Fitness, Anyone?

Although Fu Junlin did not want to stand out, trouble had a way of finding him.

The question of why Fu Junlin's legs had suddenly mutated, his muscles had become so enormous, and his strength had abruptly surged baffled every scholar who saw it, including the dean of discipline.

After all, Fu Junlin's solo kill of a Minotaur in the Arena Zone a few days ago had already been an outrageous feat.

If that time had been due to the sniper rifle's contribution, then what about this time?

They investigated and questioned him endlessly.

Fu Junlin only brushed them off, saying that he had simply unleashed his potential at the limit and that he truly did not know why.

Later, they conducted a whole series of examinations on Fu Junlin, but they really found nothing. Naturally, it became yet another unsolved mystery.

There were far too many unsolved mysteries in this day and age.

Wang Lao'er from some district had been infected by a parasite while drinking water. The next day, they removed the dead parasite from his skull, yet Wang Lao'er's nearly blind eyes had suddenly returned to normal. That, too, was an unsolved mystery...

Both humans and monsters were constantly mutating.

So the Medical Academy merely recorded Fu Junlin's condition, created a file for him, and set the matter aside for the time being.

But Big Black had actually already explained everything to Fu Junlin.

The terrifying swelling of his legs this time did not happen every time Localized Muscle Strength Enhancement was used.

The reason was that Big Black's Gene Lock had been unlocked to a high degree.

He could use Localized Muscle Strength Enhancement.

But Fu Junlin's body had not unlocked even 5% of its Gene Lock, which was insufficient to support the full version of localized strength enhancement.

He could only use a version that dealt a thousand damage to the enemy while inflicting fifteen hundred on himself.

If Fu Junlin's Gene Lock had been unlocked to 5%, then when he used Localized Muscle Strength Enhancement, his muscles would only expand normally, with almost no difference from exerting strength normally. And after using it, he would not suffer the aftereffect of his muscles shattering into pulp.

"Then exactly how much of my Gene Lock has been unlocked now?"

After leaving the Medical Academy, Fu Junlin sat beside a flower bed and watched people come and go across campus as he asked helplessly.

"About 3.8%, I guess."

Big Black replied in a mocking tone, then added sarcastically.

"Ah, when I first arrived, you hadn't even reached 3.6%. After several days of my diligent training for you—working out the entire night every night—you barely managed to increase it by 0.2%.

"But sadly, you don't appreciate it. You even refuse to let me occupy the body more often for training. Sigh, what am I making such a fuss for? Isn't it all for you?!"

Big Black took the chance to brainwash him.

Fu Junlin's mouth twitched. This guy clearly just wanted to occupy the body more. Once the body had trained up, it would also be easier for him to seize control and fight.

But there was no denying that Fu Junlin was indeed the one benefiting.

He had always worried that once he handed battlefield control over to Big Black, Big Black would put him in danger.

But in truth, Big Black had turned the tide for him both times.

Most importantly, unlocking the Gene Lock had already let Fu Junlin taste its benefits.

Whether it was Biological Vision or Localized Muscle Strength Enhancement, both had shattered Fu Junlin's established understanding.

A Level-One Master could unleash a burst of power that rivaled a Level-Two Master.

Such terrifying explosive force could often turn the tables at critical moments!

"Thank you for your... painstaking efforts. I know I was wrong. Starting today, your daily training control time will be increased to one hour. At night, I'll also hand half the control over to you."

Fu Junlin said sincerely.

"HAHAHAHA, hehehe..."

Big Black could no longer suppress his sleazy laughter.

He was not in a hurry. Although the increase in time was not much, he was confident that Fu Junlin would be conquered by him sooner or later. One hour was already quite good.

"Can you not make it so obvious when you laugh?"

Fu Junlin sighed.

"Ahem... Fine, I won't laugh, hahahaha... I won't laugh anymore. Oh, right, just giving me an hour won't be enough. If you want systematic training, you'll need sports supplements and a professional fitness environment.

"They can help me break down muscle tissue faster. For example, with a gym and professional equipment, we might be able to break down muscle tissue four times within an hour."

Big Black added.

"Ah? Is... is that necessary?"

After hearing that, Fu Junlin felt his wallet tighten.

The twenty thousand he had earned at the risk of his life had not even had time to warm up, and he had planned to give it to his mother to save.

"Don't be stingy with money. Money is just something external. Investing in yourself is what matters most."

Big Black said seriously.

Fu Junlin scratched his head. He knew Big Black was right. Only by growing stronger could he earn even more twenty-thousands.

But gym memberships and sports supplements were truly not cheap.

"Fine, then."

"Then what are we waiting for?! This is none of your business! Let's go now."

"The sooner, the better..."

Shaking his head helplessly, Fu Junlin headed toward Flying Cloud Vine School's on-campus gym.

Although Flying Cloud Vine School had its own on-campus fitness facility,

the fitness facility was not free.

It was only half the price of outside gyms, but that was still not something ordinary Subspecies could afford. Generally speaking, only Superior Species or Mighty Species would use this method to strengthen their physiques.

Subspecies generally used the simple training grounds in the Subspecies District or homemade equipment.

After all, systematic fitness training, diet, and supplements were all expensive things to maintain long-term.

Fortunately, Fu Junlin was a War Banner Master and could, to some extent, replace one or two types of supplements. That could save him at least a little money.

The school's multipurpose building, twenty-ninth floor.

The gym. When the elevator doors opened, the first thing facing him was the front desk. Behind it was an enormous workout area. A heavy scent of sweat and rubber flooring washed over him, creating a strong training atmosphere.

Quite a few people in the facility were already training hard, drenched in sweat. Every so often, someone would shout as they broke through a weight limit, making the blood boil just hearing it.

"Hello!"

The girl at the front desk had been sitting behind the counter playing on her phone. She glanced up at Fu Junlin, saw that he was a Subspecies student, and did not even stand. She casually asked,

"Here to work out?"

"Yeah, I want to get a membership."

Fu Junlin nodded and looked inside somewhat awkwardly.

"Do you have a student ID?"

the girl at the front desk asked.

Since this fitness facility had been outsourced, it served both the school and the public, and the prices were different for insiders and outsiders.

"Yes!"

Fu Junlin took out his student ID. The girl accepted it and glanced at it before reluctantly putting down her phone to process his membership, though her eyes still did not leave the screen.

"How long?"

"How much is an annual membership?"

"Student price is two thousand. With swimming, it's six thousand a year. The pool water is at Level-One Infection."

The girl looked at Fu Junlin with a hint of expectation.

When she saw him shake his head like a rattle drum, she smiled faintly, exactly as expected.

But then the elevator doors behind him opened, and a slender figure walked out. The moment she saw Fu Junlin, she froze.

Fu Junlin froze as well. Qiao Zishu worked out here too?