Chapter 51: The Restorative

The so-called extraordinary awakeners refer to those individuals who transcend the usual categories of awakened beings. For example, some possess both the corporeal and the artifact lineages. Others have awakened to both the fire and water elements—two skills that are clearly incompatible. There are even some whose recovery speed for their inner value is astonishingly fast; with the right rhythm, they can effortlessly unleash skills in succession.

The Transcendental Bureau tends to pay greater attention to such awakeners, and, when necessary, will even protect their personal safety.

It was only then that You Zhi realized what had felt off earlier.

He looked at his sister warily and declared, “Hey, hey, hey, what are you up to? The research project you came for this time is already finished, isn’t it? Hurry back, you hear me? Don’t think I don’t know what’s running through your mind.”

His cunning sister had kindly subsidized Ye Chen out of her own pocket and insisted on giving him a discount. Most crucially, the trainee researcher’s ID card was issued by her hand. It was as if the dignified Chief Director had personally taken on an apprentice; as her brother, he couldn’t very well barge in and snatch him away.

You Ya switched to a sweet smile, abandoning her previous aloof demeanor. “Brother! I rarely get the chance to travel all this way, and you’re already rushing me off? The projects the Research Bureau is currently working on are so insane that I’ve lost interest. Let me stay a while longer—maybe I’ll find some clues about the Zero Reagent. As for research on Ye Chen, all the results are yours. I promise not to compete with you.”

She raised three fingers, swearing with conviction.

You Zhi scrutinized his sister’s expression, determined to spot any trace of falsehood, especially in that last promise.

...

Our lovely Miss Yuan still wore the same outfit as before. But the traces of tears on her face had vanished, and she resumed her professional role, leading Ye Chen from the front.

This time, Yuan’s attitude was nothing short of a dramatic reversal—even though she knew Ye Chen behind her was watching, she couldn’t muster any anger. In fact, she felt a bit happy.

Chief Director You Ya had just instructed her to show Ye Chen around the Bureau and highlight its unique features, ensuring he felt the warmth of a home so that he’d always feel the urge to return and visit his family.

Furthermore, You Ya had said that from now on, whenever Ye Chen came by with any requests, Yuan would be responsible for attending to him, and the reward would be extra.

When Yuan heard this, her mouth formed a perfect “O.”

This was a VIP personally appointed by the Chief Director—could it be that the test results had drawn such attention from the directors?

“Yuan? Yuan...” Ye Chen called softly from behind.

“Huh? What... what is it?” Yuan was still lost in her thoughts, her mind wandering. Awakened by Ye Chen’s voice, she turned, flashing the starry-eyed smile of a devoted fan.

Her expression left Ye Chen momentarily stunned. He remembered the contemptuous look she’d given him earlier... Ah! Was this not a textbook case of changing face?

Ye Chen pulled a white card from his pocket and showed it to Yuan. “Chief Director You Ya just gave me this card. Do you know what it’s for?”

Yuan glanced at it, not even needing to take it, and immediately looked surprised. “Are you sure Chief Director You Ya gave you this card?”

Ye Chen nodded.

Yuan calmed herself and explained, “Trainee researcher cards are usually issued by official researchers. If yours was given by Chief Director You Ya, it means you’re her personal apprentice, with higher privileges than ordinary trainees. Of course, if you want to become an official researcher, the exam questions must be set by your own mentor.”

Ye Chen was speechless... He, who hadn’t even entered the school gates, was expected to pass the Bureau’s exam? He’d sooner pass a test on how to hunt prey.

But thinking about it, wasn’t Chief Director You Ya essentially his private tutor now...? Shamelessly, he pictured possible scenarios.

After a moment, Ye Chen casually asked, “Yuan, among the awakeners you’ve hosted, which series is most common?”

Yuan thought for a moment. “Corporeal and artifact types are about equal, but I’ve never counted myself.”

Ye Chen was surprised and probed, “Why haven’t you mentioned elementals?”

Yuan explained, “Those living in the capital only awaken to artifact or corporeal types. Elementals are exclusive to the wild folk. As for why I haven’t hosted any elemental awakeners, I don’t need to explain, right?”

Ye Chen nodded. He hadn’t realized that those behind the walls could not awaken to the elemental series. This was the first he’d heard of it.

And since wild folk were forbidden from entering the capital, the Bureau never had the chance to host an elemental awakener.

As they spoke, the two boarded the elevator, heading to the shopping floor.

During the ride, Ye Chen noticed a black door installed on one floor, standing out starkly from its surroundings.

Curious, Ye Chen pointed and asked, “Yuan, what’s that for?”

Yuan followed his finger and replied, “Oh, that’s the archive. It houses valuable research materials and books from the previous era. I don’t have permission to enter—only official researchers can access the records. Want to visit?”

The next instant, Ye Chen’s head shook like a rattle... Anything related to study, not even a dog would want to see.

“Ding”—the elevator announced their arrival.

“Come on, I’ll show you around the shopping area,” Yuan said cheerfully, bouncing ahead on nimble legs.

Upon entering, Ye Chen was stunned by the densely packed shelves, feeling at a loss where to begin.

Yuan’s timely explanation arrived: “Don’t be surprised—it’s not as complicated as it looks. See this area? The front shelves are all recovery agents, used for quickly restoring inner value. These are exclusive products from the Bureau!”

She pointed to the bottles and jars. “Different colors correspond to different awakener levels. For example, this pale green one is an E-grade recovery agent. Research shows that even two E-grade awakeners vary in the speed at which they recover inner value—some are faster, some slower. But if you drink this, you immediately recover the amount labeled on the bottle. Products from the Bureau are always top quality—honest and reliable!”

Staring at the rows of recovery agents, Ye Chen was genuinely astonished. He had never imagined that the Bureau’s services for awakeners would reach such a level.