Lin Xiao arrived at the military base early in the morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise.
The base was an impressive sight, sprawling over a vast area with tall, barbed-wire fences and multiple security checkpoints.
Guard towers were strategically placed along the perimeter, and armed soldiers patrolled diligently.
The main gate was a massive structure, reinforced with heavy steel, and it opened only after Lin Xiao's identification was thoroughly checked.
Inside the base, Lin Xiao saw various buildings, each serving different purposes. There were barracks for the soldiers, training grounds where troops were already engaged in drills, and several administrative buildings.
The centerpiece of the base was a large, imposing headquarters building made of concrete and glass, standing as a symbol of military authority and efficiency.
Helicopters and military vehicles were parked in designated areas, ready for deployment at a moment's notice.
A soldier greeted Lin Xiao respectfully and escorted him through the base.
They walked past groups of soldiers practicing hand-to-hand combat, an obstacle course, and a firing range where targets were being meticulously hit.
The soldier led him into the headquarters building, which was bustling with activity. Officers and personnel moved with purpose, and the atmosphere was one of disciplined urgency.
After navigating through a series of corridors, the soldier stopped in front of an office door. "This is Major Li Jing's office," he said, knocking on the door before opening it. "You can go in."
Lin Xiao stepped inside and was immediately struck by Li Jing's presence.
She sat behind a large wooden desk, her posture relaxed yet commanding. Li Jing was stunningly beautiful, with long, flowing black hair that framed her face perfectly.
Her eyes were sharp and intelligent, a deep shade of brown that seemed to see right through him.
She had high cheekbones, a straight nose, and full lips that curved into a knowing smile as she looked up at him.
Her uniform was immaculate, accentuating her well-toned, athletic figure. The tailored fit of her military attire highlighted her curves without compromising her authoritative appearance.
She exuded confidence and strength, an aura that commanded respect and admiration.
"Good morning, Lin Xiao," Li Jing greeted him, her voice smooth and confident. "Please, take a seat."
Lin Xiao sat down across from her, trying to steady his nerves. "Good morning, Major Li," he replied.
Li Jing leaned forward slightly, her eyes never leaving his. "How are you feeling today? I trust you had some time to process everything that happened yesterday."
"Yes, I did," Lin Xiao responded.
"That's what I like to hear," Li Jing said with a nod.
Li Jing began to explain the supernatural association and its internal factions.
"There are two main factions within the association," she began. "One faction believes that superhumans should use their powers on normal people without any restrictions. They see it as a means to maintain order and control. The other faction believes that our powers should be used responsibly and only when absolutely necessary, to avoid causing unnecessary harm or panic among the general population."
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "We are part of the first faction. We believe that sometimes hard decisions need to be made for the greater good. Rules can be restrictive and sometimes get in the way of achieving the best outcomes."
Lin Xiao felt a chill run down his spine. He realized he might have joined the side that operated in moral gray areas, potentially even as villains in the eyes of others.
Li Jing then shifted the conversation to his abilities. "Tell me about your powers, Lin Xiao. What exactly can you do?"
Lin Xiao hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I have the ability to manipulate memories. I can alter or erase specific memories from a person's mind."
"How many times can you use this ability?" Li Jing asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Lin Xiao decided to lie, fearing that revealing the true extent of his powers might make him seem too dangerous. "I can only use it twice," he said.
Li Jing seemed impressed. "Twice is a lot. I can only use my memory-erasing ability three times before I need to recharge. Your power could be very useful."
She stood up and motioned for Lin Xiao to follow her.
They walked through the corridors until they reached a room with a large antenna and a helmet connected to various wires and machines.
"This," Li Jing said, gesturing to the equipment, "is what we use to erase memories of people in the city who have witnessed supernatural incidents. It's part of our duty in the cleaning bureau. We clean up the messes other supernatural entities make, ensuring that the general population remains unaware of our existence."
Lin Xiao stared at the equipment, realizing the extent of the operations and the lengths to which this faction would go to maintain control.
As he absorbed this new information, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was entangled in something far more complex and morally ambiguous than he had ever anticipated.
Li Jing turned to Lin Xiao, her expression serious. "Every time a superpower user makes a mess, we, the Cleaning Bureau, are dispatched to clean up after them so that nobody in the general populace knows about the existence of superpower users. It's a crucial task, one that ensures the balance between our world and theirs remains undisturbed."
Lin Xiao listened intently, the gravity of her words sinking in.
"And now," Li Jing continued, her eyes locking onto Lin Xiao's, "you are also part of the Cleaning Bureau. Your abilities which are just like mine will be invaluable in our efforts to maintain this balance. We operate in the shadows, ensuring that our actions do not disrupt the lives of ordinary people."
"I understand," he said, little uncertainty in his voice. "I'll do my best."
...
Back in the office
Lin Xiao, curious about the origins of superpowers, asked Li Jing, "How did superpowers come to be? Where do they come from?"
Li Jing leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "The true origin of superpowers is still a mystery to us. What we do know is that superpowers are genetic. They are passed down through generations. This means that somewhere in your ancestry, someone had the same memory manipulation power that you and I possess."
She paused, giving Lin Xiao a piercing look. "In fact, considering how similar our abilities are, it's possible that we share a common ancestor. Our abilities might have come from the same family line."
Lin Xiao nodded thoughtfully, though inwardly, he couldn't help but think about the real source of his abilities which is the system.
He had to keep that secret to himself, as it was the foundation of his new life and the power he wielded.
"I see," he said aloud. "That makes sense. It's fascinating to think about how these abilities have been passed down through the generations."
Li Jing nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it is. Our task is to use these abilities responsibly and ensure they remain hidden from the general populace. Now that you're part of the Cleaning Bureau, you have a crucial role in maintaining that balance."