Chapter 28: The Photograph

[THOUGHT CORNER]

According to existing research, once a "Thought Corner" is formed, the most significant physiological change in the brain occurs in the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland, located within this region, becomes the central hub for the formation of the Corner and serves as the source of all induction.

It is capable of receiving "whispers" from the Corner, magnifying an individual’s obsessive pursuit of desire, providing relatively sophisticated deceptive counsel, and systematically inducing a human to transform into the very "thing" they fear most.

When a "Pseudoman" is defeated, killed, and its brain structure harvested, the pituitary gland loses its host brain and becomes inert. Humans can then utilize these "Corner-ized pituitary glands" to obtain things that modern technology cannot provide. This is one of the primary reasons why the world has focused its attention here, leading to massive migrations to these areas.

"Corner-ization of tools" is the most common application, as well as the safest one with the least impact on the individual. Simply put, it involves combining an extracted pituitary gland with a physical object. For instance, sealing a pituitary gland within crystal or metal to form a "ring," or grinding it down and integrating it into specific fabrics to create clothing, gloves, or hats. Once combined, the corresponding "Corner trait" is activated. The effects provided by these traits are unattainable by current technology and are highly effective in countering Pseudomen and abnormal events. They are also essential items for subsequent exploration of the Corners.

Of course, one must always remain vigilant when using such items. If you hear whispers emanating from the tool or feel as though your body is being invaded by a foreign object, you must immediately go to a local hospital for a comprehensive examination. Side effects are more likely to appear in minors or adolescents still in developmental stages, potentially causing a normal teenager to fall into total corruption, eventually birthing a brand-new Corner within their mind.

This is precisely why the Class Monitor is worried.

Currently, this pituitary gland, harvested from a zombie-type Pseudoman, is of a very low grade, belonging to an entry-level class. However, due to the special "Carcinogenic Mutation" tag, this pituitary is highly suitable for integration with external tools; it requires no pre-processing and retains the essence of the gland to the greatest extent. The tool being combined is a mountain knife used for decapitating zombies, which still bears traces of dark, dried zombie blood and brain matter.

*Click!*

The glass container holding the zombie’s head was opened by Director Wang, who inserted brain forceps into the nasal cavity.

With practiced speed, *squelch*—an ovoid, pitch-black tissue was extracted, coated in corrupted brain fluid. The pituitary gland, which should have been dull, now emitted an eerie, black luster. Upon seeing it, all four young people felt a strange sensation of being watched, as if the "Corner" resided within that very object.

Director Wang carefully placed the pituitary gland onto the mountain knife. Without any extra manipulation, the moment it touched the blade, the pituitary seemed to have found its desired host and began to proliferate rapidly, fueled by its "carcinogenic" properties.

Pitch-black neural tendrils spread rapidly across the surface of the blade, weaving a complex web that eventually covered the entire weapon. Moreover, a skin-like structure began to sprout between the neural networks, covering the metal with the same ash-colored skin found on zombies. The mountain knife, once a cold weapon, now appeared revitalized; one could even see individual nerves writhing on the surface of the blade. The pituitary gland itself pulsed, shifting until it settled between the hilt and the blade, embedding itself as a fixing stud.

With that, the transformation ceased. A mountain knife covered in zombie skin and neural networks lay before them. This was a "Corner-ized Tool."

While the others watched the knife with caution, Luo Di had already straightened up, his hand reaching out impatiently. Such unhesitating behavior surprised Director Wang, who was sitting across from him. He glanced at Luo Di’s eyes—they were filled with interest, determination, and a sense of possessiveness. Director Wang withdrew the "isolation gloves" he had intended to give the boy for his first contact, deciding to let Luo Di make direct contact instead.

*Smack!*

Luo Di’s hand grasped the hilt, his five fingers curling firmly around it. Director Wang surreptitiously started a timer; if no abnormal erosion occurred within one minute, it would mean Luo Di was capable of wielding this item.

Tendrils of Yin energy were immediately released, staining the palm holding the knife. One could even see individual nerves leaping from the hilt and climbing onto his hand. This erosion made everyone present tense. Director Wang began counting down in his mind; if there was no sign of the erosion receding after ten seconds, he would be forced to reclaim the item.

10, 9... 3, 2...

Just as the final second was about to expire, *tck*—Luo Di casually and effortlessly clicked his tongue.

As the sound echoed through the room, the nerves clinging to his palm gradually retracted, and Luo Di’s hand returned to its normal, healthy color.

*Clatter!*

A chair fell heavily to the ground as Anna collapsed, clutching the Class Monitor’s pant leg as if suffering from a bout of PTSD. Luo Di, however, remained undistracted, staring intently at the knife in his hand, experimenting with chopping and slicing. The feel of the swing was strange—a sense of adherence he had never experienced before. It was as if the blade could self-regulate, significantly improving the sensation of the swing; it felt heavier and more aggressive.

Luo Di asked the question he cared about most: "Director Wang, can this thing slice those incorporeal Pseudomen?"

"Yes, it can."

"Good!"

Director Wang offered an approving look. "It seems you have fully adapted to this tool. For the next six months, starting today, you are required to come here every weekend for an adaptation check. Also, here is a complimentary 'container.' Whenever you are not using it, you must keep the tool inside this container to avoid affecting others."

Luo Di did not see Director Wang or the staff bring out a "container," but he quickly realized, staring at the white cloth strips that had been used to wrap the mountain knife earlier. Sniffing carefully, he could detect the scent of preservatives emanating from the bandages.

"Is it this?"

"It is a treated 'shroud.' It can effectively suppress corpse-type Pseudomen; once wrapped, it effectively curbs the influence of the pituitary gland. If the shroud becomes damaged or lost, you can come to us to apply for a new one at any time, though you may need to pay a small processing fee."

"I will keep it safe."

Luo Di wrapped the blade with the shroud and placed it into his bag.

With this, the Jupiter City Research Bureau’s compensation for the incident was complete. The four young people left one after another, heading to the restaurant recommended by the Class Monitor for a victory feast (Anna chose to delay her compensation until after graduation).

In the pure white room, Director Wang remained in his seat, seemingly lost in thought. A staff member was wiping away the "stains" left on the table with a cleaning agent. After finishing, the young employee, who had only recently joined, could not help but ask:

"Director, this is the first time I’ve seen a minor master a Corner-ized tool through 'direct contact'."

"Yes. Do not report his information to the higher-ups yet, otherwise, they might come to our city to snatch him away, which would interfere with Luo Di’s current life. Of course, I will likely be criticized for such a risky approach. Once his condition is completely stable, we can supplement this information after he advances to the next grade level next year."

"Understood."

...

[Auntie’s Hot Pot]

Inside a private room of a comprehensive chain hot pot restaurant:

"Cheers!"

Glasses filled with coconut milk clinked together.

"Congratulations to us for getting through the practical test without any major mishaps and receiving an S-grade rating across the board! And congratulations to our class’s own Luo Di for obtaining his very own 'tool' while still a minor!"

The Class Monitor was a far cry from her ladylike image at school; she appeared exceptionally excited. The flush on her face from eating chili made her look as if she were drunk, and she quickly set the lively tone for the evening. Even the Vice Class Monitor, Gao Yuxuan, who was often her partner, was seeing her like this for the first time.

"Wenwen, you just got out of the hospital, eat less chili."

Facing Anna’s reminder, Wu Wen continued to shove freshly scalded tripe into her mouth. While chewing, she pulled at the collar of her elastic short-sleeved school uniform, exposing her entire shoulder. Gao Yuxuan averted his gaze immediately.

Unlike him, Luo Di, who had been staring at the hot pot, turned his gaze toward her, his eyes focusing. He could clearly see a white scar extending toward the upper part of her chest. It must have been treated with a new medical technology; the wound had fully healed with no side effects.

"Don't worry! I only checked out after all the inflammation had subsided. It’s rare to have an opportunity like this, so I’m not going to worry about it. Tonight, we just eat to our heart's content!"

Anna quickly pulled Wu Wen’s clothing back up and glared fiercely at Luo Di, who was still staring from across the table.

"By the way, Anna, didn't you want to test your strength against Luo Di? Now that everyone is relaxed, I want to see who is stronger."

Luo Di, who was holding a quail egg, was about to refuse, but then he seemed to think of something and nodded in agreement.

"Huh? You’re really doing it?"

This time, it was Anna who seemed surprised. She probably understood Luo Di’s personality well and expected him to decline with some excuse.

Luo Di had already put down his bowl and chopsticks and placed his right arm on the table. This action instantly activated the family bloodline within Anna. She entered her "zone" immediately, her focused eyes identical to those she had when facing the zombies.

"A real strength test! I have to record this epic battle!"

The Class Monitor hurriedly switched her watch to photo mode and enabled the selfie function. She framed the two of them arm-wrestling in the center, while she squeezed into the edge of the frame, revealing just her head and making a peace sign. Gao Yuxuan retreated to the back of his seat, holding his dipping sauce filled with soy products, watching the duel intently.

*Click~*

The shutter pressed, and electric currents passed through the photosensitive material, replicating the colors of reality into precise pixels. The first photo was taken.

Immediately following, both people at the table exerted their full strength. Since their palms were more or less stained with oil, and both were giving it their all, the force exceeded the friction between their hands.

Their hands slipped, and the massive inertia caused their arms to slam against the table and the edge of the hot pot. The Class Monitor was so startled that she accidentally pressed the shutter button again, capturing the scene.

Looking at the school uniforms stained red with hot pot oil and checking that their skin hadn't been burned, a burst of laughter suddenly erupted in the private room. This laughter seemed to have a magical quality, spreading outward and sparking even more laughter. Even Luo Di followed suit, smiling and laughing aloud.