Special Reward

As the investigators were interviewing the two young people who had experienced the Anomaly Event, a government vehicle arrived directly at the entrance of the investigation sub-bureau. The fourth person involved in this discussion happened to join just as the previous topic concluded, making him a familiar face.

He was a middle-aged man with a square face and a mole on his upper lip, the Director of the Records Management Department of the City Research Bureau, Wang Shuokang.

Upon learning that the abnormal apprehension at Resettlement Zone No. 13 was directly related to Luo Di, he had rushed over immediately.

As Director Wang took his seat, the focus of the conversation shifted to him.

"Ge Wenzhu, have you finished your questioning?"

"Director Wang, please proceed."

"Ahem, then I'll get straight to the point. It seems my assumptions were correct; one of you is very special, possessing a nature that easily triggers 'accidents.'

It's only been half a year, and another accident has occurred, and this time it's a nearly mature Imposter. It seems giving you the 'Corner-transforming item' in advance was the right choice."

The class monitor curiously asked, "Besides us, are there other people like us who easily encounter accidents?"

"There are dozens of similar cases nationwide. Some are even more extreme than you, encountering accidents once or twice a month.

Of course, this nature hasn't been classified yet. In fact, other research bureaus only recognize it as a coincidence within the general population.

There's logic to their reasoning. According to statistics, the frequency of 'Psychological Corners' appearing is increasing year by year, the number of Imposters is growing, and the probability of people encountering Anomaly Events will only increase.

In short, for the rest of the year, try to stick to a routine between school and home. I hope you can successfully complete your entrance exams."

The class monitor followed up on the topic of Psychological Corners. "Have you found the reason why Ms. Wu Huazhen formed a 'Mind Corner'?"

Director Wang tapped his wristband. Two minutes prior, he had received the 'Imposter File' from the research bureau.

"Ms. Wu Huazhen lived alone for over ten years after her parents passed away. During that time, she pursued romantic relationships, but was rejected every time.

Over time, she began to doubt her own 'appearance.' Coupled with malnutrition and endocrine imbalance, she experienced hair loss, leading to further self-doubt.

However, she was very good at disguising herself, and to others, she appeared perfectly fine.

She gradually began to reduce her outings and stayed home for extended periods.

She often sat alone in her empty home, lost in thought, neglecting hygiene, which attracted flies and spiders. She herself gradually developed arachnophobia.

Her disdain, even complete loathing, for her own 'appearance,' her jealousy and longing for beautiful girls, and her obsession with a lover's wedding, the accumulation and fermentation of these emotions eventually gave birth to a corner within her mind. She lived as an Imposter for a full year and five days."

"A full year!"

"That's right, and she had already taken a life. She was essentially close to becoming 'Mature.' This is an excellent research subject. Later, our two bureaus will provide you with substantial rewards.

Being able to survive at the hands of this thing is enough to demonstrate your excellence. This experience will be clearly recorded in your files."

Luo Di wasn't interested in the essence of Imposters. Or rather, from his experience last night, he had already deduced the reason for the formation of their corner.

He was more concerned about the promised rewards, and Director Wang seemed to have seen through his thoughts, immediately saying:

"Luo Di, your ability to skillfully wield a 'Corner-transforming item' at your age and even directly confront a real Imposter is already very impressive.

If I were to reward you with another Corner-transforming item, it might exceed your capacity to handle it.

Considering your family situation, I can apply for a generous reward fund and a housing quota for you.

Although you'll likely move out of your current neighborhood after you enroll in higher education, I still recommend you move out now. After all, this is the 'second' Anomaly Event to occur in your neighborhood, isn't it?"

"The second one?" The class monitor was startled. Luo Di hadn't mentioned this to her, but she immediately recalled that the occupancy rate of Resettlement Zone No. 13 was indeed very low.

Luo Di's response, however, was unusually firm: "My family and I have already discussed it. There's only one semester left, and moving would involve many things and inevitably affect me. I'll move out after I graduate."

Director Wang stared at Luo Di and suddenly remembered something.

"In that case, I have a special reward option here. In last night's incident, you injured Wu Huazhen with your weapon, correct?"

"Yes."

"Let me see it. Perhaps it has undergone some changes. After all, a jiangshi's characteristics aren't just hardening; there's also an important trait: 'blood-sucking.'

Allowing it to taste the high-value blood of its own kind might elicit a special reaction."

Upon hearing this, Luo Di's spirits immediately lifted, his sleepiness forcefully suppressed.

From the end of the incident until now, he hadn't had a chance to check the condition of the Zombie Blade.

Unwrapping the shroud, Luo Di himself was taken aback for a moment.

He knew this blade better than anyone. The previously lifeless blade had now become somewhat active, with several nerve-like veins even subtly wriggling.

"As expected, after tasting the blood of a more aged Imposter, it becomes more bloodthirsty.

Here's what I'll do! I'll make the decision for you. When the research bureau processes Wu Huazhen, they will extract the cranial blood flowing through her Pituitary Gland.

This blood will be stored separately to feed your blade."

"How much is there?"

"At most 100ml, and you'll need to go to the research bureau yourself to absorb it in front of us... The reason is simple: blood absorption increases the risk for you, the wielder, and we need to ensure you can still control this blade.

You'll receive a call within five days."

"So, are you satisfied with the reward?"

"Thank you."

Investigator Ge Wenzhu, standing nearby, was well aware of the dangers of such a practice, let alone involving a high school student.

However, after seeing Director Wang's expression, he swallowed the words he wanted to say.

"Then what's my reward?" the class monitor asked impatiently.

Director Wang wasn't particularly interested in Wu Wen. "Your reward will be according to the standards of the Investigation Bureau.

I believe the reward won't be too bad, right? Wenzhu."

Ge Wenzhu said nothing, placing a red-stamped document on the table.

"Regarding the Assistance Reward for Capturing 'Wu Huazhen (Anomaly)'"

"Due to your significant contribution during the capture process, your reward can be chosen from the following options:

1. An internship opportunity at the Jupiter City Investigation Branch after normal graduation.

2. Assistance reward of 8 million Rubles.

3. A set of basic investigator combat uniform (simplified version)."

The class monitor had expected nothing good, but upon seeing the text, decisively placed his finger on the number [3].

"Can I really get something like this?"

Ge Wenzhu nodded. "Since it's written on paper, you will definitely receive it. This decision is made in recognition of your excellent performance, and we also hope you will actively participate in the investigator selection process in the future."

"Okay, I'll consider it~ By the way, when can I get this outfit?"

"It will be custom-made based on your physical examination information from this morning. Our bureau will have someone deliver it directly to you.

The estimated customization time is 3-5 days. A specialist will also be sent to your location to explain the wearing requirements and basic functions of the uniform in detail."

"This is great!" The class monitor raised both hands, as if celebrating a victory.

Director Wang gestured. "Alright~ You two have worked very hard as well. There will be a special car at the entrance to take you home safely. Get some good rest."

As the young people left, the two adults began a special conversation.

"How about it, Wenzhu? The young person our research bureau took a liking to in advance, quite impressive, isn't he? To survive such an event and even inflict some damage on an Imposter of this caliber is unheard of.

I hope your side can help keep this genius's information confidential, otherwise, the higher-ups might come directly to poach him.

In my opinion, it would be best for both us and him if his information is released publicly only when he comes of age."

"Director Wang means that the incident report should downplay the description of this individual."

Director Wang quickly raised his hand. "I never said that~ I'm just giving you a heads-up, after all, this is your investigation bureau's matter."

Ge Wenzhu naturally understood Luo Di's potential, and he also wanted to secure such talent for the City Bureau.

"By the way~ Director Wang, who do you think among them is most likely to trigger an 'accident'?"

Director Wang did not answer verbally. Instead, he took out a detailed personal profile from his briefcase and placed it on the table.

As Ge Wenzhu picked up the file and began to examine it, his eyes widened.

"This..."

Director Wang made a shushing gesture.