Kai expected biological enhancement to feel dramatic.
Lightning.
Pain.
Divine revelations.
Instead, the purified strengthening solution tasted like sadness and expired vegetables.
"Why does advanced science taste terrible?" Kai asked while suffering spiritually.
Elias adjusted a holographic monitor.
"Taste optimization was not prioritized."
"Cowards."
The scientist ignored him.
Again.
Kai drank the remaining liquid.
Then immediately regretted existing.
Heat spread through his body.
Not explosive.
Not violent.
Efficient.
His muscles tightened.
Mana pathways vibrated.
Then his stomach made a deeply concerning sound.
Kai froze.
"...Scientist."
"Describe symptoms."
"I believe my organs are debating rebellion."
Elias glanced at the monitor.
"Normal biological adaptation response."
"You say normal too casually."
Five minutes later, Kai discovered the laboratory bathrooms still functioned.
Unfortunately.
The next morning, Kai woke up feeling different.
Lighter.
Sharper.
Not dramatically stronger.
But noticeable.
He arrived at physical training early.
Mostly because he wanted to verify whether the enhancement worked.
Also because if he accidentally mutated, he preferred discovering it outdoors.
Instructor Mara blew the whistle.
"Ten laps. Move."
Kai ran.
Then blinked.
Wait.
Usually his lungs started filing complaints by lap three.
Today?
Lap six.
Still stable.
Kai's eyes widened.
"Oh no," he whispered.
Rowan looked over.
"What?"
Kai slowly turned.
"I might actually become athletic."
"That's horrifying."
Kai accelerated.
His body moved smoother than before.
Less resistance.
Better balance.
He completed the exercise near the middle rankings instead of near death.
Instructor Mara narrowed her eyes.
"Verdan."
Kai straightened immediately.
"Yes, instructor?"
"Did you finally discover basic fitness?"
Kai considered sounding mysterious.
This ended badly most of the time.
He did it anyway.
"I have begun transcending limitations."
Instructor Mara stared.
"So no."
That afternoon, Kai checked the school rankings.
His physical evaluation score increased slightly.
Very slightly.
But enough.
Rank 217 became:
Rank 201.
Kai nearly ascended spiritually.
"SIXTEEN RANKS!"
Several nearby students jumped.
Rowan looked concerned.
"You moved sixteen places and reacted like you conquered the heavens."
Kai pointed dramatically toward the ranking board.
"Progress is built through accumulated victories."
"You sound like a motivational poster written by a caffeine addict."
Kai ignored him.
For the first time in years...
he felt genuine hope.
Not fantasy.
Not daydreaming.
Actual possibility.
Maybe.
Just maybe.
He could reach the top hundred.
That night, Kai returned to the laboratory carrying bags of cheap medicinal ingredients.
Elias examined them silently.
Then looked at Kai.
"Your financial resources are inadequate."
Kai's face twitched.
"Please stop attacking my economic status."
"These materials possess low quality."
"They're all I can afford!"
The scientist considered this.
Then unexpectedly nodded.
"Understood."
Kai blinked.
That was... surprisingly considerate.
Elias activated another display.
"Then optimization becomes mandatory."
The scientist highlighted several formulas.
"If resources remain limited, efficiency determines survival."
Kai stared at the equations.
Then slowly smiled.
"You know..."
"What?"
"You really are like a cultivation teacher."
Elias paused.
The scientist looked genuinely confused.
"Explain comparison."
Kai shrugged.
"Old mysterious guy. Ancient knowledge. Questionable morality."
"That description appears statistically insulting."
"But accurate."
Elias silently accepted this.
Mostly because it was difficult to argue.