6: Recruiting

【Diluted Potential Stimulation Potion】

Effect: Extremely low probability of awakening the latent special abilities of creatures under low-level world rules.

Concentration: One percent.

Composition: Water (gaseous), Star Core debris, Super Psionic Crystal fragments...

Current mastery: 0% (Cannot be manufactured).

Requirements: 《Advanced Genetics, 《Reasonable Range Inference of Psionic Influence on Potential》...

"What is this!"

Zhang Huaiyuan felt the information suddenly feedback into his mind, his heart jolting in surprise.

He subconsciously raised his head, his gaze meeting that of Doke, the Transcendent Association manager watching from above.

【Doke】

Classification: Carbon-based lifeform.

Ability mastered: Gluttonous Desire — Physical enhancement type; can convert a portion of most energy-containing objects consumed into his own strength.

Negative effect: Excessive consumption leads to permanent, irreversible changes in body size, and overly frequent eating causes residual substances to remain in the body.

Ability level: Intermediate.

extraordinary level: A.

"Could this be the ability I awakened? Being able to see other people's information?"

After two consecutive feedbacks, Zhang Huaiyuan had already calmed down.

"No... that's not all. I seem to be able to see the composition of items as well."

Thinking back to the awakening potion he saw earlier, Zhang Huaiyuan's heart stirred inexplicably.

A diluted potential stimulation potion meant there were high-concentration potential potions, right?

No wonder the success rate was so low—it was watered down!

Wait...

Could it be that the Imperial Transcendent Association did this on purpose, just to squeeze more money out of extraordinary awakenings!

"It seems to be an unknown ability... I didn't sense any accompanying physical enhancement, so it's likely below intermediate level. But since it's a Mystery-type ability, there might still be a turning point."

At this moment, the two managers above noticed that the awakening was complete. They frowned slightly but still spoke:

"Zhang Huaiyuan... that is your name, right?"

"Yes, my lords."

Hearing the question, Zhang Huaiyuan had to pause his research on the ability and bowed in response.

"Hmm... you are gifted, little brother. You actually awakened an extraordinary ability on your first try, and it's a Mystery-type one at that."

"Thanks to the blessings of you two lords and Lord An."

Zhang Huaiyuan maintained a respectful attitude.

After all, these three were all ability users of A-level or higher; they could crush him with a flick of their fingers.

"Hehe..."

Seeing the other party's respectful attitude, Doke laughed with satisfaction and continued: "I am one of the three second-level deacons of the Imperial Transcendent Association stationed on Blackstone Star. Besides being responsible for the awakening ceremony, I am also tasked with recruiting talent for the Empire and recording unknown extraordinary abilities."

"I wonder if you would be willing to tell us the effect of your awakened ability, little brother? That way, I can help you complete your ability rating."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's gaze focused on Zhang Huaiyuan once again.

Mystery-type abilities were strange and varied; many were not in the known sequence, and some even had the power to destroy the world. Therefore, timely recording and control were also one of the important duties of the Transcendent Association.

"My lord, my ability is that it can..."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded and was about to speak when his peripheral vision suddenly caught the transparent crystal ball object being toyed with by the other deacon.

【Advanced Lie Detector】

Effect: Identifies authenticity to a certain degree...

"My ability is that it can help me analyze and master the knowledge I want to learn faster."

Zhang Huaiyuan's expression remained unchanged as he spoke ambiguously.

Although he had transmigrated to this world for five years, the mentality of "keeping an ace up his sleeve" had been carved into his bones.

Moreover, an ability that could see through reality was easily likely to arouse suspicion in others.

It was obvious that if the Empire knew he could see through the composition of potential potions, at best he would be imprisoned permanently, and at worst, he would be terminated on the spot.

It was better to hold something back.

Upon hearing this, the two deacons looked at the crystal ball simultaneously, which was flickering with a pale green light—this represented the truth.

"So it's just a learning-type ability..."

The two exchanged glances, feeling somewhat uninterested.

Within the Imperial Research Institute, there were countless geniuses; such learning-type abilities were simply too ordinary, not even qualifying for an intermediate rating.

But then again, there weren't that many talented youths in the world.

"Two lords, I wonder if I might have the honor of joining the Empire."

Zhang Huaiyuan looked at the two men's expressions, his heart skipping a beat.

Undoubtedly, joining the Empire was the best choice, but it seemed the ability he revealed did not meet their standards.

"Your ability is quite good. After a period of learning and growth, perhaps you might reach the standard for the Empire's exceptional admission."

It was still the bloated deacon, Doke, who spoke.

Although his words were polite, the intention of rejection was overflowing.

"Since the Empire doesn't think much of me, then I won't stand on ceremony."

Before Zhang Huaiyuan could feel dejected, he heard a resonant and powerful voice from behind him.

He saw one of the leaders of Dark Annihilation, "Lord An," looking at him calmly and saying: "Would you be willing to join my An Mie Mercenary Corps?"

"I am willing, thank you for your favor, my lord."

Without much consideration, Zhang Huaiyuan immediately agreed.

Since the Empire was unwilling to take him in, joining Dark Annihilation was the best choice at the moment.

As one of the five major forces on Blackstone Star, having the status of a Dark Annihilation member provided at least a great guarantee of safety.

"Hmm. After matters here are settled, return to the Dark Annihilation base with me. You can take this time to consolidate the ability you've acquired."

Seeing the other party nod, "Lord An" relaxed his expression slightly and instructed.

"Understood, thank you, my lord."

Seeing this scene, the others who were still waiting for their awakening couldn't help but cast envious gazes.

Being exceptionally admitted by the Empire was already a rarity, and being able to join a powerful mercenary corps like "Dark Annihilation" was already a stroke of luck that most people could only dream of.

"Father, it's just an ordinary learning-type ability, why..."

An Wu, who was to the side, asked softly with some curiosity.

"I have my own considerations."

"Lord An" dismissed him indifferently, his gaze sweeping over Zhang Huaiyuan, who had stood behind him, recalling the information his subordinate had just submitted.

Five years ago, he was redeemed from an Imperial transport convoy by an entry-level Star Mechanic.

Later, he encountered the mercenary squad "Wild Wolf," who killed and looted. He luckily escaped, became a drifter, and self-taught some Star Mechanic knowledge, making a living by performing modifications for some third-rate mercenary squads.

According to incomplete statistics:

"Hip-fire large-magazine sniper rifle"...

"High-magnification scope burst-fire pistol"...

"Rainbow Laser"...

These unique modification plans all came from this person's hands.

Being able to self-study and become an apprentice-level Star Mechanic without systematic training could already be considered outstanding talent, let alone now that he had awakened a learning-type extraordinary ability.

In the future, he was very likely to grow into a senior or even a Master-level Star Mechanic.

By then, his help to the entire Dark Annihilation would be no less than that of an ordinary A-level ability user; he was completely worth cultivating.

Besides... he had a vague feeling in his heart.

The Mystery-type ability shouldn't be that simple.