the problem and reluctantly gave up. Oh, and this even caused her idol to get into some trouble, but that's another story."

Kang De clicked his tongue and exclaimed, "Brilliant, brilliant!"

"But this matter is not over yet." Senior Colonel Tian's tone became serious. "The most unsettling thing has happened—although Li Xiaojie has fallen silent, the message she's conveyed is not that she did anything wrong."

"Instead, she felt she wasn't strong enough to protect her brother."

Kang De looked disgusted. "What kind of people are these?"

"They are just ordinary mortals, yet they possess power that is far too heavy—even someone who becomes rich overnight will have their character drastically changed, let alone someone like this?"

Senior Colonel Tian sighed, "Li Xiaojie is the same. What's wrong with loving beauty? What's wrong with idolizing celebrities? But once she has the ability to exert influence and make money, that's a different story."

"Like Su Zhuangzhuang, she started out as a cautious, polite, and enthusiastic ordinary person, but as their status, perspectives, and experiences changed, they gradually became like this..."

He looked at Kang De: "Li Xiaojie has crossed our line because she has developed an idea—she wants to rewrite the rules through sheer force."

"This is something we cannot tolerate."

"Today she wants to force relevant departments to intervene in public opinion to help her idol; tomorrow she will demand the real information of those who have argued with her or insulted her idol from the internet authorities; the day after tomorrow she will make their personal information public; and the day after that, she may personally go and teach them a lesson."

Senior Colonel Tian's tone turned solemn. "This is intolerable."

"I think I understand," Kang De asked. "Could it be that all extraordinary individuals are like this?"

"That's not it. The ones sent today are all troublemakers, each with their own problems."

Senior Colonel Tian met Kang De's enigmatic gaze and said softly, "But it has become a rather serious problem... Faced with a booming commodity economy and rampant materialism, it has become increasingly difficult to restrain these extraordinary individuals from non-military backgrounds through ideological and moral education, especially when they cunningly approach the bottom line without actually crossing it. In such cases, we cannot take overly drastic measures."

He hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Even the superhumans in the military have some problems to some extent."

"Um?"

"Our soldiers are good sons and daughters who joined the army to serve their country. They were originally ordinary people. Although they are disciplined and guided by the military, they are not war machines. They are also ordinary people with flesh and blood, with their own thoughts, joys and sorrows, and desires."

Senior Colonel Tian sighed especially much today.

This is a problem that has been troubling them for a long time, and they have no solution.

"We are the People's Army, and our soldiers are not disposable items to be used up and discarded. We hope they will be well from now on, but there are some psychological problems that we cannot interfere with, some ideological problems that we cannot guide, and some personal problems that we cannot solve."

Kang De said thoughtfully, "That sounds quite difficult."

The other person shook their head and said, "It's quite difficult... People are hard to manage, let alone those with special abilities."

"Well..." Kang De rested his elbow on the table, "I think you brought these troublemakers here to see me, and told me all this, not just to complain."

"Yes."

Senior Colonel Tian said solemnly, "Comrade Kang De, your appearance has shown us a way of solving the problem and has also prompted the elders to make a certain decision."

Kang De was very interested.

He had already thought of this, and was quite pleased with it—because he sensed a lucrative exchange.

How could I not be happy when there are benefits?

What's the approach?

"That's exactly what we just witnessed," Senior Colonel Tian said. "Those self-important, self-proclaimed chosen ones... You can exert absolute pressure on them, instill fear in them, make them realize that there are always higher levels out there."

Kang De's expression changed slightly.

He straightened up. "You want me to become a deterrent and a constraint on China's superhumans? No way, my family isn't superhuman; that would put them in danger."

Senior Colonel Tian waved his hand. "Please don't get agitated. We didn't mean that. There are quite a few superhumans in China. We can't just gather them all together and call you over to beat them up."

"Oh, so what does that country mean?"

The spokesperson, representing the will of the nation, calmly stated, "We must appropriately loosen the restrictions on the abilities of those with superpowers, and raise their individual strength and potential."

"We need to establish a law enforcement and oversight department specifically for superhumans. Building upon the removal of general ability limitations, we will significantly enhance the development potential and individual strength of the members of this special department, enabling them to gain a combat advantage over ordinary superhumans and maintain a deterrent effect."

Finally, we would like to invite you to teach and train the members of this special department.

"And... become a sword to deter them."

"When this double-edged sword becomes corrupted, degenerates, or even betrays itself for various reasons, and tries to cut its user and harm the innocent, it will think of you."

"The thought that there is someone they can never defeat watching over them, someone who will find them and kill them should they dare to betray the people."

He looked at Kang De with a sincere and solemn expression.

It even carried a hint of helplessness and a sigh.

Because this deterrence chain is not perfect, but rather a kind of helpless compromise.

But it's already the best possible outcome.

"They come to intimidate the entire superhuman community; you come to intimidate them."

He stood up and bowed slightly to Kang De.

This is the best solution.

"To loosen certain constraints on the superhuman, so that we don't fall behind the West with its low human rights advantage, to introduce special departments to supervise and prevent potential threats, and to protect the lives, property, and personal dignity of the vast majority of the people to the greatest extent possible, you will be the final deterrent, ensuring that our country can still move forward in an orderly and stable manner in this era of drastic change... This is our proposal."

Kang De sat up straight, his expression becoming serious.

"Then," he looked directly at the other person and asked seriously, "Who will intimidate me?"

I won't feel at ease until I get the facts clear.

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: 7,000 words... I originally planned to write 10,000 words today, but I have plans for tomorrow, so I'm going to sleep now. I'll tally up the word count tomorrow. Goodnight everyone.