Continuing, Gao Zhanxiang shared some rumors and interesting stories from the academy, livening up the atmosphere and making everyone laugh heartily. The awkward tension from earlier seemed to vanish completely, as if it had never happened. However, due to the recent events, the matter of Qin Yan and Lin Shiqi joining the special forces team was temporarily put on hold.

As the meal progressed, the atmosphere gradually became more lively. Even Li Ruobing, who didn't like drinking, had a bit of alcohol. Gao Zhanxiang mentioned the fight between Qin Yan, Lin Shiqi, and another Espers organization the day before. Lin Shiqi immediately recounted the situation with great enthusiasm, boasting about how formidable she and Qin Yan were, defeating the members of the Black Tiger Gang easily. After she finished, Gao Zhanxiang said, "Shiqi, don't get too excited. The Black Tiger Gang is just a small organization. I suspect their leader, Master Ma, is at most a third-level Esper, which is why you could defeat them so easily. But if you were to encounter members of the 'Chiyu' organization, it would be troublesome."

"Why, are the members of this 'Chiyu' organization so powerful?" Lin Shiqi asked.

"Of course, the 'Chiyu' organization can be considered the most powerful Espers organization today. During our missions, the special forces team has encountered 'Chiyu' members several times, and we even had a conflict with them once. I have to admit, the Espers in their organization are very strong," Gao Zhanxiang explained.

"What exactly happened? How powerful are they?" Gao Zhanxiang rubbed his flushed forehead and said, "I might have had a bit too much to drink. My head's a bit fuzzy, and I don't remember the details clearly. Xiaohui, Liang, can you explain?"

The quiet Zhou Xiaohui nodded and said, "Well, the 'Chiyu' organization members who clashed with us were all third-level Espers. Their strength was comparable to ours, and after a draw, we stopped fighting. Although their strength was similar to ours, they seemed to look down on us. They mentioned having several Espers in their organization stronger than us, and even having super-genius Espers who have reached the highest level!"

Lin Shiqi was skeptical, "Are they exaggerating? Our academy has been around for so long, and we only have Li Ruobing who has reached the fourth level. Yet, they claim to have a fifth-level Esper, which seems unbelievable, right?"

"It's true." Zhao Liang, who didn't talk much, spoke up after having some alcohol. In a deep voice, he said, "I once accidentally infiltrated the secret database of the 'Chiyu' organization and discovered some of their secrets. They go to great lengths to maximize their Esper levels. They select talented children from society and directly abduct those with potential. They conduct biological experiments on these children, making them compete against each other. Those with lower potential are treated as garbage, while only the most outstanding children are kept. That's why their Espers are so strong."

"What a group of insane lunatics," Lin Shiqi's face showed a look of disgust. "They make these children undergo Esper enhancement from a young age. Aren't they afraid of leaving behind side effects, turning them into monsters?"

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Zhao Liang's face showed a worried expression, "They don't care about that. If they turn into monsters, they just kill them."

Everyone fell silent, feeling a bit heavy-hearted after hearing those serious words.

Suddenly, Qin Yan interjected, "What side effects? What monsters? I'm a bit confused. Can you explain it to me?"

"It's like this," Lin Shiqi explained, "When conducting biological modifications on immature children, although it greatly enhances the level and strength of their Esper abilities, it also leads to significant side effects. Do you remember what happened to Wang Tieniu yesterday?"

Recalling the events from yesterday, Qin Yan remembered how Wang Tieniu seemed to transform into a beast-like creature, covered in long black fur, appearing extremely terrifying, like a monster. Qin Yan exclaimed, "So you're saying the side effect is transformation into a monster with full-body black fur?"

Lin Shiqi nodded, "Exactly. To prevent this situation, we only conduct biological modifications on individuals who are more mature, at least twelve or thirteen years old. During this process, close observation and care are necessary to avoid instances of transformation."

Qin Yan suddenly thought of a question and asked, "How does your biological modification relate to monsters?"

"...," Lin Shiqi fell silent suddenly, not answering Qin Yan's question for a while. Qin Yan looked at the others, wanting someone else to answer the question. However, Gao Zhanxiang, Zhao Liang, and Zhou Xiaohui all avoided his gaze, much like Lin Shiqi, unwilling to address the question.

Feeling that something was amiss, Qin Yan couldn't help but ask, "What's going on? Is this something you can't tell me about?"

Suddenly, Gao Zhanxiang said, "Qin buddy, it's not that we don't want to tell you. It's just that this matter involves a major secret of our academy. If the secret is leaked, our academy could face a huge disaster. This matter is crucial to the survival of our academy, so we can't tell you about it for now."

"Is that so?" Qin Yan felt a sense of being treated differently and a bit uncomfortable. He muttered, "You all know, but I don't. It seems like you don't trust me, right?"

Gao Zhanxiang's face showed an awkward smile. Despite hearing Qin Yan's words, he still didn't clarify. The others also avoided eye contact, unwilling to answer his questions.

Feeling disheartened by their reactions, Qin Yan lost his appetite and stood up after finishing his meal, saying, "I'm full. I'm leaving."

Without waiting for others to respond, he walked towards the door. Everyone was stunned and unsure of what to do. Suddenly, Li Ruobing stood up and said, "I'm a bit drunk. Qin Yan, can you take me back?"

"I'll take you, Ruobing." Lin Shiqi thought Li Ruobing was really drunk and was about to stand up, but Gao Zhanxiang placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head, making Lin Shiqi feel that something was amiss and decided not to say anything.

"Let's go," Li Ruobing didn't wait for Qin Yan's response and pulled his arm to leave. Although Qin Yan felt it was strange that Li Ruobing insisted on him escorting her, he thought it was on the way, so he didn't mind accompanying her. They left the restaurant together.

By now, the night was completely dark. Li Ruobing held onto Qin Yan's arm, and they walked in silence through the dark night. Qin Yan thought Li Ruobing was truly drunk and supported her earnestly. However, as they walked, he felt that something was off because they were not heading towards the dormitory but in the direction of a high mountain surrounded by trees. Although Li Ruobing's face was a bit flushed, she walked steadily and didn't seem genuinely drunk.