The System Arrived Four Years Early, but the Anomaly Is Still a Juvenile - Chapter 100

Shen Ge hadn’t expected Li Xiang to fully decipher the turtle anomaly’s shell in just over a week. According to his theory, fusing multiple anomaly-energy equipment wasn’t impossible.

If successful, Shen Ge would have a multi-functional, shape-shifting bulletproof suit—combining the “healing” of the anomaly-leather suit, the “leaping” of the anomaly shoes, and more.

Most importantly, it would be portable and highly concealable, giving him a significant advantage for solo missions or future anomaly encounters.

“Go all out with your research. If you need more anomaly materials, just say the word—I’ll find a way to get them.” Shen Ge’s tone carried absolute trust, making Li Xiang’s eyes light up with gratitude. He nodded earnestly.

“The Director really has an eye for talent. Since you joined the Special Tactics Division, we’ve struck gold overnight. No more shortages of anomaly corpses.” Li Xiang, obsessed with research, didn’t even consider that more corpses meant more frequent anomaly incidents.

For a research fanatic like him, even if anomalies overran the world, he’d only marvel at the abundance of materials.

“Oh, one more thing.” Li Xiang leaned closer to the electric cart, glanced outside to ensure the other researchers were occupied, then lowered his voice. “That red apple you gave me last time—where did you get it?”

“Why?” Shen Ge feigned ignorance.

Li Xiang’s expression turned grave. “This thing… it might look like an apple, but my analysis shows it’s anything but. The flesh contains anomaly energy. It’s less of a fruit and more like… an anomaly. A special one, as if anomaly flesh transformed into an apple.”

“…” Shen Ge frowned. Though he’d suspected a link between mental energy and anomaly energy, hearing Li Xiang’s confirmation was still startling.

The bigger surprise? A vegetarian food turning into meat.

“Where’d you get it?” Li Xiang pressed.

Shen Ge adopted a serious tone. “Truth is… I’m still investigating. It came from someone in a shadowy organization. Once I track down the source or get more samples, I’ll hand them over for research.”

“Really? That’d be perfect! Oh, and you said this eyeball blinds people when stuck to them? Can it be removed afterward?”

“Yeah.” Shen Ge nodded.

Li Xiang immediately pressed the anomaly-eye to his forehead.

“Huh. Nothing’s happening?”

“Needs skin contact.”

“Ah. Can’t remove my hazmat suit here—safety protocols. I’ll test it later. So, these items… mind leaving them with me for research until your next mission?”

“Sure. Looking forward to your results.”

“Count on it. I can’t fight on the front lines, but I’ll make sure our gear is the best in the Special Tactics Division!” Li Xiang declared confidently.

“I believe you.”

Shen Ge wasn’t exaggerating. Li Xiang’s research papers had made him a rising star in the department.

Meanwhile, Shen Ge’s contributions—shared among the Southwest Division’s anomaly agents—ranked lower in headquarters’ eyes. Not that he minded. He’d joined the Special Tactics Division to hide his system and because Director Deng Yuqi was a rare, competent leader.

Compared to a transfer to headquarters, he’d rather “retire” in this backwater branch.

…..

Leaving the tech department, Shen Ge smacked his forehead—he’d forgotten to “borrow” anomaly-energy canisters. Just as he turned back, Deng Yuqi’s assistant, Xiao Zhang, rushed over with his medical report.

“Agent Shen! Your results are in!”

“Thanks.” Shen Ge skimmed the report. Overall, his condition was good—except for one note: anemia.

Anemia?

Shen Ge was baffled. Aside from minor injuries in the turtle anomaly’s stomach—all treated with recovery bandages—he shouldn’t have lost enough blood for anemia.

Puzzled, he headed to the Director’s office.

“Director, see? I’m fine. Can I return to duty tomorrow?”

Deng Yuqi checked the report and nodded. “Alright. I’ll inform Director Chen to start you on recovery training. And I’ll have Xiao Zhang arrange nourishing soups from the canteen.”

“Thanks, Director.”

“No, thank you. If the Dongyu Village incident hadn’t been resolved, Rong City would’ve been hit first. Even with the credit shared across the Southwest Division, it’s a monumental achievement. The department won’t forget it.”

“So about my paid leave…”

“Get out.” Deng Yuqi’s momentary pride evaporated, her blood pressure spiking.

“…”

Shen Ge was unceremoniously ejected.

Outside, he ran into the “Three Little Stars” (junior agents) delivering files and got dragged to logistics to recount his “heroic tales.” After half an hour, he bumped into Feng Chengxiu’s team post-training and was hauled to the canteen for a “celebratory meal.”

As they ate, the canteen TV played a variety show featuring viral trends like “Real or Fake,” “Introvert vs. Extrovert,” “Dinosaur vs. Wolf,” “Subject Three,” “I’m Proud,” “18-Year-Old Princesses Board Here,” “Alright,” and finally… “Let’s Make Dumplings!”

No one glanced at the TV—it was just background noise. Compared to Shen Ge’s anomaly-domain exploits, the show was dull.

Soon, the canteen became Shen Ge’s storytelling arena, drawing agents from every department. The tales grew wilder, the audience more enthralled.

…..

That night, back in his dorm, Shen Ge realized his week-long coma had cost him the weekly system mission. No refresh, no daily rewards until next week. The 10 system points were whatever, but the daily 1% free attribute boost? That hurt.

At midnight, he opened the [Logs]. Entries from days prior mentioned “Sakura” desperately pursuing the Tier-6 anomaly corpse. They’d planted multiple operatives—Shen Ge being one—ready to strike.

[Feb 17, 2028]
The Takaguchi City anomaly incident’s fallout worsened. “Sakura,” fearing regional contagion, moved their Tier-6 heist forward. After Shen Ge reported this, three high-ranking Special Tactics officials were exposed as moles. The Director tasked him with flushing them out.

That night, “Sakura’s” plan unfolded. Xia Mei, Shen Ge’s handler, infiltrated the department with him. With the moles’ aid, they breached the underground containment facility. Just as the Director moved to arrest the traitors, “Sakura” launched a surprise attack on Quanlong Mountain Base, diverting forces so Xia Mei could steal the corpse.

Shen Ge had learned Xia Mei possessed anomaly-containment gear. If she succeeded, the corpse would vanish. But the promised reinforcements never came. Facing Xia Mei and a dozen “Sakura” operatives alone, stopping them seemed impossible.

Inside the containment chamber lay a decaying black-shelled turtle, dozens of meters long. As Xia Mei activated her gear, Shen Ge used his system to “devour” the Tier-6 corpse first, gaining the “No-Escape” and anomaly-domain abilities.

The sudden disappearance stunned Xia Mei. Convinced it was a trap—since no one could make a Tier-6 corpse vanish—she ordered a retreat.

The Special Tactics Division blamed “Sakura” for the theft. “Sakura” accused the Division of hiding the corpse to lure them out. With both sides at odds, Shen Ge, the double agent, played along.

So fate’s full of “coincidences,” huh? Shen Ge mused. The future version of himself had also acquired “No-Escape” via the system.

If he were in that future scenario, he’d likely exploit both sides—using “Sakura” against the formless anomaly while seizing its traits for himself.

Clearly, the future Director paled compared to Deng Yuqi, treating Future Shen Ge as a mere pawn.

But now, the timeline had diverged completely. Within three years, anomalies might become public knowledge. Whether apocalypse followed remained unknown.

Adopting his “cross that bridge tomorrow” philosophy, Shen Ge closed the logs and slept.

…..

Next Day: Return to Training

During afternoon combat drills, Director Chen halted Feng Chengxiu’s session and called Shen Ge over.

“Xiao Shen, I see you’ve trained in mixed martial arts but haven’t specialized?”

“Muay Thai’s too taxing, judo lacks lethality, and taekwondo’s flashy nonsense—it’s basically dancing now,” Shen Ge replied. “Special Ops combat’s efficient, lethal, and sustainable. Perfect for modern infantry.”

Director Chen nodded approvingly. “True. Muay Thai and boxing rank top three for lethality, but the former demands years of brutal conditioning. Special Ops techniques align closer to Western standards—since they pioneered the concept. But you missed one… Guoshu (国术, Chinese martial arts)!”

“You mean wuxia novel stuff? Sure, that’s OP, but real-life guoshu isn’t much better than taekwondo—just fancier performance art.”

“Nonsense!” Director Chen slammed his wheelchair armrest (startling Shen Ge, who half-expected him to levitate). “I’m not talking about performance wushu! True guoshu kills—it doesn’t perform!”

“That still exists?” Shen Ge doubted.

“Feng Chengxiu!” Director Chen barked.

Feng Chengxiu snapped to attention. “Sir!”

“Fetch the Director. Whatever she’s doing, tell her it’s time to defend our nation’s honor!”

“…”

Defend our nation’s honor?

Feng Chengxiu shot Shen Ge a “you’re doomed” look before sprinting off.

While waiting, Director Chen lectured Shen Ge on the difference between “real guoshu” and “performance wushu.” Though persuasive, Shen Ge’s mental image remained stuck in Olympic ceremonies.

Minutes later, Deng Yuqi arrived with Feng Chengxiu.

“You needed me, Teacher?” (At work, she used titles; privately, “Teacher”—his rule, to maintain her authority.)

After Director Chen explained, he glared at Shen Ge. “Xiao Shen! Come here and get beaten!”

“…”

“Spar with the Director. Let’s see what real guoshu can do. Director—no holding back. This is for guoshu’s honor!”

Shen Ge shot Deng Yuqi an incredulous look. She’s that skilled? Beyond being Director, she was an elite anomaly agent.

Deng Yuqi sighed. “Why provoke Director Chen? Guoshu’s his life. Dismissing it insults him.”

“I didn’t dismiss it! He asked my opinion based on Olympics and performances. Since when is honesty a crime?”

“Deserved. That was dismissive. Don’t expect mercy—or he’ll blame me later.”

“Seriously? If I hurt you, no salary deductions.”

“You hurt me? Guess I’ll have to hospitalize you so you learn respect.”

“Really?” Shen Ge remained skeptical.

Director Chen yelled, “Xiao Qi! No leniency, or you’re no disciple of mine!”

“You heard him. Brace yourself.” Deng Yuqi shrugged off her brown coat (tossed to Feng Chengxiu) and stretched.

Shen Ge bantered but didn’t underestimate her. Shaking out his arms, he assumed a Special Ops stance.

“Begin!”

Shen Ge intended to strike first—but Deng Yuqi was faster. A lunge, a step, then a heart-piercing elbow strike.

Shen Ge raised his arms instinctively.

BAM!

The impact felt like a car crash. He flew backward, hitting the ground hard.