The Strongest Gene Chapter 4: To Hell with It!

Gold City.

Inside a nondescript rented house in the city's residential area.

The moment Chen Feng arrived home, various pieces of information flooded his wristband communicator.

Because of his absence on the final day of examinations, student Chen Feng's previously stellar grades plummeted dramatically, landing him at the very bottom. He had instantly failed the university entrance examinations, thereby forfeiting any future possibility of attending university.

"The speed at which they release report cards is quite astonishing, isn't it," Chen Feng remarked, shaking his head.

University...

Would the consequence of not attending university be significant?

As Chen Feng sifted through the original owner's memories to grasp the situation, a frown creased his brow. In this world, a stark divide existed between those who had completed high school and university and those who hadn't. High school served as the bedrock for one's foundation, while university provided the accelerated growth built upon that established base. This represented the predominant cultivation path in this era!

Unable to gain admission to high school?

Failing to pass the university entrance examinations?

Then, one was destined to integrate a gene suited for manual labor and commence a life of toil. This was a world where all individuals possessed the capacity to integrate mutated genes. However, these genetic abilities were broadly categorized into two primary types: those conducive to labor and those exclusively for combat! Undoubtedly, the latter category commanded a significantly higher social standing than the former. This very pursuit had been the original owner's ambition.

"Genes for combat, you say?" Chen Feng mused, falling into a deep contemplation.

This was an arena where the powerful dominated the weak. His own prior experience of being unceremoniously discarded into the sea, unnoticed, served as stark evidence of this world's inherent hazards.

Individuals lacking strength were merely fodder, easily dispatched by others at their whim. Consequently, Chen Feng recognized the absolute necessity of becoming a formidable expert if he aspired to lead a life of fulfillment.

However, it appeared that his path was about to become considerably more complicated, given his failure in the university entrance examinations...

"Are there perhaps alternative routes available?" Chen Feng suddenly recalled the original owner's ultimate aspiration: to become a Gene Producer.

Genetic warriors possessed the ability to integrate a new gene at each cultivation stage. For instance, upon meeting the prerequisites for an F-class gene, an individual could integrate an F-class mutated gene, thereby becoming an F-class genetic warrior. Upon achieving the requirements for the E-class, another integration of a mutated gene would lead to becoming an E-class genetic warrior! This progression continued uniformly for subsequent stages.

At every distinct phase, a completely novel gene could be integrated.

The so-called genes integrated in this context were concocted by blending the blood essence extracted from mutated beasts with various gene reagents, resulting in what was termed a gene-fusion reagent! Those individuals responsible for the creation of these reagents were known as Gene Producers.

The original owner had consistently set his sights on becoming a Gene Producer. The rationale behind this ambition was straightforward: he was acutely aware of his limitations stemming from poverty and a lack of influential connections. Therefore, securing a viable supplementary profession alongside his student identity was crucial. Should he, by some stroke of luck, manage to become a Gene Producer, he might potentially surmount these challenges.

Alas, that ambition had been thwarted.

The path to becoming a Gene Producer was exceptionally arduous.

Based on Chen Feng's current understanding, the initial hurdle for aspiring Gene Producers was the successful creation of their very first gene reagent. Only those who achieved at least one successful synthesis would earn recognition as a Gene Producer! Meanwhile, the success rate for novices stood at a mere 0.1%.

What did this statistic imply?

It meant that upwards of 1,000 sets of materials would be necessary. Even the most rudimentary materials would necessitate a collective investment of 1,000,000 yuan to procure 1,000 sets. Furthermore, unwavering concentration, without the slightest lapse, was paramount throughout the entire production process of these 1,000 reagent sets!

Naturally, exceptionally gifted individuals might achieve success after only a few attempts. As for those with exceptionally bad luck...

They might potentially fail perpetually, even after dedicating their entire lives to the endeavor!

He recalled engaging in a card game back on Earth. Over a span of six months, he failed to draw a single Special Rare card, thereby earning himself the moniker of 'Black Month' during that period. This personal experience provided a clear indication of the extreme misfortune he possessed at the time.

Moreover, even if one succeeded through sheer serendipity, it merely marked the commencement of the journey.

The success rate in the nascent stages of gene production was exceedingly low. Overcoming these initial challenges necessitated continuous production and dedicated study!

A daunting amount of financial resources was indispensable to sustain this demanding undertaking.

Conversely, once an individual navigated this treacherous phase and mastered a gene reagent formula with flawless execution, they would experience the fruits of their labor, culminating in a prosperous and unhindered future!

This was precisely the future the original owner had ardently envisioned.

"In other words..." Chen Feng's eyes gleamed with renewed hope.

"If I become a Gene Producer, it might resolve my current predicament?"

Unable to qualify for university, Chen Feng’s starting point was considerably lower than that of others. However, if the role of a gene producer could compensate for all of that, then attending university became entirely unnecessary.

Lacking resources?

He would simply purchase them all!

Chen Feng was deeply enticed.

What prevented the original owner of this body from progressing beyond the starting line for so long?

Beyond dedicating the vast majority of his time to study and practice, the primary reason was his unfortunate complexion! For Chen Feng, however, this was not a concern he feared!

A mere 0.1% success rate?

"Hehe."

Chen Feng chuckled.

"I shall procure some materials and delve into the intricacies of this gene production."

Chen Feng began tidying his room. His intention was to acquire basic materials from the shop at the entrance. Perceiving things through the original owner’s memories paled in comparison to direct personal experience.

He needed to ascertain the extent of the Luck Aura's influence on gene production!

One must act according to their capabilities. Having arrived in this world, he would face a grim fate if he didn't thoroughly understand his own strengths.

"I'll start with the Lumberbear gene," Chen Feng resolved.

There was truly no other reason for this choice. It was the sole publicly accessible gene formula and the only path available for a typical individual aspiring to become a gene producer.

----

Lumberbear Gene.

Fusion Requirements: Strength: 10 points, Physique: 5 points.

Basic Attributes: Strength: 2–3 points, Physique: 2–3 points.

Genetic Ability: Lumberbear’s Wrath. Increases strength by 10 points for 10 seconds, with a 60-second cooldown.

Suitable Occupation: Light construction work, etc.

----

The fusion requirements represented the minimum standards deemed safe for fusion by the Gene Production Association. Individuals failing to meet these prerequisites might find their bodies incapable of sustaining the process, potentially leading to injury.

The basic attributes indicated the immediate enhancements gained upon a successful gene fusion. The variation in attribute increases, ranging from 2 to 3 points, was contingent upon the skill of the gene producer. A more accomplished gene producer would result in a superior gene reagent.

Regarding the genetic ability, it constituted the most crucial element of gene fusion, granting the user a unique power derived from a mutated life form. Lumberbear’s Wrath served as an example; only after fusing with a Lumberbear gene could one unleash this ability, significantly boosting strength for a brief duration.

A potent surge coupled with a swift cooldown period rendered it a highly sought-after genetic ability, particularly on construction sites.

Nevertheless, the starting price for a Lumberbear gene was 5,000 yuan, with materials alone costing 4,000 yuan. After accounting for miscellaneous expenses, profitability was virtually non-existent. Consequently, the number of individuals producing this gene remained remarkably low. To meet the public's demand for the Lumberbear gene, the Gene Production Association had made the gene formula public, establishing it as the practice formula for aspiring gene producers.

Departing his neighborhood, Chen Feng arrived at a nearby materials store.

"Little Feng has arrived," the proprietor, Uncle Zhang, greeted him with a smile. "Here to purchase genetic materials again?"

"Mm, I need five sets of materials for the Lumberbear gene," Chen Feng confirmed.

"Certainly."

As Uncle Zhang gathered the materials and handed them over, he paused. "Little Feng, have you considered working here?"

"Huh?"

Chen Feng appeared taken aback.

"Sigh."

Uncle Zhang sighed regretfully. "I understand you didn't pass your entrance exams. But, my boy, life must go on. If you don't mind, you can work here for the time being until you find a better opportunity. You can leave whenever you wish after that."

"Um."

Chen Feng began to sweat profusely.

The speed at which news traveled was astonishing!

How much time had actually passed?

Unbeknownst to Chen Feng, the examination results were always released at 6 PM on the same day. Everyone could check their results online, meaning they had learned the outcome several hours prior. The failure of the usually outstanding Chen Feng had come as a surprise.

"Oh, Little Feng, you're here too," an elderly lady from nearby chimed in. "Not attending the student gathering?"

"What?"

Chen Feng was once again stunned. What student gathering was she referring to?

"Your class's graduation..."

Elder Lady Liu began to speak but noticed Uncle Zhang giving her a pointed look. She quickly amended her statement. "Sigh, this old mouth of mine!"

"The graduation party for your class."

Uncle Zhang let out a sigh. "They say the class monitor will invite everyone to the graduation get-together on the day the results are announced. It's meant for everyone to gather one last time. But those classmates of yours..."

Uncle Zhang shook his head, clearly displeased that Chen Feng hadn't received an invitation. "So arrogant even before stepping into society. Those students..."

"Hmph!"

"Little Feng, don't associate with those conceited people. You'll definitely achieve more than them in the future," Elder Lady Liu offered words of comfort.

Yet, both of them understood that without university admission, Chen Feng's life path would diverge completely from those classmates. Achieving more than them? That was merely a pipe dream.

It was at this very moment that Chen Feng's impression of the world's universities deepened.

The reality was, in everyone's mind, those who didn't get into university forfeited their right to be true genetic warriors? The stark divide created by universities was even more formidable than on Earth!

However...

Would Chen Feng concern himself with that?

Attending the classmates' gathering? Forget it!

Those classmates with whom he shared no strong connection were simply not worth his time. What mattered most to him now was to test the might of his Luck Aura!

He had already experienced the synergy between his Luck Aura and Wind Blade. That astonishing, limitless combo still lingered in his memory, making him eager for more. So, how would the combination of Luck Aura and gene production fare?

He looked forward to it.

Footnotes:

[1] Black face – A person with bad luck.

[2] Black month – The name of a black frame that will appear on a player’s icon when failing to draw SR (special rare) cards after a certain number of attempts.

[3] To taste the sweetness after the bitter – A Chinese idiom, meaning to taste success after bitter struggle.

[4] Threading the broad and open road – A Chinese idiom, meaning a bright future.