NOVEL SIMPLE CHAPTER 75
Chapter 75: The Potential for Awakening
Lu Ming assumed Huo Sheng's visit was to discuss the tentacle monster encounter. The emergence of a new, evolved zombie was a significant concern for all survivors, and Lu Ming expected Huo Sheng to address the potential implications of a Level 4 zombie appearing in Nanxiang.
Indeed, the tentacle monster was the primary topic of conversation as Lu Ming and Huo Sheng chatted over breakfast. Lu Ming listened attentively while savoring his meal, allowing Huo Sheng to do most of the talking.
"Level 4 zombies are formidable opponents," Huo Sheng explained, his brow furrowed with worry. "They possess incredible regenerative abilities, unmatched speed, and immense strength. Based on Bai Tianyu’s account yesterday, we currently lack a reliable method to deal with them."
He paused, a grim realization settling upon him. "Unless we resort to nuclear weapons," he added, "but that would be disastrous for our efforts to cultivate mushrooms within the city."
Lu Ming wiped his mouth thoughtfully. "I don’t have any good ideas either," he admitted. The tentacle monster’s intelligence and evasive tactics made it a difficult target, especially in the complex urban environment. Pursuing it would be risky, as it could easily lead to an ambush.
Lu Ming resumed his breakfast, assuming the conversation had reached its natural conclusion. However, Huo Sheng exchanged a meaningful glance with Bai Tianyu, who promptly excused himself from the outdoor kitchen.
With only Lu Ming, Zhang Chengcheng, and Huo Sheng remaining, Huo Sheng spoke again, his tone taking on a more serious note. "I’ve analyzed your blood."
Lu Ming nodded. "Sister Meng gave it to you?"
"Yes," Huo Sheng confirmed. About a month ago, Meng Jie had requested a blood sample from Lu Ming for research purposes. Lu Ming, seeing no harm in it, had readily agreed, hoping that his blood might contribute to the greater good of humanity.
Lu Ming assumed Huo Sheng's interest in his blood stemmed from its potential to unlock secrets that could benefit humanity. However, as Huo Sheng began to speak, it became clear that his findings were far more unexpected.
After swallowing a large piece of beef, Lu Ming met Huo Sheng's gaze, a glimmer of intrigue in the scientist's eyes. "You're not an Awakened one, are you?" Huo Sheng declared.
Zhang Chengcheng, startled by the statement, looked at Huo Sheng in confusion. "Brother Lu isn’t Awakened? How is that possible?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. How could Lu Ming, with his superhuman strength and abilities, be anything but an Awakened?
Lu Ming furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "I'm not actually sure if I’m considered Awakened," he admitted.
Lu Ming suspected he wasn’t Awakened in the traditional sense. While his attribute system granted him incredible power, he had never experienced the telltale high fever that typically accompanied the awakening process. The question of his true nature remained a mystery, but it didn’t concern him greatly. He knew how to grow stronger, and that was all that mattered.
Huo Sheng, noticing Lu Ming's puzzled expression, let out a sigh. "It seems you're not fully aware of your own situation," he said. "But it doesn’t matter. Whether you're Awakened or not, the secrets you hold... none of that is important."
What truly mattered, Huo Sheng emphasized, was Lu Ming’s strength and his unwavering will to protect others. Those were the qualities that truly defined him.
"I’ve analyzed your blood," Huo Sheng continued, his voice laced with a hint of awe, "and discovered a peculiar phenomenon. Your cells show no signs of binding with the mystery factor. In other words, at the cellular level, you're not an Awakened, but an ordinary person."
Zhang Chengcheng, overwhelmed by the scientific jargon, glanced between Huo Sheng and Lu Ming. Huo Sheng’s expression was grave, while Lu Ming remained calm, his eyes fixed on the scientist.
"And then?" Lu Ming finally asked, breaking the silence.
Huo Sheng’s face contorted into a strange expression, a mixture of curiosity, excitement, and perhaps a hint of fear. The implications of his findings were far-reaching, and he knew that this conversation would change everything.
"I conducted another experiment," Huo Sheng continued, his voice laced with excitement, "to test whether your body cells could recombine with the mystery factor. And the result is positive."
A wide grin spread across his face. "Do you know what this means?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Lu Ming shook his head, his curiosity piqued. "What does it mean?"
"It means that regardless of whether you are an Awakened one or not, you can awaken again!" Huo Sheng declared, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
He paused to let the revelation sink in before elaborating further. "Although your cells haven’t combined with the mystery factor, their strength far surpasses that of ordinary humans. This strength is so potent that your immune system alone can defeat zombie infections. In other words, you're immune to the zombie virus, even during blood extraction."
The blood sample had been taken over a month ago, and Lu Ming was already immune to zombie infection then. His current immunity was undoubtedly even stronger.
"Most importantly," Huo Sheng continued, his excitement growing, "let’s talk about Awakening." He turned to Zhang Chengcheng with a smile. "Chengcheng, do you know what this means?"
Zhang Chengcheng pondered the question, a realization dawning upon her. She gasped, her eyes widening as she looked at Lu Ming. "According to Dr. Huo, if Brother Lu isn’t already Awakened, then he still has the potential to become one. This means... Brother Lu’s strength can increase even further!"
Huo Sheng nodded, his smile widening. "Not just further improvement, but exponential improvement!" he exclaimed. "When an ordinary person becomes a Level 1 Awakened, their physical abilities double. When a Level 1 Awakened advances to Level 2, their abilities double again, along with gaining a superpower!"
"I conducted experiments with Lu Ming’s cells and discovered that he still possesses the potential to awaken," Huo Sheng explained. "However, his body is incredibly strong, requiring a massive amount of mystery factors. If we follow the natural Awakening process, the probability of Mr. Lu Ming becoming Awakened is practically zero."
The minuscule amount of mystery factor present in the air was simply insufficient for Lu Ming’s robust body. It was as if an ordinary person had won the lottery jackpot for 999 consecutive days—an almost impossible feat.
Zhang Chengcheng’s initial excitement turned to disappointment upon hearing this. But Lu Ming, ever curious, pressed further. "Dr. Huo, you mentioned that the normal process wouldn’t work for me. Does that mean you have an alternative method?"
Huo Sheng’s smile returned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Indeed," he replied, leaning forward conspiratorially. "I’ve already developed a method to artificially induce Awakening in ordinary individuals."
End of Chapter 75