However, no matter what, Duan Chen never expected that the next time he would obtain a peculiar sample would come so soon.
"Bang!"
The door was suddenly violently pushed open, and Xiao Li, wearing headphones, rushed in, her face tense and anxious.
"Bad news, Officer Duan, an emergency situation has occurred. A distress signal was detected, but it only lasted for a moment before going dead."
Duan Chen, who had been resting with his eyes closed on the sofa, immediately opened them upon hearing this. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"The distress signal was cut off in an instant?"
"Did you confirm with the other party if it was a false alarm?"
Xiao Li's face was grim.
She spoke.
"I confirmed with them if it was a false alarm, but no one answered when I called."
Xiao Li clutched her phone tightly.
She had even used her personal phone to call, but it was useless. Whether it was her personal phone or the guild's official line, all she got was a busy signal.
Did they hear it and refuse to answer, or were they genuinely unable to connect?
Xiao Li was very worried about the worst-case scenario.
"While this may not be enough to definitively classify it as an emergency, the recent situation has been very unfavorable. I fear a powerful anomaly may have emerged, and we need you to go out again."
She looked at Duan Chen pleadingly. By all rights, Duan Chen should be on leave after completing such a massive task.
However, the available personnel were truly scarce, and Bai Ye was already out on another mission and hadn't returned. The other agents were all inexperienced greenhorns.
If the matter were handed over to them, there would be a concern about them being lost on this mission.
A commanding officer was still needed to lead the team, making Duan Chen, the only one remaining in the bureau, an indispensable choice.
Long Yi, who was sitting nearby instead of training his abilities, couldn't help but look puzzled upon hearing this.
"Did this happen within our jurisdiction in Su City?"
"That shouldn't be the case," Wang Zihao pointed out the anomaly incisively.
Tian Xi Meng, fiddling with a mechanical doll in her hand, offered a casual assessment of Xiao Li's words.
"Indeed, it shouldn't be here. Su City was just purged clean not long ago; a new anomaly shouldn't have appeared so quickly."
The group exchanged glances and spoke in unison.
"Unless the method of anomaly generation has undergone further changes."
That's right, unless the method of anomaly generation had changed, there absolutely wouldn't be an anomaly capable of endangering and triggering a distress signal within Su City at this time.
It was also unlikely to be a resident accidentally triggering the distress signal, as choosing not to cancel or respond to a distress signal promptly would be akin to filing a false report.
No one could bear such legal responsibility.
Therefore, something must have happened.
But this was precisely what was baffling everyone.
How could such a serious matter occur at this point in time?
Duan Chen stroked his chin, paying close attention to the matter.
"If that's the case, then this distress signal warrants our serious attention."
"Are we deploying, instructor?" Long Yi suddenly became excited.
Logically speaking, only three days had passed since they concluded the Yinshan Village mission. During these three days, they had been confined to the guild. He felt as if mushrooms were growing all over him; everyone could only stay put, either training or on their way to training, bored to the point of molding.
The opportunity to go out for some fresh air was most welcome.
Although undertaking missions carried a certain degree of danger, it couldn't possibly be more dangerous than the peril they had previously faced.
Such a risk was unlikely to recur in the short term.
Therefore, based on their individual self-preservation capabilities, there shouldn't be any issues.
Despite appearing foolish, Long Yi was quite clear-headed about such matters.
Faced with his excitement, Duan Chen hesitated for only a moment before agreeing.
"Alright."
He agreed, but as he saw the elation on their faces, Duan Chen poured a bucket of cold water on them.
"However, there's no need for such a grand mobilization. Only half of you will accompany me. The rest will remain at the guild to handle other emergencies."
As soon as this was said, the five of them deflated like battered eggplants, looking at each other with hostility in their eyes.
Wang Zihao spoke first.
He calmly analyzed his abilities, his tone full of a sense of inevitability.
"My ability should be somewhat useful. If the method of anomaly generation has indeed undergone further changes, then my ability will likely be needed for recording."
Duan Chen nodded in agreement, pointing a finger at Wang Zihao.
Wang Zihao's ability was indeed very useful. Bringing him along would save a lot of trouble.
"I should be useful in any situation," Long Yi's tone was full of confidence as he conjured flames that rose steadily.
Indeed.
Duan Chen nodded again in agreement.
While Duan Chen could replicate Long Yi's abilities, there was no need to idly copy another's power to replace his own in such a situation.
Fire-based abilities generally possessed strong combat power and high explosive damage.
If a more intense battle were to break out, having Long Yi present would provide him with considerable assistance.
Duan Chen pointed a finger at Long Yi, indicating his approval.
Long Yi's face immediately lit up with excitement.
Without waiting for anyone else to speak, Duan Chen took the initiative to select another person.
"Let's add one more. Tian Xi Meng, you'll come with me."
Tian Xi Meng was slightly taken aback, not expecting to be singled out. However, being able to go out was good, even though she didn't particularly care about such things.
"Yes, instructor."
Xiao Li let out a sigh of relief.
She instinctively felt that since Duan Chen was willing to take on the matter, she had nothing to worry about. The hand supporting the doorframe fell away, and a smile involuntarily spread across her face.
"Emergency deployment, everyone, move out immediately!"
Duan Chen, however, was not so optimistic.