Volume One, Chapter Thirty-Six: The Full Moon

“All the leaders of the major regions and factions are already aware that the Lunar Tide is imminent, and each has begun preparations for withdrawal and defense. The exact timing cannot be determined due to the disturbances of the Atypical Particle Stream, but it will not be delayed beyond mid-October at the latest.” Stepping down from the head of the long table, Shu paced back and forth in the conference hall. “Each Anjie City will likely implement closed management in early October. If any of you have important travel plans, you should set out soon.”

“The Lunar Tide generally brings two types of disasters. The first is the Atypical Particle Stream Storm caused by the tidal force. These storms will disrupt all radio waves and signals, turning every city into an isolated island, unable to communicate with anyone outside the Anjie barrier. At the same time, take note: the Atypical Particle Stream Storms are also highly lethal. Unlike the particles within our bodies, which are controlled by self-awareness, those things are utterly frenzied. Anyone reckless enough to rush into one should probably write a will first.” Shu cast a faint glance at a few eager projections in the meeting room, and those individuals immediately settled down.

“The second disaster is that the combined force of the lunar power and the chaotic Atypical Particle Streams will drive the mutant beasts, which usually remain in their territories, mad and trigger herd migrations. If luck is against us, even a large-scale beast tide is not out of the question.” Shu selected a piece of nicotine gum from a box and sat back down, letting her gaze sweep over the attendees. “I believe most of you have some idea of the terror a beast tide brings—a catastrophe that blots out the sky and sweeps everything before it.”

Except for two holographic screens, all others attending via full projection felt somewhat suffocated under her gaze.

“Normally, these are the only two major disasters to watch out for during the Lunar Tide, but this time is different. The strength of this Lunar Tide will reach full moon level. Therefore, not only will the severity of these two threats increase, but some rats lurking in the shadows are getting restless again. Recently, there have been signs of activity from the remnants of the Apocalypse Cult.”

“Unlike the Calamity Church, which appeared recently and whose members are simply madmen bent on destruction, these remnants of the Apocalypse Cult will stop at nothing to spread their doomsday gospel and death—faith, deceit, brainwashing... to them, the means are irrelevant, only efficiency matters. Their ultimate goal is to let everyone be devoured by this mad world. After the last large-scale purge, the remnants in Central Continent have likely reconnected with their counterparts in the war-torn Western regions and are dreaming of reviving on this land. During this full moon-level Lunar Tide, they are very likely to act.”

A projection slowly raised a hand, signaling a request to speak.

System prompt: Group owner Shu has lifted the mute for all members.

Yet after the mute was lifted, no one spoke at once; instead, all eyes turned to the one who had raised their hand.

“So, what should we do next?” the projection asked. On the screens of Mo De and Zhou Nansheng, the speaker’s codename appeared—“Qiu.”

“Confirming the arrival and level of the Lunar Tide and investigating designated mutant beast habitats must have already worn everyone out. Since communication will be hindered when the Lunar Tide arrives, the organization will not issue mandatory assignments or performance reviews next month. However, there will be a new long-term voluntary mission. You may decide for yourselves whether to accept it based on your circumstances.”

At these words, everyone opened their mission panels and found that October’s quota had indeed been canceled, with a new entry in the long-term tasks list.

Long-term mission title: Investigate the Apocalypse Cult.

“A full moon-level Lunar Tide is already classified as the highest level of natural disaster. The Apocalypse Cult will surely seize this opportunity to spread their ‘World Devouring God’ doctrine, attract new followers, and amass funds. This is also the perfect chance for us to investigate them. The five major sponsors of the ‘Chamber of Commerce’ in Central Continent all loathe the Apocalypse Cult, so any intelligence regarding them will be purchased at a high price. Still, be mindful of your own safety and do not let yourselves fall into a trap.”

After Qiu sat down, Shu inquired if there were any further questions. After a brief discussion of the Apocalypse Cult’s details, the Tide Council drew to a close.

“The power of the Tide is like water, ever-changing in its course. When gathered, it surges as a flood; when dispersed, it becomes the sea—endless and unstoppable.” All present recited the oath in unison, even Mo De and Zhou Nansheng murmuring the words softly.

As the meeting ended, Mo De approached Shu to give a brief report on the background and outcome of the “Apostle of Calamity” incident.

“Mu Qing... the Mu Family...” Shu frowned slightly. If this young lady really came from that family, her origins were indeed extraordinary. But since Li Changsheng’s hand was involved throughout, this entanglement was likely more beneficial than harmful for Qin Bao.

“Just follow your own judgment. As far as the organization is concerned, as long as no core secrets are leaked, it’s fine. Whether to trust her or not depends on your own instincts.” Shu chewed the heavy silver nicotine gum and ultimately decided to leave the choice to Mo De. Only by facing challenges can a fledgling eagle grow strong beneath the shelter of its protector’s wings.

“Okay, Sister Shu.”

When their conversation ended and Shu looked up, she found two people in the meeting room blatantly slacking off while she was talking with Qin. Baiyi was sprawled on the table, fast asleep, drooling on the cuff of his white coat. Taiyin, meanwhile, stared vacantly at the ceiling.

“Get to work! You know that all communications will be blocked when the Lunar Tide arrives. Why aren’t you preparing already?” Shu, barely suppressing her anger, shook Baiyi awake and then turned to Taiyin. “What are you dazing off for? Go check on Little Yue Nu. She’s just successfully taken human form.”

“That little ancestor hasn’t stopped for a moment since leaving seclusion...” Taiyin was instantly beset by a headache at the mention of his spirit pet. Most spirit pets, even when reaching the ‘Wishful’ realm, only gain intelligence; the brightest might learn to speak. But his was different—she transformed into a human and has been chattering nonstop since yesterday.

Knock, knock, knock... The conference room door was rapped. With one hand gripping Baiyi’s collar, Shu opened the door, and a petite figure dashed inside, flinging herself at the exhausted Taiyin, crying out, “Nian Cen, Nian Cen, Nian Cen...!”

“How many times have I told you, don’t call me by my real name...” Taiyin replied weakly.

“Then...” Little Yue Nu tilted her head, thinking hard.

“Daddy!”

Both Shu and Baiyi couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“My little ancestor, I don’t even have a girlfriend yet...” Taiyin clutched his head and wailed, while Little Yue Nu mimicked his posture, squatting beside him and joining in with a childish “Ahhh...”

...

After logging off and collecting his refund, Mo De stopped by the market on his way home, carrying bags full of groceries. Once he’d fed his bottomless-pit alter ego, he cleared a space on the snack-laden coffee table, brought out books and stationery, and began reviewing his schoolwork.

Mo De had intended to study in his room, but Mu Qing, bored beyond measure, pleaded with him to stay. Thus, the television returned to its silent era, while Mu Qing lounged on the sofa, watching Mo De’s study session with great interest.

“You got questions two, three, and seven wrong.” Mo De was about to turn the page when Mu Qing interrupted.

Surprised, Mo De realized she was actually paying attention to his work. He followed her hints and corrected his answers.

“You don’t seem stupid, so why is your grasp of basic theory so poor?” Mu Qing commented, pointing out errors as she spoke.

“It can’t be helped. I’ve missed too many classes and now it’s hard to keep up.” Mo De replied honestly. He was no genius who could absorb knowledge at a glance; he needed time to memorize the complex foundational theories.

“A shaky foundation leads to disaster. Without mastery of the fundamentals of Atypical Particle Theory, you might make rapid progress now thanks to your talent, but you’ll hit bottlenecks everywhere down the line.” Mu Qing pushed up her tea-colored sunglasses, cleared her throat, and began explaining some of the basics.

“Abilities are wielded by an Atypical through conscious control, gathering Atypical Particles into streams that can influence and alter the properties of things. You’ve learned this, right?”

Mo De nodded—he had at least passed last semester’s ‘Atypical Particle Theory’ course.

“The moment you become aware of the Atypical Particles inside your body, you naturally reach the Particle Movement Stage. If you can’t achieve the first awakening after a long time, either your consciousness isn’t strong enough or you suffer from a rare congenital disorder like Atypical Particle Deficiency. If it’s the latter...” Realizing she was digressing, Mu Qing coughed and returned to the main point.

“To use a simple analogy: Atypical Particles are like the money in your pocket, your physical strength is the size of the pocket, and your consciousness is the hand that spends the money. How much you can spend at once depends on the size of your hand. That’s why the strength of your consciousness determines your control over the Particle Stream—your ability’s speed, scale, and power.”

“Our consciousness, influenced by our bodies, naturally leans toward certain attributes, leading to different ability types. Here, extend a finger and release your ability through it.” Mu Qing paused to sip her iced cola.

Obediently, Mo De extended a finger, and with a concentrated thought, a golden hue appeared at its tip.

“Via Atypical Particle simulation, your finger now has the color and hardness of metal. Release the ability, and it returns to normal.”

“So, in Alchemy, is transmuting stone into gold fake?” Mo De dispersed the ability and, rubbing his fingertip, asked curiously.

“Temporary mimicry is possible, but permanently altering the atomic structure through Atypical Particles is still a major research focus at all the universities for gifted individuals.”

“What about creating something from nothing?”

“That’s beyond what humans can research. Even in these increasingly mad times, the basic laws of conservation must be obeyed...”

“And...?”

As their questions and answers continued, time slipped by. Under the urging of dusk, the sun gradually vanished, and throughout Anjie, lights flickered on in thousands of homes, as everyone made their preparations for the coming night.