Lu Cheng
I Grind My Way into a Cataclysm with an Evolution Panel
Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Lu Cheng (陆成) |
| Alias(es) | Cheng — familiar address used by Wei He 12 |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Red Earth Academy, autumn intake; formerly First High on School District Planet 12 13 20 |
| Occupation/Role | Student; Awakened 12 13 |
| Potential Rank | E-rank 12 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 12 12 |
Power Progression
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-rank Awakened | 12 | His higher potential gives him the leading position in his friendship with the F-rank Wei He. |
| Trial Tower, first floor cleared | 12 | Becomes one of fewer than ten students in his class to clear the floor; challenges the tower on the first day of the month. |
| Trial Tower, B-rank evaluation | 20 | Defeats the guardian in under five minutes. This is a Trial Tower evaluation, not a change to his E-rank potential. |
Background / History
First High
Lu Cheng attended First High on School District Planet. Shortly after enrolling, he provoked a top student whose score exceeded his by twenty-five points and was beaten beside the road after class. Wen Jing happened to pass during the incident, prompting everyone—including the student holding him—to step aside and wait for her 13.
Although Wen Jing neither attacked nor confronted him, Lu Cheng associated her presence with his humiliation. He eventually forgot his attacker's appearance, but his resentment and jealousy toward her remained vivid even after awakening 13.
Red Earth Academy
At Red Earth Academy, Lu Cheng distinguished himself through Trial Tower training and successfully returned from an Ancient Wilderness expedition with Wei He. Having suffered his own intake's welcome-party prank, he insisted that the incoming winter students should undergo the same treatment, despite their transport having been attacked in an Empire raid 12 13.
When Wen Jing ran past him on campus, he instinctively pulled Wei He aside and bowed his head toward the road. After Wei He confirmed her enrollment and F-rank potential, Lu Cheng became determined to defeat her and overcome what he regarded as his “inner demon” 13.
Welcome-Party Defeat
Lu Cheng volunteered immediately when Wen Jing challenged the autumn intake. His recent B-rank Trial Tower evaluation had attracted Tan Wenshan's interest, and Tan allowed him to fight while considering recruiting him 20.
Lu Cheng debated whether to use his newly learned Sky-Rending Slash or torment Wen Jing through hand-to-hand combat. Before he could carry out either plan, she defeated him in one move and flung him into the pool of simulated vomit. Tan Wenshan immediately abandoned his recruitment plans, while Kevin stepped forward as Lu Cheng continued struggling in the pool 20.
Personality
Lu Cheng is diligent and competitive, but enjoys displaying his accomplishments. Wei He teasingly calls him a “king of the grind” for challenging the Trial Tower on the first day of the month; Lu Cheng responds to praise for his first-floor clear by acting as though the achievement were effortless 12.
His pride coexists with a deeply ingrained fear of Wen Jing. Merely recognizing her triggers an involuntary deferential response, yet learning of her low potential convinces him that he can finally surpass her. During their fight, his anticipation of victory and lengthy internal deliberation contrast sharply with her immediate, decisive action 13 20.
He also treats hazing as something his intake is entitled to pass on: having been pranked himself, he strongly objects to the possibility that the next intake might escape it 12.
Abilities & Skills
Sky-Rending Slash
- A combat technique Lu Cheng had recently learned before the welcome party 20.
- He considers using it against Wen Jing, but is defeated before demonstrating it; its effects are not shown 20.
Combat Experience
- Successfully returns from an expedition into the Ancient Wilderness 13.
- His rapid improvement makes Kevin briefly worry that Lu Cheng might catch up to him in the rankings 20.
- Despite his Trial Tower achievements, he cannot withstand a single exchange with Wen Jing 20.
Relationships
- Wei He — Close friend and information source. Lu Cheng generally leads their interactions, while Wei He's social connections provide information Lu Cheng needs. Wei He also physically restrains him at the party to prevent another embarrassing reaction to Wen Jing 12 13 20.
- Wen Jing — Former schoolmate and one-sided rival. His resentment originates in witnessing the deference she commanded at First High, rather than any direct mistreatment by her 13.
- Tan Wenshan — Prospective recruiter who loses interest immediately after Lu Cheng's welcome-party defeat 20.
- Kevin — Higher-ranked autumn-intake student who initially notices Lu Cheng's improvement, then dismisses him after his loss to Wen Jing 20.
Notable Quotes
“Isn't it easy as long as you have hands?”
— Responding to praise for clearing the Trial Tower's first floor 12
“It was definitely her. It even triggered my muscle memory! There's no mistake!”
— Recognizing Wen Jing on campus 13