Deep Within the Living-Chapter 27: The Item

The class leader was the first to make her decision regarding the compensation.
“My family definitely wouldn’t allow me to take unnecessary risks before graduating. I’ll choose the first option. There’s no expiration on it anyway, so if something ever happens to my body, I can get a precision prosthetic replacement for free. That’s pretty good.”
“I’ll pick the first option too,” Gao Yuxuan added, pointing to the same choice. His left arm was already a prosthetic, albeit a basic model. If it ever got damaged or malfunctioned, he could directly go to the Research Bureau for a higher-quality replacement.
Prosthetics had become quite popular among professionals in companies and government agencies, offering a risk-free way to handle various [Anomaly] events. More importantly, Gao Yuxuan knew he wasn’t a “genius” and couldn’t afford to take unnecessary risks at his current age.
When it was Anna’s turn, she showed no interest in prosthetics. Her family, a staunch group of carnivorous traditionalists, prided themselves on preserving their natural bodies. To her, flesh and blood were in no way inferior to metal.
She also had little use for the Research Bureau placement or the cash reward. That left only the fourth option.
“Can I first undergo your compatibility test? If it doesn’t work out, I’ll pick something else.”
“Of course,” Director Wang confirmed.
Finally, it was Luo Di’s turn. Resting his chin on his crossed hands, he hesitated. He knew little about these items, but after the unexpected incident during practice, he realized he needed something extraordinary—something that could help him handle similar situations in the future.
“If I choose the fourth option, can I get an item suited for [Exorcism], or one that works against incorporeal [Anomalies]?”
“Yes, we have such items.”
“Then I’ll pick the fourth option.”
After Luo Di made his choice, Director Wang rubbed his nose thoughtfully.
“My apologies for not clarifying earlier. We only have one ‘entry-level’ item available here. Since both of you have chosen it, we’ll conduct compatibility tests on the spot. Whoever scores higher will receive the item.”
“Alright!” Anna replied enthusiastically. Although she didn’t particularly need the item, the chance to compete with Luo Di was exciting enough for her. She even began flexing her biceps in a playful display.
After a short wait, a staff member entered the room carrying a sealed metal box. Instinctively, the class leader and Gao Yuxuan scooted their chairs back, and even Anna leaned away slightly.
Director Wang reassured them, “Don’t worry. If the item is here, it means we’ve already taken the necessary precautions. There’s no risk of radiation or harmful effects.”
When the metal box was opened, it revealed a transparent glass container with a specialized structure inside. The so-called “item” was sealed within.
As the item was unveiled, everyone froze in shock.
They recognized it immediately. The familiar stench faintly emanating from it brought their minds back to the hill outside the city just days ago.
It was a [Zombie] head, rotting, sinister, stitched together, and diseased—the very one they had worked together to decapitate during their practice session. The head, which Luo Di had later sliced into four parts, had been restored by the Research Bureau.
The glass container wasn’t completely sealed. Its top featured a funnel-like opening connected by internal tubing to the zombie’s mouth.
“You’re lucky,” Director Wang said, “Although you destroyed the head, the most critical part—the pituitary gland—remained intact.
“Usually, the research facility would fully restore this zombie for continued use in future simulated practices. However, considering your exceptional performance and the factors we discussed earlier, we decided to convert this zombie’s pituitary gland into an item for you.”
The class leader raised a question: “Do you have information on the zombie’s origin and timeline?”
“Of course.”
Director Wang pulled out a file from his inner jacket. It included a black-and-white headshot, resembling an ID photo.
Name: Li Xuantong
Age: 46
Background: Originally a carpenter immigrant. Later lived without formal employment, working as a fortune teller across various areas in Jupiter City. At 45, he was diagnosed with late-stage brain cancer. In his despair, a [Corner of Thought] manifested.
Corner Duration: 0.4 years (Camouflage Phase)
Fear Manifestation (Anomaly): Zombie
Capture and Usage:
Patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses are placed under close surveillance, receiving more frequent and precise psychological evaluations.
Li Xuantong was detected during his 13th evaluation. Attempting to escape, he was killed. His body was transported to the Jupiter City Research Bureau and modified for use in simulated practices. The event difficulty level ranged between three and five stars.
The class leader skimmed the and offered her analysis:
“A ‘Camouflage Phase’ Impersonator with less than six months’ duration—this is a low-level [Anomaly]. Its strength wouldn’t surpass that of an ordinary person by much. It only took four months to expose itself. This guy wasn’t particularly capable.
“As for the ‘entry-level’ item derived from him, it seems tailored for beginners, minimizing risks. But since he had brain cancer when his [Corner of Thought] emerged, wouldn’t there be some kind of synergy? Wouldn’t that increase the risk?”
Director Wang nodded.
“You’re correct. His illness influenced the pituitary gland’s [Corner of Thought], making his ‘fear manifestation’ more developed yet more prone to exposure.
“Manifesting as a zombie within just four months is extremely rare. Additionally, he possessed impressive physical strength—a standard 9mm bullet couldn’t kill him.
“We’ve tested the item’s risk levels. While the pituitary gland retains some cancerous properties, these traits aren’t infectious and actually enhance the creation of external-use items.”
Turning to Luo Di and Anna, he continued, “Now, let’s begin the compatibility test.”
Sterilized surgical knives were handed to Luo Di and Anna.
“The test is simple,” explained the staff. “Each of you will prick your fingertip and let a single drop of blood fall into the zombie head’s mouth. The device will then display an activity index for the head. The higher the index, the better the compatibility.”
“I’ll go first!” Anna declared.
She decisively cut her finger and let a drop of blood fall into the funnel at the top of the container.
As the blood traveled down the tubing and entered the zombie’s mouth, the anticipated “resurrection” scene didn’t occur. Instead, a small amount of flesh grew near its split lips, and two strands of hair appeared.
Simultaneously, a number lit up on the container’s surface:
[63.2]
The yellow display indicated that her compatibility had barely passed the threshold.
“Not bad,” Anna remarked, as Director Wang reset the container.
Luo Di then cut his finger, letting a single drop of blood fall into the funnel.
At first, there was no reaction as the blood entered the zombie’s mouth. The display remained blank, and Director Wang gestured for everyone to wait patiently.
About a minute passed.
Crack—huff!
The zombie’s jaw suddenly loosened, and the head inhaled deeply as though coming back to life. However, since it only had a single drop of blood, the signs of revival quickly faded. Moments later, a number appeared on the display:
[91.2]
The green-colored result signified excellence.
“Congratulations!” Anna exclaimed, surprisingly relieved to see a score higher than her own.
Director Wang pinched the bridge of his nose and remarked, “As expected. During the practice session, you spent the most time engaging with the zombie, had the highest level of physical contact, and were the one to deliver the killing blow. On top of that, you were infected by the corpse poison.
“This zombie’s [Corner of Thought] has quietly been observing you. Achieving a compatibility score above 90 means the item will be easy for you to accept and should allow you to fully utilize its capabilities.”
“What’s next?” Luo Di asked eagerly, a rare spark of interest flashing in his eyes.
Director Wang motioned to a staff member, who retrieved an item that had been tightly wrapped in special fabric.
When unwrapped, it turned out to be the [Machete] Luo Di had used during the practice session to decapitate the zombie.
“‘From the same broth, make the same meal.’ If you’d prefer to use another weapon combined with the zombie’s pituitary gland, that’s an option. However, the efficiency won’t match what you’d get with this machete.
“As for the chainsaw you previously used, it’s too damaged to repair on-site. If you’re willing to wait a few days, we can fix it. Ultimately, it’s your choice. If you go with the machete, we can start the process immediately.”
“I’ll take this one,” Luo Di said decisively.
He stared at the machete, which had accompanied him through the grueling practice session, its silhouette reminiscent of the weapons wielded by characters in action films. His mind was already racing with images of what the final item would look like after the fusion.