Wasteland Border Inspector

Chapter 133 Heart-Protecting Flame, the Second Extraordinary Item!
coming!

Cheng Ye's gaze suddenly sharpened, and a few illusory flames flashed in his pupils.

Just as he expected, the difference between a superhuman's Lv1 skill and an ordinary person's Lv1 skill is like heaven and earth.

On the panel, the first three characters, entirely composed of flames, floated in the field of vision. Although the edges were still somewhat blurred and not solid enough, they exuded a heart-palpitating sense of oppression.

Fire that kills, fire that protects the heart, fire that extinguishes the soul!

The three flames stood side by side, each word like a blazing fire, completely transcending the realm of normal humanity and truly touching the threshold of the extraordinary.

Even though Cheng Ye had been thinking about the extraordinary things day and night these past few days, and had repeatedly imagined the scene when he would find the extraordinary power, he did not expect this moment to come so suddenly and so wonderfully.

Now, with just a thought, he can select one of his extraordinary talents and immediately break free from the shackles of mortals, stepping into the realm of the extraordinary.

However, when his gaze swept over the acquisition probability of each talent suffix, Cheng Ye's brows furrowed involuntarily.

Previously, when searching, as long as you entered the skill panel, the probability of obtaining any skill was 100%. If you failed, you would fail in the previous step.

However, the probability of obtaining the Soul-Destroying Flame from these three extraordinary talents is less than 50%.

"Does the 'guaranteed success' message on the panel mean that you are guaranteed to enter this selection phase, rather than that you are 100% guaranteed to acquire any one of the skills?"

Cheng Ye pondered to himself, realizing that this was the first time he had seriously searched for extraordinary individuals.

I never expected that these talents of extraordinary individuals would actually have differences.

Instead of immediately choosing the Heart-Protecting Fire, which guarantees 100% success, Cheng Ye continued to scan downwards.

Fire Eagle?

So that's the standard name for that giant fire eagle?

The three skills, all bearing the name "Blazing Eagle," while not explicitly labeled as extraordinary fire-based abilities, still grant humans powers that defy scientific explanation.

To drive away fire, to ignite fire, to swallow fire.

Cheng Ye's gaze instantly fixed on the Fire Devourer. Judging from the description alone, this ability seemed similar to the Horned Star's ability to recover by devouring carnivorous food.

However, their levels are worlds apart; the latter is Lv5.

The problem likely lies in the "small amount." If there were a strict limit on the total amount of recovery from devouring flames, it wouldn't be surprising if the skill was only at Lv1.

After all, the starfish's ability to devour will only gradually decrease in effectiveness, rather than disappear completely.

As for the lower-level ordinary skills, Cheng Ye simply chose to ignore them.

Although some of these methods seem quite practical, such as "document memory" which can slightly enhance memory and perhaps take his already good memory to the next level, and "iron palm" which can harden the knuckles and increase unarmed attack power.
However, compared to the extraordinary talent and the Flaming Eagle skill mentioned earlier, these abilities are simply not on the same level.

Scrolling down until the notes at the very bottom of the panel came into view, Cheng Ye had already made up his mind.

If, like when he searched for Jiang Chuan before, his talents and skills would be downgraded without the support of special powers, he might still hesitate about whether to choose the Flaming Eagle Devouring Fire and continue to strengthen his Iron Body system, becoming a "freak" who is not afraid of pain, cannot be killed, and recovers quickly.

But now, all three extraordinary talents can bring special powers.

Even though it's just a prototype, even though it's far from Liu Kun's level, it's like a key.

With this key, if you find the Flaming Eagle again in the future, you can directly obtain the perfect-level skill and will no longer be affected by the rating drop.

As for choosing between the three talents, there doesn't seem to be much to agonize over.

The Soul-Destroying Flame was eliminated not only because the probability was too low, but also because the ability was currently useless.

A force attacking another level?
Could it be used to attack that Fiery Eagle?

However, a mere Lv1 skill might not even be enough to tickle the opponent, and could instead reveal the fact that you possess extraordinary skills.

Cheng Ye was somewhat envious of the Killing Flame, as it would be an additional superpower and trump card. However, upon closer reflection, when it came to actually taking action, using a gun seemed to be more direct and reliable.

Moreover, the probability of being killed by fire is only 75%.

For his first search for superhumans, Cheng Ye decided to be on the safe side and first secure the superhuman power in his own hands, knowing there would be plenty of opportunities to search again in the future.

"I choose to protect the heart fire!"

The moment the words fell, the three characters "Heart-Protecting Fire" on the panel suddenly burst into a dazzling red light, transforming into a blazing, raging flame.

However fierce and raging the flames may be, they can only be gradually restrained and shrunk by an invisible force.

All the imposing presence seemed to be condensed to the extreme, transforming into a small, warm, golden-red frame reminiscent of the rising sun, with lines of clear text leaping into it.

Search successful

[Civilization Collector has successfully recorded: Heartfire (Lv.1; Talent; Extraordinary)]

[The collector does not possess the corresponding special power and is currently condensing a seed of special power.]

[Condensation successful; the 'seed' has been automatically sealed and stored in the storage space]

[Note: Please remove the seed and establish a physical connection with it before equipping the extraordinary skill. Otherwise, there is a certain probability that the skill equipping will fail, causing irreversible and serious consequences.]

Current storage space: 3/4

"Luckily, I took out the four-piece set beforehand, otherwise it would be completely full now, and the guaranteed item search wouldn't be usable."

Cheng Ye secretly rejoiced as the skill search panel slowly disappeared, and he couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

I felt a sense of relief, as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and a sense of satisfaction that all my efforts had not been in vain.

As for excitement, at this moment, he felt a peculiar calm.

All his emotions were calmly suppressed by reason. Today, he is no longer the ordinary person who was so excited when he found the rudimentary form of dragon power.

"Keep searching!"

Cheng Ye immediately snapped out of his reverie and glanced down at what lay before him.

Five groups have already reached a conclusion, and only the last two groups are still talking in hushed tones. Liu Kun seems to be in a daze, but his cooperation level remains steadily above 100% without any fluctuation.

The panel has been refreshed.

[Liu Kun, 100%, Searchable Range: Intelligence (quality fixed increase of 0.5), Items (probability: guaranteed hit *1), Skill Lv1 (probability: 15%), Skill Lv2 (probability: 1%), Skill Lv3 (unselectable; please continue to improve job level)]

The "guaranteed hit" option following the skill disappeared after one selection, leaving only a 15% chance.

"So low?"

If there's a 15% chance of getting into the panel and being able to collect everything inside, then it's worth the gamble.

Based on my experience of just acquiring the Heart-Protecting Flame, I think the chances of finding extraordinary talents after entering the panel will be even lower, and I'll probably have to rely on luck for the three Blazing Eagle skills.

The probability is so low that there's no need to hesitate.

"I choose to search for items!"

Unlike the various anomalies that occur when searching for skills, the process of searching for items is as simple as ever.

Several strings of obscure characters flashed across the panel, which quickly coalesced into information that Cheng Ye could fully understand.

Search successful!

[Liu Kun (Transcendental Ecosystem)]

[Searchable Item Range Check:]

[Search successful. You have obtained a special item - the Flaming Eagle's Brazier]

【The Flaming Eagle's Brazier (Extraordinary Item)】

[Description]: Legend has it that the Blazing Eagle was an ordinary eagle that mistakenly entered the fiery eye of the earth's veins. It should have been reduced to ashes in the blazing flames, but miraculously, it was reborn from the fire and transformed into one of the Blazing Totems. This eagle craves all kinds of natural flames; the more scorching the temperature and the more exotic the type, the more it suits its taste. It also possesses the ability to imbue ordinary flames with extraordinary power.

This brazier is its storage container for "food". It is formed by mixing its shed tail feathers with nine kinds of natural flames and solidifying them. It has the ability to lock, store, and solidify fire.

[Current storage quantity of braziers]: 3/3
[Types]: Dry firewood (orange-red flame), peat fire (ghostly blue flame), subterranean fire (crimson gold flame)

[Usage Effect]:
Dry Firewood: After being consumed, the collector immediately gains the special talent: Power of Firewood, lasting for 24 hours.

During this period, you will receive the following benefits: complete immunity to temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius; clothing and skin will not suffer burn damage.
Peat Fire: Upon consumption, the collector immediately gains the special talent: Fire Power, lasting '24' hours.

During the duration, you will receive the following benefits: complete immunity to temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius, and no risk of your personal belongings freezing.

Earth Core Fire: Upon consumption, the Collector immediately gains the special talent: Earth Core Metamorphosis, lasting '5' minutes. During this time, the Collector will gain the following buffs: Attacks inflict the "Lava Burn" effect, causing a continuous special erosion on objects they come into contact with.
[Note]: The brazier can hold a maximum of '3' flames, and special flames can only be stored in it and cannot be transferred to a physical container.
[Note]: The brazier can only hold special flames. Throwing other objects into it will cause energy disturbances and irreversible damage (including but not limited to the brazier breaking, flames going out of control, etc.).

"Liaoying's brazier?"

Cheng Ye stared at the information on the panel, momentarily stunned.

It wasn't until he read through the entire description that he realized, with a mix of amusement and exasperation, that this wasn't a brazier at all, but clearly the giant fire eagle's food bowl, specially used to store its favorite fire food.

To his surprise and delight, the item search returned a fully loaded brazier.

In the small image shown, three flames lay dormant, each corresponding to a practical buff, but he wasn't given an item that was completely useless at this stage.

"Ignoring high and low temperatures, and this attack also has corrosive properties."

Cheng Ye quickly sorted through the information, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

The descriptions of the effects provided by the collector are always straightforward and easy to understand, without causing any comprehension difficulties.

Although it is not as powerful as the symbiotic guardian state after fusing with the starfish, its duration is significantly better. Both dry firewood and peat fire can be maintained for 24 hours, which means that even if it is suddenly put into a high temperature or low temperature environment, it will have enough time to maneuver and will not be instantly put into a deadly situation.

As for the subterranean fire that can only last for 5 minutes, it's more like a trump card.

It might not show any advantage against ordinary people or ordinary infected, but against those fusion beings, it might be able to break through their defenses and become the key to breaking the stalemate.

"Not bad, really good!"

Cheng Ye curled his fingers under the table, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and neatly turned off the panel.

Although the brazier, this extraordinary item, is rarely used, the three flames inside are extremely practical.

If we can find Liu Kun's eagle in the future...
The thought of being able to continuously collect these special flames, or even more unusual varieties, made Cheng Ye's breathing tighten slightly.

The possibility of mass-producing such extraordinary power is simply too tempting.

"Truly worthy of being an extraordinary being, truly worthy of being an extraordinary being!" he thought to himself.

These abilities were not as simple as he had initially imagined; instead, they carried a touch of ancient mystery, seemingly moving towards the direction of mythology and legend.

However, now is not the time to delve into the origins of these sources.

All seven groups have come up with a substantial compensation plan. Niu Xiaocai gave Liu Kun two complete animal hides and twenty happiness coins. The other strong men either gave up some electronic parts or promised to give more happiness coins. Even the last group of strong men who were just there to make up the numbers gritted their teeth and took out half a bag of mutated plant powder.

As expected, Liu Kun's cooperation level declined slightly as the process progressed, remaining steadily at 92.1%.

This means that the special resonance between the two has disappeared, leaving only the purest appreciation.

Just as his diligence and cooperation would increase before, Liu Kun should be very satisfied with the plan he is currently promoting.

Is there another chance to maximize the cooperation level?
Cheng Ye pondered, and instead of rushing to wrap things up after the search was completed, he continued according to the previous plan, compiling and submitting the new compensation plan, and completed another round of group voting.

Faced with the sudden surge in compensation, the crowd's attitude clearly changed from before.

Even though some onlookers stubbornly kept crossing their fingers, wanting the burly men to continue bleeding money, more people realized that if they continued to deny the claims, the compensation the six scavengers would receive would only increase.

They are happy to see those who break the rules pay a heavy price, but they don't want that price to become a windfall for a few people, a windfall that makes them envious!
Soon, the first person put a checkmark on the slip of paper, and sure enough, a rustling sound of pens scratching across paper followed.

In the final tally, all seven proposals received more than 10 votes and were successfully passed.

This was something Cheng Ye hadn't expected.

He had planned to let the 14 people vote again if he couldn't get enough votes, but now it seems that the scales of the group are more "restrained" than he thought.

However, Liu Kun's cooperation level ultimately failed to return to 100%.

As the process progressed, the cooperation rate once rose to 98.2%, but the final missing point was difficult to make up for. It only turned into a faint appreciation in Liu Kun's eyes, without the special resonance that existed before.

Ok.

Cheng Ye nodded to himself. He could sense that Liu Kun was very satisfied with his approach, but he still couldn't break through the limitations.

It seems almost impossible to get the same person to consistently exceed 100% cooperation in a short period of time.

We hadn't tested it on anyone else before, but now we've found the answer with Liu Kun.

"Sword, register the compensation according to the approved plan, and then let them leave in order."

Cheng Ye closed the register, tapping his knuckles lightly on the cover, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of relief.

It's truly remarkable to be able to conceive of this scenario in such a short time and execute it perfectly.

It requires quick wit and a lot of courage.

Fortunately, although there were some unexpected events during the process, the final result was good.

"Yes!"

The officer stepped forward in response, and staff and guards immediately took over the follow-up matters.

The inventory of supplies, the registration of compensation, and the verification of lists took only two or three minutes. The rain-soaked parts, herbs, and animal hides on the ground were silently distributed, making the scavengers outside the isolation fence envious and wishing they could take their place.

Liu Kun held the ten happiness coins in his hand, then glanced at the two rolled-up animal hides at his feet, speechless yet amused.

But he had to admit that Cheng Ye's methods were indeed clever, as they both upheld the bottom line of the rules and protected the dignity of the vulnerable people present.

When those burly men handed over the supplies, there was not a trace of resentment on their faces, only a kind of resigned dejection.

After all, the compensation plan was negotiated by them, and the vote was passed by the scavengers outside.

The weaker party didn't participate in the dispute from beginning to end, yet they received the compensation they deserved without having to bear any psychological burden of offending anyone.

"These skills are unparalleled, not even among the trainees or the first and second-term trainees in the station. This kid will likely achieve considerable success in future field missions."

"The Cheng family, the checkpoint really can't do without the Cheng family!"

Liu Kun sighed inwardly, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes.

Unlike Ding Yishan, he didn't think the Cheng family was a scourge of the checkpoint.

On the contrary, it is precisely because of the Cheng family's presence that this checkpoint is not stagnant and disappointing.

It's a pity that he still has to hide his identity and can't go up and pat the kid on the shoulder to say a few words of praise.

If this little guy knew that he had been noticed by the senior members of the checkpoint, a real superhuman, he would probably be so excited that he couldn't sleep.

What a pity, what a pity!
I must go back and mention Cheng Ye to Lao Ding today; we can't let such a promising talent go to waste.

The troubles left behind by Cheng Long should be borne by the checkpoint, not by a trainee inspector.
Liu Kun carefully tied the waterproof bag, hoisted it onto his shoulder, and rolled the two animal hides that Niu Xiaocai handed him even tighter, tucking them firmly under his armpits.

He caught a glimpse of Cheng Ye looking over out of the corner of his eye, and subconsciously forced a flattering smile.

But in Cheng Ye's eyes, that smile inexplicably revealed a hint of appreciation after being scrutinized by someone in a superior position, completely unlike the obsequiousness that a scavenger should have.

"Leave as soon as possible, don't linger at the checkpoint."

Cheng Ye pressed the button on the isolation door, and the metal door slid open with a "hum," revealing the gray sky outside.

The scavengers filed out, their steps light and quick.

Liu Kun walked at the back, and when he was almost at the end of the passage, he couldn't help but look back.

The checkpoint's canopy was partially obscured by the mist, and the low, leaden clouds pressed down like an invisible hand overhead, making it hard to breathe.

But deep down, he felt a sense of relief he had never felt before.

"Wait a little longer, it won't be long."

He murmured, his right hand, which was gripping the animal hide, tightened slightly.

The moment the fingertips touched the animal hide, a barely perceptible orange-red flame shot out through the gaps between the fingers. The top piece of tanned hide seemed to have been licked by an invisible flame, silently curling up, charring, and finally turning into a handful of fine ash.

However, the ashes did not scatter; instead, they were held together by an invisible force, revealing nothing unusual.

Only when his figure completely stepped out of the checkpoint's area did he suddenly disperse, turning into a sky full of dust, which was swept up by the wind and drifted into the sky.

"After a while, when I enter the second stage of the symbiotic ecosystem, I will make sure that no one will dare to underestimate the checkpoint in the slightest!"

"Even Yuan Gang will have to pay the price for breaking the rules!"

　P.S.: There will be another update tonight, but it might be a little late~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)