My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 6: The Speed Test and the Awakening Crystal

A thick, suffocating tension filled the testing hall. Seventy students waited in a silent queue, their expressions a mix of dread and hope. This wasn't merely another examination; it was a pivotal moment that would dictate the course of their entire lives.

For these aspiring youths, succeeding in the speed trial meant securing official martial certification. Such a credential opened doors to prestigious universities or elite martial pavilions, allowing them to forge their destinies as independent warriors. It was more than a trial—it was their future hanging in the balance.

Richard stood at the head of the room, his eyes scanning the group. Though his face remained a stoic mask, a hint of pride lingered in his gaze. "Before you," he announced, gesturing toward the equipment, "stand ten speed testing machines. We will continue in groups of ten, just as before. Each set will take their turn. To qualify, you must reach or surpass the minimum threshold of 25 meters per second."

The initial ten students approached the apparatus with visible nerves. As the timer began and the trial commenced, the hall echoed with the sound of frantic sprinting. Moments later, the digital displays flickered with the outcomes.

Only five had managed to pass.

A heavy silence descended. The statistics were clear—this would be a brutal filter.

Group after group stepped up. Successes were met with relief, while failures brought despair. Anxious murmurs rippled through the background as the pressure continued to mount.

Eventually, it was time for Mark’s group to perform.

Mark strode forward, his countenance wearing its trademark arrogance. Internally, however, he was full of spite.

"Hmph... Ethan might have achieved Limit-Level strength," he mused venomously, "but we’ll see if that trash can handle the speed test. Once he fails... I’ll personally show him what hell feels like."

He burst into motion with supreme confidence, finishing with a recorded speed of 27 m/s—comfortably beyond the requirement. As the result flashed, the crowd let out a series of small gasps.

Mark basked in the scattered clapping and admiring whispers with a self-satisfied smirk. The praise wasn't universal, though. Many students harbored bitter resentment.

"Stupid rich brat... If he hadn't used that body-strengthening fluid, would he even be this fast?"

Nevertheless, no one dared to speak their mind. Mark’s influence and power were enough to keep their grievances buried.

Rose was the next to step up.

With her characteristic poise, she moved toward the machine. Taking a soft breath, she began her run with a graceful, fluid stride.

28 m/s.

The room fell into a stunned hush before erupting into a frenzy of shouts and cheers.

"My goddess!" a boy yelled out dramatically. "Please go out with me—I’m incredibly sincere!"

"Hah!" another mocked. "A toad dreaming of eating swan meat. Have you no shame?"

Despite the chaotic admiration, Rose remained unmoved. She ignored both the praise and the ridicule, her attention fixed elsewhere.

Then, it was Ethan’s turn.

He walked forward with measured steps, taking a deep breath to steady his focus.

Unlike his peers, Ethan felt no anxiety. Having enhanced both his physique and spiritual energy to 6 points, he knew he could shatter the 40 m/s mark if he went all out. However, he had no intention of revealing his true depth. He wanted to be noticed, but he didn't want to become a specimen for study.

When the signal sounded, Ethan ran with clinical precision, his movement both efficient and smooth. The screen lit up:

33 m/s.

The facility plunged into a deathly silence. No one spoke; no one even seemed to breathe. The only sound was the low mechanical hum of the testing equipment.

In the realm of martial arts, the gap between 25 m/s and 26 m/s might look marginal, but it actually demanded a massive leap in muscular power and nervous system coordination. Plenty of students possessed brute strength over 500 kg yet remained trapped at 24.9 m/s, failing their certification.

Yet Ethan had clocked 33 m/s—and he hadn't even unlocked his gene lock yet.

It was nothing short of monstrous.

Mark’s arrogant mask crumpled into a look of pure agitation. His hands balled into tight fists as his smirk vanished instantly.

"How?!" he raged internally. "How is this even possible? I used high-grade body fluid... Did Ethan use something similar? Or... could it be—does he have a patron? Is someone backing him from the shadows?"

The uncertainty ate at him, shaking his sense of superiority to its core.

Meanwhile, Richard’s eyes sparkled as if he had stumbled upon a hidden treasure. He couldn't suppress his excitement. This wasn't just a talented student—this was a rare genius seen only once in a generation.

Richard approached Ethan with an enthusiastic grin, clapping a hand onto his shoulder. "Ethan, your talent is extraordinary. Truly exceptional. You might find peers like this in the super-base cities, but I’ve never witnessed such a feat here. If you manage to awaken an element, I’ll personally see to it that you receive a special reward. Good luck."

Ethan offered a simple nod and a smile. "Thank you, Instructor Richard."

Arnold also walked over, giving Ethan a nod of approval. "I’m eager to see your next performance, kid."

Rose joined them as well, her voice carrying a soft, playful lilt. "Ethan, I had no idea you were such a powerhouse. It turns out you're a hidden super genius. You kept that well-concealed... I wish you luck in the elemental trial."

Ethan nodded back. "Thanks. Good luck to you as well."

Finally, Richard turned to address the remaining crowd. "Only 46 of you have passed the speed test," he declared. "Those who qualified, follow me. To the rest—do not be discouraged. Train harder. There is always a future opportunity."

The group of forty-six followed Richard into a smaller, secondary chamber. At the center of the room sat a large crystal, roughly the size of a football, resting upon a clear glass pedestal. It emitted a faint pulse of mysterious energy, radiating an aura that felt both ancient and potent.

Richard faced the students solemnly. "This," he stated, "is the Elemental Awakening Crystal. You will come forward one by one to place your hand upon it. The terminal in front of the crystal will display your results. If you have an elemental affinity, the crystal will glow, and the screen will identify your specific element."

He paused for a moment before adding, "On rare occasions, a soul talent may manifest during this process. Should you awaken one, you have the choice to disclose it. The Federation grants such individuals priority, providing them with protection and wealth of resources. However, you are free to keep it confidential if you wish."

A wave of gasps rippled through the students.

Richard raised his voice to ensure everyone heard. "The Federation recognizes nine primary elements: Fire, Water, Metal, Air, Earth, Light, Darkness, Ice, and Thunder. If you awaken any of these, you will be granted a matching breathing technique. This will allow you to absorb cosmic energy and commence the process of unlocking your gene lock."

"If there are questions, speak now."

A soft voice cut through the quiet.

"Mr. Richard, I have a question," Rose said, stepping forward.

Richard’s stern gaze softened slightly. "Proceed, Rose."

She inquired calmly, "Is it possible for someone to awaken more than one element? And if they do, are they required to practice every corresponding breathing technique equally?"

Richard blinked, taken aback by the sophistication of her query. "A fantastic question," he complimented. "Yes, multiple elemental awakenings do occur, though they are rare. You aren't forced to cultivate all of them; you can focus on a single element if you prefer. However, if you do choose to pursue multiple techniques, you must advance them at an equal pace to progress in the future. That is a slower, far more grueling path. It doesn't inherently make you more powerful—but it does provide a more versatile arsenal in combat."

The students nodded as they processed this, some trading curious looks. Arnold watched the exchange silently, choosing not to intervene.

Richard clapped his hands together. "Very well. Let the awakening begin. When you touch the crystal, a strange force will enter your body. If you possess an affinity, that force will lead you to a core located within the interventricular membrane of your heart. That core is your elemental nucleus. Once it is activated, you will be officially recognized as a quasi-warrior."

The room buzzed with an electric sense of excitement.

"By utilizing the breathing technique tied to your element, you will begin absorbing cosmic energy to break your first gene lock. From that moment on, you will truly have stepped onto the path of cultivation."

He fell silent, letting the gravity of his words sink in.

"Becoming a warrior is the ultimate dream for everyone on this planet. And now, you are standing at the threshold."

Even Ethan, who had seen much already, felt his pulses quicken. His heart hammered against his ribs.

Would an element awaken within him? If it did, which one would it be? Was it possible he held more than one?

Would his soul talent be exposed? Should he conceal it, or step into the light?

A whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind, yet his expression remained composed.

Richard raised his hand.

"Begin."