Chapter 43: Elite Contract

Six days later.

On the afternoon of January 30, Lin Qing arrived at the branch office and headed straight for the secret chamber where combat techniques were studied.

Although he had only repaid half the debt for the combat technique “Speed,” he could have come to the branch’s secret chamber six days ago to confirm his identity as a “combat technique prodigy.”

But three days was too fast—far quicker than the “ten days” he had previously claimed—while nine days was just right.

Either way, his treatment wouldn’t improve if he moved faster; until he understood what the Patrol Headquarters was truly like, it was better to stay low-key.

Years of post-apocalyptic life had taught him one lesson: stay low-key, hide your cards.

Choosing today also allowed him to settle matters before February.

“So soon?”

In the dim secret chamber, the hoarse voice betrayed a hint of surprise, then said: “Show me the combat technique ‘Speed.’ Don’t worry—the chamber is equipped with monitoring devices; whether you’ve mastered it can be easily determined.”

“Alright.”

Lin Qing nodded slightly and immediately activated the combat technique “Speed,” his body transforming into a gust of wind as he instantly crossed from one end of the chamber to the other—graceful and fluid—yet he still braced his hands against the walls to stop.

There was no choice: “Speed” was simply too fast—a single step covering dozens of meters—making distance control extremely difficult in a room only ten meters wide.

This was also a flaw of “Speed”: as a pure speed technique, it excelled only in pursuit and escape.

“You’ve truly mastered ‘Speed’!”

The hoarse voice laughed. “Only nine days—and your talent for combat techniques and compatibility with ‘Free Body’ are astonishing. In combat techniques alone, you’re no less than true prodigies.”

Lin Qing couldn’t help asking: “True prodigies?”

“Yes.”

The hoarse voice said: “For example, the ‘Excellence’ rank awarded by Chaoyang Martial Arts Academy—such prodigies, with just a little effort, will inevitably master the original Chaoyang training method, and even breaking the genetic shackles and achieving genetic awakening won’t be difficult!”

“Such prodigies find mastering combat techniques effortless, just like you—even faster.”

He sighed: “But… such prodigies would never become patrol officers. They’d either directly join Chaoyang Martial Arts Academy or enter one of the major powers within the urban zone.”

Lin Qing understood.

Not even the Patrol, nor any global organization or system—not even the government—could retain true elite talent.

Elite talent across all global fields was concentrated almost entirely within the urban zone.

“You needn’t envy them. Though conditions in the urban zone are superior, it’s not necessarily better.”

The hoarse voice said: “I can’t tell you the specifics, but you’ll find out for yourself later. When your strength is insufficient, many prodigies who go to the urban zone end up… hehe…”

He let out a faintly mocking laugh at the end.

Lin Qing felt puzzled.

Was it not necessarily better for a prodigy to go to the urban zone?

“Enough said. Here is the contract prepared for you by the Patrol Headquarters—take a look.”

The hoarse voice said: “Since your talent in combat techniques has been confirmed, the Patrol Headquarters will offer you the best benefits and do everything possible to help you master the original Chaoyang training method.”

As he spoke, the wall’s projection shifted into page after page of contract text.

The title: “Probationary Elite Patrol Training Contract.”

Lin Qing examined it carefully and found the obligations were merely standard Patrol requirements.

The benefits, however, were the three items previously mentioned:

The Yifang shall receive ten free sets of EPS-series high-energy sustained-release fluid.

Upon earning a First-Class Merit, the Yifang may prematurely enjoy partial privileges of a Special-Class Merit.

The Yifang shall be personally instructed in the original Zhaoyang training method by this city’s Patrol Chief; upon successful mastery and reaching Patrol Chief-level strength, the Yifang may join the Global Elite Patrol Division.

Yet two additional clauses at the end of the contract caught his attention.

“One: If the Yifang fails to master the original Zhaoyang training method before January 1, 2125, they will automatically lose eligibility to join the Elite Patrol Division.”

“Two: If the Yifang masters the original Zhaoyang training method and the original ‘Free Body’ combat technique before January 1, 2122, they shall receive benefits related to genetic optimization.”

Lin Qing stared at these two clauses, lost in thought.

It was late January 2121—less than four years remained until January 1, 2125. That meant if he failed to master the original Chaoyang training method within four years, his eligibility for the Elite Patrol Division would be revoked.

Conversely, if he mastered the original Chaoyang training method this year—and also the original “Free Body” combat technique—he could receive this so-called “genetic optimization” benefit? “Genetic optimization?”

Lin Qing asked.

“Yes. This is the greatest advantage of this contract.”

The hoarse voice sighed: “Even mastering the original Chaoyang training method offers a very low probability of genetic awakening. Unless your genes are naturally superior, no amount of effort will trigger genetic awakening.”

“But with genetic optimization benefits, your genes may be improved, giving you a chance to break the genetic shackles.”

The hoarse voice said: “The older you are, the harder genetic optimization becomes. If you demonstrate sufficient talent, the Patrol Headquarters will gladly pay a heavy price to provide you with genetic optimization.”

Lin Qing narrowed his eyes slightly.

Unless one’s genes were naturally superior, no amount of effort could trigger genetic awakening?

The Entropy Reverser could only pre-empt what he was capable of achieving.

If something was impossible regardless of effort or coincidence, it could not be pre-empted.

For instance, the ability to skillfully give birth—he couldn’t pre-empt that.

“Then I must achieve the requirements within this year—eleven months…”

Lin Qing set his goal.

The original Chaoyang training method, and the original “Free Body” combat technique.

He must strive to accomplish both.

“If the contract is acceptable, you may now authenticate via DNA, iris, and fingerprint.”

The hoarse voice said: “No need to rush if you’re unsure—you have until today to respond.”

“No hesitation.” Lin Qing shook his head slightly. “But I do have one question.”

“Go ahead,” the hoarse voice replied. “Though the contract’s negotiation space is minimal, it’s not entirely fixed.”

Lin Qing paused, then said: “The first benefit—ten free sets of EPS-series high-energy sustained-release fluid—is correct, right? But if I don’t use all ten sets, can the remainder be exchanged for cash?”

“Cash? Of course.”

The hoarse voice said: “There have been precedents. If you’re capable enough to save part of the fluid, the unused portion can be exchanged for cash—it’s startup capital for promising talents.”

Lin Qing’s heart leapt with joy.

“But…”

The hoarse voice added: “Once the ten sets of high-energy sustained-release fluid are encrypted and delivered to you, even if you have leftovers after consumption, you may not sell them privately—only back to the Patrol Headquarters, at the highest discount rate: 1.2 million per set, 120,000 per vial.”

He warned: “Also, EPS-series high-energy sustained-release fluid enhances physical potential. You must consume at least one set to restore your potential to peak state—only then will mastering the original Chaoyang training method become easier. Don’t sacrifice your future for a little money.”

“I understand.”

Lin Qing nodded slightly.

He had already calculated it.

He needed only 110 days to complete the Qiqi version of the Chaoyang training method; the EPS-series fluid offered fourfold training efficiency.

With one vial per day, he could complete it in under thirty days.

That meant consuming fewer than thirty vials.

The remaining seventy-plus vials were useless to him—if the Patrol Headquarters bought them back at 120,000 per vial, that was over eight million!

With that money, he could upgrade his cousin’s mechanical prosthesis! Since it was given to him for free, using the excess for greater purpose was perfect. “But why do you need cash?” the hoarse voice asked curiously.

“A mechanical prosthesis.”

Lin Qing said: “My sister lost her leg during Patrol duties. I want to replace it with a high-end model.”

“I see.” The hoarse voice understood, then chuckled. “Wait a moment—there’s room for negotiation. I can request approval on your behalf.”

(End of Chapter)