Chapter Twenty: The Investigator

Lin Lei’s mind was in turmoil as he looked at the sunglasses Hodge wore, and at last, understanding dawned. The sunglasses were not merely for show—or rather, not just for appearance’s sake. The special power did not lie in the glasses themselves, but in Hodge’s eyes.

Catching Lin Lei’s gaze, Hodge smiled. “I am an awakened Source-Energy user of the Psychic branch.”

Lin Lei nodded, then asked, “Advisor Hodge, you mentioned earlier that I passed the assessment for the Enforcement Division… What exactly is this Enforcement Division?”

Clearly, the Enforcement Division was a rather special department.

Hodge smiled. “There are nearly a dozen departments within the Bureau of Investigation, but in reality, they are divided into only two categories: one is the Enforcement Division, and the other is everything else.”

“The Enforcement Division’s numbers are small, but it is the core of the entire Bureau. It is the department with the greatest privileges and best benefits, as well as the highest requirements for strength and overall ability!”

“Joining the Bureau is not difficult… any ordinary awakened Source-Energy user can get in after passing a review and interview—almost everyone succeeds. But to enter the Enforcement Division, one must pass a hidden assessment. Even among those with powerful boons, only a rare few succeed…”

“And only by joining the Enforcement Division can one truly become the heart of the Bureau… an ‘Investigator’.”

Lin Lei’s eyes glinted as he looked at the two of them. “If I recall, both of you are Investigators…”

Hodge smiled and nodded, pulling a document from his briefcase. “Sign this contract, and you’ll be one of us.”

After carefully reading the clauses and introductions, Lin Lei signed the contract and officially joined the Enforcement Division of the Bureau of Investigation, becoming an Investigator.

The contract included an introduction to the role:

Investigator—full title: Special Officer for the Investigation and Handling of Extraordinary Affairs.

The meaning was self-evident.

An Investigator’s duty was to investigate and handle extraordinary incidents!

After signing, Lin Lei asked, “Advisor Hodge, I remember you mentioned… you are a Level Three Investigator? Is there a ranking system among Investigators?”

The contract said little about such details.

Hodge nodded with a smile. “You have an excellent memory, to recall that.”

“There are five levels of Investigators in total. Level Four is the lowest, then Level Three, Level Two, Level One, and above Level One sits the Legendary Investigator…”

“Even the lowest Level Four Investigator holds a rank equivalent to a department head, and the benefits are more than tenfold higher!”

“And as you go up, say, to Level Three, that’s equivalent to a division chief; Level Two is at the bureau chief level…”

Chen Fan’s lips twitched. “If that’s the case, then what about Legendary Investigators…”

Hodge nodded at him. “Just as you imagine!”

“But such figures—there are fewer than thirty in all of Shaya. Each stands at the pinnacle of the extraordinary world, with terrifyingly high Source-Energy levels, some even surpassing the bounds of humanity!”

“In our city of Biyang, there is only one Level One Investigator. Across all of Qinghe Prefecture, there are fewer than thirty Level Ones, and only two Legendary Investigators!”

Li Xueshu added, “Qinghe Prefecture is one of the largest in Shaya, with a strong economy and a large population, which is why there are two Legendary Investigators… Many prefectures don’t have any at all!”

“High-level Source-Energy users are not necessarily high-ranking Investigators, but no high-ranking Investigator has a low Source-Energy level!”

Chen Fan clicked his tongue. “So, I’m a Level Four Investigator now?”

Hodge coughed. “Strictly speaking, you’re not yet a Level Four Investigator, but a provisional Level Four Investigator…”

Chen Fan was taken aback.

Li Xueshu smiled. “You’ll need to complete several investigative assignments before truly becoming a Level Four Investigator. An assessment is just that—only by proving yourself in the field can you demonstrate your true ability…”

Hodge nodded. “Of course, don’t worry. Even before you’re officially recognized as a Level Four Investigator, you’ll still enjoy eighty percent of the salary, benefits, and authority.”

Lin Lei’s lips twitched.

This was much like an internship before formal employment.

He hadn’t made the transition yet!

He looked at Hodge. “If I may ask, Advisor Hodge, what is the usual salary and benefits for a Level Four Investigator?”

The document Lin Lei had signed made no mention of specific figures.

Hodge smiled, holding up his hand. “At least fifty thousand.”

Lin Lei’s eyes lit up.

In this world, the purchasing power of the Shaya currency was about the same as in his previous life. A salary approaching fifty thousand a month was truly substantial—even in a prosperous place like Qinghe Prefecture, the annual income of an ordinary worker might not match Lin Lei’s monthly pay.

Of course, compared to the dangers faced by Investigators, the money seemed paltry.

No amount of money can buy your life.

Hodge smiled. “Actually, many investigative assignments come with extra rewards. And the Bureau also arranges housing for Investigators…”

He raised a finger, pointing upward. “Where we are now is an office building, all Bureau property. The fifteenth to eighteenth floors are residences for Investigators—every bit as comfortable as a five-star hotel.”

Lin Lei arched an eyebrow, unconcerned about housing; in fact, given his special circumstances, living alone was more convenient.

He licked his lips. “So, to rise in rank as an Investigator, does it depend on completing assignments?”

Hodge narrowed his eyes. “Assignments are key, but not the only factor…”

“Completion of assignments earns you a special point called Investigation Points. These are required to apply for certain extraordinary potions, materials, and items…”

“When your Investigation Points reach the necessary threshold, you can register for the Bureau’s annual promotion examination. Pass, and you advance!”

Lin Lei’s eyes gleamed.

Hodge stifled a yawn. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. The exam for promotion to Level Three Investigator is less than three months away. Even if you meet the Investigation Points requirement, your strength is unlikely to suffice…”

“Most Level Three Investigators are at the Third Realm of Source-Energy, but not all in the Third Realm can pass. In truth, most Source-Energy users never reach the Third Realm in their lifetime!”

Lin Lei was surprised. “Is it that difficult to raise your Source-Energy level?”

Hodge narrowed his eyes. “It’s not simply a matter of accumulating Source-Energy. You also need certain special ‘external aids’… For the details, you’ll need to consult the Bureau’s Source-Energy cultivation advisor—”

As he spoke, Hodge turned to Li Xueshu, coughing and looking a bit awkward. “Investigator Li, could you take Lin Lei to Advisor Zhou, and have her begin teaching him Source-Energy cultivation?”

Lin Lei’s eyes shone with excitement.

Li Xueshu nodded, turning to Lin Lei. “Come with me, Lin.”