Unboxing the M-7

Zhang Wen slumped onto his chair, a fine sheen of cold sweat beading on his forehead.

He finally understood why this application had been escalated for manual review.

It was likely that even the "Yellow Springs" system's backend had triggered a bug alert due to the absurd data. The system itself had deemed the data unscientific, beyond its comprehension!

He looked at the name "Frost" on the screen, his expression becoming incredibly complex.

No wonder... no wonder the eldest daughter of the Shen family had personally recommended him.

Anyone would be eager to recruit such a prodigy.

But the problem was, as a Lantern Bearer, should he approve this application or not?

If he approved it, and this kid had achieved his rapid advancement through some illicit means, lacking a stable foundation, and something went wrong, he wouldn't be able to bear the responsibility.

If he rejected it, rejecting the application of a super prodigy who had advanced to the Form Observation Realm in three days and independently eliminated a D-Class Anomalous Event?

He feared he'd be summoned for a chat by his superior, the "Judge," the very next day, asking if he was blind or if his brain had been gnawed by an Anomalous Event.

This was a truly hot potato!

Zhang Wen felt he had never encountered such a thorny problem in his entire career, more nerve-wracking than facing a C-Class incident in his youth.

After struggling for a full five minutes, Zhang Wen finally let out a long sigh and made his decision.

He packaged Qin Feng's file and promotion application, encrypted it, and then sent it directly to his superior—the Judge—via the internal highest-authority channel.

Urgent! Report on Newcomer "Raven's" Abnormal Promotion!

Having done all that, Zhang Wen leaned back in his chair, feeling all his strength drained.

Naturally, Qin Feng was unaware of the storm he had stirred up within the internal affairs department of the "Yellow Springs" organization.

Just as he was about to continue screening tasks, a system notification suddenly popped up from the top of the screen.

[Esteemed Collaborator "Raven," after high-level review, your promotion application has been approved.]

[Your rank has been upgraded from LV.2 Soul Reaper to LV.3 Soul Custodian.]

[Permissions have been updated. We wish you a pleasant work experience.]

"High-level review?" Qin Feng was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected such efficiency, and that it had even alerted the higher-ups.

He clicked on his personal center. The bronze token badge representing "Soul Reaper" had been replaced by a more imposing, silver-glowing "Soul Custodian" waist token.

The most direct change from the elevated permissions was in the [Task Hall].

He opened the Task Hall. After advancing to the Form Observation Realm, D-Class missions no longer appeared in red, signifying a deadly threat, but in orange-yellow, indicating "challenging."

One mission caught his attention.

[Request Number: D-087]

[Type: Assistance/Elimination]

[Event Description: Near the university town in Donghai City, several university students have recently encountered a "Ghost Call." Victims receive a call from an unknown number... within 24 hours, the prophecy will come true.]

[Current Status: Three victims have appeared, resentment is spreading, and the event level is trending upwards.]

[Reward: 80 Contribution Points, Cash Yuan.]

"Ghost Call..." Qin Feng's eyebrows twitched.

A classic rule-based anomalous event, spreading fear through a medium, killing without a trace.

He stroked his chin.

This type of anomalous event was ineffective against direct confrontation. His [Scissors of Truth], though sharp, could only take effect at close range. Against such an invisible and intangible enemy, it was easy to fall into a passive state.

He needed to find a method to break the "rules" or one that allowed for effective long-range attacks.

"Perfect, let's see if there's anything new in the mall after my promotion."

With a clear objective, Qin Feng excitedly clicked on the [Exchange Mall].

Many items that were previously grayed out, displaying "Insufficient Permission," now opened their doors to him.

A dazzling array of goods instantly filled the entire screen.

[Spirit Binding Lock (C-Class Magic Tool): Can restrain spirits of C-Class and below. Price: 150 Contribution Points.]

[Golden Light Incantation (Daoist Spell): Upon activation, the entire body is covered in a protective golden light, impervious to all evil. Price: 180 Contribution Points.]

Qin Feng was dazzled, almost drooling.

Each of these items was far more powerful than his [Scissors of Truth].

But as a pauper with only 65 Contribution Points, he could only feast his eyes.

He sighed, set the filter to "D-Class," and sorted by price from low to high.

Soon, one item captured his full attention.

[M-7 "Spirit Breaker" Pistol (D-Class Tech-Side Weapon)]

[Description: A product of the Special Cases Department's Technology Division, a perfect fusion of firearms and metaphysics. Capable of firing standard 9mm bullets, dealing physical impact to low-level spirits.

Can also be loaded with special Psionic Bullets, inflicting conceptual damage to non-corporeal Anomalous Events of D-Class and below.]

[Price: 15 Contribution Points.]

A gun.

A handgun with smooth lines, entirely black, exuding a cold, murderous aura.

Qin Feng's breath hitched.

Talismans, magic swords, prayer beads... while powerful, for a modern youth, the sense of security they provided was far less direct and potent than a gun.

Why bother with flashy spells when pulling a trigger was simpler and more brutal?

Facing an Anomalous Event spread through a medium like "Ghost Call," it might even have a surprising effect.

"This is it!"

Qin Feng no longer hesitated and looked at the accompanying ammunition.

[Psionic Bullet (D-Class)]

[Description: Each round is inscribed with demon-breaking runes and infused with high-purity psionic crystals.]

[Price: 5 Contribution Points/round.]

The price was cheaper than he expected.

He calculated: 15 points for the handgun, and the remaining 50 points would buy exactly 10 Psionic Bullets, spending all his Contribution Points.

[Confirm Exchange: M-7 "Spirit Breaker" Pistol ×1, Psionic Bullets ×10 rounds.]

[Total Cost: 65 Contribution Points.]

[Your Contribution Point Balance: 0 points.]

Looking at his zeroed account, Qin Feng grinned.

Money spent was money earned, especially when invested in combat power.

After dealing with "Ghost Call," he'd gain 80 points, a pure profit.

Half an hour later, the doorbell rang.

Qin Feng opened the door to a man in a delivery uniform, wearing a baseball cap, with an unremarkable face. He handed over a square, black briefcase.

"Mr. Raven, your expedited package."

No extra words. The man confirmed the signature, turned, and left, quickly disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.

Qin Feng closed the door and eagerly opened the case.

It felt slightly heavy in his hand, its touch ice-cold.

The M-7 "Spirit Breaker" pistol lay quietly in its black velvet recess, flanked by two rows of golden, faintly blue-glowing Psionic Bullets.

However, beneath the pistol were a few items he hadn't ordered.

A box of standard 9mm regular bullets, a full 50 rounds.

A meticulously crafted card, bearing the embossed seal of the national emblem.

Qin Feng picked up the card. It displayed his photo, name, and a serial number, topped with gilded characters: [Great Xia National Special Assets Management Committee - Field Personnel Weapon Permit].

Below the permit was a folded, rigid note.

Qin Feng unfolded it. It contained an address.

"Donghai City Public Security Bureau Third Designated Shooting Range."

Below the address was a line of handwriting, penned in a strong, vigorous script that exuded undeniable authority.

"Raven, welcome to new heights. A good hunter needs a good gun, and more importantly, needs to know how to use it. Don't disappoint me. -- Judge"

Qin Feng's pupils constricted slightly.

Judge!

He rubbed his chin, carefully putting away the handgun, bullets, and the freshly issued weapon permit.

He hadn't expected his promotion report to be handled by such high-ranking officials.

Well, since there was still time, he'd go practice shooting first.

After practicing, he'd go deal with that "Ghost Call." Night was the main stage for Anomalous Events, and the time for him, a Soul Custodian, to be on duty.