Chapter 5

After confirming his joining of the Sky Splitter Mercenary Group, Lin Xinghai chatted with Roger for a while before returning to the rear compartment of the vehicle.

Although their conversation was brief, it was enough for Lin Xinghai to gain a general understanding of the Sky Splitter Mercenary Group.

The Sky Splitter Mercenary Group had a total of 35 members, and the positions were quite simple: the leader, the deputy leader, and then three team leaders, one of whom was Roger.

In other words, there were only two people above Roger.

This was also the reason why Roger had confidently offered to protect Lin Xinghai when they first met; he indeed had the confidence to do so.

Lin Xinghai was naturally pleased with this situation. With Roger around, at least he wouldn't have to worry about being bullied by the old members or other such cliché problems.

When he sat back down, Lin Xinghai noticed that the people in the vehicle were looking at him with peculiar expressions.

But upon reflection, it was understandable. After the "First Lesson," these people had a general understanding of the harshness of the post-apocalyptic world.

They were likely filled with worry, fear, and other negative emotions, concerned about their future.

But as fellow residents of Shelter No. 83, the fact that Lin Xinghai had quickly connected with the mercenaries naturally sparked some thoughts in their minds.

Especially the women in the vehicle, who were sending him covert glances with different intentions.

However, Lin Xinghai completely ignored the various gazes, closing his eyes to rest after sitting down.

Of course, in reality, he was checking the system interface.

Looking at his own data and recalling Roger's data, he was almost certain that everyone's attributes had a certain bias.

He was biased towards speed, while Roger was biased towards strength.

He wasn't sure which attribute was better, but improving his genetic optimization level was definitely the right move, as it would enhance everything overall.

With this in mind, he tapped the "+" sign next to his genetic optimization level.

As 1 point of Blood Qi was deducted, a special energy once again spread through his body, making him feel extremely comfortable, as if his entire being was about to transcend.

With plenty of time on his hands, he waited until the comfortable sensation completely faded before slowly tapping the "+" sign again.

"Beep! Do you want to spend 2 points of Blood Qi to increase your genetic optimization level?"

Seeing the system prompt, Lin Xinghai's expression immediately changed.

"Why did the cost of Blood Qi suddenly increase?" His expression was not good, as this meant that his plan to directly become a genetic optimizer was ruined.

Moreover, he wondered if the cost of Blood Qi would continue to increase as his genetic optimization level improved.

"Sigh~ It seems that even with the system, improving one's strength isn't that easy," Lin Xinghai sighed inwardly.

Of course, if other genetic optimizers heard this, they would probably want to beat him to death.

Generally, people with a D or E genetic rating would need at least a year or two to become genetic optimizers.

Lin Xinghai used up his remaining 12 points of Blood Qi, increasing his genetic optimization level to 26%.

Host: Lin Xinghai

Constitution: 21 points

Strength: 18 points

Speed: 26 points

Blood Qi: 0 points

Genetic Optimization Level: 26%

"My strength attribute is the weakest, so will my attack power be very weak?" Looking at his attribute panel, Lin Xinghai couldn't help but mutter.

Of course, this was something he couldn't change. Closing the system panel, he truly closed his eyes to rest.

...

The convoy moved forward quickly. Lin Xinghai originally thought the journey would be over soon, but it turned out to be a five-hour drive.

During this time, they encountered dozens of waves of zombies, but unfortunately, the convoy continued on after dealing with the zombies, without any intention of stopping.

This made Lin Xinghai very regretful, as he could have gained more Blood Qi otherwise.

Finally, the convoy arrived at the base of a barren mountain, where they broke formation and drove into a tunnel along the road.

The walls of the tunnel were made entirely of alloy, and every 50 meters, there was a bunker for defense.

The entire tunnel was only 200 meters long, and at the end, there was a one-meter-thick alloy door.

Entering through the door, they arrived in a rectangular hall, with dozens of elevators lined up around the perimeter.

These elevators varied in size, with even the smallest capable of accommodating 30 people at once.

As for the largest elevator, stepping inside was like entering a hundred-square-meter alloy room, which truly broadened Lin Xinghai's horizons.

This super-large elevator could even transport three troop carriers at once.

The elevator descended 300 meters underground before stopping, which was the true location of the Star Shield Shelter.

"No wonder humans can survive in this post-apocalyptic environment," Lin Xinghai muttered, standing on the alloy floor.

"Take these first. I'll report your joining the group and handle the formalities, then I'll come back to you." Roger said, handing over a bag.

Lin Xinghai took it and glanced inside. There weren't many items: four bottles of light green liquid and a badge.

"What are these?" Lin Xinghai asked, though he had some idea.

"Four bottles of genetic serum, which I'm advancing to you. This is our mercenary group's badge. If you encounter any problems, you can show the badge; no one in the lower district would dare to mess with a mercenary."

"Alright, I'll be off. Don't slack off, and try to become a genetic optimizer and enter the middle district as soon as possible." Roger patted Lin Xinghai's shoulder and turned to leave.

Holding the bag, Lin Xinghai felt a slight warmth in his heart.

If he followed the normal procedure—joining the mercenary group, undergoing testing, and then being allocated genetic serum—it would take at least two to three days.

And the genetic serum was best taken as soon as possible, as absorbing it required time.

"According to Roger's description, with my B-level genetic rating and high-intensity training, I can absorb one bottle of genetic serum within two days. This way, I should be able to become a genetic optimizer before the first mercenary group mission," Lin Xinghai smiled.

The time it took to absorb genetic serum varied from person to person.

The higher the genetic rating, the faster and more effectively the serum was absorbed. Additionally, high-intensity training could accelerate this process.

Lin Xinghai put away the bag and followed the crowd to the assembly point.