Chapter 605: More Normal Than Anyone
This was a suffocating topic. Their assumptions were all based on the thought processes of a normal person, but Xu Huo himself had a history of mental health treatment. No one knew his current psychological state, and after the baptism of the game, even normal people could develop problems, let alone him.
"As of now, the Special Defense Department has handled a total of seventy-two abnormal players. Most of these people were elites before entering the game—high IQ, high EQ, and strong abilities themselves. But once their mental state became unbalanced, they turned into threats instead," Minister Fan continued. "Has the analysis of the prop Xu Huo used at the club been completed?"
Jiang Qiao flipped open the documents in front of her and turned on the projector to coordinate with a video explanation. "These clips were all taken from the internet."
"First, speed. Xu Huo's speed has reached one hundred meters per second. It's unclear what his evolution rate is, but based on existing data from the Special Defense Department, it's more likely a boost from a trait or a prop that can be reused."
"Second, this sandstorm prop that destroyed the armed helicopter needs to be used away from the hand. There's a rope tied to the windmill. According to analysis, this prop may not last long, and there's a 50% chance it's afraid of water."
"Third, he has at least one prop that can melt metal. After collecting the helicopter wreckage, all metal parts were completely destroyed, while plastic, fiber, and other materials remained. Furthermore, we estimate that the usable range of this prop should be larger, and one of the conditions for use is close contact."
"Fourth, he has at least one trait or prop that can control another person's mind in a short time, which allowed him to make this gray-robed person commit suicide."
"He is wearing multiple props, and it's unclear which one it is."
"All of the above fall within the normal range of props and traits," Jiang Qiao said, pausing the video at the point where Xu Huo directly knocked over several gray-robed people. "Only this part is abnormal. According to the situation at the time, at least seven players among those surrounding him had their attention on him. They should have used traits and props simultaneously, but they didn't take effect."
"Xu Huo himself is also very aware of this. However, we estimate that the duration of this ability won't be too long, which is why he used physical force to clash head-on—to save time."
"So he can destroy weapons at will and also has a certain period of invincibility?" Team Leader Chang clicked his tongue.
"That's how it looks for now." Jiang Qiao put down the remote control. "But limited by time and number of uses, it's not hard to exhaust."
"Is there a good way to deal with that Type B pollutant?" Team Leader Lü asked again.
"No." Jiang Qiao answered very directly. "Even if our people are fully equipped, they can't achieve complete isolation. The pollutant will transfer through pores. The best way is to cut off the source."
"How do we cut it off? Don't forget he still has a space teleportation prop in his hand," Team Leader Chang said.
Minister Fan was silent for a moment before saying, "Activate the highest-level emergency plan. Evacuate the civilians around the Special Defense Department in advance, and also seal off the area to isolate the headquarters."
"Urgently mobilize elite players from various regions. Contact the three military commanders in advance to prepare for fire coverage of the headquarters area. No matter what Xu Huo and those players ultimately want to do, the Special Defense Department must be fully prepared for battle."
"We will fulfill our duties. If an irreversible situation occurs during this incident, it absolutely cannot be caused by the Special Defense Department!"
"Not just the players, every member of the Special Defense Department is a vanguard. Dare to be a vanguard, willing to be a vanguard, and must have the awareness to sacrifice for the country and the people. Our merits and faults will naturally be judged and remembered by others!"
After the brief mobilization, each team leader busied themselves with their respective tasks. Chief Fan kept Team Leader Wu and asked him to invite Xu Huo's parents and family to temporarily stay in Safe Zone One.
Team Leader Wu paused. "This is unavoidable. Why not ask Professor Tang to conduct a psychological evaluation on him? He doesn't need to be present in person—just through video materials."
Chief Fan didn't agree immediately but said, "The expert team is already conducting an evaluation. The results should be out soon."
Team Leader Wu left the meeting room. As soon as the door closed, Minister Fan made another call to urge the Information Department to speed up the deletion of related videos on the internet.
* * *
"Psychological evaluation? I think he's more normal than anyone." Nie Xuan received Team Leader Wu's call and laughed after listening. "Instead of worrying about him attacking the headquarters out of some twisted thought, it's better to catch a few more cannibal players taking advantage of the chaos."
He hung up the phone, raised his glass, and clinked it with Xu Huo's.
In the smoky hotpot restaurant, the two sat across from each other, completely unconcerned about the Special Defense Department's seriousness or the online uproar.
As for the videos on the internet that were deleted, reposted, and deleted again, Nie Xuan gave a meaningful explanation: "Players are also important national assets. The Special Defense Department will do everything to protect the country's assets."
"Some people value stability above all else." Nie Xuan didn't comment further but said, "This time, the Twin Serpents incident has little to do with the Special Defense Department."
Xu Huo nodded and brought up the mist zone.
"It should be a new energy zone," Nie Xuan said. "Several such places have appeared. The specific changes involve mutations in plants and animals, with a wide range, mainly in forested areas. The detailed results haven't been announced yet, but a few mutated elements effective against terminal illnesses have been discovered inside."
"That's good news."
"It's considered good news." Nie Xuan smiled. "But now, many local hospitals can't even operate."
"There will always be a day of stability." Xu Huo took a sip of his drink. "There are plenty of such stable places in the game."
"It looks like you've been to some good places." Nie Xuan refilled his own glass. "My luck hasn't been great. I've been to places where people don't act like people."
Xu Huo gave a thumbs up. "Your humor has improved."
Nie Xuan laughed heartily. After a few jokes, he shifted the topic to the prop shop that had appeared in Zone 014. "Not just domestically, but overseas too. The ore sent by the Special Defense Department didn't meet the trading standards. I wonder if any other players have traded with them."
Xu Huo chuckled softly. "We're all familiar here, so no need to beat around the bush. The Special Defense Department has to be able to offer the right terms."
"The detox fungus isn't under my jurisdiction." Nie Xuan wiped his mouth. "But I've recently obtained a few good props. If you're interested, we can trade."
"It's actually simple. What they want to exchange is a new type of energy ore, one of the raw materials for making props and certain advanced weapons." Xu Huo put down his glass. "This isn't hard to find out in other districts."
Nie Xuan wasn't surprised and waited for him to continue. "So what's the real value?"
"I suspect that the energy ore is related to the origin of the dimensional rift game." Xu Huo tapped his finger on the glass tabletop, which reflected both their faces.
(Chapter End)