The Great Genetic Era Chapter 2 - Outside the Earth

The year 2137 represented a period of intense technological evolution.

Two primary domains underwent transformative shifts throughout the 21st century.

Initially, genetic research—which had been underway since the 19th century—finally hit a series of steady breakthroughs during the 21st century.

These developments brought significant boons to humanity.

Genetic disorders were essentially eliminated.

Terminal illnesses saw a massive reduction in prevalence.

The volume of terminal conditions threatening human life plunged from over 400 during the 21st century down to 26 by the 22nd century.

That is, assuming one possessed the necessary funds.

Consider, for instance, a person’s fundamental traits.

Core attributes inherited naturally through reproduction, such as agility, raw power, and longevity, increased by over 10% even among average individuals.

The physical gains witnessed after consuming various genetic medications were even more striking.

The second domain involved discoveries resulting from the fervent galactic explorations undertaken by various nations.

Nearly a century ago, countries including America, the Eurozone, Russia, and China declared their discovery of intelligent life beyond Earth. They successfully established contact, attempting to communicate with these extraterrestrial entities to some degree.

This communication resulted in rapid technological breakthroughs that helped humans surmount long-standing challenges. However, this also invited the invasion of intelligent extraterrestrial life upon Earth.

It was a full-scale invasion.

Fortunately, humanity did not lack foresight or caution.

The extraterrestrial forces were contained outside Earth’s borders, though the conflict persisted. Consequently, the Blue Star Alliance was founded, and humanity entered the Great Genetic Era in the year 2037.

Genetic exams were formulated under this specific premise.

Individuals enhanced by genetic medication experienced massive improvements across all physiological markers. These were qualitative transformations.

The resulting Genetic Warriors proved exceptional on the extraterrestrial front. Frequently, a single powerful Genetic Warrior could entirely alter the tide and dictate the outcome of a battle.

Humans augmented by genetic medication also showed greater aptitude for research and increased speeds in manufacturing specialized goods.

Even pilots, whether of fighter craft or starships, became highly skilled, exhibiting faster response times while piloting. Their bodies were also capable of withstanding much greater G-forces.

The Great Genetic Era had arrived for all of humanity.

Through a century of research and continual refinement, humans gained a deeper comprehension of their biology and how it interacted with genetic medications.

This efforts culminated in the genetic exam Xu Tui was now facing.

As Yu Zeping noted, the score acquired from the college admission exams was merely an entry ticket. It was intended as motivation to push students toward higher achievements.

Hard work and immense dedication would eventually refine a person’s genes into something more extraordinary.

Following these exams, students who met the Genetic Admission Score received a Level D or Level C Genetic Compound Chain Allele Elixir, depending on their performance. That was the formal scientific designation for the substance.

It was colloquially referred to as the Genetic Liberation Elixir.

According to the information Xu Tui received, human genes are composed of naturally stable structures. These chains remain highly rigid. Any form of enhancement, mutation, or evolution requires an exorbitant amount of time.

The Genetic Compound Chain Allele Elixir is capable of disrupting this stability while prioritizing individual safety, subsequently prompting the genes to strengthen, mutate, or evolve within a compressed timeframe through various mechanisms.

Individuals who consume the Genetic Compound Chain Allele Elixir are henceforth known as Genetic Liberators.

It is worth noting that the effectiveness of these elixirs varies dramatically, ranging from Level E to Level A.

Level E serves as the entry-level, while Level A represents the pinnacle.

However, Level A and Level B elixirs are incredibly rare. Rumors suggest only the military and the Genetic Research Institute possess the means to obtain them, and they are kept under strict control.

The variants commonly found on the market are Level E Genetic Liberation Elixirs. Level D and Level C versions are also available.

Predictably, they command a significantly higher price.

The difference between Level E, D, and C elixirs manifests in two ways: the Genetic Breakdown Probability and the Genetic Liberation Base Points.

There is a 0.5% risk that a person’s genetic sequence will collapse upon consuming a Level E Genetic Liberation Elixir.

The result of such a breakdown is fatal. There is no remedy for an individual whose genes have failed in this manner.

The Genetic Breakdown Probability for a Level D elixir is 0.2%, whereas the Level C variant carries only a 0.1% risk.

Among all tiers of the Genetic Liberation Elixir, the death rate is minimized when utilizing the Level C version.

It feels somewhat like gambling with one’s own existence. The probability is low, and an individual will successfully become a Genetic Liberator provided they aren't terribly unlucky.

However, the second area of difference—Genetic Liberation Base Points—cannot be substituted by mere luck.

In fact, it may represent an irreversible gap throughout one’s entire lifespan.

…Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, Xu Tui looked back at Jincheng Ninth High School—an institution students dubbed a “Training Hell”—before squeezing his way into the maglev public transport.

Reflecting the rapid technological progress, maglev systems—which were prohibitively expensive and highly exclusive a hundred years ago—had become essential tools for mitigating urban congestion today.

Thirty minutes later, as Xu Tui exited the elevator, he caught the sound of voices near his apartment door.

It was Aunty Ma, who lived downstairs, speaking with his father, Xu Jianguo.

“Old Xu, what score did your son manage on the college admission exams? My boy didn’t fare too well; he only just hit the Genetic Admission Score.”

Xu Jianguo, a man of humble nature, replied as Xu Tui reached his threshold.

“Let’s not dwell on it. My son didn’t do so great either.”

“Not great? Exactly how many points did he pull?” Aunty Ma persisted.

“It’s simply mediocre.” Xu Tui’s father shook his head, moving as if to shut the door.

Aunty Ma grew impatient. She gripped the edge of the door, demanding, “He must have a score even if he didn't do well. Give me the number.”

“Improvement is home.”

Xu Tui’s father spotted his son and offered a greeting.

“Improvement” was Xu Tui’s pet name.

“Oh? Improvement is back?”

Aunty Ma turned toward Xu Tui urgently. “Your father claims you didn’t do well. What was your total?”

“Did you even fail to meet the Genetic Admission Score?”

“My kid didn’t perform well, but thankfully he reached the Genetic Admission Score.”

Xu Tui bypassed Aunty Ma without a word, casting a knowing look toward his father.

According to his father’s teachings, maintaining good neighborly relations was paramount.

Suddenly, a hand shot out from the gap in the doorway, seizing Xu Tui by the ear. He was dragged inside, followed by a sharp scolding.

“You rotten boy! You scored 604 yet you barely missed the Double Excellence Score! How exactly do I raise you…”

“Mum, that hurts! Let go!”

As Aunty Ma watched Xu Tui get pulled inside, her expression froze in confusion.

“Goodbye, Sister Ma. I need to get dinner started.”

Xu Tui’s father offered a sheepish grin and clicked the door shut.

Outside the residence, Aunty Ma collected herself and muttered, “It’s just a Double Excellence Score. Why bother showing off?”

Inside, Xu Tui’s mother glared at his father with her hands on her hips. “You always exhaust yourself trying to protect the pride of others. Improvement earned his score through hard work. He didn't cheat. Why hide his results?”

“I just didn’t want to make her feel bad.”

“It won’t look good on her, but does that do us any favors?”

“Mum, I’m headed for a shower.”

Sensing a daily argument brewing, Xu Tui immediately used the shower as an excuse to escape the crossfire.

“Something is burning in the wok; I need to keep an eye on it.”

Xu Tui’s father, well-versed in the dynamic, instantly seized his chance to dodge his wife’s tirade.

Dinner consisted of braised pork, stir-fried lettuce, and a large bowl of fragrant oil-seared noodles.

Three boiled eggs rested in Xu Tui’s bowl, bathed in chili oil, whetting his appetite instantly.

These eggs were meant to help him replenish his strength.

“Let’s eat.”

Xu Tui wiped his mouth after finishing, rubbing his stomach with satisfaction.

“Dad, this is the liability form required for tomorrow’s Genetic Liberation Elixir session, along with the insurance paperwork. I need your signature and a fingerprint. They must be submitted tomorrow.” Xu Tui presented the document.

His father bypassed the contents, looking instead toward Xu Tui’s mother, Zhang Xiuli, who wore an equally solemn expression, before turning to his son.

“Improvement, you cleared the Double Excellence Score, but the Genetic Liberation Elixir tomorrow still carries a 0.1% death rate. In practice, the risk is slightly higher. Are you afraid?”

Xu Tui hesitated, nodding briefly before shaking his head.

“Last year in Jincheng Prefecture, 23,000 students were eligible for the Genetic Liberation Elixir. During the process, over 400 suffered a genetic breakdown and died,” his father said with palpable concern. “Everyone assumes misfortune will skip over them, but it’s too late to react once it strikes.”

Silence filled the room.

Xu Tui’s father continued, “Improvement, tell us plainly if you are scared, or hesitant, or afraid. We can decline signing this liability form. Your future might be restricted, but our family can certainly provide for you.”

As he spoke, he pushed the liability form back toward his son, ignoring the insurance document.

“Improvement, it is your future. You decide.”

Though his father’s authority within the household often fluctuated, his mother, Zhang Xiuli, remained silent whenever serious matters were at hand, deferring to Xu Jianguo.

Xu Tui observed the liability form before gazing out the window.

“Dad, I’ve seen on TV that intelligent extraterrestrial life has been encroaching upon us for nearly a century. I want to see for myself what they look like.”

With a quiet sigh and his mind settled, Xu Tui pushed the liability form back toward Xu Jianguo.

“Dad, if the opportunity arises, I truly desire to see what exists beyond the reach of Earth.”

Zhang Xiuli pursed her lips, her gaze overflowing with anxiety.

A 0.1% death rate may seem negligible statistically, but it represents a guaranteed conclusion should the risk claim one’s child. Every parent would experience such dread.

Xu Jianguo glanced at his wife, then back at Xu Tui. He picked up his pen and signed the document, pulling his wife’s hand to press their fingerprints beside his own.

Xu Tui’s father rose, handing the form back to him with immense gravity.

“Xu Tui, from this day forward, you are the master of your own path. But keep this in mind: to us, your health and safety remain the highest priority.”

Xu Tui nodded.

Zhang Xiuli wept silently.

“Mum, don’t be too worried. I passed the Double Excellence Score. Not only will I be administered a Level C Genetic Liberation Elixir—the safest tier—but I am also slated to receive a Genetic Activation Stabilizing Elixir, which effectively halves the potential risk. My survival probability is statistically very high.”

“Is that how you console your own mother?” Xu Jianguo glared as his wife’s sobbing intensified.

“With that brutal bluntness, you’ll never find a girlfriend,” Xu Jianguo declared. “Can you at least leave us with a grandson?”

His father was a master of redirection.

Throwing out every conversational diversion at his disposal worked. Zhang Xiuli stopped crying immediately, shifting her focus to her dreams for Xu Tui’s future.

“Bearing children is highly encouraged in this era. Improvement, you must give us a grandson before graduation.”

…Xu Tui retreated.

“Mum, we have three times the standard training today. I’m exhausted and need to rest early.”

“That child…” Zhang Xiuli felt slightly indignant.

“Don’t forget your night meditation,” Xu Jianguo reminded.

“I’m used to it, Dad.”

Upon returning to his small bedroom, Xu Tui brushed his teeth and briefly scrolled through his friends’ social media posts to check for classmates’ updates.

After five minutes, he powered down his communication device.

As a student, time management was critical.

Xu Tui removed his socks, climbed onto his bed, and settled into a cross-legged position. Closing his eyes, he inhaled through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. Within minutes, his body relaxed into a meditative state.

This was the nightly meditation lesson Xu Jianguo had instilled in him since childhood, insisting it be practiced religiously.

Xu Tui maintained the habit because meditation allowed him to achieve rapid tranquility and deep sleep, especially beneficial for those nights when he felt overstimulated by action cartoons or haunted by horror films.

He could even drift off by sunrise when necessary.

However, the morning light had arrived.

The fatigue was simply…

This meditation practice allowed Xu Tui to shed his weariness rapidly and attain a state of true rest.

More importantly, he would wake up feeling completely revitalized regardless of the previous day’s exertion.

Thirty minutes passed, and Xu Tui, still in meditation, trembled slightly before falling sideways onto his bed, legs still crossed.

Shortly after, the door to his room opened gently. Zhang Xiuli stepped in, pulled a blanket over him, gazed at him with a mix of love and gravity, and exited in silence.