Forgotten Photo Studio

Chapter 129 The Mystery of Levels
“Good question.” Lin Lan looked at Chen Zhiwei, nodded approvingly, then showed a hint of regret. “Yes, it’s a pity. The core of the center’s hierarchy lies in ‘authority’ and ‘resources,’ not just ‘ability.’ A highly skilled individual outside the system might be able to solve a difficult problem with ancestral techniques or personal talent, but they cannot obtain the center’s unique ‘knowledge,’ ‘technology,’ and…”

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Xu Yan, and said meaningfully, "...The most crucial thing is that we cannot access those pathways that can fundamentally 'optimize' or even 'elevate' life forms."

Xu Yan immediately grasped the key point in her words and asked in a deep voice, "You mean, if one doesn't enter the central system, no matter how strong their abilities are, their personal 'upper limit' is already locked?"

“That’s one way to understand it.” Lin Lan nodded slightly, her tone carrying a hint of cold reality. “They are like craftsmen who possess precious ore, but lack the furnace and techniques to forge it into divine weapons. In their entire lives, they may reach the top of the bronze level, but they cannot break through that invisible ceiling. Ultimately, their flesh and blood bodies cannot escape the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. They may even become an even more powerful source of ‘abnormality’ after death due to their special soul essence, and be… collected or cleaned by us.”

Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flashed in Chen Zhiwei's eyes, and she subconsciously took a step closer to Xu Yan.

Lin Lan's words reveal a cruel reality: in this world that is gradually revealing its true colors, sticking to the old ways may mean not only stagnation, but also another form of extinction.

Xu Yan remained silent. Lin Lan's words confirmed some of his previous guesses and strengthened his resolve to climb the ranks within this system.

Only by reaching a sufficient level can one control their own destiny and protect those around them.

“Silver tier,” she continued, her fingertips lightly twirling a strand of hair, “is elites certified by the center. They not only need to be exceptionally skilled, but also know how to follow the rules.”

Holographic images have been upgraded to the gold level, and their structures have become complex and mysterious.

“As for the Gold level,” Lin Lan’s voice suddenly became low and seductive, “they are the ones who touch the rules, even…the ones who redefine the rules.” Her gaze swept over Xu Yan’s face, “At this level, ‘anomalies’ are no longer just threats; they can become…wonderful resources.”

She paused deliberately, admiring the focused expressions on their faces.

“Like ancient rituals,” her voice was almost a whisper, “people offered sacrifices to gods for protection. Conversely, specially treated ‘anomalies,’ their pure psionic origins, can be perfectly absorbed by individuals with specific aptitudes.”

Chen Zhiwei couldn't help but ask, "So the strength of the Gold rank lies in the ability to control this power?"

“A clever girl.” Lin Lan nodded approvingly, “But this requires extremely high talent, and the willingness to bear the corresponding risks.”

She turned off the holographic image, leaned back gracefully in her chair, and glanced between the two men.

“Now,” her voice was soft yet weighty, “are you still interested in this fast track? It allows you to skip the long accumulation and go straight to the Gold-level test. But,” she deliberately drew out, “the price of failure could be utter ruin.”

Chen Zhiwei and Xu Yan exchanged a glance, seeing the same determination in each other's eyes.

Lin Lan was pleased to see the undiminished light in their eyes. She gracefully crossed her legs and leaned forward slightly, creating a posture that was both more imposing and intimate.

“It seems you are more daring than I imagined.” She smiled slightly, her fingertip tracing a line across the holographic image, which then switched to a constantly rotating, complex polyhedron radiating an unstable energy halo. “The rapid assessment channel is essentially a ‘stress test.’ We will simulate a near-realistic, but fully controlled, high-threat environment—usually an E-level, or even E+ level, projection of an anomalous entity.”

Chen Zhiwei gasped, "E-level? E+ level? Isn't that far beyond our current capabilities?" She looked at Xu Yan with concern. "This is precisely the price of 'speed,' Miss Chen." Lin Lan's gaze sharpened. "The test subject needs to demonstrate not only their existing strength under extreme pressure, but also... 'potential.' Faced with an 'anomaly' far exceeding their own capabilities, will you collapse, resist in vain, or find a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity, or even... understand it, influence it?" Her gaze finally settled on Xu Yan, as if these words were primarily addressed to him.

"Understanding? Impact?" Xu Yan caught this key information, which coincided with his previous idea of ​​"harmlessly disposing of" the ghost in the lonely building.

“That’s right.” Lin Lan gave him an approving look. “Pure brute force is nothing new to the Center. What we value more is ‘adaptability’ and ‘growth potential.’ The fast track seeks geniuses who can understand and apply the rules of the abnormal operation, not just those who can destroy things with violence. Of course, this is extremely dangerous. There are many examples in history of people whose minds have completely collapsed during the tests, or even who have been assimilated by the abnormal.”

She paused, letting the fear linger in the air for a moment, before continuing in that seductive tone, "But the rewards are equally astonishing. Successful candidates will not only directly gain Silver-level access, but more importantly, they will be placed on the center's 'priority watchlist,' receiving preferential resource allocation, including... the introductory guidance on 'lifeform optimization' that I just mentioned. This can save you years, even decades, on your path to Gold-level."

Xu Yan remained silent, his mind racing as he weighed the options.

The risks are extremely high, but the rewards are equally tempting.

More importantly, this is indeed a shortcut to quickly access core secrets and gain power.

He glanced at Chen Zhiwei and saw the worry in her eyes, but also her silent support.

"What is the form of the test?" Xu Yan asked in a deep voice.

“Virtual reality combined with psionic projection,” Lin Lan explained. “Your consciousness will enter a specially designed spiritual core, while your bodies remain here under our protection. You will experience a ‘custom-designed’ anomalous event inside. Don’t worry, although it’s virtual, all sensations and damage feedback are real, and the feeling of death is equally real. The only advantage is that if you ‘die’ inside, only your consciousness will be damaged, not your brain will actually die—of course, there is also the risk of becoming a vegetable.”

She spoke casually, but the content was chilling.

“We need to think about it.” Xu Yan did not agree immediately.

“Of course.” Lin Lan seemed to have expected this. She stood up gracefully and handed over a black metal card. “This is my direct contact information. You have 24 hours to make a decision. No waiting after that. Remember, opportunity often comes with equal risk.”

She made a gesture to send someone off, her smile still alluring, yet carrying the cold indifference of someone being led to their doom.

"Furthermore," Lin Lan added casually as the two turned around, her gaze falling on Xu Yan, "Mr. Xu, the way you handled the 'Lonely Building Ghost' reminded me of an... old friend. I hope you can make a wise choice."

These words, like a pebble, stirred up ripples in Xu Yan's heart.

He nodded calmly and left the futuristic observation room with Chen Zhiwei.

(End of this chapter)