The Great Genetic Era Chapter 5 - Teacher, I’m Hungry!

As soon as Xu Tui stepped out of the training chamber, Cheng Mo, Tang Ting, and Yu Zeping immediately swarmed around him.

Yu Zeping was clearly the fastest to reach his side.

“How did it go?”

“You took such an eternity, I genuinely feared your genetic sequence had suffered a total collapse,” Cheng Mo remarked with a smirk.

Xu Tui offered a silent, icy glance toward Cheng Mo.

“I possess more stamina than you, don’t I?”

Cheng Mo was momentarily struck dumb.

“My God, Little Tui, you might actually turn into Big Tui now. You have this massive lump on your forehead. Did you manage to awaken the legendary third eye that human evolution long ago discarded? Or perhaps you are regressing and sprouting a horn like an insect?” The portly Tang Ting stared at Xu Tui’s forehead, his voice booming loud enough to echo throughout the hall. Heads immediately swiveled toward them.

Xu Tui didn't know how to respond.

He felt far too bashful to explain the true nature of the growth on his head.

Abruptly, the gazes of countless onlookers converged on Xu Tui.

The prevailing dogma of the genetic examination was simple: the more extreme the physiological reaction, the greater the individual’s potential.

The sheer number of people now staring at his forehead served as living proof of this absolute rule.

Yu Zeping looked visibly stunned.

Cheng Mo examined the bulge on Xu Tui’s forehead and reached out to press it directly with his finger.

“Why does this look… like a regular contusion? I seem to recall getting similar lumps when I was a child,” Cheng Mo muttered, utterly bewildered.

Yu Zeping delivered a sharp rap to Cheng Mo’s skull. Cheng Mo looked back with a deeply indignant expression.

He was telling the truth.

“Do you honestly think you can produce a growth like that just because I hit you?” Yu Zeping demanded angrily.

Cheng Mo’s head remained perfectly normal.

Cheng Mo fell silent.

“Teacher, perhaps you didn't strike with enough force. Why not try hitting him again?” Xu Tui, who had remained quiet during the exchange, suddenly chimed in.

Cheng Mo immediately shielded his head and scrambled back three steps, quickly putting a safe distance between them.

If he allowed Yu Zeping to strike him with full force, he wasn't sure if he would trigger any miraculous reaction, but he was certain he would wind up with a concussion.

Cheng Mo wasn't an idiot.

“Let me examine your hand-signed exam slip.”

The impatient teacher snatched the slip from Xu Tui’s grasp. Cheng Mo and Tang Ting crowded in behind him, burning with curiosity.

“Your ear canals bled? Priority recommendation for the Vision-type and Sound-type testing halls?”

Yu Zeping’s eyes lit up instantly. He shoved Xu Tui toward the direction of the testing facilities.

“You need to get yourself tested immediately.”

Xu Tui had no chance to compare notes with Cheng Mo or Tang Ting before he was ushered into the Vision-type Testing Hall by an eager Yu Zeping.

Cheng Mo had been inside the chamber with Xu Tui, and Tang Ting’s registration number followed Xu Tui’s, meaning he, too, had likely already received the Genetic Liberation Elixir.

After all, the time Xu Tui spent in the observation phase was significantly longer than average.

Most candidates required only five minutes. Both of them had almost certainly finished the processes meant to determine their Genetic Base Points.

One could only wonder what sort of Genetic Base Points Cheng Mo and Tang Ting had managed to unlock.

Just as he turned away, the rotund figure of Tang Ting flashed in Xu Tui’s mind. A flicker of curiosity struck him: ‘Could Tang Ting have activated Genetic Base Points in his stomach area that…’

...

The Vision-type Testing Hall was sterile and minimalist, lined with rows of windows containing specialized diagnostic equipment.

From the first window to the sixth, Xu Tui complied with every instruction, operating the machinery for thirty seconds to a full minute each. With every station, the units automatically churned out a printed report.

Xu Tui had practiced these specific tests before the actual exam, so he was quite comfortable with the process.

Roughly four minutes later, the final machine finished his report.

The document provided a side-by-side comparison of his physiological data before the genetic exam and the results after receiving the Genetic Liberation Elixir.

The discrepancies were explicitly highlighted.

His standard visual acuity had risen from 4.7 to 5.4.

...

No change to his dynamic perception; no change to tracking ability; no development of X-ray vision. The report presented all findings in blunt, clear prose. Xu Tui didn't even need a teacher to interpret the results to know that he hadn't successfully activated any vision-centric Genetic Base Points.

“Testing complete. The student’s vision-related improvements are merely consistent with the general physiological boost provided by the Genetic Compound Chain Allele Elixir. There is no evidence of activation regarding specialized vision-based Genetic Base Points. It is advised that the candidate pursue testing in other categories.”

Signed and stamped.

Xu Tui exited the testing hall feeling deeply deflated.

A hollow weight settled in his chest.

He had truly hoped for some form of X-ray vision...

Seeing the look on Xu Tui’s face, Yu Zeping deduced the outcome even without glancing at the papers.

He immediately ushered Xu Tui toward the Sound-type Testing Hall.

“Your ears bled after the injection. It is highly probable that you’ve activated genes related to sound. Don’t lose hope.” He added a small, encouraging note, “You could become a powerhouse if you learn to project infrasonic waves in the future.”

Yu Zeping remained remarkably attentive and even attempted to soothe Xu Tui’s nerves.

Not far off, Cheng Mo, Tang Ting, and other students watched Xu Tui get escorted into the next arena, gathering to speculate amongst themselves.

The rotund Tang Ting looked positively brimming with excitement, gesturing wildly and flexing his muscles.

Cheng Mo, by contrast, looked listless and defeated.

The Sound-type Testing Hall was far more complex than the previous setup, probing into many nuances of gene activation. Despite this, each individual test was quite brisk.

The facility was bifurcated into two primary zones: auditory reception and vocal projection.

More specifically, it tested one's capability to hear and one's capability to roar.

Many students underwent vocal transitions after taking the Genetic Liberation Elixir if they successfully tapped into sound-related Genetic Base Points. Beyond basic auditory sharpening, some gained the ability to perceive wireless signals or high-frequency ultrasonic waves. Others developed the power to emit unique vibrations like infrasonic or ultrasonic waves.

The entire examination was automated.

Five minutes later, Xu Tui walked out with another test report.

The remarks from the attending examiner closely mimicked the ones from the vision-testing section.

“Testing complete. The student’s sound-related developments are limited to the general physical enhancement induced by the Genetic Compound Chain Allele Elixir. There is no findings to suggest the activation of specific sound-based Genetic Base Points. It is recommended that they focus on different sectors.”

Once Xu Tui emerged, Yu Zeping snatched the report to scan it, growing increasingly anxious.

He immediately pushed Xu Tui toward the Reflex-type Testing Hall.

Throughout the years under Yu Zeping’s mentorship, he had groomed three students who achieved a Double Excellence Score, though two had since become largely mediocre.

Well, perhaps not mediocre... but certainly not exceptional.

Nevertheless, Yu Zeping felt his concern deepening with every failed test. Xu Tui felt his spirits sinking even further.

The Reflex-type testing center, designed to gauge reaction speeds and motor reflexes, yielded the same hollow results. The Intelligence-type hall, meant to measure memory and cognitive faculties, offered no redemption.

Xu Tui’s complexion turned ghastly pale.

Yu Zeping’s expression grew equally sour.

“Keep your chin up. There is still the Mystery Branch Testing Hall.”

Despite this encouragement, Yu Zeping didn't immediately lead him there.

The Mystery Branch area was restricted; entry required a formal recommendation from an invigilator.

Actually, Xu Tui already held that recommendation—the handwritten slip provided by the female researcher.

“If nothing presents itself, we can test at the Mystery Branch hall as soon as the comparison analysis of your pre- and post-administration blood samples is finalized.”

That handwritten note granted him access, but the procedural requirement remained: he had to wait for the biological comparison results before entering.

For now, they were in a holding pattern. Under the circumstances, both mentor and student felt a sense of encroaching gloom.

Based on the advice provided by past students, individuals who successfully activated Mystery-type Genetic Base Points usually showed immediate, undeniable signs.

For instance, the short student who had been confirmed as a top-tier candidate moments ago was already causing localized disturbances just by standing there—his hair was literally sparking and his touch was causing nearby objects to smolder.

The remaining students congregated around Xu Tui as he departed the hall.

They understood the results without a single question, simply by studying the grim expressions on Xu Tui and Yu Zeping.

Under these conditions, simple platitudes offered little comfort.

There would be no do-overs. This was the singular opportunity to determine their life's trajectory.

Of course, failing to activate specific Genetic Base Points wasn't entirely catastrophic. Anyone treated with the Genetic Liberation Elixir enjoyed a 5 to 20 percent boost in baseline potential based on the dosage, offering a minor advantage in future studies or work.

Furthermore, Xu Tui had been administered a Level C elixir.

However, the capacity for significant genetic growth in the coming years would remain severely hampered.

“It’s really not that bad. I only activated three points, which is basically zero. Plus, my Level D elixir wasn't even as strong as yours,” one classmate said, trying to comfort him.

Suddenly, Cheng Mo let out a long, tragic sigh.

“You should be grateful. Anything is better than what I ended up with.”

Xu Tui checked his direction and saw Cheng Mo looking genuinely miserable, which piqued his curiosity.

“I unlocked 11 Genetic Base Points. Seems decent, right?” Cheng Mo pointed at his own chest, his voice trembling with emotion.

Eleven points… That was far better than decent. That was excellent.

The threshold for Jincheng Genetic Evolution College was a mere five points, and elite institutions like the Huaxia Genetic Evolution College typically demanded ten.

“But cursed fate!” Cheng Mo gestured toward his own stomach, looking like he might fall to his knees in despair. “Out of those 11 points, seven are concentrated entirely in my digestive tract! Am I destined to become a champion of endless gluttony?”

He looked at the ceiling in agony. “I don't even eat much! I don't even consume a third of what Tang Ting devours. Why did the fat guy end up with speed and power-related genes? Regardless of appearance, he looks far more like the man born to rule over food. Why did the universe decide it had to be me?”

The corners of Cheng Mo’s eyes were glistening with moisture as he lamented.

His 1.8-meter frame crumpled toward the floor.

Xu Tui stayed silent. Tang Ting, standing nearby, was even quieter.

He’d been targeted for his size, after all.

This was why Yu Zeping had subtly suggested Cheng Mo was effectively wasted potential.

The only perks of digestive-type Genetic Base Points were the ability to consume vast amounts of food, gain weight, and recover physical stamina slightly faster.

It was colloquially known as having a 'Rice Bucket' constitution.

Yu Zeping felt his heart ache as he realized this promising, handsome young man might spiral into a 300-kilogram wall of meat in the coming years.

A strange, melancholic pain gripped him.

“Cheng Mo, stand up and act like a man! You’ve activated other points, so there is still potential,” Yu Zeping said, doing his best to sound optimistic. “I’ll do my utmost to assist you. I’ll consult with my colleagues and look for a way to optimize your path forward. I promise I’ll help you overcome this.”

Cheng Mo, who had been wallowing in misery, stood up abruptly.

“Teacher, I am facing a dire issue right now.”

In that very moment, Yu Zeping replied with a tone that suggested no challenge was insurmountable: “State it. I will provide whatever help I can.”

“Teacher, I am ravenously hungry!”

As if to punctuate his statement, Cheng Mo’s stomach let out a thunderous, cavernous roar.