My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 6: The Speed Test and the Awakening Crystal

The air within the testing hall was thick and heavy, creating a suffocating tension. Seventy students stood in a silent queue, their gazes shifting between anxiety and hope. This was no mere examination; it was a trial that would dictate the trajectory of their entire lives.

For these aspiring youths, succeeding in the speed test meant securing official martial certification. Such a credential would allow them to apply to elite universities or enlist in a martial pavilion to forge their destinies as independent warriors. It wasn't just a simple contest—their entire futures were at stake.

Richard stood at the head of the room, his eyes scanning the gathered students. Though his face remained a stoic mask, a hint of hidden pride lurked beneath the surface. "Before you," he announced, signaling with a gesture, "stand ten speed testing machines. As with the previous rounds, you will go in groups of ten. Each cohort will take their turn. Only those who reach or surpass the benchmark of 25 meters per second will be deemed qualified."

The initial ten students approached the equipment with visible nerves. As the timer began and the test kicked off, the rhythmic thud of sprinting footsteps resonated throughout the hall. Moments later, the digital displays flashed the results.

A mere five students had passed.

A heavy silence blanketed the room. The statistics were undeniable—this was going to be a brutal culling.

Group after group stepped up to the line. Some tasted success while others faced failure. Anxious murmurs rippled through the crowd as the pressure continued to mount.

Finally, it was the turn of Mark’s group.

Mark marched forward, his face wearing its characteristic mask of arrogance. Internally, however, he was sneering with malice.

"Hmph... Ethan might have reached Limit-Level strength," he plotted coldly, "but let’s see if that bastard can pass the speed test. Just wait until he fails... I’ll personally show him what hell feels like."

He burst into the sprint with supreme confidence, finishing with a recorded speed of 27 m/s—comfortably exceeding the requirement. As the screen blinked with his score, several gasps erupted from the onlookers.

Mark flashed a conceited smirk as a smattering of applause and admiring whispers followed. The praise wasn't entirely sincere, however. Many students were harboring bitter resentments.

"Damn rich bastard... If he didn’t take that body-strengthening fluid, would he even be this good?"

Nevertheless, no one dared to speak their grievances aloud. Mark possessed too much power and influence; it was safer to keep their jealousy buried.

Rose was next.

With her usual serenity, she approached the machine. Taking a soft breath, she began her run with a graceful, fluid stride.

28 m/s.

The room fell into a stunned hush before exploding into a cacophony of shouts and amazement.

"My goddess!" one boy wailed dramatically. "Please go on a date with me—I’m very sincere!"

"Hah!" another mocked. "A toad dreaming of eating swan meat. How shameless."

Despite the uproar and adoration, Rose stayed perfectly composed. She offered no reaction to the praise or the insults—her mind was focused elsewhere.

Then, it was Ethan’s turn.

He walked forward with measured steps, taking a deep breath while maintaining a steady gaze.

In contrast to his peers, Ethan felt no nerves. Having boosted both his physique and spiritual energy to 6 points, he knew he could shatter the 40 m/s mark if he went all out. However, he had decided against a full display of his power. He sought recognition, but he had no desire to be treated like a lab specimen.

As the signal fired, Ethan moved with clinical precision, his movements efficient and smooth. The display flashed his final result:

33 m/s.

The entire room plunged into a deathly silence. Not a single word was uttered; even breathing seemed to stop. The only sound was the faint electronic hum of the testing gear.

In the realm of martial arts, while the gap between 25 m/s and 26 m/s might seem negligible, such an increase demanded a massive leap in both muscular power and nervous system coordination. Many students possessed brute strength over 500 kg yet found themselves trapped at 24.9 m/s, failing their certification entirely.

But Ethan had hit 33 m/s—and he hadn't even unlocked his gene yet.

It was the performance of a monster.

Mark’s arrogant expression warped into a hideous grimace. His fists clenched tight, and his smug smile vanished instantly.

"How?!" he raged internally. "How the hell is this possible? I used a high-grade body fluid... Did Ethan use something similar? Or... could it be—does he have backing? Is someone secretly supporting him?"

The doubts ate at him. His sense of superiority was shattered.

Meanwhile, Richard’s eyes sparkled as if he had stumbled upon a diamond in the rough. He was unable to suppress his delight. This wasn't just a talented student—this was a genius seen once in a generation.

Richard walked over with a wide, enthusiastic smile and clapped a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. "Ethan, you’re a rare talent. Truly rare. Perhaps such individuals exist in the super-base cities, but I’ve never encountered anyone like you here. If you manage to awaken an element, I will personally see to it that a reward is prepared for you. Best of luck."

Ethan simply offered a smile and a nod. "Thank you, Instructor Richard."

Arnold also moved closer, giving Ethan a nod of approval. "I’m looking forward to what you do next, kid."

Rose joined them as well, her voice carrying a soft, playful tone. "Ethan, I had no idea you were holding back so much. It turns out you’re a super genius. You hid it quite well... Good luck with the elemental test."

Ethan nodded back. "Thanks. Good luck to you as well."

Finally, Richard turned to address the remaining group. "Only 46 students have cleared the speed test," he declared. "Those who passed, follow me. To the rest—do not lose heart. Train harder. There is always another opportunity."

The successful forty-six followed Richard into a smaller, more intimate chamber. At the center of the room sat a large crystal, roughly the size of a football, resting atop a clear glass pedestal. The crystal emitted a faint, rhythmic pulse of mysterious energy, radiating an aura that felt both ancient and formidable.

Richard turned to face them solemnly. "This," he explained, "is the Elemental Awakening Crystal. One by one, you will step forward and place your hand upon it. A monitor in front of the crystal will display your result. If you have an elemental affinity, the crystal will glow, and the screen will identify your specific element."

He paused for emphasis before continuing, "In very rare instances, a soul talent might manifest during this process. Should you awaken one, you may choose to disclose it. The Federation grants such individuals priority, offering them protection and specialized resources. However, if you wish to keep it private, that is also your choice."

Excited gasps rippled through the teenagers.

Richard raised his voice to command attention. "The Federation recognizes nine primary elements: Fire, Water, Metal, Air, Earth, Light, Darkness, Ice, and Thunder. If you awaken any of these, you will be granted a matching breathing technique. Through this, you will be able to harness cosmic energy and begin the journey of unlocking your gene."

"If there are any questions, ask them now."

A gentle voice cut through the quiet.

"Mr. Richard, I have a question," Rose said, stepping into the light.

Richard’s stern gaze softened immediately. "Go ahead, Rose."

She asked with total calm, "Is it possible for someone to awaken more than one element? And if they do, must they cultivate every corresponding breathing technique to the same level?"

Richard blinked, clearly impressed by the sophistication of her query. "An excellent question," he complimented. "Yes, rare cases of multiple elemental awakenings do exist. However, you aren't forced to cultivate all of them. You can focus on a single element if you wish. But, if you do choose to pursue multiple techniques, you must develop them at an equal pace to advance in the future. That path is significantly slower and more grueling. It doesn't necessarily make you 'stronger' in terms of raw power—but it provides a much wider array of tools for combat."

The students nodded as they processed this, some trading curious looks. Arnold watched the exchange silently from the sidelines.

Richard clapped his hands together. "Very well. Let the awakening begin. When you touch the crystal, you will feel an alien force entering your body. If you possess an affinity, that force will lead you to a core located within the interventricular membrane of your heart. That core is your elemental nucleus. Once it is activated, you will be officially recognized as a quasi-warrior."

An electric current of excitement surged through the room.

"Using the breathing technique linked to your element, you will absorb cosmic energy to begin breaking your first gene lock. From that moment on, you will truly have stepped onto the path of martial cultivation."

He fell silent, allowing the significance of his words to sink in.

"This is the ultimate dream of every person on this planet—to become a warrior. And now, you are standing at the threshold."

Even Ethan, who was no stranger to the extraordinary, felt his pulse quicken. His heart hammered against his ribs.

Would he awaken an element? And if so, which one? Was it possible he possessed more than one?

Would his soul talent be exposed? Should he conceal it, or should he step into the spotlight?

A whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind, yet his expression remained unreadable.

Richard then raised a hand.

"Begin."