Chapter 130

Chapter 130: Artificial Soul 57

“The gap between the skull and the metal skull has narrowed, but there has been no excessive compression.” Dr. Huang laid down his instruments and deliberated, “It might be because your level of extraordinary abilities is low, and your bones’ regenerative capacity is weaker, which means that although the metal was compressed, it didn’t fully push out. So far, there seems to be no major issue.”

Kui Xin said, “Do I need another bone transplant?”

Dr. Huang hesitated, “Yes, you do indeed, but the challenge lies in your weak regenerative capability. If the metal skull were removed, your bones would struggle to grow and fill the gap by itself; therefore, a small metal plate would still need to be installed, acting much like a new model that fits better. We predict that your compatibility with the metal skull will keep changing. Maybe in the future, your bone regeneration will be strong enough to fill the gap on its own.”

“Is that so… When do you think it’s best for me to undergo surgery?” Kui Xin asked.

“You should come back here every other day for me to check your bone regeneration rate, so I can then finalize a treatment plan.” Dr. Huang replied, “Your headache shouldn’t be due to any significant bone regenerative issues; this condition has not reached that level yet. Could you please tell me more about your headaches.”

“My temples and the back of my head occasionally hurt,” Kui Xin said, “It’s intermittent pain; after a while, the pain goes away.”

Dr. Huang, “Have you been keeping a regular schedule?”

Kui Xin honestly shook her head, “I haven’t had a normal sleep routine for quite a while now.”

Sympathetically, Dr. Huang looked at Kui Xin with understanding, “I understand.”

Kui Xin quietly returned his gaze, finding a sense of helplessness and mutual suffering from his eyes.

After a series of tests, Dr. Huang gave Kui Xin medication to take before sleeping.

“It’s medicine to soothe your nerves and ensure a peaceful dreamless sleep. It has minimal side effects if taken in small doses, but you shouldn’t depend on it frequently.” Dr. Huang added, “Adjust your schedule. This generation faces an increasing number of sudden youth deaths.”

Kui Xin left the medical center with the prescribed medicine.

What next? Should she train? Too exhausted, she trained in the previous cycle, and forcefully pushing through when mentally fatigued could accelerate death. Should she rest? Too many things weighed heavily on her mind, making it hard to fall asleep.

Kui Xin walked slowly down the corridor, planning to return to her office and put the medicine in her personal locker until the interrogation at Special Affairs Department ended.

She pressed the button in the elevator room. The elevator was rising and stopped exactly at her floor.

The doors opened, revealing a lady in gray formal wear, with black hair and blue eyes, and a mixed-racial face—Annie Schalit, an Awakened from the Special Affairs Department.

Kui Xin paused, proceeded normally, and greeted, “Hello.”

“Hello,” Schalit scrutinized Kui Xin, “I remember you, you’re Kui Xin, right?”

“I am. Are you…?” Kui Xin showed just the right amount of curiosity.

“I’m Anne Schalit from the Special Affairs Department, tasked with interrogating you and Wei Zhi.” Schalit said kindly, “We’ll start the interrogation in about an hour, the brain machine is being assembled.”

Investigation Bureau’s elevator moved swiftly; they barely exchanged a few words, and Schalit arrived at her intended floor.

Kui Xin said, “See you later, Chief Schalit.”

Schalit seemed to ponder for a moment and smiled at Kui Xin, “This hour is free, how about we go to the rest room and chat? There are many things I wish to clarify regarding the mission.”

“If this is part of the formal process…okay.” Kui Xin agreed.

“Don’t be tense, it is an interrogation but you and Wei Zhi are not criminals, merely unfortunate witnesses.” Schalit stepped out of the elevator, “Come with me, Kui Xin.”

Kui Xin responded, “Okay.”

The Investigation Bureau seemed to have reserved a special room for Schalit’s party. She entered, and the room resembled a rest area.

“Please sit,” Schalit invited.

Kui Xin settled onto the sofa, facing Schalit.

Schalit unbuttoned her gray jacket, relaxedly leaning against the back of the sofa, a bronze pendant chain showing around her neck.

“I imagine you must be exhausted,” Kui Xin began, “When I left work yesterday, no one from Special Affairs was there, but this morning I was summoned to the building, you all must have arrived late last night.”

Schalit paused, smiling, “Indeed, duty calls, leaving no room for delay.”

She combed her hair, exposing the pendant hanging from the chain which depicted a ‘Angel’ crafted from bronze.

Kui Xin’s eyes focused on the pendant.

“I received reports from the Investigation Bureau, you graduated this year, correct?” Schalit continued. “And you awakened extraordinary abilities, right?”

“Yes, mine is superfast self-healing,” Kui Xin affirmed.

Schalit pondered, “How do you view the Mechanics of Dawn organization?”

“Cold-hearted, precise, and deeply mysterious,” Kui Xin stated. “To utilize liquid nitrogen bombs, their strength is evident—how many terror groups can make such weapons? This implies vast technological backing and funding, possibly larger than we can estimate.”

“This is quite unbelievable,” Schalit reflected, “a mighty force emerging under the Federation’s nose, unnoticed.”

After a moment, she queried, “How did Director Wang look at the end?”

Seeing the confusion in Kui Xin’s expression, she apologized, “Sorry, I know him well. Calling you separately may seem emotional—but some words shouldn’t be spoken formally so I took you aside.”

Kui Xin lingered, “He collapsed; liquid nitrogen poured into darkness, extinguishing his flame, and nothing else… He was unconscious, hence he said nothing.”

Schalit’s eyes lowered, quiet for some time.

“Shouldn’t those in this line of work prepare for death at any moment?” Kui Xin added.

Schalit raised her head, her expression composed. “Are you prepared to die?”

Kui Xin shook her head honestly, “No. One would regret it at the brink of death, only the will and legacy matter.”

“The edge of life and death breeds unique character; you were a security officer, correct?” Schalit questioned.

“That’s right.”

“What was your college major?”

“Investigation.”

“Hmm, your tenure is brief, perhaps unaware of Special Affairs’ connection with Investigation Bureau. They are closely tied, with many operatives selected from the latter.” Schalit explained, “Reviewing your file revealed you match the profile for Special Affairs.”

Kui Xin felt waves of shock.

Anne Schalit invited her into Special Affairs; previously not, Adam claimed she considered Kui Xin after discussions with Meng Jing. This cycle, Schalit directly addressed the topic, implying something beyond the usual order.

Unless… conversing with Meng Jing was merely a facade.

Regardless of Meng Jing’s recommendation, Schalit still wanted her in Special Affairs.

What was she hiding? Why was her extraordinary ability registration unusual? Who is she truly?

Without a private conversation in the first cycle, Kui Xin met again in the second cycle; was this the change causing Schalit’s different action?

Kui Xin feigned surprise to hide her thoughts, “Unexpectedly being considered for selection, I’m still under investigation…”

“As expected, your inclusion awaits post-examination and approval.” Schalit said. “I’m just mentioning it. You may not be chosen.”

Her smile was gentle.

Though Schalit clarified, Kui Xin’s suspicion had taken root.

She suspected Schalit used conversations about the Mechanics of Dawn and Wang Feichi to mask intentions.

This was Schalit’s tactic!

“Thank you for your time, you may proceed with your duties,” Schalit nodded as Kui Xin stood up, “Once the brain machine is ready, you’ll be informed.”

Kui Xin felt heavy with suspicion, but maintained her composure.

Schalit courteously saw her off. Her angel pendant swayed, catching Kui Xin’s attention again. With a subtle frown, Kui Xin inquired cautiously, “Lovely pendant, where’d you get it?”

“It was customized, a meaningful gift from someone else.” Schalit said, “Glad to have met you, Kui Xin.”

Kui Xin headed back to the corridor, pressing her forehead.

The angel-shaped pendant was familiar—from her dreams, symbolizing them as memories within a brain machine. Now it appears to her in reality.

Cold sweat appeared on Kui Xin’s back. She subtly linked with Adam, asking, “Is this real, Adam?”

“Real to you means what exactly?” Adam asked, puzzled.

“Second world,” she stated.

“Of course it’s real. What’s the matter?” Adam replied.

“Schalit is suspicious. The pendant from my dreams is on her.” Kui Xin reported. “What’s her ability?”

“Controlling voice, B-grade,” Adam answered.

“My Investigative Eye shows A-grade!” Kui Xin shared, her instincts strong, “I feel Schalit is targeting me. Her aim is clear… what could it be?”