Standing before the towering Enforcement Department building, Cyrus felt she had gone from the tiger's den straight into the wolf's lair.

That morning, she had emerged from the safe house's secret passage into the city's sprawling sewer system, climbing out of a manhole in an alley a block away before catching the hover train.

Blackwater City, a coastal metropolis, boasted an extensive drainage system wide enough for two racing cars to drive side by side. The recent torrential rains had raised the water levels, but with the rain ceasing, they were now receding.

To avoid the stench of the sewers clinging to her, Cyrus had Argentum accompany her, creating a water barrier to keep the odors at bay and clear a path through the murky waters to her destination.

"I feel like following you has made me discover all sorts of new uses for my powers," Argentum commented wistfully.

From washing dishes and watering plants to mopping floors and now blocking odors, Cyrus had indeed found innovative ways to utilize his supernatural abilities.

After disembarking the train, Argentum departed, and Cyrus received a message from Red at dawn, advising her to go to work as usual and not to worry about being exposed by a traitor—he had found a lead.

Cyrus's decision to go to work wasn't based on Red's assurance but on the necessity of choice.

If she avoided work and disappeared, the Enforcement Department would become suspicious. If last night's mastermind was an undercover agent from the Enforcement Department, they could deduce her true identity from her absence. Then, suspicion would turn to certainty, and she'd have no choice but to take the risk.

In Mechanism Dawn, Cyrus was a core member, but she was unsure of her true value and standing within the organization. Was her life more important, or was her undercover identity and the intelligence she provided more critical? Would Mechanism Dawn sacrifice her life for the latter?

If Cyrus's value solely lay in her undercover identity, then losing that meant losing her worth. A valueless person wouldn't be regarded highly and would be discarded by the organization.

Cyrus was aware of Mechanism Dawn's iron-fisted ruthlessness; she couldn't afford to be deemed worthless.

As for fleeing, Cyrus had considered it but couldn't bring herself to act on it.

Her biological information, her accounts, everything about her was in Mechanism Dawn's grasp. Swordwood had escaped the psychiatric hospital, but in a society highly advanced in technology, he was virtually trapped. Surveillance eyes watched over the city, high-tech devices searched for his trace, and with his accounts frozen in a cashless society, he couldn't even afford food.

Through Swordwood's experience, Cyrus could anticipate the predicament she would face if she fled.

Besides, she would face assassination attempts. Argentum, though naive, was also a competent assassin. His obedience stemmed from Cyrus being his superior and a core member of Mechanism Dawn. If she fled, Argentum would not spare her; he would transform from a useful tool into a blade aimed at her.

Being an intern security officer and a member of Mechanism Dawn—these two identities were Cyrus's umbrellas in the second world.

Until she had the power to protect herself, she needed to maintain her identities and play the roles expected of her.

"Welcome back, Intern Enforcement Officer Cyrus," Adam greeted her as she entered the building, as he always did.

"Good morning, Cyrus," Lan Lan said from behind her.

"Morning, Lan Lan," Cyrus turned to see him.

"You look like you have heavy dark circles. Didn't sleep well last night?" Lan Lan asked with concern.

"Yeah, hardly slept a wink," Cyrus yawned and stepped into the elevator.

"I've got coffee, want me to make you some to wake up?" Lan Lan offered.

"No need, it's too bitter for me," Cyrus pressed the elevator button. "There are tea bags in the rest area; I'll just make some tea."

"Is it the upcoming interview that's got you so nervous you couldn't sleep?" Lan Lan chuckled.

"Partly," Cyrus sighed.

The elevator had an electronic screen displaying the time, 07:58. The Enforcement Department started work at eight, and in about an hour, she would have her interview.

Cyrus exited the elevator, her communicator vibrating in her pocket.

Lan Lan's communicator also buzzed, and he checked it: "Adam sent today's work schedule. Let's see... Great, no assignments, no fieldwork needed."

Generally, if a team was required for an emergency mission, Adam would notify the team members through the building's internal broadcast system. If there were no missions, the day's work schedule and training plan would be sent to members' personal communicators for review.

Cyrus opened her email and unsurprisingly found today's schedule—interview.

No training, no fieldwork, just an interview.

If she failed the interview, she would lose her job, so there was no need to send other tasks.

"I'm off to the tech room, good luck with the interview," Lan Lan raised his hand.

Cyrus belatedly realized Lan Lan wanted to give her a high five, so she raised her hand too.

"Smack!" Their palms met.

Lan Lan turned to leave, and Cyrus contemplated whether to spend the next hour in Area A practicing shooting or in the rest area catching up on sleep.

Before she could decide, Adam spoke: "Intern Enforcement Officer Cyrus, your interview time has been changed. Please proceed to room 5313 on the fifth floor immediately; your interviewer is waiting for you."

"Why the change?" Cyrus asked, surprised.

"There's been a temporary work reshuffle; I'm unable to explain the specifics. Please go to room 5313 on the fifth floor for your interview right away," Adam instructed.

"Alright," Cyrus said, turning to press the elevator button.

It was common for the Enforcement Department to have sudden tasks and emergencies, likely her interview time clashed with an interviewer's schedule, prompting the change.

The elevator ascended, and Cyrus took deep breaths to calm herself. When the doors opened, she stepped out with steady strides and made her way down the hallway.

"Please follow the green lights to your destination," Adam directed Cyrus to room 5313.

Passing the long corridor, Cyrus halted in front of room 5313. The metal door silently opened, and she stepped inside.

Before her was a black table with four individuals seated behind it—two men and two women.

A man with salt-and-pepper hair and a steady gaze, a young man in a suit with neatly combed hair and gold-rimmed glasses, a middle-aged woman with a stern demeanor reminiscent of a high school principal, and a woman with red wavy hair exuding elegance and intellect.

Cyrus quickly matched the faces to the information in her mind. The man with salt-and-pepper hair was the head of the Logistics Support Group, Chen Dongchang. The young man with gold-rimmed glasses was the head of the Information Technology Group, Gong Zi'an. The woman who reminded Cyrus of her high school principal was the head of the Field Operations Group, Azure, Cyrus's direct superior along with Shu Xuyao.

And the last woman, the famous head of the Criminal Investigation Group, Jiang Meimei.

"Is this Cyrus?" Azure spoke first. "Please, take a seat."

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"Yes, greetings to all the group leaders," Cyrus replied, taking her place in front of the interview panel.

Azure nodded, all business. "Shu Xuyao submitted your application for full-time employment. I've reviewed your internship performance and field records. You're a capable individual. However, whether you can stay at the Enforcement Department depends on this interview."

"I understand. I'm ready," Cyrus braced herself.

Azure's demeanor wasn't just reminiscent of Cyrus's high school principal; her tone was too. Cyrus had settled her emotions, but Azure's presence involuntarily ratcheted up her nerves, bringing back the indelible fear of dozing off in class only to find the principal looming nearby.

Then Jiang Meimei's voice broke through, "Don't be so tense. Relax a little. We'll ask questions, and you answer—just like a casual chat."

Jiang Meimei's manner of speaking reminded Cyrus of the psychologist in the therapy office, Yang Xingyun. Looking closer, Jiang Meimei did bear a resemblance to Yang Xingyun... could they be related?

The head of the Logistics Support Group, Chen Dongchang, asked, "Are you adjusting well to the Enforcement Department, Cyrus?"

When silent, he exuded authority; when speaking, he came across as a warm uncle figure.

Cyrus felt the tension ease from her heart.

"Just tell the truth," she thought. "Only the truth."

"I think I'm adjusting quite well. I can handle most tasks competently, and where I fall short is usually due to my first encounter with them, which also affects my mindset," Cyrus explained. "I'm working on overcoming these issues."

"Do you want to stay and work at the Enforcement Department?" Chen Dongchang inquired.

"Yes," Cyrus measured her words. "But the job sometimes involves significant risks, and I do worry about getting hurt or... worse."

Jiang Meimei asked, "You're worried about dying, yet you want to stay and work here?"

"Without considering the risks, I believe being a security officer is an excellent job. It pays well, has good advancement opportunities, and my colleagues are supportive," Cyrus spoke candidly.

If, in the first world, Cyrus could secure a government job with a steady income, she'd be over the moon. The Enforcement Department, being a federal agency, offered much better compensation compared to other places. If Cyrus were a native of the second world, this job would indeed be her best option.

"We've reviewed your family background," Gong Zi'an, the head of the Information Technology Group, began. "You took out quite a few loans for college, didn't you?"

"My family isn't well-off..." Cyrus replied, not directly answering the question.

She avoided a clear affirmation or denial.

Gong Zi'an pointed out, "So your motivation to stay at the Enforcement Department is financial, correct?"

Cyrus pondered before responding, "As someone from a not so well-off background, I'm acutely aware of how important a stable job with good compensation is... But money isn't the main reason I want to stay."

"Go on," Gong Zi'an encouraged.

"I want to stay because it's the best choice for me. At the Enforcement Department, I can learn and improve myself, earn a salary, have colleagues who look out for each other, and enjoy a good working environment. If you discount the high risks and psychological stress, I'm quite content with everything else... It's hard for me to find a better way out; that's why I want to stay," Cyrus said with a shy smile. "Sorry for being so straightforward; I'm a pragmatist."

"Most of us at the Enforcement Department are pragmatists; I am too," Gong Zi'an adjusted his glasses. "Idealism may shine brightly, but pragmatism takes you further."

The interviewers' expressions remained unreadable, but Cyrus felt steady. She believed she had answered well so far, without giving away any hints of suspicion.

As a person from another world, Cyrus could afford to tell part of the truth. If it were the original Cyrus, she wouldn't have been able to answer those questions truthfully.

When asked by Gong Zi'an about her reasons for wanting to stay at the Enforcement Department, how could she answer, "The organization sent me to be an undercover agent, so I want to stay"?

That answer was out of the question. But if she couldn't tell the truth, she'd have to lie. Yet lying wouldn't escape the "Lie Detection" supernatural ability, and even high-tech lie detectors might reveal the deceit. Liars would have a hard time passing the interview.

Chen Dongchang said, "We have a set of criteria for determining whether interns qualify for full-time employment, and psychological evaluation is of utmost importance."

"Do you mean the ability to handle pressure and mental health?" Cyrus asked.

"Yes," Chen Dongchang's voice was deep. "You should have a clear idea of how dangerous our work is. I heard about your injury and the replacement with an alloy skull."

"The alloy skull is very useful; it offers excellent protection for my head," Cyrus said.

"The federal government allocates a substantial amount of funding to the Enforcement Department each year, and a large portion of that is used for casualty compensation. This job comes hand in hand with death, and what you face isn't just the demise of enemies but also the death of teammates," Chen Dongchang said. "We want to make sure you have the mental capacity to handle such pressure."

"I believe I do have that capacity," Cyrus said. "I haven't experienced a teammate's death, only that of enemies. Looking back on those scenes, I've become much calmer."

Azure locked eyes with Cyrus. "Shu Xuyao submitted your record, and you killed for the first time not long ago, taking down two robbers on Anning Street."

"Yes," Cyrus affirmed, speaking of an experience she actually had. She didn't need to be evasive; it was indeed her first kill, and she didn't have to lie about it.

She said, "I overreacted on Anning Street. The best approach wasn't to kill. I'm aware of that."

"Your second kill was the escaped mental patient Swordwood?" Azure continued.

"Yes," Cyrus replied.

"What did it feel like to kill for the first time?" Azure asked.

Before Cyrus could speak, Jiang Meimei interjected from beside Azure, "If you don't want to recall it, you can refuse to answer. I know it's not a pleasant process to revisit such things."

Cyrus paused, then chose to respond, "Panic, confusion, fear, unreality... and nausea."

"How did the feeling of your second kill differ from the first?" Azure pressed on.

"The second time was even more uncertain," Cyrus murmured. "But I was more proactive. I made the conscious decision to shoot, thoughtfully considering and judging the situation before deciding to take Swordwood's life... I don't regret it."

Azure's tone softened slightly, "It's good that you understand the sanctity of life. Excessive rationality becomes cruelty, and too much emotion is weakness. Finding a clear line between reason and emotion is something you need to achieve."

"I understand, thank you for the reminder," Cyrus said quietly.

"Have you been to the psychological therapy office?" Jiang Meimei asked. "How do you feel about the counseling sessions?"

"I've been there. Director Yang is really nice; talking with him is relaxing. I like the decor of the therapy office," Cyrus said, cracking a small joke. "If I ever have an office, I'll consider Director Yang's decorating style."

Jiang Meimei chuckled lightly. "You're an interesting person, Cyrus."

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you and Director Yang related?" Cyrus ventured. "You look alike and even speak in a similar way."

"I'm his cousin," Jiang Meimei revealed. "His major in college was psychology, mine was criminal psychology. He became a therapist, and I became a security officer."

"I see," Cyrus said, understanding.

"Some people are resistant to psychological guidance and therapy, especially those who are strong-willed and have achieved something in certain areas. They insist that psychological issues aren't serious. But therapy is necessary. They might have strong bodies and brilliant minds, but not necessarily unbreakable spirits. People always refuse to show their vulnerable side in front of others," Jiang Meimei explained. "We have many such stubborn people in the Enforcement Department. Don't follow their example; seek help from the therapy office in time."

"I'll remember your advice," Cyrus replied.

Gong Zi'an looked at Cyrus and asked, "Do you have any goals you want to achieve?"

Cyrus answered, "I don't have long-term goals for now. My short-term goal is to do my job well, strive for advancement, and learn earnestly."

"You need to be pragmatic, but don't just look at the present. Think long-term," Gong Zi'an advised.

Jiang Meimei smiled, "I like you, Cyrus. Once you're a full member, how about transferring to our Criminal Investigation Group? Your major is forensic technology, and I see your grades are quite good, solid in theory."

Azure raised an eyebrow, "Are you trying to poach her already?"

Absolutely not transferring. Cyrus thought warily.

Rumors suggested Jiang Meimei's supernatural ability was "Lie Detection," and if Cyrus transferred, her interactions with Jiang Meimei would increase exponentially. She couldn't possibly lie to Jiang Meimei every time they met. Besides, Cyrus had no knowledge of forensic technology; she was still struggling to grasp the basics. A transfer would spell disaster.

Cyrus made up an excuse, "I've told Captain Shu that unless other group leaders are as considerate of subordinates as he is, I wouldn't request a transfer..."

A hint of amusement flickered across Azure's stern face.

Jiang Meimei feigned disappointment, "That's a shame, Cyrus."

Chen Dongchang's communicator vibrated, and he glanced at it, standing immediately. "Duty calls. I have to go now, everyone."

He nodded briefly to his colleagues in the room as a farewell and strode out without delay.

The remaining three interviewers asked Cyrus a few more questions, to which she responded prudently. The interview lasted about fifteen minutes.

"The interview can end now," Jiang Meimei declared. "We had to start early due to scheduling issues. Most of us have missions to carry out, and it's hard to get together." She checked the time, "I have to go now."

Cyrus couldn't help but ask, "Does this mean I passed the interview?"

"Of course," Jiang Meimei smiled warmly. "Congratulations on officially joining the Enforcement Department, Cyrus."

Azure also smiled slightly, "You did well, Cyrus."

"Your information in the Enforcement Department will be updated later, and your citizen level will be raised from four to three," Gong Zi'an added. "Welcome to the team."

Citizen level was a significant status.

Based on their citizen level, people enjoyed different social benefits. For example, those with a higher citizen level often found it easier to secure low-interest loans from banks. The amount of pension distributed each month and insurance services also varied.

Most law-abiding citizens were level four, those with minor criminal records were level five, and those with major criminal records were level six. Level six citizens were stripped of political rights. Cyrus's upgrade to level three was because she was now a member of the federal government, differentiating her from the general populace.

It was a world with clear social stratifications.

Cyrus had a hunch that this interview wasn't testing her abilities but her heart.

The interviewers sought to confirm whether she was lying, whether her identity was legitimate, and whether her intent to join the Enforcement Department was ulterior... As long as her identity and motives were clean, full employment was almost a sure thing.

Azure approached Cyrus, "Go find your captain. He'll train you as an official member."

"Training?" Cyrus was puzzled.

"Yes, training," Azure said meaningfully. "To show you another side of the world... though you've pretty much seen it already, you just don't have a systematic understanding of it."

Cyrus realized what was being implied: "You're referring to..."

"Exotic species. The parasitic hydras you encountered on a previous mission are just one type; there are many more kinds of exotic creatures, each more dangerous and with more terrifying abilities," Azure explained. "Go and see for yourself, Cyrus. The secrets of this world are far more than you can imagine."