"I'm finally satisfied." After devouring three servings of rice, Li Chengqian's intense hunger subsided.
However, with the increase in his intelligence, there were also side effects. Prolonged mental exertion led to increased energy consumption, similar to a computer's CPU.
Nevertheless, the drawbacks were insignificant compared to the benefits of heightened intelligence.
Furthermore, Alex knew that within the Unrivaled System, certain Classes had the ability to enhance strength.
Once his strength reached a certain level, the energy stored in his body would increase, rendering the energy consumption caused by his heightened intelligence negligible.
"In the future, I must prepare high-calorie food if I plan on using my brain extensively." Alex reminded himself, wearing a joyful expression as he made his way to the school library.
He selected a book on computer science principles and another on basic computing operating system principles, placing them on the table before him.
These two thick books totaled over 1,400 pages.
"With the Novice-level Absolute Concentration skill, I can memorize a page in just two seconds."
Alex estimated that he couldn't surpass the speed of two seconds per page. Although the skill eliminated any cognitive bottlenecks in his mind, it still required time for his eyes to focus, and his field of vision was limited.
"There are still 50 minutes remaining to use the Absolute Concentration skill. At a rate of 2 seconds per page, I should be able to read around 1,500 pages." Alex smiled confidently and opened the book on basic computing and operating system principles.
Activate Master-level Absolute Concentration skill!
Instantly, Alex felt an unprecedented clarity and tranquility in his mind. His eyes became like scanners, instantly processing and analyzing all the information they encountered.
Images and concepts flashed through his mind like will-o'-wisps. What used to be challenging knowledge for Alex now appeared as simple as basic arithmetic. It was effortless!
With a single glance, he memorized the contents of the first page of the book and comprehended it to the point of drawing inferences. Even the author of the book might not possess as deep an understanding of the subject matter as Alex.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The pages turned at a rapid pace, creating a rhythmic sound.
Twenty minutes later, Alex finished perusing the book on basic computing and operating system principles. He had committed everything to memory and mastered the material.
"The foundation of a computer lies in semiconductors and triodes! PN junctions!"
"CPU, GPU, memory—the fundamental units all involve PN junctions."
"Computer hardware comprises the CPU, motherboard, memory, hard drive, GPU, and other peripherals."
"The operating system provides users with a simple and universal software interface to interact with computer hardware."
"The structure of the operating system is divided into three levels: the core responsible for hardware control, the interface API above the core, and the user application program..." Alex had previously studied programming for a considerable amount of time, but his knowledge was limited due to a lack of proper guidance and resources.
Now, with the book on basic computing and operating system principles, he had absorbed more knowledge in twenty minutes than he had managed to learn in a year of self-study from the internet.
He had a newfound understanding of the subject matter.
"Next up is assembly language!" Alex picked up the book on assembly language and began flipping through its pages.
Assembly languages were hardware-oriented programming languages primarily used for coding the core of operating systems and hardware drivers. It was a high-level skill.
In his previous studies, when Alex was job hunting, he learned that individuals proficient in assembly language commanded salaries of at least a million dollars annually.
Alex dedicated six months to studying assembly language in his previous endeavors but ultimately gave up due to its difficulty.
Assembly language was a machine-oriented programming language, vastly different from conventional logical thinking. It proved challenging to grasp.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The speed at which he flipped through the book remained unchanged.
With the enhancement of the Master-level Absolute Concentration skill, assembly language became as effortless as basic arithmetic to Alex. A wealth of knowledge flooded his mind, ready to be utilized at will.
Coincidentally, Alex finished perusing the book on assembly language within the time frame of the Absolute Concentration skill.
A translucent notification materialized in front of him once again.
[You have studied for 50 minutes. You have gained 50 Experience Points. 53 Experience Points remaining.]
"Unfortunately, the duration of the Absolute Concentration skill is still too short."
"Learning the C programming language will have to wait until tomorrow." Alex sighed with regret, placing the book down.
Returning to the classroom, he noticed that Alexia had also arrived.
As Alex took his seat, Alexia approached him determinedly. "Alex, we need to have a serious conversation."
Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "About what?"
Alexia had left in anger earlier, but her current demeanor seemed much more amiable.
"I value our friendship, Alex. I don't want Arthur to strain our relationship."
"We're good friends, and I don't want Arthur's actions to affect that," Alexia stated earnestly.
"Why do you hold such a bias against Arthur? Anyone else would suffice, apart from him," Alex remarked, puzzled.
Alexia shook her head, refusing to directly address Alex's question.
With a faint smile, she spoke, "I don't understand why you're so prejudiced against Arthur."
"In reality, Arthur is an exceptional individual! He's incredibly intelligent and easy to get along with."
"He excels in academics and has no trouble securing admission to Rain Cloud University."
"Moreover, he possesses remarkable programming skills."
"Are you aware of the Junior Informatics Programming Competition?"
"I am!" Alex nodded. He was familiar with the competition, having chosen to self-study computer science and programming in the hopes of participating.
Alexia looked surprised, not expecting Alex to be aware of the competition.
However, she quickly composed herself and continued, "This competition is the most prestigious youth informatics programming competition in the country."
"Securing a place within the top 50 guarantees direct admission to Rain Cloud University, bypassing the college entrance examination!"
Rain Cloud University stood as the nation's top educational institution. Every year, it admitted only the most exceptional students from various regions.
Attending Rain Cloud University was akin to being recognized as a scholar in ancient times.
"Our school has only two team slots for the competition."
"Arthur has already secured one spot and has chosen me as his teammate!"
Alexia's radiant face conveyed her joy.
"This afternoon, Arthur and I went to register with the teacher. The teacher believes Arthur's abilities are sufficient to rank among the top 50!"
"Alex, Arthur has treated me kindly. I implore you not to single him out," Alexia pleaded sincerely. Her eyes carried a hint of desperation.
"Alexia, truth be told, I also intended to sign up for the youth informatics programming competition. How about we form a team together?" Alex's voice brimmed with sincerity. Alexia's willingness to have an open conversation indicated that she genuinely valued their friendship.
Alexia frowned, feeling somewhat disheartened. She had swallowed her pride in an attempt to salvage their relationship, yet Alex seemed unappreciative.
"Alex, I'm being serious."
"Enough with the jokes!"
Alex couldn't fathom the complexities of programming, let alone excel in it. How could he possibly be a suitable partner?
The Youth Informatics Programming Competition held tremendous prestige in the Rain country. Rain city high school only received two team slots, and the school wouldn't have allowed registration if the candidates didn't meet certain standards.
"I'm serious too," Alex assured her, his tone sincere and earnest.
Alexia shook her head, disappointment evident in her expression. Her voice turned cold as she replied, "Alex, don't be unreasonable... Fine, if that's what you want, then so be it! But please, refrain from interfering in my personal life from now on."
She had tried her best to salvage their friendship, but it seemed that Alex didn't appreciate her efforts.
Since it had come to this, she would have to make a choice—and she would choose the more exceptional candidate.