Props

The class monitor was the first to decide on compensation.

"My family definitely wouldn't allow me to take unnecessary risks before advancing my education. I'll choose the first option. Since this thing has no expiration date, if my body has problems someday, I can get a free upgrade to a precision prosthetic. That sounds pretty good."

"I'll pick the first one too."

Gao Yuxuan also pointed to the first option. His left arm was already a prosthetic, and a rather ordinary one at that. If it were to get damaged or malfunction in the future, he could directly go to the Research Headquarters and replace it with a higher-quality precision prosthetic.

Currently, many talents joining companies or government agencies were also opting for prostheticization. This technology not only eliminated risks but was also effective in dealing with various Anomaly Events. Most importantly, Gao Yuxuan knew very well that he wasn't a 'genius' and couldn't afford to take extra risks at his current age.

It was Anna's turn to choose. She wasn't interested in prosthetics at all. After all, her family belonged to the carnivore collective and had a tradition of revering the native body. In her opinion, the body wasn't necessarily inferior to metal. As for the staff quota or cash offered by the Research Bureau, she didn't need them much either.

The only remaining option was four. "Can I undergo your compatibility test first? If it's not suitable, can I then choose other compensation?"

"Of course."

Luo Di, the last one, crossed his arms and rested them on his chin. He knew very little about these kinds of items. However, after the incident during practical training, he desperately needed something—something special enough to ensure he could handle similar accidents on his own next time.

"If I choose the fourth option, can I get an item for Exorcism, or rather, can it be used against anomalies without a physical form?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll choose the fourth one."

After Luo Di made his choice, Director Wang lightly rubbed his nose with his finger. "I apologize, I didn't make it clear beforehand. We only have one 'entry-level' item here. Since you two have made your choices, we'll proceed with the compatibility test right here. Whichever of you has higher compatibility will gain ownership of the item."

"Alright!"

Anna didn't particularly need it, but she was quite happy to have the chance to compete with Luo Di. She even started flexing her bicep.

After a brief wait, a staff member entered carrying a fully sealed metal box. The class monitor and Gao Yuxuan instinctively moved their chairs back. Even Anna leaned back slightly. Director Wang explained, "No need to worry. Since the 'item' could be brought here, we naturally took precautions. There are no radioactive influences."

The metal box opened. Inside, it contained another transparent glass container with a special structure, and the so-called "item" was sealed within it. When the item was revealed, everyone present was stunned. They were all too familiar with this thing, and could even faintly smell a familiar stench that brought their thoughts back to the hillside outside the city just a few days ago.

A head was placed inside.

[Rot], [Sinister], [Stitched], [Diseased]

It was the head of the jiangshi they had jointly killed during the practical training. Luo Di had later cut it into four pieces, and now the Research Bureau had repaired it perfectly. The glass container holding the head was not completely sealed. It had a funnel-like opening at the top, with an internal pipe leading directly to the jiangshi's mouth.

"You're quite lucky. Although you damaged the head, the most crucial part, the 'Pituitary Gland,' was preserved intact. Normally, the research institute would fully repair this jiangshi and continue using it for simulated practice. However, considering your excellent performance and the factors I mentioned earlier, we've decided to give you its 'Pituitary Gland'."

The class monitor proactively asked, "Do you have any information on this jiangshi's origin or age?"

"Of course." Director Wang again took out a document from his inner lining, which even included a black and white headshot resembling an ID photo.

Name: Li Xuantong

Age: 46

Life Overview: Immigrated as a carpenter, currently without legitimate employment. Operated as a fortune teller in various districts of Jupiter City. Diagnosed with late-stage brain tumor at forty-five. Under extreme duress and hopelessness towards life, the 'Mind Corner' emerged.

Corner Age: 0.4 years (disguise phase)

Phobia-concretization (mutation): Jiangshi

Capture and Utilization:

Any patient diagnosed with a terminal illness will be placed on a watchlist, with increased daily monitoring and more frequent, precise Psychological Tests. This individual was flagged as abnormal during the thirteenth test. They were killed while attempting to escape. The body was transported back to the Jupiter City Research Bureau, modified, and used for simulated practice. The corresponding event difficulty ranges from three to five stars.

The class monitor quickly scanned the Anomaly File, giving her conclusion:

"A 'Imposter' with less than half a year of existence, considered an initial-level anomaly. The strength of such imposters isn't much higher than ordinary people. Exposed after only four months of disguise, this guy is truly mediocre.

The corresponding 'entry-level' item is also more suitable for newcomers, minimizing risk.

However, this person had a brain tumor when their Mind Corner formed. Perhaps there's a linked effect? Will the risk increase because of this?"

Director Wang nodded, "You're right. His illness did have a certain influence on the Pituitary Gland where the Mind Corner formed, making his 'Phobia-concretization' more complete than typical imposters, but also easier to expose.

It's very rare to concretize the image of a jiangshi in just four months, and he also possesses quite good physical strength; ordinary 9mm bullets can't kill him.

As for the danger, we've already tested it. Although the 'Pituitary Gland' also has certain carcinogenic properties, this property is not contagious and will instead be helpful in forming an external item.

You two, prepare to begin the compatibility test."

Disinfected scalpels were handed to Luo Di and Anna by the staff.

"The test method is simple: drip a drop of your fingertip blood into the mouth of the jiangshi head. Only one drop. The device will display the jiangshi head's activity index; the higher the index, the more compatible it is."

"I'll go first~"

Anna went first, decisively cutting her finger and dripping blood into the funnel at the top of the container.

As the blood flowed through the internal pipes into the jiangshi's mouth, The expected 'resurrection' scene did not occur. Instead, less than an inch of flesh grew from its split lips, and two strands of hair appeared.

Simultaneously, a numerical value appeared on the container's surface.

[63.2]

The number was yellow, indicating it had just passed, making it compatible.

"Not bad."

As Director Wang reset the container, Luo Di also cut his finger, and his blood dripped in.

When the blood flowed into the head, there was no reaction, but the relevant numerical value was slow to appear. Director Wang gestured for everyone to wait patiently.

After about a minute, Crack!

The jiangshi's jaw suddenly loosened, and the entire head took a deep breath, as if it were about to come alive.

But because there was only one drop of blood, this sign of revival quickly faded, and the relevant numerical value finally displayed.

[91.2]

Displayed in green, indicating excellent.

"Congratulations!" Anna, seeing a higher score than hers, breathed a sigh of relief.

Director Wang pinched the bridge of his nose, "As expected, throughout the practical training, you had the most time and contact with the jiangshi, and you completed its decapitation. Furthermore, you were infected by corpse poison yourself, and the Mind Corner within this jiangshi's brain has been quietly observing you.

Achieving an adaptation value above 90 means integration will be very easy, and it will be easier to unleash the item's performance."

"What's next?"

Luo Di asked with some urgency, a rare hint of interest in his eyes.

Director Wang gestured to the staff beside him, who took out something they had prepared, an item tightly wrapped in special fabric.

Upon opening it, It was the 'machete' Luo Di had used to slay the jiangshi during his practical training.

"Original soup for original food... If you want to combine this jiangshi pituitary gland with another item, that's also possible, but the combination efficiency won't match this knife.

Also, the chainsaw you used previously is severely damaged, and repairs will take a few days. It's your choice.

If you choose this knife, we can start now."

"This one."

Luo Di stared at the machete that had accompanied him through his practical training, the same model as the movie character's. His mind was already envisioning the appearance of the final combined blade.

With two chapters released consecutively, considering everyone's reading experience, I'm releasing them back-to-back.