Chapter 5: The Miracle of Life

Little One, that petite yet tenacious girl, had truly managed to bind Su Hao securely to her back. The heavy shield was also skillfully fastened behind Su Hao, as if she had constructed an impregnable rampart for him.

She whispered "Noyes" to herself, and an inexplicable sense of security surged within her, as if this simple act would allow her to proceed on this unknown journey without worries. A warmth spread through Su Hao’s heart; it was the first time he had felt such care from someone other than his parents or medical staff. Simultaneously, he silently vowed that during the mission, he would do everything in his power to protect his teammate, Little One, even if it meant sacrificing his all.

Little One was ready.

[Transmission initiating.]

A flash of light blinded Su Hao, and he felt as though he had been plunged into a long, mysterious journey through the void. Amidst the chaos of the transfer, Su Hao suddenly sensed the small, fleshy nodules that should have been his hands. Where his wrists should have been, a strange mark appeared—the shape of a majestic and solemn shield, blood-red in color, yet invisible to the direct gaze, as if it existed only in another dimension.

At the same time, a cold, deep male voice echoed in his mind: [Purifier’s Mark is generating; data will be read every ten percent. Progress: ten percent, twenty percent... fifty percent.]

Darkness surrounded him, yet Su Hao’s consciousness remained vibrant and sharp. He watched as planets drifted past his field of vision; some were vibrant with life, while most were desolate and dead—lifeless stars, as Su Hao knew them to be. He could feel Little One's soft body pressed against his chest. Her rhythmic breathing, though faint, told him that the brave girl had fallen into a deep slumber. He, however, remained awake thanks to his extraordinary mental fortitude.

Meanwhile, Su Hao felt the Invincible Shield slowly replenishing his energy; his limb-nodules seemed to be swelling, and his six senses were sharpening. He shook his head, thinking it was an illusion, yet the sensations felt increasingly real. Perhaps this was an effect of the mark’s loading; regardless, it was a good sign.

The mark loaded at an astonishing speed, climbing to ninety percent in a flash, and the final ten percent was completed in an instant. At that moment, Su Hao’s mark erupted with dazzling radiance. A pillar of red light pierced the sky, illuminating the entire universe and shattering the endless darkness. Yet, this breathtaking sight lasted only a moment before the light dissipated, and everything returned to the darkness and silence of the transmission.

[Candidate Purifier, you may now activate your mark to view your belongings.]

[Special Reminder: As this is your first mission, the Universal Environmental Protection Agency grants you custom-made equipment and healing potions for your protection. You need not fear that your mark will be detected or tracked; your status as a Purifier is highly sensitive, and we have taken necessary measures to ensure your safety. To outsiders, your mark will appear as that of a common cosmic worker.]

Su Hao noted that the agency now referred to him as a "Candidate Purifier." He followed the instructions, sensing his mark, and found it held countless mysteries. Equipment, potions, and unknown treasures were scattered within the space of his mark like brilliant stars, waiting to be explored.

Su Hao focused his mind, delving deep into the brand upon his soul. It was as if he had opened a gateway to an unknown world, and detailed information about the mark began to surface. It was called the "Purifier’s Mark." However, because Su Hao had not yet passed the rigorous qualification tests, the mark's potential remained dormant, merely shining with the status of a standard agency employee.

Su Hao triggered a thought, touching the mark. A screen flickered into existence:

[Purifier No. 37521 (Virtual ID: non-trackable, protection mechanism active).
Name: Su Hao.
Status: Candidate Purifier.
Constitution: -18 points (Average human: 5).
Intelligence: 21 points (Average human: 1).
Agility: 1 point (Average human: 5).
Strength: 1 point (Average human: 5).
Luck: 1 point (Average human: 1).
Charisma: 1 point (Average human: 5).]

[Would you like to quantify your attributes and status?] a pleasant, mechanical voice asked.

"Quantify," Su Hao replied without hesitation.

Instantly, the attribute panel came to life:
[Health: 20/20 (20%); Mana: 2100/2100 (100%); Agility: 1 (20%); Strength: 1 (20%); Luck: 1 (100%); Charisma: 1 (20%).]

Su Hao’s gaze shifted to the storage space. A longsword, silver as frost, appeared before him, its brilliance restrained yet undeniably sharp. He touched the blade, and information flowed forth:

[Item: Sword of Radiant Protection.
Category: Weapon.
Status: Bound.
Durability: 210; Sharpness: 100; Attack: 80-110.
Note: A Purifier’s exclusive weapon with infinite growth potential. It will accompany the Purifier through long journeys, witnessing mutual transformation.
Motto: Cleanse the universe’s filth, defend the sanctity of the environment. Warrior, may you dance with this blade until the end of the star-sea!]

Beneath the sword lay a set of cosmic combat gear: tunic, trousers, boots, bracers, gloves, and a cloak. Su Hao’s eyes fell upon the cloak, which bore the glory of the agency. He picked it up, and a faint blue light shimmered over it:

[Item: Cloak.
Category: Armor.
Status: Bound.
Durability: 100; Defense: 80-110.
Note: A symbol of honor and responsibility, granting the wearer the power to traverse the universe freely. Any violation will invite the wrath and sanctions of the agency.
Motto: The Universal Environmental Protection Agency—an inviolable, sacred place!]

Su Hao donned the cloak, feeling a gentle warmth. He continued exploring the storage and noticed a blue vial. Touching it, information appeared:

[Item: Life No. 1.
Category: Miracle Potion.
Effect: Immediately restores all injuries and brings health to maximum.
Note: No side effects. Best used when health is below 20%.]

Su Hao felt a surge of joy. He consumed the potion. Instantly, a warm current rose from his dantian, spreading through his body. He felt the four nodules that had once shamed him twitching and growing; his limbs were regenerating, revitalized like a tree drinking dew. His vision sharpened, and he realized he could see clearly.

In his ears, the sound of Little One’s breathing grew from a faint murmur to a distinct, rhythmic sound. He had regained his hearing. A bitter taste filled his mouth—the taste of Life No. 1—and he rejoiced, for it meant his sense of taste had returned. He felt the warmth of Little One’s skin—his sense of touch restored. Finally, he caught the faint, intoxicating fragrance of the girl—his sense of smell had returned.

His six senses were restored. His constitution was no longer -18, but 5—the standard for a normal human. Su Hao stood there like a phoenix reborn, filled with vitality. He was brimming with anticipation; the path of the Purifier had only just begun.

Su Hao quickly untied the ropes binding him to Little One. He donned the combat suit, the silver armor glinting in the dim light. Stepping onto the foreign soil, he felt a sense of grounding he had long craved. He stood tall, looking every bit the gallant knight.

They were on a remote, mysterious planet where the sky was a oppressive gray, and the air felt heavy with ill omens. Little One stirred and awoke under Su Hao’s support, her eyes bright with curiosity and caution.

Suddenly, a resonant male voice echoed in their minds:

[Mission location, Planet Alpha-Beta, reached. Contractors have been granted the local language; it will be forgotten upon mission completion.]
[Main Mission: Survive on this planet for 48 hours.]
[Side Mission: None.]
[Special Reminder: This is the first test for a Candidate Purifier—a simple trial. After this, two more tests follow to become a full Purifier. The subsequent two tests are life-and-death challenges.]

Hearing this, Su Hao’s heart pounded: two more life-and-death challenges? This... this...