C-Class Training Room
"Ha! Ha!"
A swift figure moved with punches and kicks, the shadows of fists and feet heavy and rapid, leaving no trace in the air, which was filled with a faint sound of slicing through the wind.
Suddenly, the figure twisted mid-motion, arms and legs appearing to bend like waves, as if they were boneless!
If there had been someone here at that moment, they would have been astonished—this person was merely a third-level gene warrior, yet their bones cracked like exploding beans, producing dull thuds, indicating they had elevated the "Basic Physical Training" to the third tier!
After a long time, the figure paused and stopped moving.
"The Basic Physical Training has reached a bottleneck at the third tier. Just two more months of training should allow me to reach the fourth tier," Wang Xu said, wiping the sweat from his forehead, a satisfied smile on his face.
Training in the "Basic Physical Training" is exceedingly difficult. Advancing further requires a tremendous amount of energy and time, with especially stringent requirements for physical condition and abundant resources. Many have poured countless resources and effort into mastering this ancient martial art, yet few have reached his level.
Wang Xu relied solely on his innate talent and understanding, watching a plethora of online training videos, ultimately bringing his "Basic Physical Training" to the third tier, making him shine in the academy's duels.
"Wang Xu!" Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.
"Li Lian, shouldn't you be tutoring at a rich family's place at this hour? What are you doing here?" Wang Xu smiled upon seeing the visitor.
Li Lian, like Wang Xu, was a student of the Gene Academy. They had grown up together, sharing a close bond that felt more like brothers than mere friends.
Furthermore, they were also neighbors for over a decade, residing in the economically-built housing of the civil zone in the Seventh Safe Area.
The civil zone, if put harshly, was a slum, while the economically-built housing comprised thirty square meters of cement structures.
"I thought you were so focused on training that you'd forget the time. Today is the day for checking the leaderboard!" Li Lian clapped Wang Xu on the shoulder with a grin. "Hey, you've bulked up quite a bit—no surprise for a gene warrior, that's impressive!"
"Oh! You're right! I almost forgot today's the day for the leaderboard updates—I need to go claim my resources." Wang Xu realized suddenly.
Every month, the Gene Academy publishes the scores of each gene warrior, which are earned by hunting insects. The more points one accumulates, the more insects they have hunted, representing their strength. Thus, the academy rewards the top ten gene warriors on the leaderboard with training resources to motivate their practice.
"I really envy you for always ranking in the top three! Not like me—I'm still stuck at first level, and advancing is incredibly tough. Looks like I'll have to pursue science and politics in the future," Li Lian sighed.
Since the emergence of gene warriors, although everyone now has access to gene serum injections, very few possess the talent to train. Most reach the first level and can't progress further, just like Li Lian.
Unable to improve in combat, he has no choice but to seek a way out in science and politics.
Things are no longer like fifty years ago when wielding power could cover all, unless one reaches a certain level in science and politics, an official can't compete with a strong gene warrior.
In this regard, Wang Xu's future shines far brighter than Li Lian's, leaving Li Lian envious.
"Here we go again! Let's head over to the leaderboard," Wang Xu said with a smile, playfully punching Li Lian's arm. The two left the training room, chatting and laughing as they made their way to the Gene Academy.
...
In front of the giant electronic screen, a throng of men and women clad in the Gene Academy's special uniforms crowded around, filling the space with a loud buzz that made the air feel hot with excitement.
"There are so many people today!"
As Wang Xu and Li Lian approached, they were met with a deafening clamor. The massive crowd numbered in the thousands, making it impossible to get in close.
"Shixiong Wang Xu!" As soon as Wang Xu entered the area, someone spotted him and their eyes lit up as they quickly made way.
The rest also turned with admiration, parting to make a path for him. In just moments, the thronged crowd had created a clear passage for Wang Xu.
Wang Xu smiled and nodded at his fellow students. He was well accustomed to this kind of attention.
Since the rise of gene warriors and the emergence of powers that surpassed human limits, increasingly fearsome strong individuals had come into existence. The perception of the world had slowly altered—power equated to everything for everyone!
"First place: Zhang Xinglin Score: 352"
"Second place: Wang Xu Score: 326"
"Third place: Xu Yuan Score: 289"
"Fourth place..."
...
"Zhang Xinglin is truly formidable! You held onto first place for just a month before he surpassed you. The training crazies are terrifying!" Li Lian remarked as he looked at the leaderboard displayed on the massive electronic screen with a sigh.
Zhang Xinglin was Wang Xu's only real rival on the leaderboard, but unlike Wang Xu, he had a powerful background—the Zhang family held significant influence in the civilian sector, being one of the top groups!
Despite his extraordinary background, what struck people most was his dedication...
Zhang Xinglin rarely touched the family resources and never asked for help, even refusing offers that were handed to him.
The reason why remained unknown, though Wang Xu had heard whispers that there were unresolved conflicts between Zhang Xinglin and the higher-ups in his family, which led to his rejection of their assistance.
"This is a formidable opponent. If he were a rich kid like Xu Yuan, relying on resources would be one thing, but he possesses immense talent and trains with an obsession, blurring the line between day and night. His future achievements could be limitless..." Wang Xu sighed, yet the fervent desire for battle ignited in his eyes.
Though Zhang Xinglin was powerful, Wang Xu wasn't to be underestimated; his training talent was commendable, and he too was known as a "madman." He believed that if he unleashed his potential, he would not fall short of Zhang Xinglin!
...
After retrieving ten bottles of "Enhancement Solution," three "Foundation Pills," and a sum of twenty thousand Earth Coins from the academy's resource center, Wang Xu and Li Lian began heading home together.
"Wang Xu, look! It's her!" As they were walking and chatting, Li Lian suddenly pointed at a slender figure approaching.
Wang Xu glanced over, his heart jolting, his chest racing uncontrollably!
"Tang Yan!"
With her breathtaking beauty and delicate frame, she evoked an overwhelming urge to protect her, the girl Wang Xu had secretly admired for many years.
Wang Xu wanted to confess his feelings to Tang Yan, but when he discovered that her family was one of the top three families— the Tang family—his heart sank, and his face went pale.
Even though he was a promising student at the Gene Academy, he felt worthless compared to the Tang family!
As a result, until now, Wang Xu had never actually spoken a word to Tang Yan; he could only watch her receding figure in silence, his fists clenched tightly.
"Wang Xu, the 'Graduation Trial' is coming up soon. After that, the chances of seeing her again will be few..." Li Lian, being Wang Xu's close friend, knew his situation all too well.
Wang Xu wore a bitter expression. How he wished he could boldly step forward and confess to Tang Yan! But he felt he didn't have the standing!
With the Graduation Trial approaching, based on Wang Xu's current strength, entering an "Elite Battle Group" was within reach, but Tang Yan's family would surely place her into a "Genius Battle Group!"
The gap between the two was far too vast!
Unless Wang Xu could advance to the next tier within this short six months to reach true elite status, he wouldn't qualify to join the Genius Battle Group's trials!
And that was merely the beginning; if he performed poorly in the trials, he would face ruthless elimination...
The gap between ordinary people and family groups was simply too great!
"Fine. I'll keep this longing hidden in my heart forever..."
As the gentle breeze blew, Wang Xu suppressed the bitterness on his face, firmly clenching his fists.
Li Lian shook his head and sighed softly. Knowing Wang Xu's personality, he refrained from saying much more, just patting his shoulder. "Let's go home!"
"Buzz!"
Suddenly, before they could turn away, a loud buzzing noise erupted, causing both of them to lift their heads in shock!
"Insects!"
"Damn it! Where did this insect come from?!"
In the distance, a massive insect resembling a water buffalo, clad in black armor with backward-facing spikes, was swinging its scythe-like limbs, suddenly descending from the sky!
"Fourth-tier Elite Insect Beast, Double Scythe Insect Beast!"
Wang Xu and Li Lian exchanged terrified glances, recognizing the fear reflected in each other's eyes!
The fourth-tier Elite Insect Beast had a shell that could rival B-class combat armor; without A-class technological weapons, one could hardly even scratch its armor, let alone kill it!
"Run! Quickly!" Li Lian reacted instantly, shouting urgently.
"Wait!"
Li Lian's face was anxious, but as he followed Wang Xu's gaze, his heart sank.
Tang Yan!
As soon as the Double Scythe Insect Beast landed, it locked its gaze solely upon Tang Yan!
"This can't be happening! Wang Xu, don't go out there! That's a fourth-tier Elite Insect Beast! If you go, you'll surely die!" Li Lian knew exactly what Wang Xu intended. This was not the usual first or second-tier insect beast they faced, but a fourth-tier Elite Insect Beast! Even fourth-tier gene warriors would struggle to kill it, and could easily meet their demise. How could a third-tier gene warrior like Wang Xu possibly resist?
"Ah..."
Meanwhile, Tang Yan was also visibly startled by the approaching Double Scythe Insect Beast!
As a third-tier gene warrior who ranked in the top ten on the leaderboard, she had gained admiration for her strength and stunning beauty, becoming an idol for many junior students.
When she noticed the Double Scythe Insect Beast descending from the sky towards her, she couldn't help but gasp in shock.
A fourth-tier Elite Insect Beast!
This was beyond anything she could contend with!
Fear overwhelmed Tang Yan as despair crept into her eyes; confronted by the fourth-tier Elite Insect Beast, she found herself with no escape route!
"Caw..." The Double Scythe Insect Beast emitted a high-pitched, piercing scream. Upon spotting Tang Yan, its massive scythe-like limbs lunged toward her!
"Clang!" Suddenly, a long blade whizzed through the air, aimed directly at the insect's shell. But it was merely a low-grade D-Class weapon, leaving no mark before shattering into pieces.
The Double Scythe Insect Beast halted its motion and turned to face the location of Wang Xu.
"Wang Xu... you've lost your mind. You're really crazy!" Li Lian stammered, trembling as the insect's compound eyes met his, projecting an icy, merciless gaze that made him shiver with fear.
The long blade that had just been flung was Wang Xu's commonly used weapon, which he had purchased after saving thirty thousand Earth Coins, and yet it had left not a single mark on the Double Scythe Insect Beast's armor.
Tang Yan, now grasping the situation, turned her gaze to Wang Xu and Li Lian.
Before she could even speak, the Double Scythe Insect Beast began to vibrate its thin wings and lunged straight for Wang Xu!
Wang Xu didn't hesitate. He quickly shoved Li Lian aside and turned to flee!
"I'll distract it; you both run!" After leaving this warning, he exploded into a sprint, utilizing the maximum speed of a third-tier gene warrior.
The Double Scythe Insect Beast was even faster than Wang Xu and almost caught up to him in the blink of an eye. It was singularly focused on the human who had attacked it, ignoring everyone else!
"Wang Xu..." The Double Scythe Insect Beast swooped past Li Lian, leaving him speechless with fear.
...
"There's a moat ahead! If I jump into the water, I just might survive... Faster! A little faster!"
Wang Xu yelled in his mind. He could already see the Double Scythe Insect Beast flying behind him; he pushed his speed to its limits, not daring to slack!
"Caw!"
The Double Scythe Insect Beast screeched in rage. People screamed and scrambled to avoid it, paralyzed with fear as they sat on the ground, frightened to even breathe!
"Plop!" Just as the Double Scythe Insect Beast was about to catch Wang Xu, he leaped high and dove into the moat!
The Double Scythe Insect Beast was not to be outdone; it dove directly into the water after him!
Wang Xu's heart sank in despair at this sight, filled with dread. He had thought insects feared water and would not pursue him, but the Double Scythe Insect Beast proved him wrong, following him into the water at lightning speed!
"Thud!" The massive insect leg came crashing down, almost severing Wang Xu in half. Had it not been for the water's resistance, he surely would have met his end right there!
Enduring the excruciating pain, Wang Xu forced himself to swim deep into the river.
I must live! I need to survive!
The intense will to live brought some color back to Wang Xu's pale face, though a horrific wound on his abdomen bled profusely, staining the water red.
The Double Scythe Insect Beast was relentless, propelling itself forward once more, raising its double scythe limbs to strike!
Wang Xu's eyes widened with determination and regret; he had yet to become a strong warrior, let alone bring a better life for his parents!
"Monstrous beast!"
Suddenly, a powerful voice echoed out. The Double Scythe Insect Beast momentarily halted, and a radiant blade split through the water, charging straight for it!
"Thud!" In an instant, before the Double Scythe Insect Beast could even react, its entire body was cleaved in half by this blade of light!
A fourth-tier Elite Insect Beast, slain in a single stroke!
Wang Xu was utterly shocked, quickly realizing—the experts stationed in the safe zone had arrived!
With this thought, Wang Xu could hold on no longer; having lost too much blood, he fainted in the river.
...
On the railings beside the moat, a middle-aged man in blue landed gracefully, his large blade retracting its bright glow, the formidable momentum from before gradually subsiding.
"Another problem with insects?" A middle-aged man in red approached, frowning.
"This marks the third occurrence; the insects have inexplicably appeared within the safe zone, and the defense system shows no signs of breach. It appears Doctor Crow's warning was true. The temporal rifts are causing disturbances; calamity seems close at hand…" The blue-clad man sheathed his large knife, a worried look etched on his face. "By the way, I noticed someone at the riverbed while killing this Double Scythe Insect Beast. When the recovery team comes to retrieve the insect's body, make sure they bring that person out too."
...
"Swoosh!"
Beneath the river's surface, a whirlwind of red flames suddenly ignited, slowly burning and captivating the eye!
To ignite flames underwater—what a spectacle!
The flames flickered momentarily before bursting forth, directly reaching Wang Xu's side, seamlessly diving into his body without pause…