NOVPUBHesitating briefly, Julia replied, "Minister, to be honest, I was skeptical at first. Predicting the future seems too far-fetched. But after several tests, I’m leaning towards believing him, maybe about 70% sure."
Mike added, "I’m completely convinced. After all, Dan has no reason to deceive us. If he wanted to fake an ability just to get the Gene Magnet, there are many other powers he could’ve claimed. Claiming to foresee the future is a risky lie that could easily be debunked."
Seeing the trust both Julia and Mike had in Daniel, Martin pondered for a moment.
After a brief silence, he finally said, "Bring him to me. I want to meet him myself."
Julia quickly interjected, "Shouldn’t we test his character first? Is it wise to meet him directly without that?"
Martin, as the Minister, was in charge of all Evolvers worldwide and responsible for coordinating every designated area globally. If Daniel’s arrival bore malicious intent, a hasty meeting could stir global unrest.
Mike suggested, "Isn’t Alex back?"
"Why not have him meet Daniel on behalf of the Minister?"
Although Alex held the rank of a captain, he was among the most powerful of the Level 3 Evolvers.
It could be said that he was second only to a Level 4 Evolver!
If Daniel had malicious intentions, as long as he wasn’t a Level 4 Evolver, he wouldn’t pose a threat to Alex.
The chances of Daniel being a Level 4 Evolver were slim. 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝑝𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Therefore, having Alex represent Minister Martin in meeting Daniel seemed like the best option.
However, Martin shook his head, "Alex is dealing with that supernatural incident at the Central Supermarket."
Julia inquired, "What about Brooks?"
Brooks was another captain at the headquarters, a Level 3 Evolver, only slightly less powerful than Alex.
Martin replied, "He’s on the investigation as well."
Julia, sounding incredulous, remarked, "Both of them, working together?"
Martin sighed, "Not together, they’re working independently. Both are determined to solve the case before the other."
Julia, with an unsurprised look, commented, "I should’ve known. Those two... always competing."
Mike chuckled, "It’s a guy thing. The closer the friendship, the fiercer the rivalry."
Julia shook her head, "They’re both captains at the Investigation Bureau headquarters. So childish. Can we really trust the safety of humanity to them?"
Mike glanced at Martin and smirked. "Women just don’t get it."
Martin waved his hand dismissively, "Enough about them. Let’s bring Daniel in. If his power truly lies in foreseeing the future, we must keep him at the Investigation Bureau at all costs!"
Having an extraordinary intelligence-gathering capability is crucial for the Investigation Bureau, given its global oversight responsibilities.
Seeing Martin’s resolve, Julia picked up a folder from the desk and asserted, "I’ll conduct a character assessment on Daniel first. If he passes, I’ll bring him to meet you." With that, she walked briskly out of the room.
Mike gave an awkward chuckle.
Julia was perhaps the only one who would dare to act this way towards the Minister.
Martin let out a sigh. While he appreciated Julia’s protective instincts, the feeling of being overridden wasn’t pleasant.
He understood the dynamics at play – being an ordinary human overseeing Evolvers was challenging.
Many Evolvers had a chip on their shoulder about being governed by someone ordinary.
Thankfully, the few Level 4 Evolvers remained staunchly loyal to the government, ensuring the rest fell in line.
...
Inside the conference room, Daniel watched as Julia entered with a blue folder, Mike hurrying in behind her.
"Hey there!" Mike greeted Daniel, who nodded in response.
Julia locked the door and seated herself opposite Daniel.
Her fair fingers flipped open the folder, her face expressionless. "I’m going to conduct a character test. Answer all my questions truthfully."
As she spoke, Mike brought over a machine resembling a computer and placed it between the three of them.
Julia continued, "This is the Spiritual Artifact Truth Detector. It can determine if you’re lying. It taps into your deepest emotions and thoughts. If your words don’t match your inner feelings, it’ll know. No one has ever deceived this machine, so don’t even think about trying. If you do, I’ll treat you as someone with ulterior motives and take necessary action."
Daniel, unfazed, merely nodded.
Seeing this, Julia began her questioning, "Firstly, how do you perceive the entity known as Cthulhu?"
Daniel replied, "Evil, chaotic."
Julia glanced at the Truth Detector. It showed no signs of deceit.
She continued, "If the city were to face a large-scale invasion of Cthulhu monsters, would you fight against the monsters or choose to run?"
Without hesitation, Daniel answered, "I’d fight against the monsters."
Julia’s eyes flicked curiously to the Truth Detector.
The Spiritual Artifact remained undisturbed, confirming that Daniel’s words aligned with his innermost thoughts.
She was taken aback.
A large-scale monster invasion would mean chaos, fear, and almost certain slaughter for humanity.
In such an event, not just the average Evolver, but even those lofty Level 4 Evolvers, might struggle to survive.
It’s only human to prioritize self-preservation, and most would opt to flee in face of such dire circumstances.
Julia wouldn’t blame them.
But to her surprise, Daniel had chosen to stay and fight.
It was clear from his resolve that Daniel was sincere.
Beyond any other reason, Golden Shores was home to Sophia, Rachel, and even Gwen.
Of course, he’d remain to protect them.
Even without them in the equation, he’d still face the monsters head-on because they needed to be eradicated!
The Ghoul had tried to kill him several times, Atelarxus countless times more.
Each death brought with it unspeakable pain and fear, a gift from these Cthulhu-like monsters.
They deserved nothing but annihilation.
Retreat because they’re too strong?
Not in his playbook.
With the Echo Stone, death was merely a brief setback.
Julia continued her line of questioning, "Historical records suggest that Cthulhu-esque creatures include beings from higher dimensions, possessing vast intelligence, strength, and influence. Ancient civilizations even had those who willingly submitted to these powerful beings, becoming loyal servants in exchange for unparalleled power and immortality. If one such formidable creature were to offer you eternal life and supreme strength in return for your servitude, would you accept?"
Daniel’s reply was succinct, "No."
A servant?
In his heart, he wished to wipe out all those monsters!
Especially Atelarxus; tearing him limb from limb or a thousand tortures wouldn’t begin to quench the burning hatred he felt.
The Truth Detector remained unchanged. Julia, in disbelief, pressed further, "What if one of your close friends or family became a servant to these monsters? Our investigation shows you have a girlfriend named Sophia."
Daniel responded coldly, "If they became a puppet to those monsters, void of any consciousness, I’d end their misery with my own hands."
Cold. Ruthless.
Julia hadn’t expected such a blood-chilling response from Daniel.
What’s more, the Truth Detector still showed no sign of deceit.
Could he really mean what he just said?
Was he even human anymore?
Julia’s gaze on Daniel grew even more distrustful.
Mike, on the other hand, looked at Daniel with pure admiration.
Impressive. Remarkably so.
Who else but Daniel could uphold justice so firmly?
He seemed like a hero. Someone truly fit to join the Investigation Bureau.
But Julia wasn’t done. "After opening the Life Gate and becoming an Evolver, what was the first thought that crossed your mind?"
A fierce glint of murderous intent flashed in Daniel’s eyes, "To enhance my abilities, unlock more of my Gene Lock chains, and eradicate every last monster."
A palpable silence enveloped the conference room.
Both Julia and Mike were rendered speechless, staring at Daniel in astonishment.
Such a response was beyond perfect.
Whether it was his sense of justice or his control over his desires, Daniel’s answers seemed flawless.
So flawless that it became almost unbelievable, making them question its veracity.
They both glanced at the unchanging Truth Detector, wondering if the device had malfunctioned.
Wanting to test it, Mike declared, "I don’t like Julia."
The very next moment, the Truth Detector sounded a rapid alarm.
Mike had lied.
The Truth Detector was working perfectly; every word Daniel spoke mirrored his innermost thoughts.
This left Julia and Mike even more astounded than before.
They had posed this question to hundreds of Evolvers, and each answer varied widely.
Some yearned to rule the world with unparalleled power.
Some dreamt of luxuries and the affections of countless beauties.
Others sought unparalleled strength and the secret to immortality.
But no one, absolutely no one, responded like Daniel.
"I aim to enhance my abilities, then eradicate every last monster."
What a selfless hero, driven by such a profoundly righteous cause.
To the first question, he was willing to face grave dangers, risking life and limb for the greater good.
To the second, he was unyielding in his loyalty, even if it meant forsaking family ties.
And to the third, he was resolute in his mission to eliminate threats and safeguard humanity.
Such selflessness, such grandeur in a single person!
Fearless in the face of adversity, undeterred by the prospect of death, he was wholeheartedly committed to saving the world.
This was not just any man; this was an angel sent by God himself.
Shining the beacon of justice upon the world.
