Gao Wu: After transforming into a soft girl, I became a calamity?

By the time everyone returned to the city, it was already dark.

Medical personnel were already waiting there, and they took away the team members with more serious injuries one by one.

In Squad Five, apart from Jiang Mian and Su Wanning, the injuries of the remaining three members seemed to be far more serious than they appeared.

Gu An, in particular, was the most severely injured, probably because [Glory] attracted the most hatred.

He was usually very talkative, but he remained completely silent from the moment the group regrouped until the way back, which speaks volumes about the seriousness of the situation.

It is foreseeable that the entire team will need to take a period of sick leave, and it will be impossible for them to go out on missions in the short term.

Jiang Mian had been planning to find an excuse to gain more free time, and this fulfilled her wish.

She wasn't seriously injured, just a little weak and her head was spinning, probably because of the inhibitors in both of their bodies.

She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she felt the mental erosion was less severe...

Jiang Mian planned to go home and check her condition more carefully. After quickly cleaning up her "injuries," she changed back into her everyday clothes and prepared to go home.

Before she could leave, a strange voice called out to her.

"Jiang Mian?"

The person who arrived was wearing a clerk's uniform from the command center, clearly sent by someone from above to run errands.

Jiang Mian's heart tightened slightly. Why was he coming to find her at this time?

Her expression remained impassive, but her voice carried a hint of weariness and confusion:

"It's me. May I ask...?"

"Please come with me. Someone wants to see you."

Although the other person spoke in a formal and methodical manner, they unconsciously revealed a degree of respect.

"Is anyone... from above? Is it because of today's mission?"

Although Jiang Mian was somewhat reluctant, she found it difficult to refuse and seemed to have no choice but to go.

She silently followed the clerk into the passageway inside the city wall.

After walking a winding path for a while, the two stopped in front of a conference room.

The clerk who was leading the way stopped at the door, stepped aside to gesture for Jiang Mian to go in by herself, and then turned and left.

Jiang Mian stood at the door, feeling inexplicably uneasy.

The "wind" here... is too quiet, as if it has been deliberately adjusted, there isn't even a trace of breath in it.

Her senses were definitely not wrong; the person inside must be a master, at least above the fourth rank, and their sequence was definitely not low!

But since we're already here, turning back now would be unwise, so we have no choice but to bite the bullet and keep going.

She quickly composed herself and gently pushed the door open.

The meeting room was not large, with only a long table and two rows of chairs.

On the opposite side of the door sat a kind-looking middle-aged man, dressed casually, who seemed somewhat out of place in the city defense environment.

The moment Jiang Mian saw him, he subconsciously suppressed his aura completely, but did not disturb the normal flow of wind around his body.

The reason is simple: Jiang Mian couldn't sense a trace of his aura from him; the method of shielding him was also "wind."

"Jiang, please have a seat."

The man smiled slightly, exuding an inexplicable sense of friendliness.

As soon as he finished speaking, a gust of wind blew through the room, gently pulling the chair in front of Jiang Mian away.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Xiao Song. You can also call me Inspector Xiao, or Senior."

People from the Ministry of Supervision?!

In other words... this person in front of me is really from above?

But why did he look for me?

Jiang Mian visibly tensed up, half genuinely and half feigning nervousness.

I've heard that anyone who can be called an inspector is at least at the sixth rank. If I'm discovered by them, will I...?

"Do not be nervous."

Seeing that Jiang Mian hadn't moved, Xiao Song got up, poured two glasses of water, and then sat down again.

"Thanks."

After a brief shock, Jiang Mian quickly regained her composure and obediently sat down in the chair.

"Senior Xiao? Is there something you need from me?"

Xiao Song didn't answer immediately. His gaze lingered on her bracelet for a moment before he looked up and got straight to the point:

"Jiang, what's your decision regarding the invitation to the training program?"

?

Jiang Mian felt a pang of doubt. He hadn't given a definite answer before, only saying he would think about it some more.

Before making thorough preparations, she would firmly refuse even if it was semi-coercive, even if it would attract the attention of the base city's high-level officials.

But she didn't expect that an inspector would suddenly appear and inquire about this matter.

Seeing Jiang Mian's confusion, Xiao Song explained:

"It's quite a coincidence that I'm here on a mission. I happened to hear that a junior colleague in the same rank is performing exceptionally well during his apprenticeship, so I came to check on him."

Oh no, we've encountered a real "Eye of the Storm," and it's at least a sixth-tier "Eye of the Storm."

After reaching Tier 6, [Eye of the Storm] will unlock a skill called "Skyward Wind Track," which greatly enhances its control and pursuit capabilities.

Even though she is at the pinnacle of the hierarchy and can suppress [Elemental] Awakeners, the level difference is too great.

If she were to take action, her speed of "refining" elements would likely be far lower than the opponent's output, and at best, she wouldn't be able to counterattack.

And what kind of reason is that?!

Things happened so suddenly that even with Jiang Mian's current acting skills, she couldn't quite hold back.

Forget it, just speak to people in a human way and to ghosts in a different way... Just let your true self shine through.

"Oh, I see..."

Jiang Mian lowered her head, seemingly unable to meet his gaze, her hands resting on her thighs, looking somewhat awkward.

"I really haven't thought this through."

"Senior Xiao, to be honest, although I've gained a general grasp of my abilities, I tend to lose control when my emotions get the better of me..."

The so-called "out of control" refers to the two elemental bursts.

Although the most recent report was only recently submitted, given Xiao Song's status and position, he should already be aware of it.

"No, no, no, that's not a problem at all. On the contrary, it proves your talent is excellent, especially in terms of elemental affinity..."

Xiao Song gave a brief explanation.

Why is Elemental Burst so rare? Because even with the same sequence, there are differences in talent.

Only those with sufficient affinity can frequently trigger elemental bursts; otherwise, no matter how strong their emotions are, it won't work.

Judging from Jiang Mian's performance as an intern, her control over her abilities is also amazing.

In short, Jiang Mian is not lacking in talent, but he lacks confidence and guidance, so he should go even more.

As long as she's willing to go, she'll receive plenty of subsidies, supplementary medicines, and equipment.

Upon hearing that there was money to be made, Jiang Mian immediately perked up, her eyes lighting up slightly, but she became increasingly wary.

"So... because you're too outstanding, you caught his attention?"

This doesn't make sense!

After fooling so many people, she naturally became aware that they were being fooled.

It's so strange no matter how you look at it... and Xiao Song seems to have some other purpose, but I just can't quite put my finger on it.

Jiang Mian deliberately chose a lower-level advanced sequence. He was just a little more talented, so why would he be worth the attention of those above him?

After being persuaded like this, it seemed she had no choice.

But... the inhibitor issue is still unresolved, and the situation in the core urban areas is still unknown!

However, she couldn't seem to find a reason to refuse.

To outsiders, Jiang Mian had no relatives or friends and, apart from a few acquaintances, had few other ties in this base city.

With such a rare opportunity before us, making excuses and delays would only arouse suspicion.

The longer it drags on, the more likely it is to reveal its flaws!

What to do...?

Jiang Mian gritted her teeth and could only agree on the surface. If it didn't work out, she could try to stall for time by playing the victim.

"Senior Xiao, I... am willing to participate!"

Seeing that Jiang Mian had "come to her senses," Xiao Song smiled and handed her a transparent gold card.

"This is?"

"ticket."

Jiang Mian carefully put it away, expressed her gratitude, and then left the meeting room.

The door was gently closed, and the room returned to silence.

The smile on Xiao Song's face gradually faded.

He raised his left hand, a wisp of wind swirling around his fingertips.

"interesting……"