Chapter 34: Seize the Moment to Improve Yourself, Novice

Around ten o’clock at night.

Chen Zhao and his team drove straight into the Southern City Branch, not stopping once along the way. The director had already received word and was waiting in front of the main building, accompanied by a middle-aged man in a suit and tie.

As soon as they parked, Chen Zhao jogged over and reported, “Director, the mission was a complete success.”

The director nodded slightly and said, “Excellent. I knew I could count on my best men. The bones you collected today have also been analyzed.”

“The forensic report indicates they were dragged in and eaten by that mutated dog—there are bite marks all over them.”

“The previous owner is unrelated to the case; the Housing and Urban Development Bureau has already been notified.”

“The gentleman beside me is from the Southeast Regional Research Institute. He’s responsible for transporting the corpse of the mutated mantis.”

Chen Zhao’s eyes revealed surprise. “If I recall, the report came in less than an hour ago, right?”

Earlier that evening, they had sent the mutated dog’s body to the airport by their own people, and it was flown out on a private plane.

How was it that by nightfall, someone from the research institute was already here?

“Director, which institute is this gentleman from?” Chen Zhao asked.

The director’s brows furrowed. “That’s classified. Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t. There are units even I’m not cleared to know about.”

The man in the suit stepped forward and extended his hand. “Captain Chen, thank you for your hard work.”

Chen Zhao shook his hand, then said, “The corpse of the mutated mantis is in the car. Would you like us to help unload it?”

The suited man shook his head. “No need. Use these two vehicles to take me and the research material to the airport. There’s a private jet waiting. By the way, I’ll need to take Mr. Shen’s combat footage as well. That’s an order from above.”

Chen Zhao quickly replied, “Our bureau also needs to study the combat footage, to prepare for possible future incidents.”

His words were tactful, but everyone present understood the underlying meaning.

The world had changed.

Ever since they’d discovered suspected large beasts killing in the city—more than once—they had sensed it.

Now, with confirmation that these animals were mutating, the challenges ahead would only become more severe.

They needed more experience in dealing with these mutant beasts to minimize their own casualties.

The man in the suit smiled. “You can make a copy, of course. But this video is strictly for internal reference and must never be leaked.”

Chen Zhao let out a long breath of relief and nodded, “Understood.”

Then he moved to the director’s side and said quietly, “Director, Mr. Shen was a huge help this time. You’ll need to take the heat from above—don’t let a public-spirited citizen feel let down. And about the reward—”

He was interrupted by the director before he could finish.

The director patted Chen Zhao’s shoulder and said, “Don’t worry. This gentleman isn’t just from the research institute—he’s from the capital. The latest directive is for internal circulation only. There are others like Mr. Shen, not just him, so there’s no need to be overly concerned.”

“Moreover, starting today, there’s a temporary order: a full set of procedures and reward measures for this incident will be implemented, with funding from the local government.”

A flash of surprise appeared in Chen Zhao’s eyes.

This time, the higher-ups had moved with unexpected speed.

It hadn’t been long since the discovery of mutant beasts, and already new procedures were being issued.

There was even a comprehensive system in place.

The man in the suit also smiled. “Rest assured, Captain Chen. There are quite a few people like Mr. Shen in this world. Judging from the mutant dog and earthworm incidents, Mr. Shen’s abilities are merely above average.”

“He’s quite safe. If similar events occur in the future, you can continue working with him.”

Chen Zhao was taken aback, then nodded. “Thank you for the information.”

Once the bureau had finished copying the combat footage, the man in the suit immediately took the original and boarded the car, accompanied by another team from the bureau, heading straight for the airport.

The director glanced at Chen Zhao. “I heard from Xiao Xiao that everything went smoothly—no injuries. Where’s the knife my comrade gave me?”

Chen Zhao looked up and replied, “What knife? Maybe it got lost during the fight?”

Seeing his reaction, the director kicked him without hesitation.

…

Late at night.

When Shen He returned home, he could still hear Lele’s live stream echoing down the hallway.

He could especially make out the string of thank-yous from her broadcast.

He couldn’t help but feel a pang of emotion.

Since the rise of live streaming, the quality of offline experiences had steadily declined.

Countless netizens now called for a revival of the real economy and a crackdown on streaming.

What used to cost two or three hundred now went for two or three thousand.

Malicious price gouging.

Internet crime, unforgivable!

Back at home, Shen He collapsed onto the sofa, no longer in the mood to practice the eighth-level stance.

After two consecutive battles, even he felt exhausted.

He took off his battered jacket and tossed it aside, then opened his player panel.

He now had three attributes that had broken past five—no wonder the evaluation said he was close to the first tier.

There was also a reminder in the evaluation: don’t forget to boost your mental strength.

So, while it might be fine to focus more on some attributes than others, mental strength could not be neglected for even a moment; otherwise, it would be easy to lose control of his body.

Looking at the seven free attribute points, Shen He contemplated for a moment, then allocated four to Spirit, two to Agility, and one to Strength—going all in.

He was aiming for balance.

As the seven points were added, an unusual sensation surged through his body.

A tingling and itching spread from his very bones.

Without caring about his fatigue, Shen He immediately began practicing his Sanda routine in the living room.

Anyone who frequently boosted their stats knew—the key was to get moving right away, to give yourself a sense of combat.

Soon, once the discomfort in his body faded, he plopped down on the sofa again and checked his player panel.

[Player: Shen He]
[Strength: 7.2]
[Stamina: 7.0]
[Agility: 7.1]
[Spirit: 7.2]
[Free Attribute Points: 0]
[Skill Points: 0]
(Evaluation: You’re already a quasi-first-tier rookie. In these chaotic times, you’re still at the bottom of the food chain. Hurry up and improve yourself, rookie!)

…

Now, it seemed he wasn’t far from the ten points required in each attribute to reach the first tier.

But tallying it up, he still needed 11.5 more points.

If not for today’s windfall, he would probably need even more.

Still, that was a good thing.

After all, the pressure from Main Quest One was now far lighter.

If he was lucky enough, he might be able to reach the first tier ahead of schedule and complete the main quest.

Shen He secretly prayed.

He hoped Captain Chen would quickly arrange more collaboration opportunities, so he could secure more benefits for himself.