The more Luciel pondered the matter, the more feasible it seemed. In the past, chips had been able to analyze genetics at a molecular level—breaking down existing gene sequences and recombining them into entirely new ones.
It was through such advancements that the legendary superhuman warriors, capable of soaring through the skies and burrowing into the earth, were created.
"If the chip uses Dou Qi as the necessary energy to upgrade, then I just need to continuously generate Dou Qi to provide it with fuel."
At that moment, Luciel felt a deep hollowness spreading through his body.
Dou Qi, drawn from the stimulation of latent bodily potential, was being entirely absorbed by the chip. As a result, Luciel's body began to emit urgent signals—signs of hunger and depletion.
To recover, Luciel consumed a hearty meal and combined it with supplementary resources. Eventually, the hollow sensation subsided.
> "The mental stimulation training must continue. I need to prepare for a second wave of Dou Qi activation. My body's overall capabilities need to rise in parallel. The stronger the Dou Qi I produce, the faster the chip can evolve."
He activated the chip's analytical function.
> "Estimated: 128 repetitions of stimulation required for second Dou Qi activation."
A daunting number, yet with his current willpower—exceeding 7 points—it took him mere minutes to complete a single cycle. Completing over a hundred would be time-consuming, but well within his capability.
Over the next few days, Luciel balanced his scholarly sessions with Giles while dedicating every other waking moment to physical training and mental stimulation.
Little by little, his body grew stronger. And soon enough—he succeeded.
He triggered Dou Qi for the second time.
Then a third.
A fourth...
> "Current chip upgrade: 21%. Energy required. Please replenish."
> "Progress: 37%. Please replenish."
> "Progress: 45%..."
The percentages ticked upward, each surge of Dou Qi feeding the chip's core functions.
By the time Luciel reached 86% completion, he had undergone seven separate Dou Qi activations.
Seven times he had nurtured vindictive energy, only to lose it and start anew.
Each reset was painful—grueling even—but with every new spark of fighting spirit, his body leapt to new heights. By the seventh activation, his strength, speed, and endurance had become extraordinary.
> Strength: 9.8
Speed: 9.1
Constitution: 9.5
Will: 9.0
---
Breaking Through Limits
Through this relentless pursuit of transformation, Luciel experienced a profound realization.
> "Every human body has an upper threshold. For most, it caps at five to six times the strength of a typical adult male. With special supplements, perhaps seven."
But Dou Qi was a metamorphosis—an awakening that could shatter those natural chains, unlocking a higher ceiling.
Luciel smiled as he reflected on his progress.
> "I've shattered that lock seven times already. My physical body now surpasses that of nine adult men. That alone qualifies me for knight-level status."
And yet, due to the chip still being incomplete, Luciel remained only a ninth-level apprentice knight.
Still, this "apprentice" could overwhelm fully-fledged knights using nothing but brute strength. In the history of combat training, such a being was virtually unheard of—a monster in human form.
Another pattern had emerged, too.
> "Each time I stimulate new Dou Qi, the energy becomes denser and brighter. My latest vindictive energy shone nearly silver, far surpassing the dim haze of my first attempt."
He recalled his mentor Browning's advice:
> "Push your physical body to the edge before awakening Dou Qi. The quality of energy will be much higher."
Luciel now believed this fully. One more push—one final ignition—and the chip would finish its evolution.
With resolve hardening in his chest, he reached for a few pale red nuts resting on the table. He crunched into them loudly—stones to the untrained ear. These were new support materials, adopted after traditional ones failed him.
His routine was strict: consume the supplements, practice White Crow swordsmanship, and then proceed to mental training.
But just after two rounds of sword drills, a knock interrupted him.
He opened the door and was surprised to see Helen, beaming.
"Helen? What's going on?"
Helen's cheeks flushed a gentle pink. She turned her face slightly and murmured, "The Governor is hosting a birthday banquet for Windsor tonight at the mansion. You're invited…"
She handed Luciel an elegant, gold-stamped envelope.
Luciel hesitated, shaking his head. "I'm not interested in those sorts of events."
Helen stepped forward, her tone firm but pleading. "The teacher insists you go, even for a short while. People have been asking about you. You've hidden yourself away for more than three months, Luciel…"
She sighed, then added with a hint of mischief, "You haven't forgotten the Royal Knights Academy enrollment deadline, have you?"
Luciel blinked. Time had flown by faster than he realized.
"The journey to the royal capital from here takes about a month. Fortunately, the Shelley Chamber of Commerce is sending a caravan in a few days. The teacher arranged for you to join them."
Warmth surged in Luciel's heart. His teacher had once again quietly cleared the path for him.
He smiled. "Alright. I'll go to the banquet."
As he moved to leave, Helen cried out in dismay, "Wait!"
She gave him a weary look. "You're not seriously going to the Governor's banquet dressed like that, are you?"
Luciel looked down at his training uniform and went silent.
---
A Night of Lights
The Governor's Mansion was ablaze with life. Carriages lined the streets. Grooms, servants, and nobles bustled about in elaborate attire. Laughter and music drifted into the night air.
It was Windsor's birthday—the daughter of the Governor and the magical prodigy of Orland College. Every elite of Baifeng City was in attendance.
One luxurious carriage arrived with flair. From it stepped a tall, handsome youth.
Luciel.
His tailored outfit hugged his well-toned frame, and his light chestnut hair had been styled to perfection. His presence radiated nobility and quiet strength.
Instantly, he drew stares from every direction. Ladies slowed their pace. Girls paused mid-step, breath caught in their throats.
He seemed to shine, as if a spotlight had been cast on him alone.
"Idiot…"
A voice whispered from within the carriage.
Helen peeked out, her expression exasperated. "A little help here?"
Luciel snapped out of his trance and reached back, gently helping her down. Her hand slipped into his with ease, and for a brief moment, time felt like it slowed.
And so, under the stars of Baifeng City, the forgotten genius and the silent monster walked side by side into a night of grandeur.
Little did they know, this would be the first step into a much greater destiny.