Chapter 34: Analysis Report 041
Chapter 34: Analysis Report 041
“The research concerning Special Contaminant-041 has yet to yield definitive conclusions to date. The research department has only managed to provide some preliminary leads thus far!”
Han Bing spoke with intense seriousness when addressing these matters.
Even her naturally soft, gentle voice took on an edge of rationality and force:
“Through in-depth investigation, it was discovered that Special Contamination Source—041-1, specifically the corpse of the former wilderness drifter Qin Ran excavated from the lakebed, had DNA matching tissue samples previously collected from the site where Cui Wang was dismembered; Special Contamination Source—041-2, specifically the corpse that took Cui Wang’s form after death, had DNA matching hair samples collected from Cui Wang’s residence!”
“Based on interrogations of Sifang Transportation Company employees and individuals who cohabited with Qin Ran:
Qin Ran originated from the Wilderness; his exact age remains unknown, physically estimated to be between thirty and forty years old.
Within the company, four employees were familiar with him. However, among these four, the longest acquaintance spanned only three years. Interrogations revealed that while these individuals claimed to have known Qin Ran for a long time, they could only accurately recount impressions formed within the last year;
On the day of the incident, three subordinates accompanied Qin Ran during a transaction. Their testimonies showed no significant anomalies – all stated that Qin Ran had indeed killed Cui Wang, and they had assisted in disposing of the body… However, some noted that after the incident, Qin Ran’s appetite suddenly increased dramatically. Even though he had a large appetite previously, his consumption during that period was considered exaggerated…”
“…”
Hearing this, Lu Xin remembered the abnormal greed for food, like an insatiable hunger, he witnessed in the “Qin Ran” they first encountered. He urgently asked, “What does that imply then?”
“At present, little can be confirmed. In truth, witness testimonies often hold little weight!”
Han Bing explained: “For certain Mental Aberrants, altering memories isn’t particularly difficult!”
“This…”
Lu Xin was momentarily stunned upon hearing this: Memories can be altered too?
That was insane!
“Indeed, and precisely for this reason, the research department proposed a hypothesis!”
Han Bing continued methodically: “They believe that the initial person of interest, Qin Ran, was merely a contaminated individual, severely so, whose true identity was actually Cui Wang. He himself was unaware of this and believed himself to be Qin Ran. Meanwhile, Special Contaminant-041 discovered at the lakebed possesses the ability to capture, consume, and assimilate other Spiritual Entities, ultimately giving rise to another self!”
“However, this remains conjecture. The research department has not signed off on the final determination report and disclaims responsibility for this conclusion.”
“…”
“This…”
Lu Xin took a moment to digest this explanation before asking again, “Then why did he initially seek revenge against Qin Ran?”
“Furthermore, Qin Ran showed no apparent abnormalities right up until his death…”
“…”
“This is precisely why the research department hesitates to draw a definite conclusion!”
Han Bing answered: “But several directions offer points for consideration!”
“First, the initially captured Spiritual Entities might still retain their own Will. Consequently, they harbor hatred towards the Source of Contamination.”
“The individuals influenced to seek Qin Ran seeking revenge weren’t necessarily the Source of Contamination itself. They could have been Spiritual Entities already captured by the contamination source but not yet fully assimilated. Moreover, this act of influencing pedestrians could be a method of “hunting” employed by the contamination source!”
“Second, no Spiritual Entity is perfect, just as every individual possesses their own flaws!”
“The fundamental nature of a Spiritual Entity involves the primordial Desires to develop and protect itself, but its state is unstable. At times, the Spiritual Entity itself might manifest behaviors contradicting its essential desires, manifesting as strong tendencies towards self-destruction or self-loathing.”
“Previously, there were instances where a Mental Aberrant developed an ability that created a Psychic Entity capable of consuming its creator!”
“Third, the Qin Ran we encountered might merely have been a juvenile form to some extent…”
“Juvenile?”
“Correct!”
Han Bing elaborated in an orderly manner: “We can now confirm that it was precisely the Psychic Pollution Source embodied by ‘Qin Ran’ that caused deep Contamination to Cui Wang, leading to Cui Wang transforming into Qin Ran. This transformation wasn’t merely physical; it encompassed even Memory and Self-awareness. Yet, even when confronted with the Source of Contamination at the final moment, he merely experienced cognitive Chaos…”
“Therefore, the research department speculated that the Qin Ran transformed from Cui Wang was merely a juvenile form. As more time passed, he wouldn’t only fully become Qin Ran but might even recall more – such as what form he was in and why he took that form!”
“Regrettably, due to the City Patrol Army’s misfire during the incident, we lost this research subject.”
“However, the research continues. Perhaps useful clues might emerge from studying other similar cases.”
“…”
“Judging by her tone, there have been similar events in the past?”
Lu Xin internally recalled the rumors he had heard about disaster incidents erupting in several surrounding Satellite Cities.
Before his formal involvement with them, Lu Xin had even felt that his peculiar condition was unique and beyond anyone else’s understanding. When he first encountered the Monster in the café, he definitely thought he’d seen a ghost. Yet now, interacting more deeply with them highlighted the possibility that many Psychic Contamination Incidents must have occurred within the city, the truth likely suppressed before.
“Are there any other findings?”
Lu Xin noticed a colleague wanting to come into the stairwell to smoke but quietly leaving upon seeing him on the phone.
Prompting his inquiry to Han Bing to expedite the call.
“Further research and analysis will require more time. If results emerge, we will notify you promptly!”
Han Bing’s soft voice replied, then added: “Nevertheless, Mr. Lu Xin, you rendered immense service in this incident. The thirty-thousand-yuan reward has been transferred into your account. Additionally, Team Leader Chen Jing applied to her superiors and managed to secure an extra six thousand yuan for you!”
Lu Xin gave a slight nod: “Oh.”
“Beyond the monetary reward, Colonel Chen has arranged for a comprehensive assessment for you. It should occur in the coming days – please make preparations!”
“Assessment? What kind of assessment?”
“Namely, a full evaluation of your current state and abilities.”
Han Bing paused slightly, then supplemented: “In accordance with standard procedure, such an assessment precedes formal recruitment.”
“Formal recruitment?”
Lu Xin stirred internally but uttered calmly: “Oh.”
“And, during this incident, we understand you fired one round. The expended ammunition can be replenished at the local Guard Bureau.”
“…”
“Oh? They even considered that?”
Lu Xin was somewhat surprised, hastening to say: “Thank you, thank you, much appreciated, appreciate the trouble!”
Having relayed the official matters, Han Bing also became politely courteous: “Not at all, not at all. We must say you’re the one who worked hard…”
“No no, it was you who worked hard…”
“No no no, you worked hard…”
“…”
After hanging up the phone, Lu Xin calmly lit a cigarette in the stairwell.
Leaning against the railing, brows knotted, the smoke drifting faintly around him, he seemed to be pondering the bizarre logic within these Contamination Incidents.
Silently, silently… he suddenly flicked his cigarette butt away and gave a little jump: “Thirty-six thousand yuan…!” He started to swagger away, but then turned back, stepped on the butt to extinguish it, and placed it back into his cigarette box.
Then, he jumped once more: “Full-time position!” Taking a deep breath to regain composure, he finally walked back towards the Office with relaxed steps.
Though he tried to control it, he couldn’t help walking with the stride of a full-time employee with no more financial worries.