As someone in sequence 001, I also want to give up today.

As it turned out, Li Xian's decision to temporarily entrust the task of picking up and dropping off Lingdang to Li Yu was an extremely wise one.

The next morning at 7:30, when Li Yu was getting ready to leave with great energy, Li Xian was lazily getting out of bed.

"Brother, I've taken Lingdang to school. Remember to report to the police station before nine o'clock!"

Li Yu called out from the doorway, next to Lingdang, who was already dressed, carrying a small schoolbag, and with bright, sparkling eyes.

"Old Deng, you're finally up!"

Lingdang carried her little schoolbag and wore two symmetrical braids today (Li Yu's handiwork), making her look especially energetic.

"My aunt said she'll take me to school today! You can sleep in a little longer, aren't you happy?"

Li Xian yawned and took out milk from the refrigerator.

"It was alright. Behave yourself at school today, don't cause your aunt any trouble."

"I won't!"

Bell made a funny face, then leaned closer mysteriously.

"Old Deng, did you know? Wanwan said she observed the stars last night and discovered an 'anomaly in Venus's trajectory,' meaning there might be 'interesting energy disturbances' at school today! We need to go 'observe' it!"

Li Xian almost choked on the milk.

Observing the stars at night? Is Venus's trajectory unusual?

That chuunibyou girl's imagination is truly... as rich as ever.

"Okay, you can 'observe' all you want, just don't blow up the classroom."

He waved his hand dismissively.

"Oh no, that won't happen! We know our limits, right, Auntie?"

Lingdang looked at Li Yu.

Li Yu smiled helplessly and rubbed Lingdang's head.

"Yes, I know my limits. Okay, let's go, or we'll be late. Brother, you should go too, so you can make a good impression on Team Leader Wang."

"Okay, okay."

Li Xian watched the two figures, one big and one small, leave, and the house instantly returned to silence.

Only the chubby orange cat jumped down from the cat tree, rubbed against his trouser leg, and meowed, as if asking: Why is it so quiet today?

"It's better to have some peace and quiet."

After finishing his milk, Li Xian changed into a relatively neat set of casual clothes—he planned to change into his training uniform at the branch office.

Looking at himself in the mirror, still looking exhausted, but with an elusive glint occasionally flashing in the depths of his eyes, he forced a smile.

"The quick response team... I hope they can really have some 'leisure'."

At 9:20 a.m., Li Xian strolled over to the Jiangcheng Special Abilities Branch.

I swiped my temporary work pass as if I knew exactly where to go and entered the building.

The rapid response team's office is on the fifth floor, east side. It is an open-plan office area divided into several workstations by partitions.

Adjoining it is a small conference room, equipment room, and lounge.

When Li Xian arrived, there were already three or four people in the office.

The air was filled with the mixed smells of coffee, paper, and faint residual energy.

"Oh, new here?"

A young woman who looked to be in her late twenties, with short hair and bright eyes, was the first to notice him. She peeked out from behind her workstation and greeted him with a smile.

She emanated a stable and gentle energy fluctuation, roughly at the mid-C level.

"I'm Su Lin, from the healing department. You're Li Xian, right? Xiao Yu mentioned you to us yesterday, saying you'd be reporting for duty today."

"Hello, I'm Li Xian." Li Xian nodded, his attitude casual.

"Welcome, welcome!"

Another boy, who looked younger and had a baby face, jumped up from behind the computer next to him and enthusiastically came over.

"My name is Fang Yuan, but everyone calls me Xiao Yuan! My ability is 'Local Hardening,' which is mainly used for taking hits... oh no, I mean for defense! Please take care of me from now on, Brother Xian!"

Xiaoyuan's energy fluctuations are weaker, barely passing the C-level threshold, but her personality seems quite lively.

Li Xian sensed the essence of his ability—it was to harden the skin and muscles of certain parts of the body for a short period of time. It was a very basic enhancement type, and it was indeed quite suitable for "taking a beating".

He copied it without making a sound, and the power space gained another skill sample that wasn't very useful but was better than nothing.

"This is Zhao Tiezhu, we all call him Lao Zhao."

Su Lin pointed to a man by the window who was engrossed in writing a report; he was tall and had a kind, honest face.

"His ability is 'Power Burst,' Rank B. He's one of our team's offensive specialists. Old Zhao, a newbie's here, say hello?"

Old Zhao raised his head, revealing a set of white teeth, his smile simple and honest.

"Hello, hello! You're Li Xian, right? I heard from Chief Wang that he has strong telekinesis, impressive ability! Let's look out for each other on missions from now on!"

His mental strength is around 2,500. The nature of his energy is simple and brutal; it is pure power amplification, and the level of amplification depends entirely on his mental strength.

Li Xian also replicated it, but this pure strength type was even more useless to him.

The power of the Myriad Manifestations, even with a slight optimization of the Flame Core control or the cutting force generated by spatial folding, is far more violent than this.

What's more, these abilities don't even require physical exertion...

There were two empty workstations in the office, presumably because the other team members hadn't arrived yet.

Team Leader Wang Tao's private office is at the very back of the area, and the door was closed, so he must be busy.

"Please sit here."

Su Lin pointed to an empty workstation that was neatly tidied up and located near the aisle.

"The computer password is on the back of the keyboard. The HR department should have already set up your internal system account for you. Once you log in, you can see task briefings, regulations manuals, and so on. Oh, and your training uniform is in cabinet number 3 in the equipment room. The key is here."

She handed over a small key, acting quite efficiently.

"Thanks."

Li Xian took it and went to his workstation to sit down.

The chair was quite comfortable, so he adjusted his posture and leaned back comfortably.

Looking around, the environment was indeed better than he had imagined.

It's at least easier than being hunted down by editors when writing at home.

He turned on his computer, slowly logged into the system, and began browsing through the lengthy regulations and recent briefings.

Just as Team Leader Wang said yesterday, Jiangcheng has been very peaceful lately.

The briefing was mostly about trivial matters:

A resident of a community complained that their neighbor's pet (suspected of having awakened night vision) kept barking at night. It was found that the cat was a tabby cat with awakened "night vision" and a "mild intimidation aura". The matter has been resolved.

A Class F mutated plant, "Peashooter," was found in a park and has since been removed.

Assisting the police in apprehending an E-level ability user who uses "basic illusion magic" to commit fraud...

It seems that the work of the rapid response team is indeed quite "grassroots".

Just as Li Xian was wondering if he could take the opportunity to lie down on the table and catch up on some sleep, the office door was pushed open.

A familiar figure walked in, carrying an energy fluctuation that Li Xian remembered vividly, as stable yet subtle as a precise electric current.

The man was about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, wearing a well-fitting training uniform, with a slender figure, a stern face, and sharp eyes.

What's most striking is his meticulously styled short hair.

And the electromagnetic field around him that seemed to be operating at low power at all times.

Just a few weeks ago, Li Xian "chancely encountered" and casually replicated the lone wolf with [Electromagnetic Control] in an abandoned factory in the northern suburbs—Magnetic String!

Li Xian's movements froze almost imperceptibly for half a second.

The power of all phenomena instantly matched the person in front of him with the image in his memory.

Sequence 021, mental strength was about 1,800 back then, now... well, about 2,100, indeed just barely entered the B-level threshold.

At the time, Li Xian considered the ability to control electromagnetic fields to be a fairly good high-level elemental manipulation skill.

After optimization, it became one of his tools for daily life (controlling home appliances, disguising the bell's identity).

The problem is—the last time they met, Li Xian was wearing a Sun Wukong mask and used his All-Seeing Power to see right through the person inside and out, which also scared them quite a bit.

Li Xian could clearly sense the loss of control over the magnetic string's powers and the chill that ran down his spine.

Although she was wearing a mask at the time, given the keen senses of someone with Magnet String's level of ability, what if she recognized the energy signature or the figure...?

A rare moment of embarrassment welled up in Li Xian's heart.

This is like anonymously digging up someone's dirt online and scaring them along the way.

Then you turn around and find that this person has become your colleague, and you see each other every day.

Even if the other party is unlikely to recognize you, the feeling is... subtle.

The magnetic string seemed oblivious to Li Xian's momentary unease.

He walked straight to his workstation (right across from Li Xian), put down the folder in his hand, and then glanced around the office.

His gaze paused slightly as it swept over Li Xian's unfamiliar face.

But they quickly moved away without any particular indication.

"Magnetic String, you're back? How's the investigation into that 'abnormal electrical discharge' incident in the East District going?"

Su Lin asked.

"Resolved."

Like the man himself, Magnet's voice has a metallic, cold quality, but it's not unapproachable.

"A nest of newly awakened 'Electric Rats,' Rank F, which like to gnaw on old wiring and release weak electric currents. They have been captured and sent to the 'Low-Threat Beast Containment and Observation Area' in the suburbs."

"Another electric mouse? This is the third one this month, isn't it?"

Small round nozzle.

"It seems that after the global awakening, the mutation probability of these little things has also increased."

"Um."

Magneton gave a brief reply and began typing the report on his computer.

His movements were precise and efficient, displaying the meticulousness of a technician.

Li Xian observed secretly, feeling slightly more relaxed.

It seems the magnetic string didn't recognize itself.

That's true. At that time, I concealed my aura so well that I was almost indistinguishable from an ordinary person. Others couldn't tell me apart by my aura at all. Plus, I was wearing a mask, so no one could recognize me.

In the perception of the magnetic string, the "Sun Wukong" of that time and the "Li Xian, a person with three thousand spiritual power, more than two hundred sequences, and strong telekinesis" now should be completely different people.

As long as you are careful not to use your electromagnetic abilities (especially the optimized version) too obviously in front of him, there shouldn't be any major problems.

Just then, Team Leader Wang Tao came out of his office, holding a tablet in his hand.

"Everyone's here? Perfect."

Wang Tao glanced around the office.

"Li Xian, how's it going?"

"Not bad, Team Leader Wang," Li Xian replied.

"Alright. There's nothing urgent today. Everyone, finish your reports and daily inspections. Li Xian, you're new here, let Xiao Yuan show you around the equipment room and the bureau's common areas, and let you look at some past typical case files. Get into the swing of things as soon as possible."

"OK."

"Magnetic string," Wang Tao looked at the magnetic string again.

"The General Administration's Technical Department has responded to your previous analysis report on 'abnormal energy residue in urban underground cables.' They believe it may be traces of some unknown alien beast activity, but the threat level is not high. Continue to observe. Please follow up and report any changes promptly."

"Understood." Magnet String nodded.

After assigning the tasks, Wang Tao returned to his office.

Xiao Yuan immediately jumped up.

"Hey Xian, come on! I'll show you around the equipment room! Let me tell you, our bureau's equipment room isn't as luxurious as headquarters', but it still has a lot of good stuff! Especially that 'adaptive protective suit,' it's so cool!"

Li Xian readily got up and followed the enthusiastic Xiao Yuan toward the equipment room.

As he passed the magnetic string workstation, he subconsciously suppressed any potential energy fluctuations that might leak out.

Especially the parts related to electromagnetism, they flowed incredibly naturally.

The magnetic string seemed to be focused on the data on the screen and did not look up.

The equipment room displays various standard equipment.

From ordinary riot control equipment to specially designed armor and restraint devices with energy resistance.

Then there are some suppressors and auxiliary devices for common types of superpowers.

Xiao Yuan introduced the details with great familiarity, while Li Xian listened absentmindedly.

With more attention focused on sensing the energy structure and principles of these devices, the All-Encompassing Power is automatically analyzing them again. Is this an occupational hazard?

"This is the latest 'psychic interference grenade,' which is quite effective against monsters or superhumans that rely on mental attacks, but our group doesn't use it much..."

Xiaoyuan picked up a metal ball about the size of a fist.

Li Xian sensed it and found that the structure was quite ingenious, capable of releasing a chaotic mental wave frequency that interfered with the target's concentration.

The principle is not complicated, but it is quite practical.

He silently memorized the structure, thinking that maybe he could easily make one himself someday.

After touring the equipment room, Xiaoyuan took him on a tour of the branch office.

The training ground, medical room, canteen, and even a small library (containing a large amount of literature and case materials related to superpowers).

By the time I got back to the office, it was already noon.

Su Lin invited everyone to go to the cafeteria for lunch.

Magneton closed his computer and silently stood up.

The rapid response team from the fifth floor went downstairs, got their food at the cafeteria window, and sat down at an empty table.

The food in the cafeteria was much worse than the food he cooked himself, but the energy utilization rate was still abnormally high.

As Li Xian ate his bland but "nutritious" lunch, he was once again certain of his previous guess: the authorities definitely had special techniques for food processing.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was fairly harmonious.

It was mainly Xiaoyuan who was chattering on and on about the latest gossip.

For example, a top 100 expert from the General Administration went berserk and accidentally turned his dormitory into an ice cave.

For example, the rapid response team in the neighboring city captured a parrot-like creature that can talk and is studying whether it can really communicate.

For example, the news that "Witch of Reason" Lilith is in seclusion to attempt to reach SS-rank has been confirmed, and the global leadership is paying close attention...

Su Lin occasionally added a few words with a smile.

Old Zhao buried himself in his rice, nodding earnestly from time to time.

Magnetic String ate slowly and deliberately, hardly interrupting, but listening very attentively.

While eating, Li Xian used the multi-threaded ability of [Consciousness Slicing].

At the same time, he listened to the casual conversations at the dinner table, sensed the energy fluctuations of other people in the cafeteria, analyzed the energy structure of the food, and... secretly observed the magnetic string.

His energy control of the magnetic string was indeed superb; he used B-level electromagnetic control as naturally as breathing, restrained and stable.

But Li Xian could "see" that deep within the core of his superpower, there seemed to be a very faint trace of "gloom" that was somewhat inconsistent with the nature of his own energy.

It's not a negative emotion, but more like... a long-term vigilance? Or some kind of obsession?

This comes in light of what the document mentioned about his insistence on staying in Jiangcheng and refusing to go to Beijing for further studies.

Li Xian guessed that there might be someone or something in Jiangcheng that he couldn't let go of.

"Brother Magnet String, didn't you go to re-inspect that abandoned factory yesterday? The one in the northern suburbs, the place where there were supposedly unidentified energy reactions before."

Xiao Yuan suddenly asked.

"How's it going? Any discoveries?"

Li Xian paused slightly as he picked up some food.

The abandoned factory in the northern suburbs... was the place where he and Magnet String first "met".

Magneton raised his eyes, his tone indifferent.

"The energy reaction has completely dissipated. There are only some old traces of activity at the scene, making it impossible to determine exactly what it was. It could just be a high-level alien beast passing by, or a lone ability user who made a brief stop."

As he spoke, he seemed to casually glance up, his gaze sweeping over the people around the table.

As it passed over Li Xian, its sharp gaze lingered for a brief half-second.

Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine, but his face remained expressionless as he asked curiously.

"An abandoned factory in the northern suburbs? What was that place used to do? Were there any unusual occurrences?"

"An old machine shop that has been abandoned for several years."

Su Lin continued the conversation.

"It's in a remote location, so not many people go there usually. Occasionally, some wandering monsters or lone ability users will use it as a temporary base. Magnetstring used to be a lone wolf, so he's quite familiar with the area."

As she spoke, Okichi smiled.

Cixian gave a soft "hmm" and said nothing more, then lowered his head to continue eating.

But Li Xian could sense that the half-second pause was not unintentional.

Magnet Strings might not have recognized him as the "Monkey King" from that day.

But as a B-level ability user with keen senses who suffered a loss in that incident, he would probably pay more attention to any information related to that place and any new people who appeared.

"Looks like I'll have to be more careful from now on."

Li Xian thought to himself, but went along with the topic aloud.

"A lone wolf, huh? That's pretty impressive. But it's still better to be in our group; we can look out for each other."

"Of course!"

Xiao Yuan immediately agreed.

"When we're on missions, we have Magnet String controlling the situation, Sister Su Lin healing, Old Zhao charging in, and me defending. Now, with Brother Xian's strong telekinetic support, our quick response team is practically a perfect setup! We'll definitely be able to handle even more big cases in the future!"

"Hopefully, nothing major will happen."

Old Zhao interjected with a simple, honest tone.

"It's good that things are peaceful; we're relaxed, and the people are safe."

"Old Zhao is right."

Su Lin smiled.

"But if something really happens, we'll have to step up. That's what the rapid response team does."

The lunch ended with casual conversation.

Back in the office, nothing much happened in the afternoon.

Li Xian continued reading the case files, Xiao Yuan was secretly playing mobile games, Su Lin was organizing medical reports, and Lao Zhao was writing detailed records of the last mission.

Magnet String was focused on analyzing energy monitoring data.

The peaceful afternoon flowed by slowly.

Li Xian gradually found his rhythm in "slacking off" in the office.

Use some of your attention to maintain the appearance of "carefully reading the information".

Another part of his attention was focused on researching the newly replicated abilities, or planning what to cook for Bell tonight.

Just when he thought the first day would pass peacefully, around three o'clock in the afternoon, his cell phone vibrated in his pocket.

It was a message from Li Yu.

"Brother, there's a slight issue with Lingdang. It's not serious, but a parent needs to come. Do you have time to come to the school now? It's the preschool's Qiming class."

Li Xian frowned slightly.

A bell? Something's up?

With that little rascal's strength (even if he's pretending), what kind of "situation" could possibly happen in a preschool class?

Did they get into a fight with Zhang Yu? Or did something go wrong with Lin Wanwan's "Astral Observation Experiment"?

He replied immediately, "Coming right away."

Then he stood up and said to Su Lin, who was looking at him.

"Sister Su Lin, I have a family emergency. My child's teacher needs to see me, so I have to go there. Should I tell Team Leader Wang?"

"Okay, go ahead, the child's matter is more important. There's nothing much here, I'll talk to Director Wang." Su Lin readily agreed.

Xiao Yuan also raised her head.

"Brother Xian, do you need any help?"

"No need, it's nothing. Thanks."

Li Xian waved his hand and quickly left the office.

The moment he turned around, he could feel a calm yet sharp gaze lingering on him for a moment.

It is a magnetic string.

Li Xian didn't turn around and walked straight out.

But in his heart he was thinking: This guy is really unusually vigilant.

Hopefully, there's nothing too troublesome about Lingdang, otherwise he might have to resort to some unconventional methods to "settle" it.

In the office, Cixian watched Li Xian's departing figure, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the table, causing a barely perceptible spark.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he was thinking about something.

The energy fluctuation that flashed across the body of that new colleague when he left was extremely subtle, but it gave him a strange, slight sense of déjà vu.

Where have you felt this before?

A factory in the northern suburbs? No, it doesn't seem like it.

It was a grander, more elusive feeling.

Magnet String shook his head, temporarily suppressing the thought.

Perhaps it's just an illusion.

The most important thing now is to finish the analysis at hand, and... continue to investigate the "reason" that made him stay in Jiangcheng.

He turned his gaze back to the data stream on the screen, his cold face expressionless.