Chapter 53: The Bureau of Control Research Division

"Mimetic System..."

After an in-depth conversation with Bastian, Li Nanke realized that he was by no means a member of the so-called Mimetic System.

The “Four Great Matrices” granted by the Other Shore could absorb and contain all extraordinary powers, strengthening and enhancing them without the overwhelming restrictions of the Mimetic System. If the Mimetic System was akin to minoring in all extraordinary abilities, then the Four Great Matrices was a major in all of them. Perhaps this system had its own limitations or thresholds, but compared to the narrow potential of the Mimetic System, it was infinitely more profound and powerful.

The Crisis Control Bureau already had a precise definition and deep understanding of the Mimetic System’s mechanisms. They knew that those with this talent offered unparalleled value in the study of forbidden objects. This meant that, though extremely rare, the Mimetic System had already been thoroughly studied like all other extraordinary powers.

Li Nanke most likely didn’t need to fear being seized as a test subject for being a suspected Mimetic, and instead, by actively aligning himself with this identity, he could gain a perfect façade. In the future, any new mainline extraordinary abilities he acquired could be concealed under the guise of the Mimetic System.

What truly worried him was whether the research value of the Mimetic System would shine too brightly, drawing too much attention.

Yet, upon reflection, the corporate titans and family consortiums that controlled the world cared only for their own interests, exalting competition and individualism.

Here, the law of the jungle prevailed: survival of the fittest. People worshipped strength, success, and those who best demonstrated their own value. Only by proving oneself would one gain a foothold and win what one desired.

"Get some rest for now. If you have any questions, ask Matthew. Tomorrow, we’ll return to the City of Redemption, and then we’ll handle your onboarding procedures..."

Bastian’s smile was gentle, his certainty growing that this young man possessed the Mimetic talent.

Although this was based on his knowledge and experience of the extraordinary, the final conclusion would have to wait until they returned to the Crisis Control Bureau. Even so, as he left the cabin, he had already contacted the Bureau’s personnel department to initiate a comprehensive background check—the standard procedure for new recruits.

The Crisis Control Bureau’s hierarchy was vast and strict. Background checks and physical examinations were only the beginning, followed by a series of screenings, ability tests, and pre-job training.

However, with the “Mimetic System” as a credential, many tedious steps could be fast-tracked or streamlined, requiring only the most critical procedures to be completed.

The next day, the forbidden object was transported to a containment transit station. Due to its highly infectious nature, all members of Special Containment Team B underwent medical examination and had their symptoms purged by a specific forbidden object before returning to the City of Redemption.

Meanwhile, the A91 Safe Zone remained under lockdown, with survivors quarantined and treated for infection, unable to leave for the time being.

Three days later, a new recruit’s medical report reached the research division’s upper management at the City of Redemption Bureau.

One section was highlighted in bold red: After twenty-three simulated pheromone tests of various types, the candidate showed no signs of rejection, and is identified as the Mimetic extraordinary category.

...

Through the cockpit glass of the hovercar, Li Nanke gazed down at the bustling city below.

The development district was a maze of decaying buildings—a massive scar in the heart of the metropolis. 3D holographic neon flickered even in daylight, unable to conceal the darkness lurking in the narrow streets. Tangled power lines resembled the overburdened veins of the underclass, and crumbling billboards and graffiti bore silent witness to the area’s decadence.

He tried to spot his own little shop amidst the decay but realized it had already been swallowed by the rot.

Yet, when his gaze shifted past the chaos to the nearby High-Precision District, everything changed. Lush greenbelts formed a natural barrier, keeping poverty and filth at bay.

The sky seemed bluer there, the air fresher. Skyscrapers rose in endless ranks, each one gleaming with cold glass and metal. Hovercars and trackless maglev trains flowed in a never-ending stream, a testament to the district’s vibrance.

People dressed elegantly, moved with grace, and smiled with confidence—the composure of those unconcerned by what tomorrow might bring.

Bastian, beside him, suddenly spoke, “It’s quite moving, isn’t it? You’re about to bid farewell to your old life and become part of the High-Precision District. No more worrying about making ends meet.”

Li Nanke smiled. “Chief, has the research division made their decision? Which department head am I being assigned to?”

“Frank Vistalia. You might not know him, but the Vistalia family is one of the shareholders of Gospel Biotech... But don’t be nervous. Frank is easy to get along with—just show a genuine passion for academic research, and you’ll find him an excellent leader.”

“Understood. Thank you, Chief.”

The hovercar finally stopped in front of a towering building. There were no 3D holographic ads around, and few pedestrians or vehicles in sight.

The Crisis Control Bureau’s headquarters was heavily guarded. Entering required passing several checkpoints—both manual and electronic.

Matthew had mentioned that the Bureau itself stored some low-risk forbidden objects, and that the research division possessed fragments for study.

Initially, Li Nanke had wondered if storing or studying forbidden objects within the city was too dangerous. But after seeing the “holy water” from the Safe Zone dispel infection, he understood.

As long as one thoroughly understood a forbidden object’s side effects and harnessed its positive functions, the rewards could be immense.

Take, for example, the construct from the last Forbidden Dream: the United Humanity Organization had used its constant electromagnetic emissions to reverse-engineer nearly limitless energy, solving the energy crisis.

No one knew how many forbidden objects the Bureau controlled, but they certainly possessed those capable of suppressing others and ensuring the safety of the City of Redemption’s branch.

Li Nanke, badge reading “Research Division—Intern,” entered the building, where a man in a gray lab coat had been waiting for him.

What made him feel at ease was that this man, about thirty, had black hair and yellow skin just like him.

Bastian exchanged greetings with the researcher, Jiang Lei, and then, signaling to Li Nanke to keep in touch, turned to leave.

Jiang Lei worked as a researcher under Frank’s team. The two of them would be junior colleagues in the same division.

After a brief introduction, Jiang Lei led him into the elevator, swiped his badge, and instead of rising, the elevator descended underground.

“Li, I’ve reviewed your file. You... haven’t had any formal education in the relevant fields, have you?”

Jiang Lei’s tone was tactful; according to the file, Li Nanke had only completed half of secondary school in the Safe Zone.

If it weren’t for his rare Mimetic talent, there was no way he’d have become a researcher.

Seeing Li Nanke nod, Jiang Lei chose his words carefully. “The director wants you to study some foundational knowledge first, then report to the lab...”

“Don’t take it the wrong way—Director Frank isn’t singling you out; that’s just his personality.”

Perhaps it was the familiarity of seeing another black-haired, yellow-skinned countryman, or maybe it was Li Nanke’s polite and approachable demeanor, but Jiang Lei felt a certain kinship.

He leaned closer and whispered, “Our director has high academic standards for his team. You were originally assigned elsewhere, but the director’s influence is so great that you were reassigned here without his knowledge...”

“You get my meaning, right?”

Li Nanke caught the implication immediately. “I understand, Brother Jiang. Actually, I’ve always loved learning. Circumstances made it impossible before, but now I want to be a scholar.”

Jiang Lei patted his shoulder, eyes tinged with sympathy. “Don’t be in a rush, Li.”

As they spoke, the elevator stopped. Jiang Lei led him into a room where one entire wall was lined with Dream Data Disks.

He then produced a Dream Synchronizer. “This device is for research division study. It can greatly accelerate perceived time, depending on your individual synchronization and tolerance.”

“The director wants you to complete over a hundred dream courses marked here before reporting to the lab. He’ll test you then.”

Li Nanke’s mouth twitched as he gazed at the wall of data disks, cursing inwardly.

Damn, if I’d known, I’d have chosen to be a containment operative!