Chapter 29: Superpower Bullet, Certification, and Employment

"Aren't you going to try?" Liu Yueqi asked, holding her Thousand Slash Blade as she approached Lin Feng from behind.

"What if they're sending you to your death?" Lin Feng countered. The coincidental urgent mission with generous benefits raised suspicions about the insect horde crisis behind them.

If they were drafted for a rescue, it would likely be a suicide mission, earning rewards they couldn't spend. Even if he were to join, it would be after this crisis had passed.

Lin Feng returned to the vehicle, pulling out the receiver Ding Chenghai left, containing the latest information on superpower awakening.

As of now, there's a slight chance to awaken superpowers after seven enhancements, though early awakenings are weak and fully awaken after nine enhancements.

Thus, post-nine-enhancement awakening is inevitable.

Some people awaken early due to a natural affinity with the life-triggering dark energy, not needing to kill giant bugs to enhance.

Sister-in-law Yuruo was such an example.

However, these cases are very rare, with unclear trigger conditions.

Most enhancers complete their superpower awakening in the over-tier upgrade after nine enhancements, i.e., killing an Lv10 or higher Black Spinal Bug.

These are usually frontline soldiers, with most awakening physical enhancements, and some gaining shooting-related superpowers.

Physical enhancements boost base stats by over 50% in a short time, known as berserkers.

Shooting-related superpowers include, but aren't limited to, precision sniping, high-speed auto-aim, and superpower bullets.

Though varied, they all relate closely to a soldier's basic profession.

These superpowers are too singular; the institute hopes for unique superpowers for research samples.

Lin Feng's demonstrated ability to manipulate object forms was one such example.

Though not uncommon, abilities to create fire or control specific materials intrigued and excited researchers more.

The awakening process usually involves two or three hours of feverish heat, with blood boiling under dark energy, triggering life potential.

Duration and intensity vary by individual.

Naturally, soldiers don't experience this mid-battle but during rest after intense combat.

Upon awakening, minor injuries heal automatically, though lost limbs don't regenerate.

Having grasped the essentials, Lin Feng felt prepared.

The recruitment vehicle stopped at the jam's end, near Lin Feng's group.

Initially, he thought the staff were turning around, but they parked nearby, near Lin Feng's camper.

A man and woman in military attire exited, noticing the two pairs of Black Spinal Bug mandibles on the camper, dripping yellow-green insect blood.

They approached the passenger side, knocking on the window. Lin Feng rolled it down.

The female staffer, wearing subtle makeup, gave a professional smile:

"Hello, Mr. Lin Feng?"

Lin Feng nodded slightly, remaining silent.

The woman continued smiling:

"We learned from Lieutenant Qin you're a newly awakened superhuman? There's a temporary regulation requiring all new awakeners to register."

Lin Feng retrieved his ID card from his wallet.

The woman handed it to her colleague for registration, then asked:

"Could you demonstrate your superpower?"

Lin Feng drew his handgun, startling them into stepping back, hands reaching for their waists.

"Relax, didn't you want a demonstration?" Lin Feng said calmly, aiming at the greenery beside the highway. With a bang, an explosive bullet hit a half-meter thick tree.

The explosion severed the trunk, toppling the 20-meter tree.

The display of power awed nearby onlookers, replacing envy with fear and respect.

Physical enhancements weren't as visible, but bullet enhancements were viscerally intimidating.

The female staffer, witnessing the red flash and heat wave from the gun, felt her legs weaken, leaning against the car door, face slightly flushed, her demeanor more respectful:

"So, you've awakened superpower bullets."

"I'm Han Yuxin, a staffer from Jianghai Highway's second recruitment office. I've registered and certified you. Here's the temporary safety regulation; please keep and follow it."

"The front lines urgently need talents like you, with excellent benefits..."

Han Yuxin glanced at the woman in the driver's seat:

"Your family can use the emergency lane to reach our dining and rest area in the service zone. Please inform me if you're interested."

Lin Feng nodded, accepting the regulation booklet and his ID.

"Thank you."

Han Yuxin handed him a business card, then approached Liu Yueqi, offering less favorable terms, just a brief job description without the regulations.

Lin Feng skimmed the booklet, noting the regulations for superhuman awakeners not to misuse powers against others or civilians.

Joining the official ranks offered job advantages, like security administration or patrol duties to handle stray insect threats.

Frontline assignments offered higher rewards and faster promotions.

Enlisting in the military came with many requirements, but also stronger support, like relocating family to the rear, free weapon supplies, and substantial compensation for sacrifices.

Each option had pros and cons.

Lin Feng preferred the former, operating between the rear and front lines, for more freedom and system secrecy.

The official stance on civilian awakeners was lenient, avoiding coercion to prevent rebellion.

Voluntary principles prevailed.

Power seekers would remain at the front or battle's edge, needing kills for continued enhancement.

After reading, Lin Feng decided. When Han Yuxin returned, he agreed:

"Okay, I'll join the security bureau."

Han Yuxin seemed genuinely pleased, knowing recruiting a powerful awakener like Lin Feng earned her rewards.

"Great, we'll process it now."

Returning to the vehicle, they printed an employment ID card, handing it to Lin Feng.

"Mr. Lin, you can come with us to the temporary office in the service area now or later."

"Once you choose a position, you'll receive entry rewards, including a week's rations for three and 50 liters of fuel."

"This is your employment ID, also your emergency pass."

Lin Feng nodded, agreeing.

"Alright, I'll come by evening after handling some matters."

Watching the pickup leave, Lin Feng checked Han Yuxin's card, noting her private contact on the back.

He added her on his phone, instantly connecting.

Han Yuxin quickly messaged:

"Are you interested in the urgent mission?"

"As you guessed, it's about the frontline crisis. We need a high-quality enhanced team to harass the new insect horde, buying time for the main force to escape encirclement."

"It's not direct rescue or frontal assault against the horde."

Lin Feng replied, "Understood, I'll consider it," before closing his phone and plugging it into the car charger.

Chen Yanyan, reading the regulations, asked:

"Are you going back? Alone?"

Lin Feng shook his head; it was too dangerous with his current strength.

He needed to complete his evolution, see his awakened superpower, and bind the camper for new changes.

"Having killed a Black Spinal Bug, I need rest to complete my ninth enhancement awakening."

"It'll take about two to three hours. Watch out; if it gets dangerous, use this on the emergency lane."

Handing her the employment ID, Lin Feng entered the camper's rear.

Lying on the bed, he activated shield mode, encasing himself in Lv7 red-silver shield armor, with five uses of Absolute Defense, ensuring safety.

Ready, Lin Feng clicked the upgrade button, initiating his Lv10 upgrade, an over-tier superpower awakening.

A torrential surge of heat energy erupted from the Explosive Gun...

Engulfing Lin Feng entirely.