Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 2: 002 New Recruit Talent

"What is a specialty?" Bai E inquired stiffly.

The registration officer's look intensified with impatience.

Communicating with these newly formed artificial humans, whose minds were a jumble, proved quite vexing. It was exceedingly rare, however, for one to be so disoriented that they still couldn't locate an answer within their implanted memories.

"Your body will reveal it to you," a figure standing by with arms crossed announced suddenly.

[???

(???)(Ally) — Defeating with "Lucky Strike" yields: Certain (Fresh Meat*1200, Combat Experience 10000 pts); High Probability (Trait: Veteran of a Hundred Battles, Proficiency: +1 Combat Specialization Layer, not exceeding layer 8; Proficiency: +1 Light Weapon Specialization Layer, not exceeding layer 10); Possible (Skill: Beauty Under the Moon, Skill: Elf Breathing Technique, Specialty: Self-Control, Spiritual Energy (Sharp): 50)]

...

Such an astonishing drop rate made Bai E's attention snap to the unique overhead script.

"You might feel an irrepressible urge to unleash power, or perhaps your body will feel incredibly light. Alternatively, you might achieve intense focus, perceiving the faintest movements in the air. These sensations signify your body's innate talents," the figure, swathed in dark cloth obscuring their face, stated with clear enunciation.

"Depending on your hidden specialty, your battlefield role will be determined. In combat, you'll tap into and utilize this trait to contribute your utmost to the city's efforts."

The speaker paused, then added after a slight hesitation, "And do not fear misplaced feelings—it's common. Simply speak your mind."

"Feelings?" Bai E softly questioned, attempting to sense his own physical state.

As he focused, an unknown program initiated, and a faint blue, translucent screen materialized before his eyes—

[Name]: 95B27

[Race]: Human

[Template]: Genetically Modified Prototype

[Health]: 75/75 (Base 60 + (Endurance - 10) * 15)

[Endurance]: 11 (Current) / 15 (Exercise Limit)

[Insight]: 10/15

[Reflex]: 10/15

[Mystique]: 8/>

[Gene Optimization Degree] (Current Tendency: Orc): 0.1/100

[Skills]: Lucky Strike (Cannot be upgraded)

[Lucky Strike: Tenfold critical hit, maximum drop rate, 999 damage per hit! Current Charge: 100/100 (Usable)]

[Traits]: Memory Dulling (Slightly reduces contamination risk from high-dimensional demons), Battlefield Instinct (Adapts faster to battlefield environments for peak performance)

[Specialty]: Quick Recovery (Locked)

[Proficiency]: None

[Spiritual Energy]: Unmastered

[Knowledge]: None

[Technology]: None

[Mutation Risk]: Extremely Low

[Assets]: None

...

Could this be some kind of game interface?

While others relied on intuition, I can actually see the interface?

Interface?

Game?

Where precisely am I?

A throbbing sensation grew in Bai E's head, his temples pulsing as if on the verge of bursting.

He glanced at his hands, perceiving overlapping afterimages, and the world around him blurred.

Further revelations stirred countless past memories, beginning to dismantle the nascent worldview he possessed.

Two starkly contrasting lives intermingled, memory fragments swirling like a kaleidoscope—

Bare human forms stood in disarray within rows of cultivation pods, pale green fluid tracing their bodies...

The showerhead in a cozy apartment cascaded hot water, washing away soap suds...

The dying moans of beasts transformed into the triumphant roars of a dungeon lord upon dropping rare loot.

The dark silhouette of a steel light machine gun morphed into a smoke-stained silver keyboard amidst flickering afterimages.

The implanted memories of artificial humans were superficial and disjointed; modern societal knowledge eventually overwhelmed the ignorance of the newly formed soul, fully integrating both sets of memories and lives.

"I am... Bai E!"

[You have assimilated all experiences and knowledge from this body. A new existence now precedes your journey. Continue your exploration, bewildered new soldier, for an unknown path lies ahead...]

"Knock, knock, knock~"

Seeing Bai E's eyes clear, the impatient registration officer rapped on the desk, his patience wearing thin.

"So, what is your answer?"

Bai E's gaze shifted past the screen, fixing on the registration officer awaiting a response.

As if sensing his focus, the pale blue screen dissolved, vanishing like paper submerged in water.

Registering a talent or specialty?

Artificial humans were imprinted with memories guiding them towards two drastically different development paths: 'close combat' or 'shooter'.

"I feel like..."

Extending his hand as though to grasp the dancing sprites within the light column nearby, he mused, "I feel as if I could catch those specks of dust dancing in the air."

After organizing his thoughts, Bai E opted to fabricate a story.

To ensure artificial humans could acclimate to the battlefield environment with greater speed, the memories implanted within their minds depicted brutal combat scenes—

Warriors clad in gleaming iron armor, wielding sharp steel swords, would charge forward valiantly, their very flesh and blood forming an unyielding bulwark against the enemy's fangs and blades to protect humanity's cities.

It was evident that artificial humans designed for close combat were intended as mere cannon fodder, destined for sacrifice, with only a select few possessing the potential to endure the brutal war and unearth their latent abilities.

However, Bai E was disinclined to leave his fate to such meager probabilities.

In contrast, ranged combat specialists had a higher likelihood of survival.

Though the reason for his presence in this location remained unknown, prioritizing distance from peril was always the wisest course of action.

He was no longer a player; the luxury of restarting at will was a privilege he no longer possessed.

"So, you lean towards expertise in shooting?"

The registrar's expression shifted to one of distinct surprise upon hearing Bai E's declaration.

His gaze specifically settled upon the badge affixed to Bai E's chest—95B27.

"Line 95 is engineered with orc genes; how could a talent for shooting manifest?"

Yet, these newly created artificial humans, with their nascent cognitive functions, should not yet possess the capacity for deception. Could this indeed be a one-in-ten-thousand anomaly?

Such occurrences, after all, were not unprecedented.

Muttering softly, the registrar offered a nod and gestured towards a specific area, stating, "Proceed over there and take your place in line."

"Understood."

Bai E's gaze momentarily rested upon the figure shrouded in a black cloth before moving on.

The other's interest appeared to be fleeting; after hearing of his chosen specialization, all attention was diverted from Bai E, turning instead towards the distant horizon...

"Are you also specializing in shooting?"

The artificial human ahead in the queue turned back, inquiring animatedly of Bai E.

Bai E surveyed the line forming before him and gave a confirming nod, "Yes..."

The queue was not extensive, and at its terminus lay an enclosed space constructed entirely of steel.

From within, the intermittent sharp crack of displaced air could be heard—the distinct sound of gunfire.

Did specializing in shooting necessitate an assessment?

This realization sent a ripple of tension through Bai E.

Observing the registrar's side, it seemed that the artificial human soldiers designated for close-quarters combat were all forming orderly queues, their vast formation maintained in silent discipline.

"I was informed that the higher your score in the upcoming test, the greater your allocation of ammunition will be upon deployment to the battlefield."

The artificial human in front conversed as if they were old acquaintances.

Bai E responded with a slight upward inflection in his voice, "Oh?"

"You're unaware? Our bodies possess immense untapped potential. The more rigorous our training, the swifter we can achieve our peak performance. Increased ammunition grants us more opportunities for practice, accelerating our potential development and enabling us to contribute more significantly to this city!"

The individual spoke with palpable excitement, their words brimming with anticipation.

Indeed, rigorous training represented one of the most effective avenues for enhancing one's capabilities!

This aligned with the significance attributed to the stats displayed on the attribute panel, where physical fitness registered at 11/15, and insight and reflexes were both rated at 10/15.

Currently, his abilities stood at 11 and 10 points, respectively, with 15 representing the maximum attainable through physical exertion at this current stage for this particular body.

To surpass this threshold, if his recollection served him correctly, appeared to necessitate a breakthrough in gene optimization.

Fragments of relevant knowledge surfaced from the implanted memories of artificial humans; naturally, this might also be a manifestation of his own recollections intermingling, thereby blurring the definitive lines between them.

Bai E narrowed his eyes slightly, that peculiar sensation resurfacing within his heart.

Such a familiar configuration...

"It's our turn!"

"Right."

Bai E followed the progression of the queue, advancing steadily until he entered the enclosed space.

It was a... shooting range.

The preceding group of test subjects were exiting in a line from an adjacent passage, while this new cohort of testers assumed positions before each designated target in sequence.

Soldiers, presumably tasked with overseeing the assessment, were stationed near each target, engaging in casual conversation as they awaited the arrival of the new artificial humans to occupy their stations.

"The scores achieved by those just now were below standard, weren't they..."

"Perhaps it's a latent gene expression; we'll filter them out and assign them to the close combat units."

"Essentially, more straightforward cannon fodder..."

The soldiers' discourse was not intentionally shielded from the hearing of the newly arrived artificial humans, for in this context... 'cannon fodder' was considered a term of commendation.Bai E's hands balled into light fists, his sharp eyes surveying the whole area. [Target (Neutral)—Destroy with "Lucky Shot" to drop: Guaranteed (Brass Bullets*5000, Light Firearms Mastery Experience 500 Points); Possible (Knowledge: Firearm Maintenance and Care)] ... "Grab the rifles before you and prepare to fire!" [Triggered side quest—Rookie Talent.] [Rookie Talent: To hide your deception, you need to exhibit fitting talent and earn your comrades' trust. Quest objective: Showcase at least level 1 mastery in the relevant specialization before the test concludes 0/1. Quest achievement reward: Relevant specialization level +1, capped at 3 levels, general experience +100. (Timer: 59 minutes 59 seconds)]