Chapter Twenty-Nine: Judged as Excellent

Professor Liu gave his assessment, and in an instant, the conference room plunged into silence. Compared to the extraordinarily high values in mental strength, it was the psychological evaluation that truly astonished the professors; even Fu Ying, who had long served on the front lines against the uncanny, found the results surprising.

She had decided to recruit Qi Chen into the Uncanny Affairs Division, largely based on her own judgment. She believed Qi Chen embodied the spirit of City Three, but she had not anticipated that this seemingly unremarkable young man would receive an evaluation unlike any before.

“It’s truly an incredible thing...” Chief Professor Li murmured with genuine amazement. “Normally, those who awaken to the uncanny show some degree of imperfection in their psyche or personality.

“The powers used by uncanny agents ultimately belong to the uncanny; they are forces opposed to humanity.”

“Indeed,” said the bald professor, for once not contradicting Professor Li. Still, he held fast to his habitual skepticism and voiced a doubt:

“But is it possible that his seeming normalcy is itself the influence of the uncanny?”

Sometimes, normality can become abnormal, especially in an environment where nothing is as it should be.

“We must not relax our observation and guidance simply because he appears normal for now. If his behavior and evaluation are nothing more than a disguise, City Three may pay a dreadful price for our misjudgment in the future.”

“Try to be more optimistic, old Xu,” Professor Li chuckled, suddenly turning his gaze to Fu Ying. “I trust Captain Fu will guide young Qi onto the right path.”

The other professors looked toward Fu Ying as well. After exchanging silent glances, they seemed to agree with Professor Li and raised no further objections.

“So, you all believe Qi Chen is fit to join the Uncanny Affairs Division?” Fu Ying tapped her record pad with her pen, ready to write down the decision as soon as the professors confirmed.

“In general, there’s no issue. What remains is just the special abilities test. But didn’t the ‘Warm Guy’ report that Qi Chen hasn’t yet realized he possesses any special abilities? Then we’ll leave that for later.

“That process will be up to you all.”

Once consensus was reached among the professors, only a few minor checks remained in Qi Chen’s evaluation. With Fu Ying urging the analysis department, the results would be ready soon.

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“Relax, you’ll pass for sure,” Warm Guy said, exasperated as he watched the anxious newcomer beside him. Qi Chen’s nervousness was almost contagious.

“Let’s talk about something cheerful—stop fixating on the results, alright?” He grabbed Qi Chen by the shoulders and turned him to face him, adopting the stance of a seasoned veteran to help calm him down.

“Trust me, unless something unexpected happens, we’re going to be partners from now on.”

---

Hearing Warm Guy’s repeated assurances, Qi Chen felt less worried about the evaluation. Through the explanation of the three-part test, he understood that he—or more precisely, Overlord—had performed well.

What troubled him was the interview. After speaking with the psychological expert, he felt as if he’d been emptied out, lost in a haze, like someone drunk, yet it seemed they’d only been chatting about everyday things.

He was so dazed by the process that he could hardly describe it.

Fortunately, Warm Guy, with his boundless enthusiasm, stayed with him throughout. Without him, the wait would have been truly agonizing.

“To be honest, having someone like you join City Three’s Uncanny Affairs Division is pretty great,” Warm Guy smiled. Even in their brief interaction, he had developed a genuine appreciation for this young man.

Whether it was rescuing a civilian from Hongfeng Tower on his own, or decisively stepping into the uncanny domain when faced with the Blade of Confession, Warm Guy saw Qi Chen as someone who could walk the same path as them.

“Since we’re all family now, let me fill you in on the state of our division.”

Qi Chen’s eyes brightened, his anxiety quietly dissipating. Knowing more about the unit ahead of time might help him build good relationships with his colleagues.

Warm Guy—what a good brother!

“Our Uncanny Affairs Division has nine action teams. In the Alliance, that’s among the top few.”

“What’s wrong, think it’s too few?” Warm Guy laughed, seeing Qi Chen’s confused expression.

City Three wasn’t small; with its east, west, south, north, and central districts, five in total, and thanks to open policies, a considerable population.

Yet, such a large city had only nine action teams?

Qi Chen instinctively felt something was off, but Warm Guy confirmed it.

“You don’t think uncanny agents are everywhere, do you? Just because someone awakens uncanny abilities doesn’t mean they’re an agent. If they can’t maintain their sanity and are mentally overwhelmed by the uncanny, they’re called ‘spiritual mutants.’

“Those people can’t handle uncanny affairs—in fact, they become the cases we need to deal with. Only those who maintain self-control over the uncanny qualify as agents, and joining the Affairs Division requires even stricter standards.

“You joining so quickly is a rare thing.”

Warm Guy withheld some things—not every agent had Qi Chen’s freakish mental strength, nor could most survive on the front lines as long as he had.

Nine action teams were the result of years of facing the uncanny and other enemies.

He didn’t want to expose Qi Chen to the harsh reality of the job right away; he hoped to let him adapt a bit more first.

---

“By the way, you’ll need to pay close attention to the side effects on your personality when using uncanny abilities,” Warm Guy said.

Qi Chen tilted his head, realizing Warm Guy was referring to his extreme irritability when Overlord manifested.

“If it’s only during combat, that’s tolerable. But remember, the uncanny influences you silently. It’s hard to avoid, but I hope you’ll be mindful of it in daily life.

“Don’t end up like some of the other team members... One guy’s so distracted he forgets he’s walking, and there’s another who loves bugs so much he wishes he could sleep with them...” Warm Guy grew more exasperated as he spoke, realizing there were few normal people in the division.

“And Captain Fu’s no exception!”

Apparently remembering something, Warm Guy suddenly perked up. He leaned in close to Qi Chen, lowering his voice:

“Do you know why she always targets me? You know me—I’m just a warm-hearted guy. Once, I bought too much stuff and wanted to give her some, so I went straight to her place.

“And then, I accidentally caught her playing house with some dolls—”

“What are you two up to?” Fu Ying’s voice suddenly cut in. Warm Guy nearly screamed, his face whitening as he quickly stepped aside, waving his hand as if nothing had happened.

Qi Chen struggled to hold back his laughter, biting his lip to keep from bursting out.

“Congratulations, Qi Chen. The professors have given you an overall rating of ‘excellent.’ Here’s your evaluation result, including your identity certificate. Take it and get some rest.

“Tomorrow, you’ll have your first official mission.”

“Thank you, ma’am!”

Qi Chen, ever sensible, took the still-warm printed document and turned to leave immediately, not forgetting to glance back as he exited:

A faint golden shadow appeared behind Fu Ying, seemingly—

Pressing Warm Guy’s head down.

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