Chapter 21

After discussing his membership in the Extraordinary Control Bureau, Xu Xi didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he lingered in Director Zhang Yaoguo’s office to learn more about extraordinary beings and the revival of spiritual energy.

As the sub-director of the General Administration Bureau, Zhang undoubtedly knew far more than Xu Xi about the subject.

“Spiritual energy revival?” Xu Xi asked as sunlight streamed into the office, casting a faint glow on Zhang’s face.

The middle-aged man sighed, a hint of melancholy in his tone. “Xu Xi, how much do you know about the catastrophe five years ago?”

“Not much,” Xu Xi admitted. “I only know that extraordinary creatures appeared overnight, causing immense destruction worldwide.”

“I was one of the survivors,” Zhang said with a wry smile. “If I hadn’t been lucky enough to make it through, I wouldn’t be sitting here today.”

Xu Xi was mildly surprised. “I didn’t expect you to have experienced that firsthand, Director Zhang. Perhaps it’s fate—surviving a disaster often comes with blessings, doesn’t it? It might even explain why you’re such a pivotal figure now.”

Zhang chuckled briefly before continuing. “Most people remember the Cataclysm just as you do. They recall the sudden appearance of extraordinary creatures and the dawn of human awakening to extraordinary powers.”

“It’s remarkable how things that once only existed in fantasies and legends became real overnight. That’s why this era is often called the age of spiritual energy revival.”

But then Zhang’s smile faded. “However, the word ‘revival’ isn’t entirely accurate,” he said bitterly. “Those creatures, those abilities—they were never native to Earth. It’s not so much a revival as it is an invasion.”

“Invasion?” Xu Xi’s expression darkened. He had considered many possibilities about the truth, but hearing Zhang’s explanation still unsettled him.

“Are you saying those extraordinary creatures are intentionally invading us?”

Zhang shook his head. “Not necessarily. In my past missions, I’ve encountered some extraordinary creatures capable of communication, even humans from other worlds. Many seemed as confused about their presence on Earth as we were.”

He continued, “It’s not just creatures appearing here. Entire landscapes, unique species, and valuable extraordinary resources from other worlds have materialized as well. These resources are part of why the Control Bureau has developed so rapidly.”

Zhang’s expression grew complex. On one hand, he resented the changes this invasion had wrought on the Earth he once knew. On the other hand, he couldn’t deny that these extraordinary changes had propelled humanity into an unprecedented era of progress.

“Whether it’s an invasion or a revival,” Zhang concluded, “it doesn’t matter much to us. We can’t change what’s happening. The only thing we can do is grow stronger to protect ourselves and others from the threats that arise.”

Xu Xi nodded in agreement. “Thank you, Director Zhang. This conversation has been truly enlightening.”

Having learned what he needed, Xu Xi rose to leave. With a better understanding of spiritual energy revival and his new role in the Control Bureau, he had plenty to think about and many plans to set in motion.

Director Zhang personally escorted him out, assigning a staff member to guide Xu Xi and familiarize him with the Bureau’s facilities.

They toured several key areas, including a secure storage room for items purchased from the Extraordinary House. Many items available there were hazardous to ordinary people, so they were stored at the Bureau for safekeeping until their buyers could collect them.

The Bureau also offered training courses for newcomers to help them master their newfound powers. However, these courses were irrelevant to someone like Xu Xi, who had gained all his knowledge and skills through the simulator.

After completing the tour, Xu Xi left the Bureau and began his walk home. As he walked, he examined the Extraordinary House application on his phone.

“Everything can be managed remotely,” he thought. “Buying, selling, searching for information, and even accepting missions—all from home. That’s incredibly convenient.”

Satisfied with the app’s functionality, Xu Xi pondered the things he’d learned.

“So, spiritual energy revival is actually a multi-world invasion? If this continues, the Earth might one day merge with those other worlds.”

The idea was fascinating yet unsettling. But Xu Xi soon dismissed the thought with a self-deprecating laugh.

“Even if it does happen, what can someone like me do? I’m just a lucky guy with a simulator. None of this could possibly have anything to do with me, right?”

Shaking off the thought, Xu Xi quickened his pace. “Better to get home and see what’s inside the storage ring Zhang gave me. It might help strengthen my combat abilities. Once my strength stabilizes, I’ll start searching for anchor media to initiate another simulation.”

But as he neared home, the sky darkened abruptly. A light drizzle began to fall, soon turning into a steady rain.

The cool, misty air filled his nostrils as droplets splattered on the ground, forming tiny puddles.

Xu Xi initially considered using his spiritual power to shield himself from the rain but decided against it. Instead, he ducked into a nearby store and bought a new umbrella.

Opening the umbrella, he continued his walk, listening to the rhythmic tapping of rain on the fabric.

“I haven’t held an umbrella like this in years,” he murmured. “Not since before the catastrophe. Time flies.”

As he adjusted the umbrella to shield himself from the rain, Xu Xi noticed something strange.

No matter how carefully he positioned it, his left shoulder always ended up slightly wet.

It took him a moment to realize why. His grip unconsciously tilted the umbrella to the right, as though he were trying to protect someone walking beside him.

But no one was there.

Xu Xi paused briefly, staring at the empty space beside him.

“…”

Without correcting his posture, he continued walking, allowing his left shoulder to get wet.

Some habits, he realized, were impossible to break. And deep down, he had no desire to change them. Perhaps, in some small corner of his heart, he still hoped for a miracle—one he knew would never come.