The strength test was simple: perform ten repetitions each of the bench press, squat, and deadlift without any equipment, and that would be considered completion.
Then, the total weight lifted across the three exercises would be added up, and for men, reaching 500 kilograms, and for women, 350 kilograms, would mean passing the strength test.
The rules sounded simple, but in reality, they were tough.
This standard was just on the cusp between having talent and not. Those with even a slight talent could achieve a total weight of 500 kilograms with a few years of proper training, hard work, and the aid of current fitness technology.
Unfortunately, most people can't stick with the training, and their efforts are so low that they never reach the point where talent comes into play.
Those who dared to come for the test were fairly confident of passing.
Ji Xinghuo was no different.
He did not go to watch others take the test and instead chose a corner to silently warm up after removing his clothes.
He began with a series of stretching exercises to get his blood flowing faster, then picked up two 5-kilogram dumbbells and lay on an incline bench for some dumbbell fly and row exercises. He switched to heavier dumbbells, and finally started working with the barbell, gradually increasing the weight.
After about ten minutes, Ji Xinghuo's body was warmed up, and he started sweating slightly.
"Ji Xinghuo." The examiner called out loudly, "Is Ji Xinghuo here?"
"Here," Ji Xinghuo replied.
Ji Xinghuo quickly made his way over.
The examiner was a man in his thirties, tall and robust, standing over two meters with his trapezius muscles bulging on his neck, straining the tank top over his body, so muscular he seemed like a bear, and his presence was intimidating, clearly a Mutant.
"He should be a 'Giant General,' an Intermediate Mutant," Ji Xinghuo thought, "the typical muscle tyrant."
The examiner was also looking at Ji Xinghuo, first confirming his identity, then sizing him up with his gaze, and slightly nodding as he said, "Your limb length ratio is good, and you've trained well. Your muscle formation is standard. But just looking good is useless; you need to work harder to aim for an exceptional performance in terms of strength."
Ji Xinghuo was somewhat surprised; the examiner had precise judgment.
His own strength was indeed not particularly outstanding; he had just managed to meet the standard at the beginning of the year, and when he used to train at the gym, there was always one or two out of ten times he couldn't pass.
The men and women waiting for their test were also observing Ji Xinghuo.
The gaze of the men was pure, simply assessing if his muscles were large, while the women's gazes were different—they paid more attention to Ji Xinghuo's face.
"How much are you going to lift?" asked the examiner.
"130 kilograms," Ji Xinghuo answered.
After confirming the barbell plates were correctly set and adjusting the bench angle for his body measurements, Ji Xinghuo lay down, gripped the bar, and after the examiner gave the start command, he took a deep breath, exerting force to push the barbell just high enough to clear the rack, then lowered his arms until the bar touched his chest before pressing it up again.
He repeated the bench press ten times in one set, smoothly achieving it in one go.
Throughout, Ji Xinghuo's expression remained calm, his face never contorted into a mask of pain.
The examiner was a bit surprised by how easily he was able to do it, but still promptly announced, "Action complete, result valid, bench press weight 130 kilograms."
Ji Xinghuo himself was also surprised.
Even though he had merged with the Wanxiang Star Pupil, aside from its function in enhancing visual senses, it had not increased his physical strength.
"It must be the effect of 'Precision' and 'Precision,'" he thought to himself, nodding silently. These two functions owned by the Wanxiang Star Pupil allowed him to accurately grasp his own strength, and his exertion became more standard, indirectly boosting his strength.
"I can now lift heavier weights."
However, Ji Xinghuo did not rashly increase the predefined weight, as passing the test was sufficient.
Ji Xinghuo then smoothly completed a set of squats and deadlifts as well, with weights of 181 kilograms and 195 kilograms, respectively, achieving a total weight score of 506 kilograms and passing the strength test.
Seeing Ji Xinghuo's relaxed demeanor, the examiner couldn't help saying, "Your strength limit is far more than 506 kilograms, train harder when you get back, you can at least increase it by another 100 kilograms for a higher score, have you considered it?"
Ji Xinghuo understood what he meant: to forego this test and come again later.
A higher score would mean a better Alien Species.
However, he already had a plan.
"No need, please log the score, thank you," Ji Xinghuo politely declined.
"What a pity..." the examiner shook his head with a look of regret on his face. He had seen many talented people like Ji Xinghuo, but most lacked patience, hurrying to apply for an Alien Species as soon as they could pass the test without willing to wait an extra year or two.
Eventually, they would realize how hard it is to get a high-grade Alien Species.
National welfare is the only opportunity for over 90% of Mutants to get a high-grade Ability relatively easily in their lives.
Without further persuasion, the examiner helped Ji Xinghuo log his score.
Ji Xinghuo left the strength hall and entered the speed test field next door. Here there were fewer people, with a dozen treadmills specifically designed for testing.
The content of the speed test was a 400-meter run, with men required to finish in under 52 seconds and women in under 60 seconds.
The less time used, the higher the score.
Since he had already warmed up, Ji Xinghuo performed a few stretches to loosen his muscles and then stepped onto a treadmill. These treadmills were specifically designed for speed testing, with broadened belts that moved faster as the test subject ran faster, keeping in sync, and there was also a fan in front to simulate wind resistance.
After the examiner verified his identity, Ji Xinghuo immediately took off, running at full speed.