Anshin froze.
So the commendation wasn't just a certificate.
The system had rules: whenever he achieved merit, received recognition, or gained rank, it would reward him—not just with attribute or skill points, but sometimes with special skills or items.
And "special" meant things beyond the ordinary. Powers the real world didn't have. Abilities that bordered on the supernatural.
Catching criminals the normal way earned him stats. But commendations from above? They gave him something else entirely.
…
[Congratulations!][For receiving a commendation, you are awarded the special skill—Eagle-Eye Forensic Vision!][This special skill is a heightened human sixth sense. The Vikings once called it Odin-Sight. The ancient Greeks named it Athena's Gaze.][When activated, the user enters Eagle-Eye Vision mode. Relevant clues are highlighted, standing out from their surroundings.]
Anshin's eyes widened.
This was like something out of a game. Assassin's Creed. Press V, switch on Eagle Vision—suspicious tracks and hidden clues glowing before his eyes.
It wouldn't label criminals outright. But paired with his own experience, the hints would be enough to separate good from bad, truth from lies.
A divine skill.
"With this… investigations will be twice as effective. And my experience will grow even faster."
He couldn't help but smile.
Testing it out, he opened Eagle Vision.
The police bureau sharpened before his gaze, every corner more vivid. Case files on desks shimmered faintly—unsolved mysteries begging for attention. But his colleagues? No unusual glows. Clean, for now.
Ten minutes in, a dull ache filled his skull.
So it wasn't infinite.
The skill had a stamina cost. Prolonged use meant fatigue. After cooling down for half an hour, he could trigger it again, but for shorter bursts. Only by boosting his physique could he extend the duration and cut the cooldown.
Like a game mechanic.Like a gift—and a challenge.
…
"Captain Cao.""Captain's here!""Master!"
The room stirred.
Cao Chuang, his mentor, entered. A man of unshakable presence, respected throughout the unit.
And in Eagle Vision, his silhouette glowed faintly.
Not bright. Not dark. Just… marked.
Anshin shut the vision off. He didn't need it to know.
Cao Chuang was the mole.
Zhao Lidong's man.
In the original timeline, he had died tragically, used and discarded. Not as corrupt as Zhao or his slimy secretary, but compromised all the same.
Yet at the end, when he could have lied and saved himself, he had chosen honesty. His last words to Rishō had been: "Don't call me Master anymore."
He had wanted his disciple to expose him, to step over him into the light. Regret, penance, redemption.
Could he still be saved now? Anshin didn't know. But if there was a chance, he would try.
Because this man—this flawed, weary fighter—was still his teacher.
…
"Busy, everyone?" Cao Chuang's booming voice filled the office.
"My disciple, Anshin, hasn't been with us long, but he's already made merit. The commendation has come down from above."
He clapped his hands. "Let's give him applause!"
The team rose, clapping. Even those who eyed Anshin with jealousy—Zhang Biao among them—joined in.
After all, they knew his background. He hadn't slogged in the trenches for years. He had vaulted straight into the bureau, backed by Director An and Director Meng. Connections smoothed his path.
They couldn't help but resent it. Years of sweat for them, a few short steps for him.
But Anshin's original self had responded with stubborn pride—working twice as hard, refusing to lean on his ties, desperate to prove he belonged.
"Thank you, Captain!"
Anshin stood, saluting. Photos, red ribbons, ceremony—the usual.
Then came the tradition: a speech.
"Comrade Anshin, say a few words," Cao Chuang said warmly.
Anshin looked around. Familiar faces: Cao Chuang, Zhang Biao, Rishō, old Liu, old Xu… men and women alike.
He knew what would become of them. Some would fall in battle. Some would betray their oaths. Some would wither, some would rise, some would limp into quiet retirement, some would be crushed under fate.
But today—today they were young. Bright-eyed. Burning with ideals under the badge.
He clenched his fists.
And began to speak.