Today, Lu Yan was heading back to K City. Zhou Qiming suggested, "Since we still have about seven to eight hours before the flight, why not grab a bite at a restaurant?"
He pondered for a moment; it made sense. After all, regular folks should stick to meal times. And Lu Yan could use some time to mull things over.
Accompanied by Zhou Qiming, they arrived at a restaurant famed for its exquisite flavors of Yanjing cuisine. It was nestled within a villa area and operated on a membership basis.
"I've only heard about it, never had the chance to taste it. This time it's an invite from a partner. Wonder how it compares to your culinary skills, Dr. Lu," Zhou Qiming remarked.
Recalling the two meals in the RV, Zhou Qiming couldn't help but salivate. The villa alone cost a fortune to decorate. Now, it boasted the world's finest ingredients and a top-notch culinary team.
The patrons all wore masks, dining alone in private rooms. There were no menus or restaurant names; it all relied on the chef's expertise. The food was beautifully plated, emanating irresistible aromas.
Yet, as Zhou Qiming and Lu Yan exchanged glances, they both noticed an issue. Regardless of the dish—meat or vegetables—the source seemed to be pollutants. Though treated, a faint trace of contamination lingered.
It wasn't enough to cause mutations in regular folks, but it acted as a kind of stimulant, elevating psychic thresholds.
"I've heard both the Prevention Center and headquarters sell this treated meat, a program promoted by the Seventh Research Institute," Zhou Qiming murmured. "But most people dining here are ordinary."
"Yes. I've heard in many pollution zones abroad, there are mercs, not Harbingers, calling themselves 'Calamity Hunters.' They hunt and use low-level pollutants as ingredients," Lu Yan responded.
These low-level pollutants were often humanoid, indicating they were once human. Compared to animal mutations, humanoid pollutants were considerably less potent in contamination and harm.
Hence, neither of them managed to finish the meal. Apparently, such restaurants were a rage overseas.
"Not just popular, they're a symbol of status. If a big-time influencer hasn't been to one, their popularity might be questioned," the system's voice sounded sarcastic.
While seeing Lu Yan off to the airport, Zhou Qiming sighed, feeling a bit disheartened. "The ones who suffer through hardships are always the common folks. The wealthy have even begun consuming pollutants."
"Pollutants can indeed serve as a resource," Lu Yan reflected.
In Tang Xunan's dream, Lu Yan spent three months at the institute. Occasionally, he'd observe the institute's nurturing of pollutants.
Researchers raised some small animals, mostly plants, exposing them to pollution sources to transform them into pollutants. Early in their growth, they'd be harvested for useful parts, termed as "special materials."
Additionally, there were periodic deliveries from the Special Operations Department, hunting "special items" from the outside.
"You're becoming more rational," the system remarked.
"That's not necessarily a compliment," Lu Yan retorted.
Boarding the plane, he took out his phone, opening his friend list and messaged Tang Xunan.
"Weren't you quite resolute before?" the system mimicked his tone, calmly saying, "I liked cute little Tang, not this hundred-year-old Tang."
Lu Yan, usually emotionally stable, felt an urge to shut the system up. The flight went smoothly.
Seven hours later, Lu Yan's plane landed successfully. He checked his phone and accessed the private chat interface on the Apocalypse Forum.
His contact list was limited, no random private messages. So, the topmost default profile picture stood out prominently.
Tang Xunan: Alright.
Tang Xunan: Can I have a personal contact?
Lu Yan: ly20971111
System: "Am I watching a high school romance show?"
Lu Yan, expressionless, pocketed his phone. "You can choose not to watch."
He arrived in K City at 4 am. Almost instantly after sending the message, WeChat notified him of a new friend request.
The ID was 'xunan'. Apart from Tang Xunan's account, nothing else came to his mind.
It was the note that puzzled Lu Yan.
Note: I am Ah Bai.
Although he had only slept around 5 am the previous day, his resilient body clock had him up at 7 am sharp.
Today, he had to report at the Prevention Center in K City, update his staff card, and then take the high-speed train to S City.
To S City, to buy a school district house for Director Hu's grandson.
Back at headquarters, Lu Yan received a warm welcome from Director Li: "Mr. Lu, congratulations on your successful training. My colleagues in Yanjing said you were the top trainee in this new batch of employees."
Lu Yan nodded calmly, replying, "Lucky."
He went to the health examination center for a simple check-up. With a psychic threshold of 2100 and a mutation degree of 132, he met the standard for a D-level staff.
Upon reaching D-level, Lu Yan unlocked more privileges. At least, the functionalities of the Apocalypse Forum were now more accessible to him.
The system sent a short message, notifying him of eligibility to participate in the "Intermediate Title Harbinger Leaderboard." The ranking occurred yearly, based on the strength of clearing pollution sources. If he made the list, he could receive additional resources monthly from the Prevention Center. Upon entering the top 10, the Third Research Institute offered a "Fusion Surgery" qualification, installing special items peeled off pollutants onto oneself, regardless of nationality.
In reality, fusing with pollutants had always been dangerous. A slight misstep could lead to complete deformation. Yet, Lu Yan, relying on the system, had been reckless, and surprisingly successful.
Intermediate titles: C, D-level Harbingers.
Advanced titles: S, A, B.
Lu Yan thought S-tier talents deserved higher recognition. Yet, there was only one in the entire forum. Feeling a bit isolated at the top, he settled for mingling among A and B tiers.
With a casual glance, Lu Yan noted his rank was at 50. The hierarchy of Harbingers was undoubtedly a pyramid, approximately 10,000 individuals vying for that coveted spot.
Checking his profile, it displayed, "Contribution points are being calculated." Uninterested, he closed the forum.
At the logistics department, Lu Yan converted the points earned during three months of rigorous training into contribution points.
Finally, he acquired the coveted silver longbow earlier than expected. Satisfaction painted his face visibly. He looked content, exuding a gentle and warm demeanor.
Untimely, the system chimed in: "[This bow costs 30,000 contribution points, a B-tier psychic weapon. It's reasonably priced but not very portable. However, it seems more like a decorative piece for the Prevention and Control Center rather than useful. Compared to that, the C-tier dagger suits you better.]"
Lu Yan retorted, "But it looks good."
The system stayed silent but, due to his wealth, Lu Yan followed its suggestion and purchased a dagger named "Toxic Fang."
A C-tier psychic weapon, priced at 10,000 contribution points, it came with a poison effective against bio-contaminants. Its concealability was indeed convenient.
Concerned about Director Hu's grandson's school district, after completing his supplies, Lu Yan headed towards the high-speed rail.
Carrying visibly dangerous tools, Lu Yan logically wouldn't pass security. However, displaying his staff card allowed him to access a special channel, bringing his beloved weapons onboard.
Not only was there a special passage arranged, but also a separate carriage.
The chief steward smiled, "We received notice from headquarters about a special operations department employee booking this train. Hence, we've arranged a dedicated carriage for you. Have a pleasant journey."
The carriage was solely occupied by Lu Yan, equipped with a movie screen, gaming console, and even a bed.
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