NOVPUBThe greatest fear for an Evolver is losing control over their power, leading to an unbearable Resonance reaction and ultimately a fatal implosion.
Countless Evolvers meet their demise this way each year, a blow that only compounds the challenges faced by the already numerically limited Investigation Bureau.
Martin’s brows knit together in concern, "Given the risks, why would you frequently activate your precognitive abilities?"
Daniel replied candidly, "Gene Magnet."
Martin immediately connected the dots, his expression turning complex, "You’re risking potential power instability and regularly using your abilities just to join the Investigation Bureau and gain access to the Gene Magnet?"
Daniel affirmed, "Yes. Only by demonstrating my strength could I draw your attention and ensure my entry into the Investigation Bureau."
Martin looked at Daniel with a pang of sympathy, "You should have mentioned this earlier. "
"With an ability like yours, how could I not let you join the Investigation Bureau? "
"Why put your body through such strain? "
"The Resonance reactions from using your abilities so frequently these past few days must have been excruciating, weren’t they?" 𝖓𝔬𝔳𝔭𝖚𝖇.𝔠𝔬𝖒
Daniel simply nodded, though his heart remained untroubled.
Setting aside the fact that his foresight wasn’t derived from his own power and didn’t cause any resonance with the Gene Lock chain, even if a Resonance reaction did occur, he believed he’d be completely immune to it.
Upon seeing this, Martin immediately slammed his hand on the table, exclaiming, "Very well! From this moment, you’re an investigator for the Global Supernatural Phenomenon Investigation Bureau!"
"Julia," he continued, "take Daniel to receive a Gene Magnet shortly. Deduct it from my salary. Consider it a personal reward from me."
Although Martin wasn’t an Evolver, as the head of the Investigation Bureau, he was entitled to one Gene Magnet every month.
At his words, both Julia and Mike cast envious glances.
A single Gene Magnet was often worth tens of millions of StellarCoins.
And for Evolvers like them, its value was even greater!
But Daniel didn’t rush to express gratitude.
Instead, he stated, "I believe there might be some misunderstanding. My joining the Investigation Bureau comes with conditions."
Martin blinked in surprise. "What conditions?"
"I’m willing to join the Investigation Bureau and partake in its task distribution," Daniel explained, "but the only area I will oversee is Golden Shores."
Sophia Rachel and Gwen, the three women he cared about, were all in Golden Shores. He intended to stay close.
Without hesitation, Martin replied, "That’s no issue. With your unique ability, you’re invaluable to our Bureau. I never planned to station you elsewhere."
Another pressing reason was that Martin felt Daniel lacked any real self-defense skills.
Deploying him outside would be akin to sending him on a suicide mission.
It was better for him to remain safely within the Bureau.
Daniel continued, "I demand double the treatment of my rank. Moreover, the Investigation Bureau must afford me substantial freedom. I shouldn’t be arbitrarily dispatched. In special circumstances, you can utilize my ability, but there’s an additional fee."
Before Martin could respond to Daniel’s string of demands, Julia interjected with barely concealed irritation, "This isn’t negotiation; it’s daylight robbery! A double package monthly, equivalent to a Level 1 Evolver receiving a Level 2 Evolver’s salary. And on top of that, the freedom from arbitrary tasks? What kind of fantasy are you living in?"
Daniel ignored Julia’s outburst, focusing solely on Martin.
He was the decision-maker here.
Martin was visibly contemplating, not just for the gold, but the idea of committing to a monthly double Gene Magnet.
After all, this was a long-term expense, not a one-off payment.
Julia couldn’t contain herself and blurted out, "Minister, there’s no need to even consider such demands. They’re outrageous!"
"He’d be doing nothing and still be given a kilogram of gold and two Gene Magnets every month. That’s equivalent to the treatment of a Level 3 Evolver, a captain’s rank!"
With a sharp glare from Martin, Julia promptly closed her mouth and stepped aside.
He pondered for what felt like an eternity before making a decision.
"Daniel, the lottery results will be announced shortly. If the winning numbers match the ones you’ve provided, proving your foresight, I can accommodate your request for double the gold allowance. However, the monthly double Gene Magnet and charging for your ability... that seems inappropriate."
At this, Daniel recalled that the previous lottery numbers he had given to Julia were incorrect.
He swiftly scribbled down five sets of numbers on a scrap paper and tossed it over, stating, "These are the updated winning numbers."
Catching the paper, suspicion flickered in Julia’s eyes. "Didn’t you already foresee the winning numbers earlier? Why the sudden change?"
Daniel casually responded, "I only knew the numbers changed. Perhaps someone tampered with them. Regardless, just compare the numbers on the TV with the ones on this paper when they announce the winners."
Julia remained skeptical, but chose not to press further.
Martin then concluded, "Very well, let it be as I’ve said. Double the gold allowance, everything else remains the same."
With a poker face, Daniel said, "Minister Martin, it seems you have yet to grasp the true value of my ability. No matter, for you will understand soon enough."
Martin looked perplexed. "What do you mean by that, Daniel?"
Leaning back in his chair, Daniel lifted his coffee mug, "When I first arrived here, I presented a significant gift to the Investigation Bureau."
Martin’s brow furrowed. "What gift?"
Perhaps he had watched too many crime dramas, but Martin couldn’t shake the feeling that Daniel’s ’gift’ was anything but benign, reminiscent of a movie villain’s cryptic message.
A mysterious gleam shone in Daniel’s eyes, "A life."
Upon hearing this, Martin jumped to his feet, his gaze piercing coldly into Daniel, "Whose life?!"
Julia and Mike flanked him, their eyes narrowed in suspicion, watching Daniel intently. Was this guy truly malevolent?
Taking a sip of his coffee, Daniel responded, "Alex."
With a furious slap, Martin’s hand slammed onto the table. "What did you do to Alex?!"
Julia, in disbelief, exclaimed, "Captain Alex was with Captain Brooks. Unless a Level 4 Evolver intervened, there’s no way they could be in danger! Could they have encountered an S-Rank threat?"
Draining the last of his coffee, Daniel placed the cup down and gave a slight smile, "Relax, when I mentioned a gift, I meant an ordinary present."
He glanced at his wristwatch, "It’s about time. Call Alex now, and you’ll understand."
Without hesitation, Martin pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
Julia and Mike circled closer to Daniel, watching him cautiously.
If Daniel made any sudden moves, they were ready to strike him down instantly.
From the phone, a consistent beep echoed, indicating the call wasn’t being connected.
Martin’s face darkened instantly, and he shot a chilling glare at Daniel. "Why was the call abruptly cut off? What have you done to Alex?!"
Zzzap!
Blue electric arcs danced around Julia’s hands, the threatening intent unmistakable.
"Speak up! Confess and you might be shown leniency; resist and face harsh consequences!"
"Return Alex safely, and there might still be a chance for your survival!"
The call not going through?
Daniel’s brow furrowed in confusion. What was going on? Had Brooks failed? If so, he might have to start over. Daniel steeled himself, silently awaiting a turn in events.
Just then, Martin’s phone rang.
He swiftly glanced at the screen, a glint of hope flashing in his eyes, and he immediately answered, "Brooks, is Alex with you?"
From the other end, Brooks’ weary voice responded, "Alex is with me. His phone’s broken. I saw your call but couldn’t pick it up."
"Martin, is there a guy named Daniel at the Investigation Bureau?"
Martin, sensing something amiss, inquired, "How’s Alex?"
Brooks replied, "Alex is gravely injured and unconscious. I’ve sustained considerable injuries as well."
Hearing these words, Martin felt as though he’d been struck by a bolt out of the blue, his face instantly paling.
He shot a swift glance towards Daniel, and a chilling suspicion arose in his heart.
Alex and Brooks were the pinnacle of the Investigation Bureau’s combat force, with both renowned as being unrivaled beneath Level 4.
Yet now, one was severely injured and unconscious, and the other, though claiming minor injuries, sounded anything but fine.
If this was all Daniel’s doing, then the force backing this young man was terrifyingly formidable.
Perhaps even the shadow of a Level 4 Evolver lurked behind him!
Unable to contain her fury, Julia’s lightning grew more ferocious.
"Speak! Who are you truly?" she demanded.
"Who backs you, and why target Captain Alex and Captain Brooks?"
Mike, too, fixed an intimidating glare at Daniel, exuding the pressure of a Level 2 Evolver.
Yet Daniel remained unfazed. "I would advise you to listen to what Brooks has to say," he calmly suggested.
Martin didn’t rush.
In his eyes, Daniel’s boldness was certainly tied to whoever backed him.
Without understanding the full situation, it would be foolish to act rashly.
Thus, he barked into the phone, "Brooks, what exactly happened? Tell me everything!"
