The group remained silent, exchanging glances — this guy was seriously competitive.
They were well aware of the agony that comes with cultivating a gene seed. They had planned to relax during the journey, but instead, they ran into the ultimate overachiever.
If no one else was pushing hard, it’d be fine, but now that they were aware, they all felt a sense of urgency.
Getting admitted to the Capital University of Science and Technology had required them all to endure periods of gritting their teeth and persevering.
"Wait, I’m going to buy some too," Zhang Huaiyuan said through gritted teeth.
In a short while, everyone had left.
"Oh no, everyone’s gone to buy some. I can’t be left out," Ji Ya stamped her foot and dragged Yang Yu off with her.
Only Li Ming remained, smiling as he sat down to ponder, "My current progress is at 44%. By the time we reach Capital Star, it should surpass the 60% threshold. It would be the perfect time to learn ’Fierce Bear’."
’Fierce Bear’ is an ability one can learn after developing the Purple Electric Bear gene seed to 60%, enhancing one’s explosive strength significantly through bioelectric currents.
At its peak, it could unleash more than double the power.
He had spent fifty thousand Star Coins to purchase these skills from the Black Hole Network. It was a bargain.
The group that went to buy the nutritional fluid soon returned. They sat on either side of Li Ming, huddled together, chatting.
"I heard that this cohort is different from the previous ones," Zhang Huaiyuan suddenly shared a bit of gossip.
"How so?" Ge Hong, the chubby kid, inquired.
"There’s going to be a special training class," Zhang Huaiyuan said mysteriously.
"Oh, that," the chubby kid said, looking disappointed. "Doesn’t every class have that? Four classes with the best resources, they even get to do exchanges with other civilizations."
"That’s the key training class," Zhang Huaiyuan emphasized. "What I’m talking about is different, even more elite than key training classes — all taught by professor-level teachers. Even Professor Wu, who we had dinner with, is said to be teaching."
"He hasn’t been active for several years."
"Oh?" Li Ming, who initially appeared disinterested, suddenly sat up straight.
Seeing Li Ming’s interest, Zhang Huaiyuan grew more enthusiastic, "Ordinary students at the Capital University of Science and Technology are considered elite even among the Blue Star spheres, but on an interstellar level, they’re not worth mentioning."
"Every year, a few from the key training classes venture beyond the Blue Star civilization, and only upon their return do they become real big shots."
"This special training class must be even more formidable," Zhang Huaiyuan said wistfully.
"Big brother, stop dreaming. We might be somewhat formidable on Silver Grey Star, but we’d be nothing in the Capital," Ge Hong said dismissively after hearing this.
"Thinking about it isn’t all that bad," Zhang Huaiyuan pointed at Liang Long, "Liang Long might even make it in there."
"Me?" Suddenly the center of attention, Liang Long flustered, waving his hands, "No, no, I’m not good enough, I’m not good enough..."
"It’s more likely Li Ming who has a chance."
How did the topic shift to me, Li Ming thought expressionlessly.
"The selection criteria for the key training class involves a comprehensive assessment, taking into account grades, combat abilities, and gene development rate amongst other aspects," Wang Bing said in a neutral tone, pushing up his glasses.
Academic achievements? I seem to lack academic achievements, Li Ming suddenly realized — he was admitted through a special channel and hadn’t even chosen auxiliary subjects.
"The selection criteria for this special training class must be even more stringent, and its sudden appearance suggests an ulterior motive. Even Professor Wu was disturbed by it, so it’s probably no ordinary affair. Getting in might not even be a good thing."
Wang Bing had a strong capacity for logical thinking; his academic performance was reportedly the best among the group.
The conversation turned to selecting majors.
"Li Ming, you’ll choose your major after enrolling. What do you plan to pick?" Yang Yu suddenly asked, prompting the others to look over as well.
"Advanced Mechanical Manufacturing and Assembly," Li Ming pronounced clearly.
The group looked at each other, clearly surprised.
"That’s a niche major," Zhang Huaiyuan commented diplomatically, "though it does receive support, it’s extremely complex."
Wang Bing was blunt, "That major is chaotic and demands a high level of hands-on skill. It’s a group-oriented major, and in the end, there’s a high chance you’ll end up as a mere cog in some laboratory."
Li Ming simply shrugged. He was well aware of the major’s characteristics, but that was precisely what he wanted. Only by choosing such a field could he later sell many unusual items and have a plausible explanation.
He was also looking forward to whether he could modify some special Controlled Objects.
There were no such opportunities on Silver Grey Star, but on Capital Star, many of his ideas could come to fruition.
By nine in the evening, the Tank Guard ship arrived. This time, each person had their own room, small but significantly more comfortable overall.
In his room, Li Ming took stock of his Controlled Objects, then thought back to what Zhang Huaiyuan had said.
"This special training class wouldn’t just be a legitimate reason to enter Old Wu’s field of vision, would it?" he mused, and then suddenly wondered, "Surely it’s not something Old Wu cooked up himself, could it be..."
He estimated that based on Old Wu’s demeanor, he was likely stirring the waters behind the scenes, certainly not putting it forward proactively.
After pondering for a while, he took out a tube of nutrient fluid, tilted his head back, and swallowed it down, then started the Thunder Body Refining to cultivate his gene seed.
Executing a range of complex movements, Li Ming’s muscle memory was steadily mastering the sequence; soon, he would be able to perform them even without the Thunder Body Refining.
After a long while, he lay on the bed, drenched as if he had just been fished out of the water.
"Again," he said, downing another tube of nutrient fluid, and only after another round of complete exhaustion did he slip into a deep sleep.
The voyage passed in this cycle of repetitive training.
Throughout this time, Li Ming rarely showed his face, and eventually, even the others started staying in their rooms. Although they lacked precious equipment balls to assist with their training, they each had their methods, albeit with lower efficiency.