Chapter 27: Props

The class monitor was the first to decide on the compensation.

"My family certainly wouldn't allow me to take unnecessary risks before graduation," she said. "I'll choose the first option. Besides, there's no expiration date on this; if I ever have physical issues, being able to swap in a high-precision prosthetic for free is quite good."

"I'll take the first one as well."

Gao Yuxuan pointed to the first option too. His left arm was already a prosthetic, and a very common model at that. If it were damaged or malfunctioned in the future, being able to go directly to the General Research Bureau to replace it with a superior high-precision model would be ideal.

Currently, it is becoming a trend for many talents entering companies or government agencies to undergo prosthetization. This technology carries no risk and is effectively used to deal with various anomalous incidents. Most importantly, Gao Yuxuan was well aware that he was no "genius" and could not afford to take extra risks at his age.

When it was Anna's turn, she showed no interest in prosthetics. Her family was a strictly carnivorous community with a tradition of revering natural flesh; in her view, organic bodies were by no means inferior to metal. As for the employment quotas or cash offered by the Research Bureau, she didn't really need them either.

That left only the fourth option. "Can I undergo your compatibility test first, and if I’m not a match, choose a different compensation instead?"

"Of course."

Finally, it was Luo Di’s turn. He rested his chin on his crossed hands. He knew little about these types of artifacts, but after the accidents during his field practice, he desperately needed something—something special enough to ensure he could handle himself if he encountered similar incidents again.

"If I choose the fourth option, can I obtain an item for 'exorcism,' or one capable of dealing with incorporeal anomalies?"

"We have such items."

"Then I choose the fourth."

After Luo Di made his choice, Director Wang rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Apologies, I didn't make this clear beforehand: we only have one 'entry-level' item available. Since you both have chosen this option, we will conduct the compatibility test right here. Whoever has the higher compatibility will gain ownership of the item."

"Great!" Anna didn't particularly need it, but she was happy to have the chance to compete with Luo Di; she even began to flex her bicep.

After a brief wait, a staff member walked in carrying a fully sealed metal box. The class monitor and Gao Yuxuan instinctively shifted their chairs back, and even Anna leaned away.

Director Wang explained, "Don't worry. Since the 'item' was brought here, we have naturally processed it beforehand; there is no radiation risk."

The metal box opened. Inside lay a transparent glass container with a special structure, and the so-called "item" was sealed within it.

When the item was revealed, everyone present froze. They were not unfamiliar with this thing; they could even faintly detect a familiar stench that brought their thoughts back to the hillside outside the city several days ago.

A head was resting inside.

[Rotten], [Evil], [Sutured], [Pathological].

It was the zombie head they had worked together to decapitate during their field practice, which Luo Di had subsequently sliced into four pieces, now repaired to its original state by the Research Bureau. The glass container housing the head was not fully sealed; it had a funnel-like opening at the top, leading through an internal pipe directly to the zombie's mouth.

"You are in luck. Although you destroyed the head, the most critical part, the 'pituitary gland,' remained intact. Generally, the laboratory would fully restore this zombie to continue using it for simulated practice. However, considering your outstanding performance and the factors I mentioned earlier, we have decided to give the 'pituitary gland' to you."

The class monitor asked, "Do you have information on the origin and age of this zombie?"

"Certainly."

Director Wang pulled a document from his inner coat pocket, which even included a black-and-white headshot resembling an ID photo.

---
Name: Li Xuantong
Age: 46
Background: Immigrated as a carpenter, currently unemployed, active in various districts of Jupiter City as a fortune teller. At age 45, he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Under extreme distress and hopelessness, his [Thought Corner] emerged.
Duration of Corner: 0.4 years (Disguise stage)
Fear Manifestation (Alienation): Zombie
Capture and Utilization: Any patient diagnosed with a terminal illness is placed on a watch list for enhanced daily monitoring and more frequent, precise psychological testing. This individual was discovered to be anomalous during his thirteenth test and was killed while attempting to escape. The body was transported to the Jupiter City Research Bureau and modified for use in simulated practice. The difficulty of the corresponding incident is between three and five stars.
---

The class monitor quickly scanned the anomaly file and concluded: "A 'pseudo-human' with a duration of less than half a year. It belongs to the most basic class of anomalies, and its strength shouldn't be much higher than an ordinary person's. It was exposed after only four months of disguise; this guy is really not that impressive. The corresponding 'entry-level' item is also more suitable for beginners to minimize risk. However, this man had a brain tumor when his Thought Corner developed—could there be a linked effect? Will the risk increase because of this?"

Director Wang nodded. "You are correct. His illness had a certain effect on the pituitary gland where the [Thought Corner] emerged, making his 'Fear Manifestation' more complete than the average pseudo-human, though it also made him easier to expose. It is very rare for one to manifest the image of a zombie in only four months, and it possesses significant physical strength; standard 9mm bullets cannot kill it. As for the danger, we have already tested it. While the 'pituitary gland' possesses certain carcinogenic properties, these properties are not contagious; rather, they help in forming an externally usable item. Now, both of you, prepare for the compatibility test."

A sterilized scalpel was handed to Luo Di and Anna by a staff member. "The testing method is simple: drip your fingertip blood into the zombie's mouth—only one drop. The device will display the zombie head's activity index. The higher the index, the higher the compatibility."

"I'll go first!" Anna went first, decisively cutting her finger and dripping blood into the funnel at the top of the container.

As the blood flowed down the internal pipe into the zombie's mouth, the "resurrection" scene they had anticipated did not occur. Instead, less than an inch of flesh grew at the corners of its split lips, and two strands of hair sprouted. Simultaneously, a numerical value appeared on the surface of the container.

[63.2]

The number was yellow, representing a passing grade—compatible.

"Not bad."

As Director Wang reset the container, Luo Di cut his finger, and his blood dripped in.

When the blood flowed into the head, there was no immediate reaction, but the numerical value was slow to display. Director Wang gestured for everyone to wait patiently. After about a minute:

*Click... Hah!*

The zombie's jaw suddenly loosened, and the entire head took a deep breath, as if it were about to come back to life. But because there was only one drop of blood, the signs of revival quickly faded, and the final value was finally displayed.

[91.2]

The color was green, indicating "Excellent."

"Congratulations!" Seeing a score higher than her own, Anna actually felt relieved.

Director Wang pinched the bridge of his nose. "As expected. Throughout the entire practice, you spent the most time fighting the zombie, had the most contact with it, and were the one who dealt the killing blow. You were even infected by the zombie toxin, and the [Thought Corner] within its brain had been quietly observing you. With a compatibility value over 90, it will be very easy to accept, and it will be easier to unleash the item's performance."

"What do I do next?" Luo Di asked urgently, his eyes showing a rare glimmer of interest.

Director Wang gestured to the staff member nearby, who produced an item wrapped tightly in special fabric. Upon opening it, it was revealed to be the "machete" Luo Di had used to kill the zombie during his practice.

"The original tool for the original task... You could combine this zombie pituitary gland with another item, but the efficiency wouldn't compare to this blade. Also, the chainsaw you used was severely damaged; it would take a few days to repair, so that's up to you. If you choose this blade, we can begin now."

"I'll take this one."

Luo Di stared at the machete that had accompanied him through his practice, a twin to the one used by the film character, his mind already conjuring images of the final, combined weapon.