Ji Feng's physical condition left him reeling. Not even level one? He stared at the glowing orb in disbelief. "Intelligent Brain No. 1… that's a mouthful. I'll just call you Intelligent Brain from now on. Are you sure you're not mistaken? Is my body really *that* weak?"
"Yes, Master," the orb—now Intelligent Brain—replied, bobbing up and down. "This assessment accounts for the body-strengthening program I've already initiated. Bioelectric currents have stimulated your body to enhance it. Without this, your condition would be even worse."
Ji Feng was speechless, a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck. Strengthened, yet still this pathetic? Just how frail *was* he?
He didn't dwell on what "level thirteen" meant in the context of the Gamma Galaxy's standards or how potent Intelligent Brain's enhancements might be. Those answers would come in time. For now, he shifted focus. "Alright, enough about that. How do I improve my physique?"
"Gymnastics," Intelligent Brain answered promptly. "Master, would you like to begin training now?"
"Gymnastics?" Ji Feng's mind conjured images of the simple radio exercises they did at school. He shrugged. "Sure, let's try it."
"Yes, Master," Intelligent Brain said respectfully.
The white void around Ji Feng shifted. A translucent, human-like figure materialized before him. Intelligent Brain's voice echoed, "Master, please mimic the phantom to complete the first movement."
The figure moved, and Ji Feng's jaw dropped. "This is *gymnastics*? This is straight-up yoga!" The phantom's movements were extreme—sitting on the ground, arms spread wide, upper body folding forward until its chest nearly touched its legs. It looked like a human being bent in half.
"Master, please follow the phantom. Failure to complete the movement within the allotted time will result in punishment," Intelligent Brain said.
"Punishment?" Ji Feng muttered, incredulous. "You keep calling me Master, but who's really in charge here?"
With no choice, he mimicked the phantom's pose. What looked merely exaggerated proved excruciating. Every muscle screamed, his joints felt like they might snap, and his lungs struggled to draw breath. The pain was overwhelming, like thousands of ants gnawing at his nerves.
Intelligent Brain's voice cut through his agony, cold and unyielding. "Master, maintain this position for thirty minutes to complete the first movement."
Ji Feng barely registered the words, consumed by the torment. Just as he thought he couldn't endure another second, a sharp electric jolt zapped his back.
*Zzzzt!*
His body convulsed, the pain nearly forcing a scream. Clenching his teeth, he held the pose, terrified of another shock. Intelligent Brain's voice continued, stern as a drill sergeant. "To become a super-agent in the interstellar era, you must first forge an exceptional physique. This ensures survival in the harshest environments. These gymnastics enhance your physical condition. Master all movements perfectly, and you could reach level thirteen—impervious even to standard energy laser weapons."
Ji Feng barely processed the words, focusing only on enduring. After what felt like an eternity, the pain dulled, his body growing numb. The biting sensation faded, replaced by an odd, faint comfort as he synchronized his breathing with his heartbeat, as if his body was adapting.
"Don't exhale deliberately," Intelligent Brain instructed. "Breathe in rhythm with your heartbeat, guided by your body, not your will."
Time crawled. The numbness deepened until Ji Feng's body felt like it belonged to someone else, though his mind remained sharp. When he followed the breathing rhythm, a subtle warmth spread through him, easing the strain.
*Ding!*
A clear chime rang out. Intelligent Brain's tone softened. "Master, time's up. Congratulations on completing the first movement."
*Finally!* Ji Feng collapsed, sprawling on the ground, too exhausted to move a finger. His body felt alien, wrung out. *What kind of sadistic gymnastics is this?* he thought, tears of frustration prickling his eyes. No one could understand this torture without experiencing it.
After ten minutes, sensation slowly returned. Struggling to sit up, Ji Feng asked, "Intelligent Brain, do I have to keep doing this insane gymnastics?"
"If Master wishes to become a super-agent, the training course is mandatory," Intelligent Brain replied. "You may choose to forgo it and learn non-physical skills instead, but that would limit your potential. These gymnastics not only strengthen your body but also develop your brain, unlocking access to advanced knowledge."
Ji Feng paused, considering. "If I stick with it, how long will it take to complete the super-agent training?"
"By Earth's time, Master can complete the course and meet interstellar super-agent standards within one year," Intelligent Brain said.
Ji Feng's eyes widened. "And my photographic memory? That came from this system too?"
"Yes, Master," Intelligent Brain confirmed. "Bioelectric stimulation has partially developed your brain, granting you photographic memory. As training progresses, you will unlock more abilities."
Ji Feng fell silent, his thoughts drifting to his mother's weary face, the relatives who mocked her as immoral, and the taunts of "bastard" that had haunted him. Mastering these skills could change everything. On Earth, far behind the interstellar era, being a super-agent would give him unmatched power to provide for his mother and silence her detractors.
"I'll do it," he said firmly, resolve hardening.
"Yes, Master!" Intelligent Brain responded.
"Oh, and one more thing," Ji Feng said. "How do I exit this place? And how do I come back?"
"Master can communicate with me by focusing your mind," Intelligent Brain explained. "Concentrate to enter or exit."
Ji Feng nodded, understanding. "Got it."
"Master," Intelligent Brain added, "the movement you just completed significantly enhances your physical systems. Bioelectric stimulation has also altered your body. When you return, you may need time to adjust to these changes."
Ji Feng gave a small nod, assuming it meant lingering soreness. Focusing his mind, he felt a rush of darkness. When he opened his eyes, he was staring at the familiar ceiling of his room.
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