No. 041 Analysis Report

"The research on special pollution source No. 041 is still inconclusive. The research department has only provided some clues so far!"

Han Bing sounded very serious as she spoke about these matters.

Even her somewhat soft voice gained a bit more rationality and strength:

"Through in-depth research and investigation, it was discovered that the DNA test results for special pollution source—041—1, which is the corpse of Qin Ran, originally a wilderness wanderer, excavated from the bottom of the lake, matched the tissues collected from the location where Cui Wang was dismembered; the DNA test results for special pollution source—041—2, the corpse that took on Cui Wang's appearance after death, matched the hair collected from Cui Wang's home!"

"After interrogating employees of Sifang Transportation Company and Qin Ran's cohabitant:

Qin Ran originated from the wilderness. His age is unknown, but judging by his appearance, he was between thirty and forty.

Of all the employees in his company, four were familiar with him. However, the longest they had known him was three years. Through interrogation, these four claimed to have known Qin Ran for a long time, but could only accurately recall their impressions of him within the past year.

On the day of the incident, three subordinates followed Qin Ran for a transaction. Their testimonies showed no obvious anomalies. They all confirmed that Qin Ran had killed Cui Wang and that they had helped dispose of the body… However, someone mentioned that after that incident, Qin Ran's appetite suddenly increased significantly. Although he had always had a large appetite, they felt that his eating habits during that period were somewhat exaggerated…"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xin recalled how "Qin Ran" had been exceptionally greedy for food when they first met, as if he could never get enough. He quickly asked, "What does this indicate?"

"Currently, not much can be confirmed. In reality, bystanders' testimonies often don't represent the whole truth!"

Han Bing explained, "For some mental anomalies, altering memories is not a difficult task!"

"This..."

Lu Xin was taken aback by this: Memories can be altered?

How insane!

"Yes, and precisely because of this, the research department has proposed a hypothesis!"

Han Bing continued, "They believe that the initial related clue character, Qin Ran, was merely a polluted individual, and a severely polluted one at that. His true identity was Cui Wang, but he was unaware of this and considered himself to be Qin Ran. The special pollution source discovered at the bottom of the lake, No. 041, possessed the ability to capture, devour, and assimilate other mental bodies, ultimately giving birth to another self!"

"However, this is just a conjecture. The research department has not signed the final confirmation report and does not take responsibility for it!"

"..."

"This..."

It took Lu Xin a long while to accept this explanation. He couldn't help but ask, "Then why did he seek revenge on Qin Ran in the first place?"

"Also, Qin Ran didn't seem to have any abnormalities until the moment he died..."

"..."

"This is precisely why the research department dares not make a definitive conclusion!"

Han Bing replied, "But there are a few directions that can serve as references!"

"Firstly, the initial captured mental bodies still possessed their own will, hence their hatred towards the source entity!"

"The one who influenced bystanders and sought revenge on Qin Ran might not necessarily be the source entity itself, but rather a mental body that had already been captured by the source but not yet fully assimilated. And these mental bodies influencing bystanders could be a form of 'hunting' method for the source!"

"Secondly, no mental body is perfect; just like everyone has their own flaws!"

"The essence of a mental body has a primitive desire to grow and protect itself, but its state is unstable. Sometimes, the mental body itself will exhibit behavior that contradicts its fundamental desires, such as strong self-destructive tendencies or self-hatred."

"In the past, there was a case where a mental anomaly's ability resulted in the creation of a mental monster that devoured itself!"

"Thirdly, the Qin Ran we saw might have been a juvenile form to some extent..."

"Juvenile form?"

"Yes!"

Han Bing explained systematically, "What can be confirmed now is that it was precisely because of the 'Qin Ran' mental pollution source that Cui Wang suffered severe pollution, leading to Cui Wang transforming into Qin Ran. This change was not only in appearance but also included memory and self-perception. However, until the very end, upon seeing the source entity, he only experienced cognitive confusion..."

"Therefore, the research department has a hypothesis: the Qin Ran that Cui Wang transformed into was merely a juvenile form. As time passed, he would not only completely become Qin Ran but might even recall more, such as his original form and why he transformed into it!"

"Unfortunately, at that time, due to the City Patrol Army's accidental discharge, we lost this research subject."

"However, research is ongoing, and perhaps we can find some useful clues from other cases."

"..."

Hearing her tone, it seems there have been many similar incidents before?

Lu Xin thought about the disaster incidents he had heard about previously in the surrounding satellite cities.

Before formally contacting them, Lu Xin even felt that his own situation was unique and incomprehensible to others. The first time he encountered the monster in the coffee shop, he felt like he was hallucinating. But now, as he interacted with them more deeply, he realized that many mental pollution incidents must have occurred in this city, but the truth might have been hidden before.

"Are there any others?"

Lu Xin saw a colleague outside the stairwell wanting to come in for a smoke. But upon seeing him on the phone, the colleague quietly left.

So, he proactively asked Han Bing, speeding up the conversation.

"Further research and analysis will take time. If there are any results, you will be notified!"

Han Bing said in her gentle voice, "But regardless, Mr. Lu Xin has made a great contribution this time. The three thousand yuan reward has already been transferred to your account. Additionally, Team Leader Chen Jing has requested an additional six thousand yuan from her superiors for you!"

Lu Xin nodded, "Oh!"

"In addition to the reward, Colonel Chen has arranged a comprehensive examination for you. It should be scheduled for the near future, so please prepare yourself!"

"Examination? What kind of examination?"

"It's a comprehensive assessment of your condition and abilities."

Han Bing paused slightly and added, "Before the official recruitment, as per custom, there will be this kind of test!"

"Official recruitment?"

Lu Xin's heart stirred, and he said indifferently, "Oh!"

"Also, regarding this incident, it's rumored you fired a shot. The expended bullets can be replenished at the local Guard Department!"

"..."

"They even considered this?"

Lu Xin was somewhat surprised and quickly said, "Thank you, thank you, sorry to trouble you, sorry to trouble you!"

After finishing the important matters, Han Bing also became more polite. "No need, no need. It should be you who worked hard..."

"No, no, no, you worked hard..."

"No, no, you worked hard..."

"..."

After hanging up the phone, Lu Xin calmly lit a cigarette at the stairwell.

He leaned against the railing, his brow furrowed, smoke dissipating faintly as if he were contemplating the bizarre logic within these pollution incidents.

Silently, silently, he suddenly tossed the cigarette butt, lightly jumped up, and said, "Thirty-six thousand..."

Just as he was about to walk away with swagger, he returned, put out the cigarette butt on the ground, and placed it back in the cigarette pack.

Then, he lightly jumped up once more, "I'm going to become a regular!"

Taking a deep breath to stay calm, he then walked into the office with a relaxed stride.

Although he tried to control it, he couldn't help but walk with the confident pace of a regular employee who was no longer short on cash!