Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Trainees rush to memorize the handbook before the assessment.
• Four A-ranks are announced, causing surprise.
• The man with gold-rimmed glasses reveals he could achieve S-class with more time.
• Black Tiger and Crow take the assessment, with mixed results.
• Han Su enters the room for his assessment, facing a machine named Miss Ai.
• He answers questions about his understanding of the Executive Personnel Code of Conduct and his encounter with fake humans.
• Han Su's codename is revealed as "Butcher," causing shock among trainees.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Shows exceptional performance in the assessment, receiving a 5A-class evaluation, despite not studying the handbook much. His codename, "Butcher," is controversial.
• Black Tiger: Shows respect towards Han Su after his assessment, hinting at self-motivation.
• Crow: Displays dissatisfaction with her C-class Handbook evaluation, despite having two S-class results.
• Zhang Chiguo: Regrets over-evaluating Han Su, initially aiming to keep him in lower-ranked groups for his safety.

Significant Themes

• Intelligence and adaptability in facing the unknown (fake humans, assessment questions).
• The importance of preparation and study (memorizing the handbook, understanding the code of conduct).
• The consequences of one's actions and decisions (Han Su's codename, his actions during the internship mission).

Character Interactions

• Han Su interacts with Miss Ai, the assessment machine, answering her questions.
• Han Su's interactions with other trainees are minimal, but his results cause a stir among them.
• Zhang Chiguo's interactions with the bald researcher reveal his regret over Han Su's high evaluation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su, after his assessment, meets other trainees in the smoking area.
• They share their reasons for joining the Disaster Management Bureau.
• Miss Crow, a top scorer, joins them and warns about the dangers ahead.
• Han Su suggests forming a group chat for discussion.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Shows leadership and strategic thinking, aiming to create a network of support among trainees.
• Miss Crow: Reveals knowledge about the mysterious world and its dangers, displaying a calm and collected demeanor.
• Doctor (Gold-rimmed glasses): Shows curiosity and intelligence, driven by a desire to uncover the truth.
• Black Tiger (Camouflage soldier): Seeks revenge for his fallen comrades and wants to master mysterious powers.
• Mouse (Thin, greasy-haired young man): Has a terminal illness and seeks a technological artifact to extend his life.

Significant Themes

• The unknown and dangerous nature of the mysterious world.
• The importance of unity and mutual support among those facing the unknown.
• The varied motivations driving individuals to join the Disaster Management Bureau.

Character Interactions

• Han Su acts as a catalyst, bringing the trainees together and suggesting collaboration.
• Miss Crow's presence adds an air of mystery and danger, influencing the group's dynamics.
• Each trainee shares their personal reasons for joining, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Training concludes, and groups are assigned.
• Group D1D2 gains independence, D3D4 has partial freedom, D5D6 must remain at the base.
• Investigators are given two tools: a stun baton and an ID card with temporary legal immunity.

Character Developments

• Han Su, Doctor, and Black Tiger are assigned to D2 Working Group.
• Crow is assigned to D1 Working Group.
• Old Zhang's new identity is not revealed yet.

Significant Themes

• Hierarchy and freedom within the Disaster Management Bureau.
• The power and limitations of the investigator's ID card.
• The importance of writing reports for investigators.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Crow discuss the investigator's tools.
• Han Su realizes he's in the D2 Working Group with Doctor and Black Tiger.
• Han Su wonders about Old Zhang's new identity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su is discharged from the Disaster Management Bureau base after the group assignments.
• He is given a ride home by Cui Qiao, Zhang Chiguo's secretary, who reveals that Han Su's economic situation will improve due to his new role.
• Cui Qiao discovers and disables various listening devices and data-stealing equipment planted in Han Su's apartment by private investigators.
• She warns Han Su about the importance of his upcoming missions and the evaluation system for investigators.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows curiosity and a lack of understanding about the Disaster Management Bureau's hierarchy and his new role.
• Cui Qiao demonstrates her loyalty to Zhang Chiguo by helping Han Su and revealing information about the Bureau's evaluation system.
• Cui Qiao showcases her ability to manipulate electricity, hinting at the mysterious powers that can be obtained through training.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Loyalty: Cui Qiao's actions demonstrate her trust in Han Su and her loyalty to Zhang Chiguo.
• Power and Hierarchy: The Disaster Management Bureau's hierarchy is hinted at, with different groups having varying levels of freedom and responsibility.
• Adaptation and Growth: Han Su is adjusting to his new identity and the expectations that come with it.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Cui Qiao interact for the first time, with Cui Qiao providing guidance and information to Han Su.
• Han Su's conversation with Cui Qiao reveals his practical and considerate nature, as well as his curiosity about the Bureau's workings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su and Cui Qiao discuss the risks and consequences of using mystical abilities.
• Cui Qiao compares the world to a swamp with monsters beneath, and ability users as those provoking these monsters.
• Han Su ponders his own experiences and the nature of the monsters that kidnapped him.
• Zhang Chiguo and Cui Qiao visit Han Su to celebrate his entry into the Disaster Management Bureau and cook him a meal.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Struggles with understanding his abilities and the consequences of using them. Reflects on his past and the monsters that kidnapped him.
• Cui Qiao: Shows concern for Han Su's well-being and understanding of the risks involved in using abilities. Displays a more personal side when helping Zhang Chiguo cook.
• Zhang Chiguo: Demonstrates his caring nature by cooking Han Su's favorite dishes and supporting him.

Significant Themes

• The risks and consequences of using mystical abilities.
• The metaphor of the world as a swamp with monsters beneath, and ability users as those provoking these monsters.
• Han Su's past experiences and his search for understanding about the monsters that kidnapped him.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Cui Qiao: Discuss the nature of abilities and their risks, leading to Han Su's introspection.
• Han Su and Zhang Chiguo: Share a moment of camaraderie as Zhang Chiguo cooks Han Su's favorite dishes, reminiscent of their past interactions.
• Zhang Chiguo and Cui Qiao: Work together to cook a meal for Han Su, showing a contrast between their professional and personal demeanors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chiguo visits Han Su and Cui Qiao for dinner, avoiding discussing the kidnapping case initially.
• Cui Qiao creates an isolation zone to prevent eavesdropping, emphasizing the sensitivity of their conversation.
• Zhang Chiguo reveals that the Disaster Management Bureau was established only three years ago, initially operating unofficially.
• He recounts his experiences and the bureau's struggle to categorize and investigate the kidnapping case.
• Zhang Chiguo discloses that an unknown figure above rejected the case, making it difficult to investigate further.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Becomes more determined to uncover the truth about the kidnapping case, understanding its significance and the risks involved.
• Zhang Chiguo: Reveals his personal history and struggles with the kidnapping case, displaying his resilience and dedication despite facing obstacles and pressure.

Significant Themes

• Truth and Power: The struggle to uncover the truth about the kidnapping case is hindered by those in power who wish to suppress it.
• Resilience and Determination: Both Han Su and Zhang Chiguo display unwavering determination in their pursuit of the truth, despite facing challenges and setbacks.
• The Struggle Against the Supernatural: The investigation into the kidnapping case highlights the struggle against the supernatural and the grotesque, which exists but is often denied or ignored.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Zhang Chiguo: Their conversation reveals their shared determination to uncover the truth about the kidnapping case, fostering a deeper bond between them.
• Cui Qiao: Though not directly involved in the conversation, her actions demonstrate her loyalty and support for Han Su, creating an isolation zone to protect their discussion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chiguo reveals he's been secretly investigating Han Su's kidnapping case.
• He finds a clue: Han Su's mother might still be in the city.
• Zhang Chiguo warns Han Su about a mysterious organization possibly connected to the kidnapping case.
• He advises Han Su to wait until he becomes an investigator before pursuing these leads, due to the danger involved.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Becomes more determined to find his mother and unravel the kidnapping case, despite the risks.
• Zhang Chiguo: Shows his dedication to the case by keeping the file and revealing his findings to Han Su.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics within the Disaster Management Bureau and the city.
• The danger and mystery surrounding the kidnapping case and the mysterious organization.
• The importance of patience and careful planning in investigations.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Zhang Chiguo: Their relationship deepens as they discuss the case, with Zhang Chiguo acting as a mentor and guide to Han Su.
• Han Su and the mysterious organization: Their potential connection is hinted at, adding tension and intrigue to the story.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su learns about the Crystal Skull organization from Zhang Chiguo.
• Han Su contacts Black Rose, who reveals the Crystal Skull organization worships a crystal skull for its mystical powers.
• Han Su receives his first official mission from the Disaster Management Bureau: record the extinguishing and lighting times of a streetlight on Chunhua Street.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Shows curiosity and determination to investigate the Crystal Skull organization despite potential dangers.
• Black Rose: Reveals her professional confidentiality and willingness to continue advising Han Su, despite not believing in the occult.

Significant Themes

• The existence of mysterious powers and organizations worshipping them.
• The duality of organizations: some wanting to prevent infiltration (like the Disaster Management Bureau), others wanting to facilitate it (like the Crystal Skull organization).
• The danger and uncertainty of investigating these matters.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Black Rose: Continue their online friendship, with Black Rose providing information about the Crystal Skull organization.
• Han Su and the Disaster Management Bureau: Han Su receives his first mission and successfully completes it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su completes several mundane missions, such as patrolling streets, counting steps, and inspecting sea passengers.
• He learns that four trainees have died while recording streetlight flickering.
• Han Su's fourth mission involves watching a movie alone in a cinema between 10 PM and 1 AM. He encounters anomalies and alerts the Disaster Management Bureau, leading to a large-scale response.

Character Developments

• Han Su adapts to his new role and improves his evaluation from C+ to B-.
• He becomes interested in "Miss Ai" and tries to communicate with her.
• Han Su feels an invisible urgency about his potential kidnapping.

Significant Themes

• The strangeness and boredom of Han Su's missions contrast with the seriousness of the Disaster Management Bureau's purpose.
• The theme of hidden enemies and danger is reinforced with the deaths of trainees and the reminder of potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Han Su interacts with Secretary Cui Qiao, who provides him with information and warnings.
• He encounters a man from the Xu family, who greets him on the roadside.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ji's father's assistant, Xu Jinping, meets Han Su to thank him for saving Xu Ji.
• Xu Jinping offers Han Su a luxurious apartment and six million yuan, but Han Su declines.
• Xu Jinping reveals that Xu Ji is under house arrest to reduce the risks of attracting grotesque entities, as both are deep contactors.
• He mentions a ghost truck that escaped its seal and hasn't been found yet.
• Xu Jinping hints that the Disaster Management Bureau is aware of these entities but keeps them secret from ordinary people.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Shows maturity and understanding of the situation, declines the offered money and apartment, and asks insightful questions about his past kidnapping.
• Xu Jinping: Reveals knowledge about grotesque entities and their effects on deep contactors, shows concern for both Han Su and Xu Ji's safety.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of mystery by humans and the danger it brings.
• The role of status in knowing and understanding the truth about these entities.
• The struggle between ordinary people's ignorance and the wealthy's knowledge of the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Xu Jinping: Their conversation reveals the truth about the supernatural world to Han Su and highlights the power dynamics between the wealthy and the ordinary.
• Xu Jinping's mention of Xu Ji's situation shows his concern for his master's well-being and the risks they face due to their deep contact status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su witnesses two former Public Security Bureau investigators getting their legs broken for revenge.
• Assistant Xu offers Han Su money and help to find Meilan, but Han Su initially refuses.
• Han Su expects the flicker to descend on the 14th day at 4 PM, but it only partially manifests and then disappears.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows empathy towards the victims but maintains his composure and dignity.
• Assistant Xu demonstrates his loyalty and resourcefulness in helping Han Su.
• Han Su receives a mission notification from the Disaster Management Bureau.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and its consequences.
• The power dynamics between the rich and the powerful.
• The unpredictable nature of the flicker and Han Su's fate.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Assistant Xu have a tense but respectful interaction, with Han Su initially refusing the offered money but eventually accepting it.
• Han Su's internal monologue reveals his determination and acceptance of his fate with the flicker.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su receives a mission but delays his departure due to the unusual flashing notification.
• He meets familiar faces from Group D3D4 at the assembly point, where they are briefed by an investigator codenamed Strange Bird.
• The mission involves patrolling an intersection to find an entity with an unclear face, with orders to shoot if encountered.
• Han Su is paired with a stranger and given a spell to recite, which he hesitates to do.
• His companion recites the spell, and Han Su spots a woman with a blurred face, prompting his partner to shoot her.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows caution and hesitation in following orders, questioning the mission's ethics and his partner's actions.
• His partner reveals a more experienced and pragmatic side, willing to take risks to survive and advance in the Disaster Management Bureau.

Significant Themes

• Obedience vs. Caution: Han Su grapples with the need to follow orders versus his personal judgment and ethics.
• Risk vs. Reward: His partner's willingness to gamble on the spell's outcome to improve their chances of survival.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The entity with an unclear face, representing the hidden dangers in the world.

Character Interactions

• Han Su interacts with familiar faces from his training group, showing brief camaraderie.
• He is paired with a stranger who reveals more about the Bureau's culture and expectations.
• Han Su communicates with Miss Crow via a group chat, hinting at a shared understanding and caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An office worker is shot and killed by an executor, revealing a blurry shadow and causing panic.
• Anomalies are detected on Line 2, and teams are deployed to investigate.
• Blurry-faced individuals attack Han Su and the executor. The executor is infected and killed.
• Mr. Strange Bird, an investigator, appears and uses a mysterious ability to evade blurry shadows.
• The blurry shadows enter a shop, and Mr. Strange Bird attempts to find the door but fails.

Character Developments

• Han Su demonstrates exceptional agility and quick thinking, using an electric baton to fend off blurry shadows.
• Mr. Strange Bird shows fanaticism in his pursuit of the door and is willing to sacrifice others to achieve his goal.
• The executor shows bravery but lacks the ability to handle the unexpected situation.

Significant Themes

• The blurry-faced individuals and shadows represent the unknown and the threat of the supernatural.
• The pursuit of the door symbolizes the investigators' obsession with their mission, even at the cost of human lives.
• Han Su's actions raise questions about the ethics of the investigators' methods and the value of human life in their mission.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and the executor work together initially but are separated when the executor is infected.
• Han Su and Mr. Strange Bird have a tense standoff after the investigator's failed attempt to find the door.
• The blurry-faced individuals and shadows interact with the living, infecting them and causing chaos.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su and his team return to the base after a failed mission.
• The Strange Bird investigator, who led the mission, attempts to shift blame onto Han Su.
• Han Su reports the investigator's misconduct to the Bureau.
• Both Han Su and the investigator are interrogated upon returning to the base.
• The Bureau decides to reprimand both parties, but neither faces severe consequences.

Character Developments

• Han Su demonstrates courage and initiative by reporting the investigator's misconduct.
• The Strange Bird investigator shows recklessness and a disregard for protocol, putting operatives and civilians at risk.
• Secretary Cui Qiao reveals that certain high-achieving investigators are given leniency for their actions.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of reckless action and disregard for protocol.
• The importance of following procedures and regulations in the Disaster Management Bureau.
• The power dynamics between investigators and operatives.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and the Strange Bird investigator have a tense confrontation, with the investigator attempting to intimidate Han Su.
• Han Su reports the investigator's misconduct to the Bureau, leading to both of them being interrogated.
• Secretary Cui Qiao reveals the Bureau's leniency towards high-achieving investigators, highlighting the power dynamics within the organization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Strange Bird, an investigator, is frustrated that Zhang Chiguo, another investigator, questions his methods.
• Zhang Chiguo reveals that Strange Bird went to the wrong door during the mission, leading to its failure.
• Strange Bird wants to transfer Han Su, the executor, to be his assistant but Zhang Chiguo refuses.
• Cui Qiao, a secretary, warns Han Su about Strange Bird's instability and the dangers of the executor job.
• Han Su learns that becoming an investigator's assistant is the shortest path to receive mysterious power training.

Character Developments

• Strange Bird: Shows frustration, impatience, and a disregard for rules and lives, revealing his instability.
• Zhang Chiguo: Displays sternness, wisdom, and a commitment to rules and fairness.
• Han Su: Develops a curiosity and ambition for mysterious power training.
• Cui Qiao: Shows concern for Han Su's safety and provides valuable information about the Disaster Management Bureau.

Significant Themes

• The value of human life versus the necessity of sacrifice in the face of supernatural threats.
• The consequences of deep contact with the mysterious and grotesque.
• The struggle for power and influence within the Disaster Management Bureau.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chiguo and Strange Bird: Their tense interaction highlights their differing views on rules and the value of life.
• Cui Qiao and Han Su: Cui Qiao's warning to Han Su emphasizes the dangers and complexities of their work.
• Han Su and Strange Bird: Their interaction, though not direct, sets the stage for future conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su learns about the process to gain mysterious power training, which involves getting a good evaluation and being taken under an investigator's wing.
• Han Su receives an invitation from a B-class investigator, "Strange Bird," to work under him, which could potentially lead to early mysterious power training.
• Zhang Chiguo reveals that he arranged this opportunity for Han Su and will use a favor to ensure Han Su's training, even if Strange Bird is unwilling.

Character Developments

• Han Su demonstrates adaptability and a willingness to take risks, accepting the opportunity for mysterious power training despite potential risks.
• Zhang Chiguo shows growth in his approach to navigating the Disaster Management Bureau's politics, exploiting loopholes to help Han Su.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptation and learning to navigate complex systems is highlighted through Zhang Chiguo's growth and Han Su's acceptance of the risky opportunity.
• The theme of power dynamics and manipulation is evident in the Disaster Management Bureau's rules and the investigators' influence.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Zhang Chiguo's relationship strengthens as Zhang Chiguo actively helps Han Su, showing trust and reliability.
• Cui Qiao and Zhang Chiguo's interaction reveals Zhang Chiguo's growth and adaptability, with Cui Qiao noticing the change in his approach.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su considers revealing his mental penetration and other abilities to participate in mysterious power training.
• He learns about two outcomes for those who achieve mental penetration: assignment to D1 group (like Miss Crow) or D7 group (detention and forced grotesque encounters).
• Han Su seeks Miss Crow's help to understand mental penetration training.
• Miss Crow agrees to let Han Su experience the sensation of mental penetration.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows curiosity and eagerness to participate in dangerous tasks.
• Miss Crow demonstrates concern for Han Su's safety and willingness to help him, despite her initial hesitation.

Significant Themes

• The price and benefits of achieving mental penetration.
• The dangers of encountering grotesque phenomena.
• The importance of control and caution in developing one's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Miss Crow have a conversation about mental penetration, with Miss Crow explaining the process and its risks.
• Miss Crow agrees to help Han Su experience the sensation of mental penetration, showing a growing trust and friendship between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su's spiritual power increases, allowing him to receive and process more information.
• Miss Crow attempts to vitalize Han Su's spiritual world, but her attempt backfires due to Han Su's unconscious spiritual counterattack.
• The counterattack causes a chain reaction, activating runes on the walls and disrupting the base's power.
• Han Su unintentionally invades Miss Crow's memories, witnessing her past.
• Alarms blare, and security personnel enter, pointing guns at Han Su and Miss Crow.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Shows unexpected spiritual power, causing a significant reaction when his spiritual world is stimulated. He also gains a glimpse into Miss Crow's past.
• Miss Crow: Reveals more about her past through Han Su's spiritual invasion. She appears shocked and vulnerable after the incident.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of mental abilities.
• The consequences of unintentional spiritual intrusion.
• The contrast between Miss Crow's past and present demeanor.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Miss Crow: Their mental connection leads to a powerful reaction, causing both physical and emotional distress. They share a moment of understanding after the incident.
• Security personnel and Zhang Chiguo: Enter the training room, reacting to the alarms and the disruption caused by Han Su's counterattack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Miss Crow accidentally helps Han Su complete the Spiritual Penetration process, violating regulations.
• Zhang Chiguo and others perform tests to confirm Han Su's penetration and assess his control.
• Zhang Chiguo reprimands Miss Crow for her reckless actions.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Demonstrates responsibility by taking blame for the incident.
• Miss Crow: Shows remorse for her actions and accepts punishment.
• Zhang Chiguo: Displays concern for Han Su's safety and sternness in enforcing regulations.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and accountability for one's actions.
• The dangers and risks associated with spiritual penetration.
• The importance of proper training and guidance in the Disaster Management Bureau.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Miss Crow: Han Su takes responsibility for the incident, showing understanding and support for Miss Crow.
• Zhang Chiguo and Miss Crow: Zhang Chiguo reprimands Miss Crow for her reckless actions but also shows concern for her well-being.
• Zhang Chiguo and Han Su: Zhang Chiguo tests Han Su's penetration and control, showing a mix of sternness and care.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su successfully completes mental penetration with Miss Crow's help, avoiding severe punishment.
• Zhang Chiguo, despite his stern demeanor, shows leniency towards Miss Crow and Han Su.
• Zhang Chiguo reveals that Han Su's right hand is his weak point for spiritual power, and he must wear a glove to conceal it.
• Han Su will be transferred out from under the Strange Bird investigator after training, but the timeline is uncertain.
• Song Chushi is revealed to be tracking down Song Chushi, who had previously met Han Su in Qinggang City.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Shows curiosity and gratitude towards Miss Crow's help. He also demonstrates a growing understanding of the risks and secrets involved in mental penetration.
• Zhang Chiguo: Shows leniency and understanding towards Han Su and Miss Crow, revealing his role in protecting Han Su's secret and arranging his training.
• Miss Crow: Shows concern and willingness to help Han Su, even at risk to herself.
• Song Chushi: Revealed to be tracking down the Song Chushi who met Han Su, with a mysterious agenda involving Han Su and a gift.

Significant Themes

• The risks and secrets involved in mental penetration and mysterious powers.
• The importance of protecting one's weak point in spiritual power.
• The potential consequences and benefits of joining the Disaster Management Bureau.
• The mysterious connection between Han Su and Song Chushi.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Miss Crow: Miss Crow helps Han Su complete mental penetration, showing concern and willingness to take risks for him.
• Han Su and Zhang Chiguo: Zhang Chiguo reveals important information to Han Su about his right hand and arranges his training, showing a protective role.
• Song Chushi and the voice in the suitcase: Song Chushi's mysterious agenda and connection to Han Su are discussed, with the voice in the suitcase expressing frustration and concern.