"Type of ability? Level?"

The guards did not notice anything strange about Jiang Xue and continued with their routine questioning.

"Level... hasn't been tested yet, mutated ice-type ability," Yu Ling said.

"Alright, after 3 hours of observation in the quarantine area, you can enter the base. After that, staff will take you to the Superpower Association to report and take a level test."

The guard quickly scribbled down the notes, then deftly put away the documents, gesturing to Yu Ling in the direction of the quarantine area.

“I’ll go with her.”

"Oh? Sure. You two will get there faster this way," the guard said.

Logically speaking, someone as important as Jiang Xue shouldn't need to be observed in the quarantine area like ordinary members, but she was worried about Yu Ling being alone.

Besides, that mutated ice-type ability... how come she's never heard of it before?

The superpowers in this world are very down-to-earth. Besides the natural elements like metal, wood, water, fire, earth, lightning, and thunder, there are also awakened abilities like strength, speed, and spirit, as well as special abilities like healing and space. There aren't any more fantastical settings yet.

The ice-type ability that Yu Ling invented can be arguably categorized as a natural-type ability.

The original owner was actually a wood-type ability user, only able to grow some vegetables or control some low-level mutated plants. He was not good at fighting, and his crystal core had indeed been destroyed by Jiang Xue before Yu Ling possessed him.

Therefore, Yu Ling should theoretically be just an ordinary person without any special abilities right now.

But this is not the safe world where food was still relatively plentiful. As long as the male and female protagonists' murderous intent is eliminated, they can survive.

This is an apocalyptic world where everyone who is alive is put to use and human resources are highly valued.

Without some skills to rely on, sooner or later those in power will throw them out to do dangerous work and use them as cannon fodder. Especially since his identity is that of a notorious villain, the culprit behind the zombie crisis.

Having reviewed the original owner's memories, Yu Ling knew very well that this fact could not be erased. Therefore, she dared not gamble on whether Jiang Xue could guarantee her safety if she failed to achieve any results in a short period of time.

However, she wasn't just putting on a brave face. Her true form was an ice crystal tree spirit, naturally compatible with all cold energy bodies. Although the rules of this world did not allow supernatural powers and spells, she should be able to barely mobilize the world's inherent energy to create some ice.

Even if she were to use it for combat, it would depend on whether the possessed body could withstand it. Given the original owner's dilapidated body... well, it's a long story. That's why she didn't waste energy fighting zombies.

The original owner always carried several high-level zombie crystal cores with her, which were readily available energy for her to use.

Jiang Xue followed behind Yu Ling with a cold face.

Inside the quarantine area, the two sat facing each other in a corner. Jiang Xue finally couldn't contain her doubts and questioned them:

"Aren't you a wood-type ability user? I clearly destroyed your ability myself. So, how did this mutated ice-type ability of yours appear?"

"Ugh, there's no such thing as a mutated ice-type ability."

Yu Ling curled the corners of her lips into a smile.

"It's just a hoax. I can't possibly enter the base as an ordinary person, can I?"

“You’re lying? There’s no need for that. I will recommend you for a position at the research institute established by the base. You’re really overstepping your bounds.”

As an S-level powerhouse, Jiang Xue could easily send someone to the base.

"Me? Joining your research institute? Can you trust me? Or... are you planning to tell the base commander my identity?"

Yu Ling shook her head, not agreeing with Jiang Xue's arrangements for her.

She didn't possess the original owner's skills to begin with. Even if she retained muscle memory, inheriting and integrating knowledge would take time. She didn't want to expose herself so quickly, so she decided to conduct her research secretly as a combatant.

Jiang Xue was momentarily speechless. She hadn't considered this aspect yet, but this person's identity was indeed a problem. The base chief would definitely take him in, but it was more likely that he would use threats to coerce him.

Based on her observations of Yu Ling's behavior so far, she doesn't seem like someone who would be easily controlled by others.

“I respect your opinion, but don’t forget that you are now in the base. You know what the consequences would be if I were to publicize your past deeds.”

Staring at Yu Ling's expressionless face, Jiang Xue said in a solemn tone,

"I don't care whether you are a so-called superhuman or not. You must join my team. If you don't agree, I will have no choice but to put you in the base's prison. Believe me, I have that right."

"Okay, don't worry, I'll listen to you."

Yu Ling's tone was enigmatic, and the darkness in her eyes concealed her true feelings.

Soon, the three-hour observation period ended, and Jiang Xue led Yu Ling, who had received her identity token, to the mission hall, where the ability level testing station was located.

"Welcome to the Testing Department, esteemed esper. Due to limited energy detection equipment, this test will be conducted using combat simulation. Please follow me."

Upon entering and seeing Yu Ling's unfamiliar face, the tester quickly understood, picked up the recording equipment, and guided Yu Ling to the spacious testing room built of high-density metal.

Yu Ling glanced at Jiang Xue, who was standing outside the door with the inspector through the special bulletproof glass window, looking deeply wary, and sighed inwardly.

It won't do to be feared as soon as we reveal a little strength... Maybe we should hold back this time.

If she provokes someone and they feel they are in danger, her severely injured body will be unable to withstand an S-level lightning strike for the time being.

As soon as the door closed, and with the tester's command to begin, Yu Ling... she didn't move.

Three minutes have passed...

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!