Chapter 123: Vanished

Following the usual routine, Nuannan took the wheel with Qi Chen in the passenger seat. After departing from the Paranormal Handling Department, they headed straight for the Minsheng Mall.

They did not mobilize a special task force to accompany them this time, as a squadron was already stationed at the mall. While keeping an eye on the remaining construction crew, the squadron had once again cordoned off the area around the mall.

During the drive, Nuannan used the time to brief Qi Chen on more intelligence regarding rule-based anomalies. Given that this incident was showing signs of evolving into a rule-based anomaly, it was better to be as informed as possible.

"I’ve told you bits and pieces about the specifics of rule-based anomalies before. Just remember a few key points: they are generally contained within a fully enclosed anomalous domain. Once you enter the zone of such an anomaly, relying solely on our own anomalous powers to escape is basically impossible. We can only hope to find a way out by figuring out the rules governing the space.

"When facing these things, the advantage we Anomalous Walkers have over ordinary people isn't our special abilities, but our higher mental fortitude."

Nuannan remained serious throughout. "Typical anomalies distort our minds in a fairly direct way, usually relying on mental shocks to break us down. Just like the 'Sorrowful Fireflies' from before—an ordinary person's mental strength can't withstand that influence; they would be submerged in sorrow without even realizing what was happening to them.

"However, well-trained special task force members have higher tolerance, and Anomalous Walkers like you and me can push through to find the source and neutralize it. But rule-based anomalies don't work that way. They use a series of clear yet chaotic rules to warp our self-perception. Once that distortion begins, it’s very hard to detect."

Qi Chen felt thoughtful. It sounded remarkably like the "rule-based creepypastas" he had seen while surfing the internet in his previous life—horrifying things that could similarly warp a person's sense of reality. It wasn't the kind of horror involving gore, but a quiet, insidious dread. He still remembered a classic story about a haunted zoo.

If rule-based anomalies were like that, the advantages of an Anomalous Walker would indeed be hard to leverage, because there was basically nothing to confront head-on. What had to be contended with were rules that interlocked with one another. In a sense, rule-based anomalies were complex, as one wouldn't just be facing an entity with a single anomalous ability.

"So, if we truly encounter a rule-based anomaly during this mission, remember what I said: maintain your self-awareness at all times. I think that with your mental strength, as long as you stay mindful of this, you shouldn't be easily distorted."

As Nuannan finished speaking, the two arrived at their destination: Minsheng Mall.

...

The previous cordon remained in place. Inside, there were piles of materials for reconstruction, including neatly stacked building supplies and mounds of cement. Next to these materials were rows of prefabricated cabins where the workers had been temporarily housed. Now, the stationing special task force squadron had taken over; some members were constantly observing the remaining construction workers for any signs of abnormality, while others patrolled the perimeter, monitoring the fluctuations in the anomalous mental energy within the mall.

The squadron leader, having received orders from the Paranormal Handling Department, was waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing their vehicle, he jogged over.

"Officers, when shall we begin the investigation?" The leader seemed eager, perhaps hoping to complete the mission quickly so he could leave the mall.

Qi Chen and Nuannan also wanted a swift resolution. After a brief situational update from the leader, they prepared to move out immediately. However, besides the two of them, half of the special task force and the head of the construction crew would also be entering. The reason was that they had uncovered some new information.

"How about... we have them stay outside, and we use action cameras and comms to coordinate with them?" Qi Chen suggested. He felt there was no need for these ordinary people to put themselves in harm's way with him and Nuannan.

But before Nuannan could respond, the squadron leader expressed their stance. "Officer, this is our duty. If the anomaly’s power causes a communication blackout, you will be left without our intelligence."

The leader provided a reason that was hard to refuse. Seeing his persistence, Qi Chen could only shrug helplessly.

"No problem. We're just conducting a preliminary survey for now," Nuannan added reassuringly.

The group officially entered the mall.

Crossing the threshold, the ruined scene immediately entered Qi Chen's field of vision. He vaguely remembered the battle he had fought against the Amber Man, though at the time, he had followed the White-Faced Mask’s advice and completely let go, embracing the Overlord. The specifics were a bit hazy, though certain key moments remained.

Deep craters and large holes from that fierce battle still existed throughout the mall. However, those scars were insignificant compared to a massive, ten-meter-deep hole in the center of the floor.

"We excavated this with the help of the Intelligence Analysis Group. We found a large amount of residual plant roots inside," the squadron leader explained.

No wonder there was still a faint, lingering aura of the anomaly.

Qi Chen and Nuannan exchanged a glance and decided to proceed with their investigation as planned. The route would follow the order of the construction crew's work—which was why they needed the foreman. According to the foreman, their initial task had been to clear away the debris and rubble caused by the anomaly.

"What did this first floor look like in your dreams?" Nuannan asked the foreman.

"It... the entire first floor was filled with restaurants. Luxurious ones I've never even seen in the city, selling food I'd never heard of." At the mention of the dream, a hint of nostalgia appeared in the foreman's eyes. To them, what the department viewed as a paranormal event seemed to have been a pleasant dream.

"And the other floors?" Qi Chen asked.

"The second floor had many amusement facilities. Some looked like they were for children, others I'd never seen before. The third and fourth floors were full of clothing shops. As for the fifth and sixth... I don't think I ever went there in the dream," the foreman said with an awkward, regretful smile. It was clear he had wanted to see what those floors looked like too.

While they were talking, the group reached the fifth floor.

"Wait! Mask, look!"

Nuannan’s urgent voice rang out. Qi Chen turned quickly to look in the direction Nuannan was pointing.

The massive hole in the center of the mall was gone.