Chapter 53: Post-Mission Procedures

This was actually Lu Xin’s first time going through the entire work process.

He followed Gecko out, first undergoing a checkup with the instruments handled by the Support Team staff stationed at the factory building. Then, he and Gecko boarded the car that had brought them earlier which was already waiting at the factory entrance, and headed to Qingzhuo Building.

The number of guards at Qingzhuo Building had suddenly dwindled, almost to none, likely because the experts and professors had already returned to the Main City. The remaining staff led them straight to an office, where two personnel in white coats handed Lu Xin and Gecko each a file.

Lu Xin looked down and saw the file was filled with particularly strange questions.

For example, there were sections to write his name, check off basic information, and even some simple reasoning puzzles.

By the time Lu Xin finished reading the questions, Gecko had already zipped through filling out his form.

Turning to see Lu Xin meticulously working through the calculations stroke by stroke, Gecko said, “Just scribble something down. It’s all routine assessment. Those of us on fieldwork encounter the most pollution sources, so naturally, we’re more susceptible to pollution than others. That’s why the three sections in this file specifically target our memory, cognition, and simple logical reasoning.”

“Writing your name verifies your handwriting. Usually, after mental pollution, there will be subtle changes, and handwriting is one of them. Even for us Spider-types, without a comparison sample, it’s hard to replicate the exact same handwriting after being affected. The basic information section tests personal cognition, and it changes every time.”

“This last part is the logical reasoning puzzle. Let me see…”

“A is a blind man living alone, accompanied by his obedient guide dog.”

“Every night before sleeping, A would reach his hand out from the bed, letting the guide dog lick his palm until he fell asleep. One night, lying in bed, A followed his routine, extending his hand out. He fell asleep to the feeling of the dog’s wet, cute tongue licking his palm. But when he woke up the next day, he called the dog’s name but heard no response. Checking the room, he found the door was open.”

“Just then, he heard a broadcast: A cunning and depraved thief has recently appeared in the residential area!”

“At this thought, A couldn’t help but vomit, overwhelmed by intense fear.”

“Question: Why did A react this way?”

…

“What the hell kind of question is this?”

Gecko looked over, his face turning a bit green. “You actually answered it honestly?”

Lu Xin nodded, pointing with his pen. “Look, the dog couldn’t have opened the door by itself, which means…”

Seeing Lu Xin’s earnest expression, Gecko’s face went even greener. “It’s normal *not* to be able to figure this one out, right…?”

…

Meeting his gaze, Lu Xin lowered his head, feeling a bit guilty.

…

…

Regardless, he finished the file somehow and fudged his way through submitting it.

After that, there was just one last thing…

…Writing the report!

“This part is the biggest headache…”

Gecko held the report form. “Every time we finish a cleanup mission, we have to meticulously record how we completed it. Of course, that includes the bullets and other items we used during the mission…”

“Actually, I usually take my time writing these reports back home. Sometimes I just don’t hand them in and get Linda to write them for me.”

“But now, since I’m the senior guiding you, I guess I have to suffer through chewing on this pen cap with you…”

…

Seeing even Gecko knuckling down and writing earnestly, Lu Xin had no choice but to puzzle through it as well.

Fortunately, writing work reports at the company had given him practice. Lu Xin just honestly recorded everything: following Gecko to the factory building, how he observed, how he saw Gecko deal with Zheng Yuanxiong, and how they unexpectedly discovered the secondary pollution source upon entering the factory. He noted that considering leaving the pollution source unchecked would lead to worker casualties, he decided to take a risk, and so on.

Of course, just like when he recounted the events earlier, he omitted his Mom’s appearance.

Because, in truth, he was a bit puzzled himself at this point.

He knew Mom went out sometimes, and she often said unsettling things.

But Mom wasn’t like Sister. Sister often ran out to find him, sometimes pestering him to play, especially appearing more frequently after he borrowed her ability. Mom, however, rarely showed herself to him when she went out. No one knew what she did. This time, her sudden appearance to help him when he was in trouble was quite unusual.

Lu Xin knew that if he wrote about Mom showing up, he would definitely face questions.

But he couldn’t answer those questions.

To avoid unnecessary trouble, he preferred to ask Mom first and understand things himself before saying anything.

…

…

“Sigh, yeah, write it like that… You can cross out the part where I flirted with Linda… It’s mainly about your expenses…”

“It’s fine, I know you didn’t fire your gun. Actually, it doesn’t matter if you write it down. Helps stockpile some extra bullets…”

Lu Xin shot Gecko a surprised look.

Gecko looked completely serious. “This stuff is expensive on the black markets, let me tell you…”

Lu Xin had no choice but to sneak a glance at the nearby staff member, who seemed oblivious to their conversation.

Then he quietly filled in “2”.

“That’s right…”

Gecko continued instructing, “For the payment section, since you’re learning under me, the payment goes to me…”

“What’s wrong?”

As Gecko was speaking, he suddenly met Lu Xin’s somewhat serious and earnest expression.

He felt a slight jolt inwardly.

“About this payment issue…”

Lu Xin hesitated, looking a bit embarrassed. “Shouldn’t we… discuss this a bit more?”

Gecko’s eyes widened. “Is that necessary?”

Lu Xin nodded. “I think discussing it would be good…”

Gecko fell silent for a moment. “Are you just trying to split the payment?”

Lu Xin wrestled with himself internally for a second, then nodded honestly.

“Brother…”

Gecko sighed. “It’s really not worth it over this little bit of money. From the look in your eyes just now, I thought you were about to take me out…”

“Go ahead and write it down. Half each…”

…

Lu Xin quickly wrote down the request to split the payment and thanked Gecko sincerely, “Thank you!”

After submitting the report, the staff member still present handed Lu Xin another file, saying, “Mr. Lone Soldier, this is the specialized training Colonel Chen specifically arranged for you. It starts tomorrow. Please sign here and attend punctually!”

“Training?”

Lu Xin glanced at the file titled “Special Pollution Cleanup Course,” somewhat surprised.

“Yes!”

The staff member said, “The location is the meeting room on the fourth floor of the Security Hall. It lasts for three months, with three hours of training each day.”

“This…”

Hearing this, Lu Xin hesitated slightly.

He hadn’t expected such a long training period. Wouldn’t this interfere significantly with work?

“You can freely choose between afternoon or evening sessions…”

The staff member seemed prepared for Lu Xin’s reaction and continued, “Additionally, Colonel Chen specifically mentioned that during the training period, there’s a daily subsidy of one hundred yuan for meals and transportation. And the Security Hall can arrange the meals too!”

…Alright!

Lu Xin signed his name on the document.

“Brother, you’re truly the most obedient Ability User I’ve ever met…”

Even Gecko couldn’t help but marvel. Walking out with Lu Xin, he grinned. “Now there’s just one final step!”

Lu Xin paused slightly. “Is there something else I need to learn?”

Gecko’s expression turned serious. “Yes, and it’s the most important thing!”

“Next, I’m going to teach you how to prevent losing control!”