Chapter 39: Guidance and Enhancement

While introducing the surroundings, Chen Jing led Lu Xin into a spacious office first. Here, Lu Xin saw many things he had previously only seen on television or read about in books dating from before the Crimson Moon Incident, but had never actually encountered in person.

Things like water dispensers, projectors, and a compact, exquisitely crafted laptop with a partially eaten apple logo printed on its lid, and so on.

The items were somewhat haphazardly placed, appearing as if they had been temporarily set up.

Quite a few people were already waiting inside. Four or five researchers clad in white lab coats stood about, while security personnel wearing black police uniforms and fully armed occupied the corners of the office. There was also an elderly man with a kindly face, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, sitting at the head of the central desk.

“These are the staff here to assist with your final assessment. Among them are neurology specialists, brain science scholars, psychological doctors, occult studies researchers, and more. There’s no need for you to feel pressure. Equipping security personnel like this is our standard protocol. During previous assessments, there have been unforeseen incidents that caused major disasters. Things are much better controlled now!”

Chen Jing efficiently briefed Lu Xin on the people in the office, without any unnecessary delay.

“So, where are the Five Freaks of Qinggang?”

Lu Xin was somewhat puzzled; he hadn’t seen any figures resembling so-called “monsters.”

“Freaks?”

Chen Jing paused, casting an inquiring look at Lu Xin.

Lu Xin instinctively glanced towards the Gecko who was following him. The latter promptly turned his head away, pretending nonchalance.

“Haha, what he calls the ‘Six Freaks of Qinggang,’ probably refers to us!”

Instead, in the office, that bespectacled elder chuckled amiably as he stood up, shaking Lu Xin’s hand and introducing himself, “My surname is Chen. I’m the Director of Qinggang City’s Special Contamination Research Center. This assessment of yours will be conducted primarily by myself and these five colleagues. Your subsequent guidance plan will also be formulated jointly by us six. But don’t be nervous; we are very experienced!”

The other five individuals, both men and women, also nodded towards Lu Xin in greeting.

Lu Xin looked carefully at these six people: four men and two women, all roughly in their forties or fifties. The eldest was this Director Chen, seemingly over sixty. The others: most of the men were balding, only one possessed thick, black hair; the women appeared makeupless, composed, and calm. Now, they nodded at Lu Xin in unison, wearing expressions of friendly warmth.

Lu Xin hadn’t originally been nervous, but under their collective gaze, he felt an inexplicable tension.

“Yes, indeed! These six are Qinggang City’s most qualified, most professional, and most respected experts and professors! Their research into the field of Spiritual Mutation isn’t just top in Qinggang City; they’re among the finest in the entire Alliance…”

The Gecko, who had been pretending nonchalance earlier, finally stepped forward with a smile and introduced them voluntarily.

Only then did Lu Xin realize this fellow was doing it on purpose. He gave the Gecko a thoughtful look.

“You presumably know this person by now; his name is Gecko. He requested to be here for this session,” Chen Jing added offhandedly. “His abilities are similar to yours; he can serve as a point of reference.”

“Point of reference, what an unpleasant term…”

Gecko muttered softly, then replaced it with a brilliant smile that not even his sunglasses could hide as he greeted the people in the office:

“Good evening, esteemed experts!”

“Move aside a bit…”

A bespectacled middle-aged woman waved her hand, indicating he was blocking Lu Xin.

Chen Jing went on to explain some matters needing attention during the assessment to Lu Xin. However, it seemed more like she was giving him time to acclimate and relax. Following a suggestion by the elderly Professor Chen, the group then left the office, proceeding towards the prepared assessment area. What Lu Xin needed to be assessed on now was precisely the first ability he had previously demonstrated.

“Precise physical control based on powerful mental power, that’s one of the earliest abilities discovered after the Crimson Moon Incident, and also the most commonly seen…” The kindly faced, bespectacled elder explained cheerfully to Lu Xin. When he mentioned the words “commonly seen,” he glanced at Gecko and added, “Of course, it is also among the most powerful abilities!”

Gecko, walking behind them, nodded with satisfaction.

“Mental Aberrants in this direction can control their bodies several magnitudes better than ordinary people. The greater the mental power, the higher the percentage of bodily control, and consequently the stronger the capability. Its essence lies in the elevation of psychic magnitude!”

“The assessment we need to conduct – the measurement of psychic magnitude – is the most crucial component!”

“With accurate data in this area, we will know how to properly guide you to avoid the risk of a loss of control…”

“…”

“So, when you say ‘guidance,’ you mean…”

Hearing this, Lu Xin could no longer pretend he understood everything and finally asked the question he cared about most.

The kindly elder, clearly not expecting Lu Xin to ask this, looked somewhat surprised and turned his gaze towards Chen Jing.

“Guidance is to assist you in elevating your mutative power!”

Chen Jing explained from the side: “Every Spider-Type ability user is a natural-born martial artist, shooting expert, acrobatic performer, or great magician. This is because you all can essentially freely control every bone, every tendon and membrane in your bodies. Consequently, almost any skill related to bodily control or extension can be readily accomplished by you!”

“But in this world, Spider-Type Mutants are not the only ones!”

Her voice grew slightly more serious: “Spiritual Mutation has branched into several disciplines.”

“Apart from Spider-Type Ability Users, there are distinct ability systems: Princess, Doctor, Ghost, Dreamweaver, among others.”

“Each ability possesses both unique advantages and defects!”

“Moreover, compared to the professors and experts who have conducted in-depth research on various mutation cases and engaged in data calculation, the Mutants themselves actually understand less about how to best utilize and enhance their own powers.”

“At times, some misguided attempts or challenges can even push one closer to the edge of a loss of control.”

“And that,” she concluded, “is precisely why Ability Users require guidance!”

“You need formal guidance, even support from empirical data, to truly achieve your own progress and enhancement.”

“…”

“Sigh, that’s the annoying part about you people…”

Listening to this, Lu Xin found it somewhat novel. But beside him, Gecko was already muttering quietly: “It’s a good thing someone with the same ability has finally appeared. At least he can help me together to tell you all, that we aren’t omnipotent either…”

“You ran some calculations, assumed I could do something, but I just couldn’t fulfill it…”

“For instance, why on earth would you think I could turn into liquid?”

“I’m human, not a cat…”

“…”

“Actually, that exactly illustrates your need for guidance!”

The bespectacled elder explained with a bemused smile: “You all merely coincidentally gained the opportunity for your spirit to mutate.”

“Who could possibly understand ‘Ability’ more thoroughly than us researchers?”