The System Arrived Four Years Early, but the Anomaly Is Still a Juvenile - Chapter 169

“Master, the report mentions that the Anti-Anomaly Response Department in Sakura’s Takaguchi City first detected anomalous energy fluctuations in Toshiro City around late March. After a detailed two-week investigation, they still couldn’t pinpoint the anomaly’s exact location. So, Sakura’s higher-ups secretly requested assistance from the International Anomaly Organization.”

“By mid-April, the International Anomaly Organization dispatched two of its agents with anomaly detection equipment to Takaguchi City to assist. Two days later, residents in the Kawashina district reported sightings of ‘human-head balloons.’ From that day on, various ‘urban legends’ began popping up sporadically across Takaguchi.”

“At the end of April, the International Anomaly Organization agents detected the anomaly’s energy signature hundreds of meters below Toshiro City. Strangely, a few days later, they detected the same type of energy signature near Tokyo Tower.”

“Towards the end of April, anomalous incidents surged dramatically across Takaguchi City, escalating into a full-blown Anomaly Disaster within just three days. Sakura initially attempted to conceal the disaster and handle it privately. However, by early May, the situation spiraled completely out of control. Under pressure from the International Anomaly Organization, Sakura finally disclosed the disaster and requested aid from anti-anomaly organizations worldwide.”

“Master, after analyzing forty-seven of Sakura’s detection reports, I’ve concluded that the anomalous energy fluctuation 379 meters beneath Toshiro City is most likely ‘Misfortune.'”

Little Seven had copied and integrated all the experimental reports from the research institute. In doing so, it became apparent that there were significant discrepancies compared to the information Sakura had released in Shen Ge’s original world.

In Shen Ge’s world, Sakura had only disclosed the locations of the primary disaster zone, “Toshiro City,” and the secondary zone, “Tokyo Tower.” They made no mention of the International Anomaly Organization repeatedly detecting energy fluctuations beneath Toshiro City.

This led to only one conclusion: both the International Anomaly Organization and Sakura had deliberately concealed this crucial information. Their plan was likely to continue their secret pursuit of “Misfortune” beneath Toshiro City while other countries’ agents dealt with the high-level anomalies running rampant elsewhere.

Clearly, the miraculous abilities of “Misfortune,” comparable to a conceptual deity, represented a unique existence even among the diverse and mysterious powers of anomalies.

Despite the severity of the situation in Takaguchi, neither the International Anomaly Organization nor Sakura had abandoned their attempts to seize “Misfortune.”

Unfortunately, judging from the current timeline, they failed, leading to Takaguchi City being completely engulfed by the anomaly’s domain.

If not for an unexpected intervention—the emergence of a high-level deep-sea anomaly—the entire Sakura archipelago might have been swallowed by “Misfortune’s” domain.

In other words, if Shen Ge wanted to save his world, or at least delay its complete domination by high-level anomalies, he needed to find “Misfortune” before the International Anomaly Organization and Sakura completely botched things. He then had to use his system to devour it and seize its “Misfortune” attribute.

Furthermore, he needed to find a way to deal with the colossal deep-sea anomaly. Otherwise, after consuming the Sakura islands, it might target the Korean peninsula next, or even head directly into the Yellow Sea towards the territory of the Great Celestial Dynasty.

Now that he knew “Misfortune’s” main body was most likely 379 meters below Toshiro City, the solution was to return and eliminate it before it grew stronger.

But that raised the question…

How could he get back?

Shen Ge had been in this future timeline for nearly three days. During this time, he hadn’t found any information related to the Flesh Maw. Even after obtaining all the anti-anomaly research reports from the Takaguchi institute, there was no mention of the Flesh Maw.

“If the space-time traversing Flesh Maw is related to ‘Misfortune,’ then my only option is to go down and investigate beneath Toshiro City.”

After a moment’s thought, Shen Ge decided to stick to his original plan: first deal with the fog anomaly in the Kawashina district. If it truly possessed a “shielding” attribute, then combining “Formless + Soundless + Shielding” might allow him to either confront “Misfortune” at Toshiro City or, failing that, use the three attributes to re-enter the Flesh Maw and return to the past.

He had already acquired the Anomaly-Energy Fog-Dispersing Bullets needed to deal with the fog anomaly. Moreover, Maple Hanada had been highly efficient. Within a day, she had reorganized the institute’s soldiers, used the institute’s equipment to contact Watanabe Natsusugi to send personnel to take over, arranged for soldiers to activate the missile silos, and prepared the air-launched missiles.

The only remaining problem was the lack of an attack helicopter or fighter jet. Failing that, even a Katyusha rocket truck would suffice.

The institute’s soldiers mentioned that a Self-Defense Force base was located about ten kilometers away in the Kawahara district, which should have attack helicopters.

However, Takahashi Minami’s team had been gone for over a month without any word, suggesting the situation there was likely grim.

Given Shen Ge’s abilities, unless he encountered a top-tier anomaly like “Misfortune,” he could probably handle or at least escape from ordinary third to fifth-tier anomalies.

But he had a better option.

From entering Takaguchi City to arriving four years in the future via the Flesh Maw, Shen Ge had accumulated 30,584 system points, along with 16 unclaimed F-grade recovery items and 1 E-grade recovery item.

Shen Ge decided to go for a big draw!

While he had initially planned to save points for drawing anomaly-energy equipment near the Haiya Research Institute after realizing the system’s rewards were based on “teleportation” rather than “creation,” his priorities had shifted. Firstly, the unresolved situation in Takaguchi meant he could still farm points. Secondly, it was still unknown whether he could return to his own world.

Most importantly, this timeline’s Takaguchi City had already experienced a major battle. The significant casualties among anti-anomaly agents from various countries and the International Anomaly Organization meant many anomaly-energy equipment pieces were likely “lost” and available for drawing, potentially yielding good items.

With this in mind, Shen Ge left the institute, found Maple Hanada, and asked her to prepare the Anomaly-Energy Fog-Dispersing Bullets while he figured out a way to acquire an attack helicopter.

Upon learning Shen Ge intended to go to the Kawahara Self-Defense Force base, Maple Hanada initially wanted to accompany him. However, the support team from the reconnaissance regiment hadn’t arrived yet, and her departure might cause further chaos at the institute.

After leaving, Shen Ge didn’t head directly to the Kawahara base. Instead, following Little Seven’s map detection, he found a suitable location:

The Kawahara Football Stadium.

After clearing out the wandering parasitized and anomalies in the vicinity, he prepared to start drawing.

“Little Seven, play some drawing luck music!” Upon Shen Ge’s command, Little Seven immediately started playing the entrance music of Qiao Bangzhu (likely a reference to a heroic character).

Emphasizing dominance and invincibility!

“System, ten consecutive draws!”

When the draw wheel appeared, Shen Ge was surprised to see the probabilities had changed significantly compared to his previous draws after reaching Tier 3.

Most notably, the probability for Daily Supplies had dropped to 20%… Was it because of the apocalyptic environment?

• Daily Supplies (20%)

• Weapons & Equipment (40%)

• Consumables (15%)

• Free Attribute Points (15%)

• Vehicles (9%)

• ??? (1%)

Although the probabilities had shifted considerably, Shen Ge’s main goals were still Free Points, followed by Vehicles and Attribute Equipment. The “1%” for “???” remained unchanged, but the increased chances for Free Attributes and Vehicles were good news.

Ding ding ding ding ding—

• [Congratulations, Host, for drawing “Free Points (4%).”]

• [Congratulations, Host, for drawing the weapon “Assault Rifle…”]

• … (Four more weapon draws, covering rifles, submachine guns, pistols, sniper rifles)

• [Congratulations, Host, for drawing “Free Points (3%).”]

• [Congratulations, Host, for drawing “Free Points (3%).”]

• [Congratulations, Host, for drawing “Molotov Cocktails x30”]

• [Congratulations, Host, for drawing “G4 Grenades x5”]

This ten-draw yielded only 10% in Free Points, with no Vehicles or Anomaly-Energy Equipment. While Shen Ge hadn’t expected to hit the jackpot in one go, he was still somewhat disappointed.

“Seems even Qiao Bangzhu’s music isn’t working.”
“Little Seven, switch to ‘The Gambler’ (likely a movie OST)!”
“System, another ten consecutive draws!”

Shen Ge changed the BGM for each ten-draw, but perhaps influenced by “Misfortune’s” domain, his luck was particularly poor. Not even the drawing luck songs could save it.

After seventy draws, aside from the Free Points fluctuating around 15% per ten-draw (starting from 10% initially), Shen Ge had amassed an arsenal of weapons and a large pile of cup noodles and drinking water, but there was still no sign of Vehicles or Anomaly-Energy Equipment.

“System, are you going to make me draw all the weapons from the Kawahara Self-Defense Force before giving me a Vehicle or Anomaly-Energy Equipment?” Shen Ge sighed and had Little Seven play the guaranteed luck song “Hao Yun Lai” (Good Luck Comes), initiating another ten-draw.

Ding ding ding ding ding—

As white lights flashed on the draw wheel, the first eight results showed no significant change—just Free Points, weapons, equipment, and daily supplies. But the ninth…

• [Congratulations, Host, for drawing the Vehicle “Sakura XXXX, Light Main Battle Tank” x1.]

It’s here!
The Vehicle has arrived!
The moment the system notification sounded, accompanied by a larger white flash, a gray light main battle tank materialized before Shen Ge.

“Things are looking up! The guaranteed luck song really works!” No sooner had Shen Ge spoken than the final draw notification sounded.

• [Congratulations, Host, for drawing the Anomaly-Energy Weapon “Ice Bone Spike.”]

With another white flash, a spike-like weapon appeared before Shen Ge. It was about one foot long with a ten-centimeter hilt-like base at the bottom.

Previously, when Shen Ge drew anomaly-related equipment, the system labeled them “Attribute” equipment, like the Cleaver, Anomaly Eye, and Magazine, which indeed possessed attributes.

It seemed the system could also draw ordinary anomaly-energy equipment without attributes, but the “1%” probability was truly touching.

With both a Vehicle and Anomaly-Energy Equipment in one ten-draw, Shen Ge decided to press his luck. He had Little Seven loop “Hao Yun Lai,” figuring even one guaranteed good draw per few dozen attempts would be profitable.

And so, with his 30,584 system points allowing for 305 draws total, Shen Ge ended up with enough weapons and ammunition to form two small hills, plus over a hundred daily supply items.

He gained a total of 393% in Free Attribute Points. For Vehicles: three tanks, two riot control vehicles, two attack helicopters, and four military jeeps.

In terms of Anomaly-Energy Equipment, besides the “Ice Bone Spike,” he obtained one “Bone Whip,” three “Bone Katanas,” and one piece of Attribute Equipment:

Anomaly Lighter – “Attribute: Unquenchable.”

It was a refined silver lighter. Once lit, the flame on this lighter could not be extinguished under any circumstances.

Dammit!
Shen Ge threw the lighter to the ground!
“What the hell is this useless for!”

If this “Attribute” could be integrated into his Anomaly Fire Armguard or other flame-projecting anomaly-energy equipment, making the ignited flames unquenchable, that would have some potential. But an unquenchable tiny flame on a lighter? It’s just a high-end windproof lighter!
Shen Ge was utterly speechless. If his main goals for this drawing session—Free Points and the attack helicopter—hadn’t been met, and if he hadn’t gotten several other anomaly-energy items, he’d really feel like shoving this lighter down the system’s throat!

Shen Ge had been adding the daily 1% Free Points reward to his Spirit attribute. His Spirit had reached 718%. After adding the newly drawn 393% Free Points to Spirit, it broke through the 1000 mark, reaching 1111%.

And then…

Nothing else happened.

“Wait, according to anomaly ratings, 1000% anomaly energy capacity allows a breakthrough to Tier 4. Why hasn’t the system updated my rating with Spirit at 1111%?” Puzzled, Shen Ge woke the system and had it scan his attributes for a re-evaluation.

[Host’s current rating is Tier 3. Assessment is correct.]

After a moment’s thought, Shen Ge asked, “System, what is the typical anomaly energy capacity range for a Tier 4 anomaly?”

[Tier 4 anomaly energy capacity ranges from 1000% to 2000%.]

“That wide a range?” Shen Ge was surprised. Based on the oppressive feeling of anomaly energy, 1000% was equivalent to ten times the energy of a Tier 1 anomaly. A more fitting analogy would be: releasing 1000% energy against a Tier 1 anomaly would be like using Conqueror’s Haki—it could directly overwhelm them!

[Reaching 2000% energy is not a prerequisite for Tier 4 rating. Anomaly rating is determined based on special anomaly energy effects, inherent ability attributes, and energy capacity. The Host’s rating is comprehensively assessed based on various attribute indicators, ability attributes, equipment bonuses, and other factors.]

“…”

As if you’ve ever factored in my attribute abilities before!
But, complaints aside the fact that the system now proactively explained the rating standards and reference factors in response to his questions counted as significant “progress.”

“… Speaking of which, could it be that as the system devours more anomalies, it’s also becoming more ‘intelligent’?”

Tsk.
Let’s hope it doesn’t actually develop into some Anomaly King!

Shen Ge had 84 system points left. Coincidentally, he had also run out of Mental Apples, so he decided to use the remaining points to draw consumables.

Seventeen draws yielded eight Mental Apples—a fairly decent rate overall.

The E-grade consumable was one… more precisely, a red “silkworm” about the length of a finger, called the “Blood-Sucking Silkworm.” It could suck all the “toxic blood” from a target within ten minutes and then die—a single-use item.

The system assessed that Shen Ge’s comprehensive strength still hadn’t reached the Tier 4 rating, so he didn’t receive the Tier 4 rating attribute enhancement point.

However, Shen Ge still had one point left. He figured he might as well use it now.

Currently, he had five attributes: “Soundless,” “Immobile,” “Formless,” “Unyielding,” and “Non-Ignition.” The latter four had all awakened domain abilities. Shen Ge considered trying to enhance “Soundless.”

Firstly, “Soundless” was often used in combination with “Formless.” Compared to “Non-Ignition,” which required specific circumstances to be effective, “Soundless” was a more commonly used ability.

Secondly, “Soundless” had already been enhanced once. It was highly probable that, like “Immobile,” one more enhancement would awaken its domain.

“Soundless” currently had two usage modes: first, self-application, rendering all actions related to oneself completely silent.

Secondly, infusing “Soundless” anomaly energy into objects, allowing them to remain silent for a short time even after leaving his control, such as thrown items or explosives.

Based on the current capabilities of “Soundless,” Shen Ge speculated that awakening its domain would likely create a zone of silence in a surrounding space.

This alone would be very effective against the parasitized and aberrant humans in group operations, not to mention that domain awakening usually came with ability variations.

For example, “Immobile” had given him bullet time.

“Attribute Enhancement!”

[Use an Attribute Enhancement Point to enhance the “Attribute: Soundless”?]

“Yes!”

[Attribute “Soundless” has been upgraded!]

“Soundless”: Upon use, enter a soundless state. Consumes 0.5% Spirit per second. Can be activated simultaneously with other attributes.

Consume 1%-50% Spirit (correlated with object volume and sound intensity) to attach Spirit to an object, keeping it silent for a certain period even after leaving the user’s hand.

[Awakened “Soundless Domain.”]

“Soundless Domain (Type I)”: Upon expansion, creates a “Soundless Domain” with a five-meter radius centered on the user. Entities entering this domain enter a soundless state.

After expanding the “Soundless Domain,” the host can mentally designate affected targets. Non-designated targets will not be affected by the silence.

“Sonic Control.”

Influenced by the host’s domain, the host can manipulate the frequency and melody of sounds within the domain for designated targets… Simply put, you can make a singing god sound as bad as the host, or even nullify sonic attacks!

Consumes 1%-50% Spirit per second (determined by the number and size of affected targets).

——————————

?
??
???

“Hey, System, what’s with the insult in the skill description? My singing isn’t bad; it’s just authentic!” Shen Ge was clearly unconvinced. If conditions allowed, he would have demonstrated his vocal skills to the system on the spot.

But the “Soundless Domain” indeed aligned with Shen Ge’s expectations. After enhancement, the domain had developed a variation ability.

Altering a person’s audio frequency and melody, making good singers sound bad and bad singers sound good, seemed like an entertainment-based ability.

But the ability to directly nullify “sonic” attacks was impressive!
As anomalies reached higher tiers and grew larger, their guttural sounds could rival thunder. Getting too close might rupture eardrums. The “Soundless Domain’s” sonic control, much like “Non-Ignition” was the bane of fire, became the ultimate counter to sound!

——————————————

[Shen Ge]

• Rating: Tier 3

• [Basic Attributes: (Baseline for adult male: 100%)]

  • Strength: 179%

  • Agility: 168%

  • Constitution: 172%

  • Spirit: 1111%

• [Attributes:]

  • “Soundless”

  • “Immobile”

  • “Formless”

  • “Unyielding”

  • “Non-Ignition”

• [Abilities:]

  • “Formless Domain (Type I)”: “Collapse”

  • “Formless Domain (Type II)”: “Serpent’s Heart Extraction”

  • “Unyielding Domain (Type I)”: “Barrier”

  • “Immobile Domain (Type I)”: “Bullet Time”

  • “Soundless Domain (Type I)”: “Sonic Control”

• [Owned Anomaly-Energy (Attribute) Equipment:]

  • “LiXiang II Battle Armor * Red Mist Form (Little Seven)”

  • Cleaver (Attribute: Indestructible)

  • Anomaly Eye (Attribute: Invisible)

  • Anomaly Eye (Attribute: —)

  • Anomaly Annihilation Revolver (“Anomaly-Energy Magazine” Attribute: Unlimited)

  • Anomaly Lighter (“Attribute: Unquenchable”)

  • Black Bone Dagger

  • Anomaly Sleeping Bag, Bone Hammer, Corrosive Armguard, Bone Katana, Bulletproof Anomaly Leather Jacket, Ice Bone Spike, Bone Whip, Bone Katana x3, Anomaly-Energy Grenade x8

• [System Points]: 84

• [Free Allocation Points]: 0

• [Attribute Enhancement Points]: 0

——————————————

Next, Shen Ge reorganized his Bloodskin Backpack. After replenishing RPG rockets and explosives, he packed it to the brim. If not for the limited distorted space, he would have tried to fit a tank and an attack helicopter inside.

Besides weapons and equipment, Shen Ge also stored some cup noodles, purified water, and emergency rations. With Little Seven’s help organizing, he wasn’t worried about not finding things amidst the clutter.

After packing, Shen Ge used the institute’s communicator to contact Maple Hanada, instructing her to bring a team to the football field to meet him and help “move” these items back.

Seeing the small mountains of weapons, equipment, various supplies, and even combat vehicles and tanks, everyone wondered if Shen Ge had raided the Kawahara Self-Defense Force base.

But even if he had, how did he bring all this back alone?
The group couldn’t figure it out, and Shen Ge had no intention of explaining. He simply urged Maple Hanada to quickly arrange for soldiers to accompany him back to the Kawashina district with the Anomaly-Energy Fog-Dispersing Bullets to deal with the fog anomaly.

Although Maple Hanada didn’t fully understand Shen Ge’s insistence on targeting the fog anomaly, she trusted him and expedited the arrangements.

By noon the next day, Maple Hanada found Shen Ge, informing him that the two Anomaly-Energy Fog-Dispersing Bullets had been installed on one of the attack helicopters. However, a new problem arose…

No one knew how to fly a helicopter.

“No problem, I can,” Shen Ge said confidently. However, since he couldn’t even drive a car, it was clear he couldn’t possibly pilot a helicopter.

But it didn’t matter. With Little Seven, the holder of “all licenses,” present, not just an attack helicopter, but even if you gave it an Arbalest or a Gundam, it could figure out the controls in no time.

Maple Hanada was taken aback; this was the first time she felt “doubt” towards Shen Ge, as she had been the one driving from Kawashina to Kawahara before.

But seeing Shen Ge offer no explanation, she didn’t press further. She led him to the attack helicopter, bid a brief farewell, and Shen Ge boarded the helicopter and departed.

“Shuke Shuke Shuke Shuke, Shen Ge the helicopter pilot, Beita Beita Beita Beita…” Shen Ge hummed a tune as he closed the cockpit door, seemingly operating the helicopter while, in reality, Little Seven was controlling it via corrupted flesh tentacles.

Then, with a roar, the helicopter slowly rose and successfully took off. Once airborne, Shen Ge transformed into the “Doctor Octopus,” letting Little Seven fully take over the helicopter’s controls.

During the previous journey to Kawahara district, Little Seven had taken the opportunity to memorize the route and weather conditions. Since this world lacked the “Anomaly Space,” as long as they didn’t leave Takaguchi City’s anomaly domain, they wouldn’t encounter invisible barriers.

After flying for several hours, with Little Seven fully managing the helicopter, Shen Ge had little to do. He had Little Seven play back the institute’s anti-anomaly reports, studying those related to “Misfortune.”

As the helicopter passed over Sakura Women’s University, about an hour away from the fog anomaly’s location, a system alert suddenly echoed in his mind—

[Host has been locked onto by multiple high-level anomalies. The current number of anomalies is excessive. Host is certainly no match. Please value your life and evacuate the area quickly!]

[Warning! A high-level aberrant human has locked onto the Host!]

[Warning!]

Several consecutive warning messages exploded in Shen Ge’s mind. Moreover, Little Seven also detected anomaly energy reactions.

“Master, there are intense anomaly energy fluctuations nearby!”

But before the words faded, the sky ahead suddenly darkened with dense clouds, as if a heavy storm was approaching, and thick fog visibly gathered around them.

Thump!
Something seemed to be within the fog. Before Shen Ge could get a clear look, a loud thump sounded, and a massive tentacle slammed into the helicopter’s windshield.

Upon impact, the “tentacle” suddenly opened a mouth, revealing lamprey-like teeth within.

Rain poured down heavily from the sky, pelting the helicopter’s glass and the “tentacle worm,” seemingly agitating it further.

The ringed teeth frantically gnawed at the helicopter’s front glass, causing the entire aircraft to lose control mid-air.

Without needing Shen Ge’s command, Little Seven extended corrupted flesh tentacles and simultaneously took control of the helicopter’s weapon systems.

Machine guns rattled, strafing the giant “tentacle worm,” and missiles launched into the thick fog, followed by explosions.

Although the helicopter’s weapons were modified anti-anomaly equipment from the Kawahara institute, these were only effective against low-tier anomalies. Against a high-level anomaly like this, their power was akin to scratching an itch.

With Little Seven controlling both the helicopter and weapons, Shen Ge had little to do. He enveloped himself in the Corrupted Flesh Armor and moved from the pilot’s seat towards the right side where the “tentacle worm” anomaly was attacking.

Then.

Formless Domain!
Collapse!

Shen Ge attempted to use the Formless Domain to drag the “tentacle worm” down from the sky. But it clung tightly to the helicopter; pulling it down meant dragging the helicopter down with it.

Shen Ge wasn’t overly concerned about the helicopter being destroyed, but he was worried about the two hard-earned Anomaly-Energy Fog-Dispersing Bullets.

“Little Seven, fire the Anomaly-Energy Fog-Dispersing Bullets ahead!”

Shen Ge reasoned that if the helicopter crashed, the bullets would be lost anyway. Since there was fog ahead, why not use them to see what the “tentacle worm’s” main body really was!

Whoosh—
Whoosh—

With two piercing sounds, the Anomaly-Energy Fog-Dispersing Bullets streaked into the fog ahead with long trails. Two loud explosions followed, the released anomaly energy instantly dispersing the fog.

However, as soon as the fog cleared, it rapidly gathered again. Even in that brief moment, Shen Ge saw what was inside the fog!

It wasn’t one thing, but a group of things!
In the fog, there were unidentified monsters dozens of meters tall resembling long-legged spiders, and a “mouth” within a dark mist cloud in the air.

The most terrifying was an indescribable behemoth directly ahead. It resembled a mass of combined tentacles, and the “tentacle worm” biting the helicopter was just one of its tentacles. It had hundreds, perhaps thousands, of such tentacles!

Its size was overwhelmingly massive, occupying half the sky in his field of view.

The upper tentacles filled the entire visible sky, while the lower ones reached down to the ground, penetrating the earth, as if most of Takaguchi City was under its control.

At that moment, four gigantic “human figures” suddenly appeared beneath the indescribable colossal anomaly. They stood like towering giants below the anomaly.

But they appeared and vanished swiftly, leaving only the sky-filling monster in the blink of an eye.

“Is this the Tier 3 anomaly hidden in that fog? You’re telling me this is Tier 3?!” Shen Ge was utterly stunned. An anomaly half the size of the sky? Forget Tier 3, you could tell him it was Tier 30, and he’d believe it!
But the next second, Shen Ge felt something was wrong. After all, he had previously encountered the Tier 3 anomaly, and based on Maple Hanada’s description, a Tier 3 anomaly couldn’t possibly look like this.

Moreover, there wasn’t just one high-level anomaly here!
[Warning! Warning! Warning!]

[Host has entered the domain range of a Tier 8 anomaly. This area has numerous high-level anomalies influenced by the Tier 8 anomaly. The Host’s current strength is absolutely no match for these anomalies! Please value your life and evacuate Takaguchi City, overrun by anomalies, immediately!]

[Warning! Host is in close proximity to a Tier 8 anomaly. Facing a Tier 8 anomaly, your chance of survival is zero—certain death. Evacuate the anomaly domain immediately!]

Shen Ge hadn’t received such urgent system prompts in a long time. The repeated warnings reminded him of the system’s “nervous” state when he first encountered “Formless.”

If not for the removal of the novice warning protection after his rating increased, Shen Ge’s vision would probably be flashing red from the system’s alerts right now.

“What? System, are you serious? This Cthulhu-spawn-looking monster is Takaguchi’s final boss, ‘Misfortune’?” Shen Ge was dumbfounded. Weren’t they supposed to be hiding underground, wary of the colossal deep-sea anomaly?

Why had it suddenly emerged?

Its upper half occupied half the visible sky, its lower half touching half the city. If it wished, it could instantly “devour” all of Takaguchi!

Such a massive, terrifying monster, and you’re telling me it’s the final boss? Who could fight this? Who would dare? Even Ultraman would have to reconsider whether he could get close!
Furthermore, upon witnessing a monster of this level, humans wouldn’t even dare to think of resisting; humanity’s doom would be sealed!
This was the oppressive feeling of a Tier 8 entity!
Amidst his shock, Shen Ge suddenly thought of a possibility. He had been in this future world for several days. Why did “Misfortune” appear now, and not before?

Moreover, it appeared precisely after a special anomaly with “shielding” abilities that could even block system detection showed up in the Kawashina district!

Therefore, Shen Ge suspected that the Tier 3 anomaly adept at “shielding” and creating fog must possess some unique ability, which was why the system specifically issued a crisis mission for him to hunt it.

Unfortunately, that anomaly’s ability was too peculiar. Neither the system nor Little Seven could detect it, causing Shen Ge to come up empty and miss the crisis mission’s two-hour window.

Recalling it now, if the system truly wanted that “shielding” ability anomaly, it shouldn’t have set such a short two-hour mission time.

Unless…

There was a specific reason.

For instance, Shen Ge genuinely only had a two-hour window to hunt it. The Tier 3 anomaly’s “shielding” ability, while special, was still insignificant compared to the tier gap with a Tier 8 anomaly.

The possibility Shen Ge considered was that this Tier 3 anomaly had been “laying low” somewhere in the Kawashina district using its special ability.

After Shen Ge hunted the highest-tier Tier 4 anomaly in that area, the Tier 3 anomaly attempted to play the “mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind” card, not expecting Shen Ge’s ability to sell corpses.

The Tier 3 anomaly tried to gamble for a bigger prize but failed, instead catching “Misfortune’s” attention.

“Misfortune,” wanting to evade the deep-sea anomaly, was evidently very interested in this “shielding” ability. And since the Tier 3 anomaly was within “Misfortune’s” domain, it was devoured by “Misfortune” without anyone noticing.

After successfully devouring the Tier 3 anomaly and mastering the “shielding” ability, “Misfortune” no longer feared being detected by the colossal deep-sea anomaly. Hence, it now appeared boldly in the skies above Takaguchi!

The tentacle biting the helicopter was dragging it towards “Misfortune.” The closer they got, the more urgent the system’s warnings became!

Most terrifyingly, as the distance to “Misfortune” decreased, even without Shen Ge taking any action, the energy of his Corrupted Flesh Armor and his own Spirit were rapidly draining!
Since awakening his system, Shen Ge had never felt so powerless and insignificant. This wasn’t a Tier 8 anomaly with a four-year advantage; this was a genuine Tier 8 anomaly!
The other party hadn’t even done anything, yet under the immense pressure of its anomaly energy, Shen Ge’s Corrupted Flesh Armor and Spirit were already activating defensive measures.

Defending against what?
Merely its aura!

This alone was enough to demonstrate “Misfortune’s” terror!
This was an utterly unbeatable enemy!
While Shen Ge was reeling from shock, torrential rain poured from the sky, accompanied by lightning and thunder, tornadoes, waterspouts, earthquakes… all sorts of natural disasters and anomalous calamities emerged alongside “Misfortune’s” appearance!
The “tentacle worm” extended by “Misfortune” was like a cat’s paw toying with a cockroach that had strayed into its territory. It didn’t want to kill its prey immediately but preferred to play with it slowly.

Watching the rapid depletion of his Corrupted Flesh Armor’s energy and his Spirit dropping from 1111% to over 900%, Shen Ge knew if they got any closer to “Misfortune,” escape would be impossible.

Shen Ge decisively grabbed the parachute under the pilot’s seat and jumped from the helicopter. But with the fierce winds, lightning, thunder, and heavy rain, deploying the parachute was impossible.

“Master, according to the map data, the area swallowed by the colossal deep-sea anomaly has formed an inland sea. Activate Red Mist Form and extend tentacles; we might be able to alter our flight trajectory!”

“Okay!”

After activating the Corrupted Flesh Armor’s Red Mist Form, Shen Ge let Little Seven take control. It then reshaped the anomaly shields into something like gliding wings on his arms, using several tentacles to steer towards the distance.

Time passed second by second, and Shen Ge drew closer to the ground. With Little Seven forcibly altering the trajectory, they finally managed to land in the anomaly-created inland sea!
Splash!
Clad in the Red Mist Armor, Shen Ge plunged into the inland sea. His anomaly energy plummeted, but thankfully, the impact was mitigated at the last moment.

Shen Ge swam towards the shore. Upon climbing onto the bank, he saw the distant fog mass moving in this direction.

“Dammit, has ‘Misfortune’ gotten overconfident after gaining the shielding ability? It’s actively moving towards where the colossal deep-sea anomaly slumbers?”

Although Shen Ge would love to see two titans clash, judging by the reaction of his Corrupted Flesh Armor’s energy and his Spirit just being in the central area of “Misfortune’s” domain, if two Tier 8 anomalies fought, someone like him, an “ordinary person,” wouldn’t survive the aftermath.

Shen Ge didn’t have time to ponder further. Using his corrupted flesh tentacles, he began moving towards the city streets, putting as much distance as possible between himself and “Misfortune’s” fog zone.

Just as he stepped into the storm-ravaged streets, faint red lights resembling “human” figures became visible ahead through the desolate scene.

Who would be here at a time like this?

Aberrant humans?
Anti-anomaly agents?
Or… the Twelve Branches?

Shen Ge found it strange. Based on this world’s situation, whether Takaguchi’s original anti-anomaly agents or supporting agents from other countries, most had likely perished. The survivors were probably hiding, trying to stay alive. Who would be out for a stroll while the final boss was on the move?
Shen Ge had activated “Formless + Soundless” upon emerging from the inland sea. Seeing the red lights ahead and considering they were on his escape route, he decided to investigate.

But as he approached the red lights, Shen Ge was shocked.

They were four “people” wearing bizarre outfits. They were clad in what looked like black leather suits, carrying black, fire-extinguisher-like canisters on their backs.

Most peculiarly, numerous wires extended from the bottom of these canisters, connected to red circles floating in the air.

Shen Ge suddenly recalled the four massive human figures that appeared beneath “Misfortune” when it first emerged. At a glance, they seemed somewhat similar to these four.

“Does ‘Misfortune’s’ appearance have something to do with these people? Or are they here for ‘Misfortune’?” Shen Ge immediately considered this possibility and was also curious about their identity.

These “people’s” appearances were too distinctive. Shen Ge, relying on “Formless + Soundless,” attempted to approach and take down one to gather information.

But just as he was about to reach them, an invisible wave seemed to pass through the air. Then, the four figures gradually distorted, just like when Shen Ge first saw them, and vanished into the fog.

“Teleportation?”

Could they really be from the Twelve Branches?
That equipment looked advanced. Had the Twelve Branches developed to this level in four years?

Shen Ge rushed to the spot where the four disappeared. Little Seven detected intense anomaly energy fluctuations coming from underground. Simultaneously, the earthquake intensified, cracks appearing on the ground.

Boom!

Suddenly, a red behemoth burst forth from underground!