Chapter 13: The Newborn Calf

Understood—strange and deceptive, yet effective in causing harm.

Thinking about the diamond-shaped protective talisman she would receive upon completing the task, Di Qiu had only one thought after hearing the details: “This is a crazy world.”

Not to mention that the talisman was wasted on an assessment, she was just a novice B-level psychokinetic. To be able to single-handedly eliminate an S3-level anomaly would surely raise suspicions, wouldn’t it?

Sure enough, when she glanced at the two of them, their faces bore a knowing expression as they looked at her.

Deng Jingxiang held a prepared file in her hand. “Di Qiu, eighteen years old, female, student at Hope Dawn High School. She failed to show any psychic fluctuations during ability tests in sixth grade and again in ninth grade. It was only yesterday that she was detected to have a B1-level destructive ability.”

After speaking, she set down the papers and smiled faintly. “Don’t be nervous. Historically, there have been psychics who challenged anomalies beyond their level. Human potential is limitless. There was once an ordinary person who, when confronted with an A1-level anomaly, triggered an A2-level anomaly within themselves.”

Di Qiu responded with a simple, “Oh.”

Zhang Lei set down his thermos and smiled as well. “So, we’re just curious how you managed to eliminate all the remaining anomalies—including the S3-level ones—with that golden radiance. Your destructive power far exceeds our expectations. Could it be that certain conditions must be met?”

Di Qiu kept a calm exterior but was already racking her brain for an excuse. Zhang Lei’s question was a helpful reminder.

Her ability was indeed destructive, but she understood it only superficially, uncertain which aspect of destruction it pertained to. Her power was still undeveloped.

Wait—machines detected her power as B1-level, but the system panel didn’t use that classification.

Could it mean...?

Before she could craft a smooth explanation, Deng Jingxiang continued, “Keep in mind, excluding the absorbed anomalies, there were over a hundred anomalies of various levels remaining, including one hundred thirty-one at S3 level. All of these were wiped out by the golden light you unleashed.”

“So, we want to ask—how did you do it?”

She set down the file and fixed her gaze on Di Qiu.

Di Qiu had anticipated this question and took out a carefully prepared response. She opened her hands and gave an innocent, awkward smile.

“Regarding this, I was already resigned to certain death. No one expected a miracle like this. As you know, I’ve spent most of my time in the village... My knowledge of anomalies is limited to sparse numbers in books and some of Teacher Zhou’s casual stories about anomalies. Not much detail. Don’t laugh—I still don’t know how to distinguish anomaly levels.”

After some thought, she decided honesty was best. Who knew if these people’s powers could detect deceit?

Her words hung in the air, and the office fell silent for several breaths. Zhang Lei pushed up his glasses, which caught the light and flashed briefly. He smiled faintly. “I see. So it was a miracle after all.”

Di Qiu met his gaze calmly and returned a smile. “Maybe, as you said, certain conditions must be met to unleash that golden radiance. After all, my ability is ‘destruction,’ and I’m sure you both understand that well.”

---

“I hope you become familiar with your ability soon. The power you just showed is beyond what any other logistics personnel can do. If you master it, the future looks promising.”

Deng Jingxiang stepped forward and extended her hand. “Congratulations on passing the preliminary assessment of the Central Micro Bureau. You are now a Grade A logistics personnel.”

Di Qiu politely shook the offered hand, then asked, “What exactly does the Central Micro Bureau do? Will it affect my studies?”

Deng Jingxiang seemed well-prepared. “The Central Micro Bureau handles anomaly resolution and elimination. After passing their entry test, all psychokinetics are classified as logistics personnel, ranked from Grade D, C, B to A, in ascending order.

Grade D logistics personnel can accept elimination tasks for E-level and below anomalies.

Grade C can take on tasks for C-level and below anomalies.

Grade B can accept tasks for A-level and below anomalies.

Grade A logistics personnel can undertake missions to eliminate anomalies up to S1 level.

As for understanding various psychokinetic abilities, you’ll start learning more once classes begin tomorrow. Joining the Central Micro Bureau will not affect your studies.”

She then retrieved a black watch from a box. “This is an exclusive watch for logistics personnel. Once your identity information is set, you can access the Bureau’s intranet. You can look into the details at your leisure and ask if anything is unclear.

Also, mission assignments from the Bureau will appear there. Completing them brings resource rewards, which are useful for enhancing your psychic ability.”

Hearing about resources for ability enhancement, Di Qiu inquired discreetly, “Are resources only available through the Bureau?”

“That’s right.”

Understanding dawned on Di Qiu. She now had a clearer perception of the Central Micro Bureau.

It was not an exaggeration to call it the nation’s largest resource provider, but it required mutual benefit.

One side provided resources; the other needed to eliminate anomalies.

That made sense. Since there was only one psychokinetic academy in the country, and the Bureau was stationed in a corner of that school, recruitment was necessarily targeted.

Resource distribution was likely limited, so assessment standards were unavoidable.

After gaining a rough understanding, Di Qiu glanced outside. It was early morning when she arrived at eight o’clock; now it was afternoon, and the clock on the wall showed 3:13.

There was still time. She planned to familiarize herself with the school before the morning assembly, so she wouldn’t get lost.

“Since there’s nothing else, can I leave now?” Di Qiu asked.

“Not yet. All psychokinetics who pass the assessment are taken on a tour of headquarters to prevent getting lost. Here in the school is the connection point; outside, the Bureau has other stations.”

---

Di Qiu nodded in realization, showing a simple smile. “Well, that’s good. It’s my first time in such a big city. Didn’t expect to see the world so soon.”

Zhang Lei smiled. “Then you probably have something in common with Granny Fang—she’s also new to the city.”

“Really?”

Deng Jingxiang walked ahead. “But before that, we need to conduct another test of your ability.”

“Oh, okay.”

Quietly following behind, Di Qiu entered a testing room equipped with the same devices Zhou Guo had used the previous evening. She went through the procedures, and the results confirmed a B1-level destructive power.

“Oh, how extraordinary. It’s hard to imagine your power was able to wipe out every remaining anomaly in the test area.”

The logistics personnel responsible for testing looked astonished. News of Di Qiu single-handedly eliminating the remaining anomalies spread rapidly among the Bureau’s staff.

After all, the psychic who wielded thirteen abilities had concealed their strength for some time before revealing their true power. They might still be holding back.

This fresh newcomer, however, was reckless—eager to show off so quickly.

Everyone seemed to see through it but chose not to comment. They withdrew the detection lines from her fingers and smiled. “Alright, child, testing is complete. May miracles continue to happen to you.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

Deng Jingxiang, likely in charge of assessments, led the way out, with Di Qiu following. Zhang Lei remained in the testing room.

After the two left, the testing staff asked, “Did you ask her just now?”

“Yes,” Zhang Lei replied.

“Truth or lie?”

Zhang Lei, who possessed the ability to discern truth, adjusted his glasses calmly. “Truth.”

...