The Picked-Up Little Tentacle Begs Me to Take Responsibility 1

Chapter 1

Inside the sealed training room, the man, his limbs restrained for 20 seconds, finally succumbed to the pain, letting out suppressed gasps that quickly escalated into uncontrollable groans. He lay flat on the cold floor, limbs twisted behind him, his strength depleted from the 20-second struggle. His head rested limply on the ground, eyes clouded, mouth agape, saliva mixing with the outflow of his breath, painting a picture of utter defeat.

Dissatisfied with the man’s reaction, Shi Xu pressed his knee hard against the man’s lumbar spine.

“Ah—”

The training room was soundproof; the screams remained trapped within, unheard by those outside. The onlookers inside, however, were terrified, their admiration for Shi Xu replaced by fear. Afraid of becoming the next training target, they quietly retreated to the walls, seeking a semblance of security against the cold surface.

No one knew how the world’s first esper awakened their abilities, nor how the world rifts came to be.

One quiet night, a world rift silently opened, and Variants invaded. Countless creatures, once confined to human imagination, materialized before their eyes.

On the day panic and disaster descended, tens of thousands of people across the globe awakened their esper abilities.

Shi Xu was only 17 then. That day, he didn’t awaken any abilities. He was the only ordinary person among the surviving humans.

The world rifts reopened seven years after seemingly sealing themselves.

Three months ago, the war between humans and Variants erupted again.

Shi Xu single-handedly sealed the SSS-class pollutant, becoming the captain of the Anomaly Management Bureau at the young age of 24.

In this bureau, with its 68 espers, Shi Xu was the only ordinary human.

Precisely because he had no esper abilities, yet managed to seal an SSS-class pollutant as an ordinary human, all the espers feared him.

Although the world rifts were temporarily repaired, no one knew when they would reopen.

After the war, the Anomaly Management Bureau and the Esper Monitoring Department remained. During peaceful times, everyone continued their regular work routine, tasked with finding and eliminating Variants and sources of pollution lurking in the shadows.

When not on field missions, their daily routine consisted of training.

Shi Xu held two training sessions a week for his subordinates. These two days were everyone’s nightmare.

The man pinned beneath Shi Xu was Chen Han, two years older than Shi Xu, possessing a plant-based esper ability.

Before sparring with Shi Xu, he had planned to strike first, controlling Shi Xu’s movements. He succeeded, but the vines that wrapped around Shi Xu’s arms were swiftly severed by a dagger. In an instant, the tables turned, and he found himself in this humiliating position.

Overwhelmed by the agonizing pain, Chen Han finally begged for mercy: “Captain, I… I lose. Please… spare me…”

Hearing this, Shi Xu immediately released Chen Han and stood up, leisurely straightening his rumpled shirt.

His phoenix eyes lifted, sweeping over the trembling figures in the corner, a hint of an enigmatic smile playing on his lips. His clear voice, laced with amusement, echoed: “Who’s next? Step forward obediently.”

Besides his exceptional combat skills, Shi Xu’s most captivating feature was his striking appearance. Even knowing his ruthlessness, and the fate of becoming another Chen Han, many were still captivated by his smile, stepping forward involuntarily.

This time, it took less than 20 seconds before even more heart-wrenching screams echoed through the training room.

The Anomaly Management Bureau’s working hours were from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, six days a week, with the possibility of overtime at any time. The salary was the same as that of an average office worker. The only perks were social security benefits and triple pay for overtime.

The bureau had a cafeteria that offered a variety of dishes daily. The food wasn’t exceptional, but it was fresh and affordable. Except for a few wealthy individuals, most chose to eat there.

If not for the sign “Anomaly Management Bureau” hanging at the entrance, anyone would mistake it for an ordinary company.

“The captain is definitely a demon!”

“Knowing he’s a demon, why did you foolishly offer yourself up?”

“No way, the captain’s smile is just too captivating! And he called me ‘good’! Of course, I had to obey!”

“…You deserve to be beaten by the captain!”

Qi Yu spotted Shi Xu from afar and ran to his side before he entered the cafeteria. As usual, he enthusiastically slung an arm around Shi Xu’s shoulder, only to have it shrugged off.

Surrounded by countless gazes, Shi Xu maintained a gentle smile, but his eyes held a hint of coldness as he looked at Qi Yu.

Qi Yu noticed but pretended not to see, brazenly hooking his arm around Shi Xu’s again, leading him towards the serving window.

The Anomaly Management Bureau had a large staff. Besides Captain Shi Xu, there were three vice-captains, one of whom was Qi Yu, Shi Xu’s childhood friend and the same age.

“I heard several people calling you a demon on my way here. You’re a bit too harsh, aren’t you? If you keep this up, there will be a revolt!” Shi Xu held others to his standards, which even espers struggled to meet.

Shi Xu replied casually, “Really? Who?”

“Seriously?” Qi Yu chuckled helplessly. “If I tell you, will you intensify their training next time?”

Shi Xu glanced at Qi Yu, smiling without a word.

Qi Yu: “…”

It was a rhetorical question. Qi Yu already knew the answer.

Others might not, but Shi Xu definitely would. That’s how nasty he was.

And as soon as this nasty fellow appeared at the serving window, he immediately attracted the enthusiastic attention of several aunties.

“Captain Shi, here for lunch? We have your favorite seafood today~”

“Xiao Shi, come here, come here.” The plump auntie beamed, beckoning Shi Xu. As he looked over, she immediately pointed to the small basin in front of her. “I saved the biggest octopus for you. Do you want it braised or steamed?”

The cafeteria offered freshly cooked dishes. On his first day, Shi Xu had won the hearts of the cafeteria aunties. Knowing his love for seafood, they always saved him a portion whenever fresh seafood arrived.

Looking at the wriggling octopus in the red basin, Shi Xu maintained his gentle smile. “Thank you for your kindness, but I don’t feel like octopus today.”

The plump auntie clutched her flushed cheeks. “It’s alright, we also have your favorite cold jellyfish salad.”

The jellyfish was already prepared, sliced into thin strips, its original form unrecognizable. Yet, Shi Xu could still picture it.

Today’s cafeteria special was a seafood feast. Shi Xu’s gaze shifted from the cold jellyfish salad to the shrimp heads of the braised prawns. He calmly took out his phone.

“I have something to do. I can’t eat in the cafeteria today.”

Shi Xu offered an apologetic smile to the aunties behind the window, leaving under their regretful yet affectionate gazes.

“Today’s seafood is very fresh. It’s such a pity Xiao Shi loves seafood so much. He likes my cooking the most. I really want to cook for Xiao Shi!”

Qi Yu put down his tray and chased after him. When they reached a less crowded area, he stated with certainty, “Something’s wrong with you!”

Shi Xu glanced at him, prompting Qi Yu to continue, “I haven’t seen you dislike plant-based espers before. Lately, you’ve been targeting them the most. What did they do to you?”

It wasn’t that plant-based espers had offended him.

Rather, most plant-based espers favored vine attacks, which triggered unpleasant memories…

Shi Xu said indifferently, “You’re overthinking it.”

Qi Yu comfortingly slung an arm around Shi Xu’s shoulder, which was, predictably, shrugged off again.

“Don’t you love octopus and jellyfish the most?” Qi Yu had wanted to ask this for a while now, taking this opportunity to cautiously inquire, “Are you suffering from post-war trauma?”

Shi Xu countered, “Do I look like it?”

Shi Xu’s reaction was too calm, making Qi Yu uncertain. Seeing Shi Xu’s unwillingness to answer, he quickly reverted to his usual playful demeanor, “Those aunties will be heartbroken if they knew you made an excuse to escape.”

The corners of Shi Xu’s lips curled slightly upwards, devoid of warmth. “Did I ask them to like me?”

Qi Yu scoffed, “What a terrible personality. If you ever find a partner, are you going to put on an act like this in front of them too?”

Shi Xu lowered his gaze, the curve of his lips deepening. “If they wish.”

Qi Yu pursed his lips, mentally finishing Shi Xu’s unspoken words: I can try my best to play the role they desire.

The war three months ago catapulted Shi Xu to fame. His striking white hair was eye-catching enough, and the Anomaly Management Bureau’s white uniform and special badge further emphasized his identity.

The two found a nearby restaurant, specifically requesting a private room, ordering two dishes, a soup, and dessert.

When the server brought in their food, many people crowded at the door. Shi Xu and Qi Yu remained unfazed. Only after the server delivered the final dessert and left did Qi Yu relax his straightened back.

“It’s exhausting going out with you. You’re more popular than a celebrity now.”

“Thank you for the compliment.” Shi Xu reached for the dessert in front of Qi Yu and began to savor it.

Qi Yu rolled his eyes. “Who eats dessert before the main course?”

Shi Xu took a bite of the cake. The restaurant’s dessert was excellent. The moist, soft cake made his eyes curve in satisfaction. In a good mood, he chose to ignore Qi Yu’s complaint.

Piece after piece of cake disappeared into his mouth, a joyful and contented smile gracing his features.

Seeing this, Qi Yu rolled his eyes again.

Typically, dessert was served after the meal. They, however, received their dessert along with their dishes.

He had ordered the dessert under his name. The servers assumed it was for him, placing it by his side.

But in reality, it was Shi Xu’s favorite.

Shi Xu came from a wealthy background, while Qi Yu was born into an ordinary family. They had been classmates throughout elementary, middle, and high school, which led to their friendship.

Shi Xu rarely spoke about himself. Qi Yu didn’t know much about his family, but through limited interactions, he understood one thing: Shi Xu’s father held incredibly high expectations for him. The persona Shi Xu projected was meticulously crafted under his father’s influence.

He understood why Shi Xu even had to be secretive about eating dessert outside.

Understanding was one thing, but he couldn’t resist teasing, “Being a captain is different, you even have an image to maintain now.”

Shi Xu was used to Qi Yu’s teasing and didn’t mind. Before leaving, however, he placed his empty dessert plate on Qi Yu’s side.

Qi Yu sighed, “There’s no need to be so cautious.”

Shi Xu smiled faintly, “Sorry, someone with an image to maintain like me needs to be this cautious.”

Qi Yu: “…”

Another round of brutal training ensued in the afternoon. Only after Shi Xu left the training room did the agonizing wails erupt.

“Captain Shi, excuse me, there’s an emergency in the East District. We need you there…”

Shi Xu had just changed his clothes and was about to leave his office when he was stopped.

The good mood brought on by the midday dessert vanished instantly.

Shi Xu was very punctual. If work started and ended at a specific time, he would always arrive early, never late. If the schedule dictated a certain time for clocking out, then that was the time.

He never understood the concept of “overtime.” Even with triple pay, he disliked it; he didn’t want his personal time encroached upon.

However, with his responsibilities, he had to accept overtime duties in special circumstances.

He smiled at his subordinate, his voice as gentle as ever, “I understand.”

The incident occurred in an old residential area. The surrounding residents had been evacuated and secured.

Variants were originally ordinary animals, mutated after being invaded by pollutants. This time, the Variant was a stray dog. The Anomaly Management Bureau failed to detect it in time. By the time they did, it had fully mutated. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

When Shi Xu arrived, the mutated stray dog had grown larger than the three-story building beside it. Its body was enveloped in black miasma and a foul stench, viscous black liquid dripping from its eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, corroding everything it touched.

Three espers stood five meters away, unable to approach due to the corrosive liquid. Upon seeing Shi Xu, their eyes lit up. “Captain!”

Shi Xu greeted them and walked straight towards the Variant, his grip tightening on his dagger, knuckles white and tendons taut.

“Captain…”

One esper wanted to warn Shi Xu about the corrosive liquid, but the words died in his throat. In the blink of an eye, the Variant that had troubled them so much was slain by Shi Xu, as easily as chopping vegetables.

Shi Xu identified the source of pollution with a single glance, dodging the Variant’s corrosive liquid and precisely eliminating the source.

The three espers looked at Shi Xu with adoration, crowding around him, chattering excitedly—

“The three of us combined couldn’t match it. Captain, you are truly amazing!”

“Captain, h-how did you do that?”

Shi Xu glanced at his watch. It had been 29 minutes and 8 seconds past his clock-out time.

Tsk.

How did he do it?

With his hands!

Shi Xu smiled, “It had fully mutated. It would have been difficult for your abilities to subdue it. You were closest to the scene and dispatched on short notice. It’s normal that you couldn’t defeat it.”

“Waaah, Captain!”

“Captain, I will train harder in the future!”

Leaving the remaining mess for others to handle, Shi Xu arrived home 63 minutes and 19 seconds past his clock-out time.

Night had fallen. The ground lights outside the villa automatically illuminated his path home.

Shi Xu valued peace and quiet. He had purchased a detached villa a kilometer away from the Anomaly Management Bureau and, to avoid being disturbed by neighbors, he bought the surrounding houses as well.

Before heading to the incident site, Shi Xu had ordered cake for delivery. It had arrived and was placed on the shelf by the door.

A small black cat was clinging to the shelf in a human-like stance, trying to hook the delivery bag with its front paws.

Hearing Shi Xu’s footsteps, the cat remained unafraid. It trotted over to him, circling his feet a few times, rubbing against his shoes, its blue eyes fixated on him, mewing affectionately.

It was a stray. Shi Xu had encountered it a while ago, feeding it some dried fish. Since then, it would occasionally show up looking for food.

He was willing to feed the stray but had no intention of adopting it.

The irritation from the overtime work dissipated. He crouched down, stroking the cat’s furry ears. The cat purred contentedly, its black tail wrapping around his wrist, rubbing gently.

The contrast between black and white was stark.

In the darkness, a pair of eyes locked onto the pale wrist entwined by the black tail.

A faint voice, easily masked by the wind, whispered—

[Mine… That’s mine…]