Lin Xinghai, of course, had no idea that a baseless rumor about a certain hobby of his had just been taken as fact.
And was already starting to spread…
Of course, even if he did know, he would… *cough*! He would still be very bothered by it.
Still, it helped him in a roundabout way, at least by providing a cover for his actions.
Lin Xinghai had no time to worry about what other people thought. He gleefully opened his system panel.
His Blood Qi Power had dropped to 61 points from constantly improving his Gun Technique proficiency.
But now, the data on his system panel read:
Host: Lin Xinghai
Physique: 24 points
Power: 20 points
Speed: 29 points
Blood Qi Power: 93 points
Genetic Optimization Level: 29%+
Basic Level Shooting Skill: Proficiency 70%+
'Ninety-three points of Blood Qi Power. That feels so damn good to see!'
Of course, the best part was yet to come. He stealthily pulled two vials of Genetic Potion from his pocket and downed them in one go.
A system notification chimed. When Lin Xinghai looked at his system panel again, his Blood Qi Power had become 103 points.
'I broke a hundred! I finally broke a hundred!'
Lin Xinghai suppressed his excitement and tapped the "+" icon next to his Genetic Optimization Level.
A selection box popped up. Lin Xinghai first selected "Superpower Awakening."
He then selected the option: "Consume 100 points of Blood Qi Power to awaken Superpower."
As 100 points of Blood Qi Power were deducted from his panel, Lin Xinghai felt a great furnace ignite within him. Every inch of his body felt like it was on fire.
The sudden agony made him let out a muffled groan as sweat poured down his face like rain.
At the same time, a peculiar aura began to emanate from his body, radiating outward.
Qin Yang was the first to sense this aura, and he subconsciously assumed his Perception was playing tricks on him.
But a glance in the rearview mirror showed him Lin Xinghai's pained expression and flushed skin, and a jolt went through him.
'How is this possible!' He couldn't believe it.
But the aura radiating from Lin Xinghai's body was a clear sign: he was breaking through the first Genetic Lock.
These so-called Genetic Locks only appeared when one's Genetic Optimization Level reached 30%, 60%, 90%, and finally 100%.
Breaking all four of these Genetic Locks would result in an evolutionary leap, allowing one to enter a new Realm of existence.
And right now, Lin Xinghai was in the process of breaking the very first one.
In other words, his Genetic Optimization Level had already reached 30%, and he was about to become one of the Optimized.
No matter how incredible it seemed, the moment Qin Yang processed what was happening, he immediately began to slow the multi-function, off-road vehicle to a stop.
Being disturbed while breaking a Genetic Lock was extremely dangerous.
A minor interruption might only cause someone to cough up some blood, but a serious one could leave them bedridden for months.
The vehicle coming to a stop immediately drew the attention of the entire team.
Roger frowned, quickened his pace, and hurried over.
However, as soon as he was within three meters of the vehicle, he too felt that inexplicable aura.
His expression changed instantly. In a flash, he was beside the window, his eyes locked on Lin Xinghai, his face a mask of disbelief.
The others were already puzzled by the vehicle stopping. When they saw Roger's expression, they knew something was wrong and hurried over.
Without exception, as they drew within three meters of the vehicle, every one of them looked as if they had seen a ghost.
"This is too ridiculous! It took me a full half-year to break the first Genetic Lock and become one of the Optimized," Xu Haishui couldn't help but say.
"That's just because you're slow. It only took me three months," Wu Yan retorted.
Xu Haishui was struck speechless and grew annoyed. "That just proves you had a better job than me back then! If I had been able to join a Mercenary Corps from the start, I would've broken through in a month, at most."
"Still impossible," Wu Yan said. "Your Genetic Assessment is only D Level. Even in a Mercenary Corps, you'd get one vial of Genetic Potion per week at most, which is only four a month. That's not enough to break through, even counting any you bought yourself." He was simply stating a fact, but it left Xu Haishui with nothing to say.
The atmosphere grew slightly awkward and silent. Xu Haishui decided he wasn't going to speak with this big brute who had the emotional intelligence of a rock.
He turned to Roger and asked, "Old Luo, I heard you fronted the Genetic Potions for Xinghai. Just how much of your stash did you give him?"
"Six vials," Roger said after a brief silence.
"Six vials? How could that possibly be enough for a breakthrough?" Xu Haishui was floored.
He remembered that it had taken him more than half a year and a full 17 vials of Genetic Potion to break through.
"Theoretically, it's possible," a cool, detached voice said. The group turned to see Shen Han, who had disembarked from her Mecha at some point and was now standing by the vehicle.
She kept her eyes on Lin Xinghai as she spoke, her gaze deep and inscrutable.
The theoretical possibility she mentioned was just that—theoretical. And it required a whole host of prerequisites.
For instance, Lin Xinghai's Initial Genes would have had to reach 10% of the theoretical human limit.
Furthermore, his Genetic Assessment would need to be A Level, enabling perfect absorption of the Genetic Medicine Liquid.
In that scenario, one vial of Genetic Medicine Liquid could provide a 5% increase, meaning two vials could raise his Genetic Optimization Level from 10% to 20%.
After the Genetic Optimization Level exceeds 20%, the potion's effect is halved, but it would still only take four more vials to reach 30%.
'But... did Lin Xinghai even meet those theoretical conditions?'
If she had thought of it, the others naturally had as well.
"Didn't they say his Genetic Assessment was B Level? And what I really don't get is the speed at which he absorbs the Genetic Medicine Liquid..."
Xu Haishui voiced his confusion again, but Fang Tianhe cut him off mid-sentence. "End of discussion!"
He looked around at everyone and said, "As you've guessed, Lin Xinghai is a bit special. As for how he's special, I'm keeping that confidential for now. Also, you are all to keep your mouths shut about what happened today."
"Our Heaven-Sundering Mercenary Corps is still too weak. If we want to become powerful, so powerful that we are untouchable, then we need powerhouses—a true powerhouse."
"Alright, that's all I have to say. Everyone, get back on guard! Don't let any of those Zombies get close." After speaking, Fang Tianhe waved his hand dismissively.
Hearing this, the others dispersed. They all had thoughtful expressions, and their eyes gradually grew fervent.
To be honest, when Lin Xinghai first joined the Mercenary Corps, most of them had felt some resistance, or even jealousy.
After all, they all knew that with Lin Xinghai's talent, he would sooner or later threaten their positions.
But when the talent gap grew so wide that all they could do was look up in awe, any thoughts of comparison naturally vanished.
So, when Fang Tianhe painted a picture of a bright future—a future directly tied to their own interests—their mindsets began to shift in a completely different direction.
'Who wouldn't want the Heaven-Sundering Mercenary Corps to become stronger? It would be even better if they could become a Third Level Mercenary Corps.'
After seeing the crowd disperse, Fang Tianhe finally whispered in Shen Han's ear, "What are your thoughts?"
"Perhaps his Special Physique allows him to perfectly absorb Genetic Potions. But his Initial Gene couldn't possibly be at 10%," Shen Han replied softly.
"Ah, you. Don't overthink it so much. Everyone has their secrets. You're no exception, are you?" Fang Tianhe said, patting her on the shoulder.
Shen Han's gaze shifted away involuntarily, and she gave a slight nod.
Time ticked by. Five minutes later, the peculiar aura around Lin Xinghai gradually subsided, and he opened his eyes.
From this moment forward, he was one of the Optimized.