The atmosphere inside the testing facility was tense and heavy, almost suffocating. Seventy students stood quietly in line, their eyes flickering with apprehension and anticipation. Today wasn't just another test—it was a test that could change their lives forever.
For these young hopefuls, passing the speed test meant obtaining the official martial certification. With that in hand, they could apply to top-tier universities or join a martial pavilion and carve out their path as independent warriors. It wasn't just a competition—it was their future on the line.
Richard stood at the front, his gaze sweeping over the students. His expression was unreadable, but there was a trace of pride hidden behind the stoic facade. "Before you," he said, gesturing with his hand, "are ten speed testing machines. Like before, you'll proceed in batches of ten. Each batch will take their turn. Only those who meet or exceed the threshold speed of 25 meters per second will qualify."
The first ten students nervously approached the machines. As the countdown started and the test commenced, the sound of rapid footsteps echoed through the room. Moments later, the results flashed onto the screens.
Only five students passed.
A hush fell over the room. The numbers spoke louder than words—it wouldn't be easy.
Batch after batch went forward. Some passed, some failed. Nervous whispers buzzed in the background, and the tension only grew heavier.
Then came the turn of Mark's group.
Mark stepped forward, the usual arrogance painted on his face. Inside, however, he was sneering.
> "Hmph… Ethan might have reached Limit-Level strength," he thought coldly, "but let's see if that bastard can pass the speed test. Just wait until he fails… I'll personally show him what hell feels like."
He launched into the test confidently and completed it with a speed of 27 m/s—well above the required threshold. The display blinked with the results, and a few gasps came from the crowd.
Mark wore a smug grin as scattered applause and murmurs of admiration followed. It wasn't genuine, of course. Many students were biting back bitter thoughts.
> "Damn rich bastard… If he didn't take that body-strengthening fluid, would he even be this good?"
But no one dared voice their resentment. Mark was powerful and influential—best to keep those thoughts buried.
Next up was Rose.
Calm as ever, she walked to the machine. With a light breath and graceful stride, she began her test.
28 m/s.
An astonished silence swept through the room before a chorus of gasps and shouting followed.
"My goddess!" a boy cried dramatically. "Please go on a date with me—I'm very sincere!"
"Hah!" someone mocked. "A toad dreaming of eating swan meat. How shameless."
Amid all the noise and admiration, Rose remained composed. She gave no reaction to the cheers or ridicule—her focus was elsewhere.
Then, it was Ethan's turn.
He stepped forward slowly and took a deep breath and a steady gaze.
Unlike the others, Ethan wasn't nervous. With his physique and spiritual energy both enhanced to 6 points, he could easily break 40 m/s if he truly tried. But he had decided against revealing his full strength. He wanted attention but not wanted to be dissected.
As the test began, Ethan ran with precision, his form fluid and efficient. The result flashed:
33 m/s.
The room fell into a dead silence. Not a word, not even a breath. Only the soft hum of the machines could be heard.
Even though the difference between 25 m/s and 26 m/s might seem small, in the world of martial arts, such a leap required a massive increase in both muscular and nervous system performance. Many students had brute strength exceeding 500 kg, yet remained stuck at 24.9 m/s, failing the certification altogether.
But Ethan had achieved 33 m/s—without even unlocking his gene.
It was monstrous.
Mark's confident expression twisted into something ugly. His fists clenched involuntarily, and his smile vanished.
> "How?!" he fumed. "How the hell is this possible? I used a high-grade body fluid... Did Ethan use something similar? Or… could it be—does he have backing? Is someone secretly supporting him?"
The questions gnawed at him. His superiority felt shaken.
Meanwhile, Richard's eyes lit up as if he had just discovered a shining star. He couldn't hide his joy. This was no ordinary student—this was a once-in-a-generation genius.
Richard walked over with an eager smile, placing a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "Ethan, you're a rare talent. Truly rare. Maybe there are others like you in the super-base cities, but I've never seen anyone like you here. If you awaken an element, I'll personally prepare a reward for you. Best of luck."
Ethan simply smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Instructor Richard."
Arnold also approached and gave Ethan an approving nod. "I look forward to your next performance, kid."
Rose, too, stepped closer. Her tone remained soft and teasing. "Ethan, I didn't know you were hiding this much. Turns out you're a super genius. You kept it well hidden… Good luck in the elemental test."
Ethan nodded. "Thanks. And good luck to you too."
Finally, Richard turned back to address the group. "Only 46 students passed the speed test," he announced. "Those who passed, follow me. The rest—don't lose heart. Work harder. There's always next time."
The chosen forty-six followed Richard into another room, smaller than the others. In the center of the chamber stood a large crystal, about the size of a football, resting on a transparent glass pedestal. The crystal pulsed faintly with mysterious energy, giving off an ancient and powerful aura.
Richard turned to the group. "This," he said solemnly, "is the Elemental Awakening Crystal. One by one, you will come forward and place your hand on it. A display in front of the crystal will show your result. If you possess an elemental affinity, the crystal will light up, and the screen will indicate your element."
He paused before continuing, "In rare cases, a soul talent may awaken during this process. If you awaken one, you may choose to reveal it. The Federation prioritizes such individuals and offers protection and resources. But if you prefer, you may keep it a secret."
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Richard then raised his voice slightly. "There are nine elements recognized by the Federation: Fire, Water, Metal, Air, Earth, Light, Darkness, Ice, and Thunder. If you awaken one of these, you will be given a corresponding breathing technique. With it, you'll be able to absorb cosmic energy, and begin the process of unlocking your gene."
"If you have questions, ask now."
A soft voice broke the silence.
"Mr. Richard, I have a question," said Rose, stepping forward.
Richard's stern expression softened. "Go ahead, Rose."
She asked calmly, "Is it possible to awaken multiple elements? And if someone does, will they have to cultivate every corresponding breathing technique equally?"
Richard blinked, surprised by the depth of her question. "Excellent question," he praised. "Yes, there are rare cases of multiple elemental awakenings. But it's not required to cultivate all of them. You can choose to focus on just one element. However, if you choose to cultivate multiple techniques, you'll have to develop them equally to advance in the future. That path is slower and more demanding. It doesn't necessarily make you stronger—but it gives you more tools in battle."
The students all nodded in understanding, some exchanging curious glances. Arnold was also watching the scene but didn't interfere.
Richard clapped his hands. "Very well. Now the awakening will begin. When you touch the crystal, you'll feel a strange force entering your body. If you possess an elemental affinity, the force will guide you to a core inside the interventricular membrane of your heart. That core is the elemental nucleus. Once activated, you'll be recognized as a quasi-warrior."
Excitement buzzed through the room like an electric current.
"With the breathing technique tied to your element, you'll absorb cosmic energy and begin the process of unlocking your first gene lock. From then on, you'll truly step onto the path of martial cultivation."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"This is the dream of every person on our planet—to become a warrior. And now, you stand at the threshold."
Even Ethan, who had experienced the extraordinary before, could feel his blood racing. His heartbeat thundered in his chest.
> Would he awaken an element? If so, which one? Could he possibly have more than one?
Would his soul talent reveal itself? Should he hide it? Or embrace the spotlight?
A storm of thoughts surged through his mind, but his face remained calm.
Then Richard raised a hand.
"Begin."