Chapter 44: Chapter 44

The fundamental attributes remained unchanged despite the intensive training.

On the contrary, Yi Chen’s mental and physical state deteriorated significantly. He appeared emaciated, his demeanor utterly lifeless, and his hair started falling out in patches.

During Monday’s 'Pathology' class, when Edmund and the others saw Yi Chen, they were startled by his condition. They tried to offer him material Read the latest chapters on NovelHub - completely free!

Yi Chen’s only response was simple: “Special training.”

After observing a faint trace of determination in Yi Chen’s dim eyes, Edmund refrained from further questions.

The first week was spent almost entirely in Professor Zed’s “paradise,” gradually exploring other equipment beyond the treadmill. Just as his body adapted to one piece of equipment, a new one would disrupt the balance.

If he woke up before the teaching building closed, he could return to the dorm to sleep. If he woke up late, he would have to continue training there.

Time approached the eleventh day before the six-month deadline.

[Wilsterman Teaching Building - Underground Section]

As usual, Yi Chen was engaged in intensive training… but today, something was different.

Mr. Zed, with a heavy expression, glanced at the time on his pocket watch.

The training had exceeded its scheduled duration; Yi Chen should have been utterly exhausted and collapsed half an hour ago.

He was still sitting on the rowing machine, which was embedded with steel spikes that had completely pierced his palms. Yet he continued to row at a high frequency as though unfazed.

Zed didn’t mention the overtime. Instead, he spoke in his usual tone for special training.

“That’s enough for the rowing machine. Move to the treadmill for a light jog.”

Yi Chen effortlessly stepped away from the rowing machine, casually bandaging his pierced palms. Without pausing, he wiped the sweat from his forehead with his arm and got on the treadmill with ease.

While running, Yi Chen suddenly turned his head and asked, “Mr. Zed, may I run a bit faster? For some reason… I feel like my body is becoming lighter and lighter.”

“Hmm, follow your instincts and do as you feel. From now on, you don’t need to seek my advice.”

After this final instruction, Zed fell silent, seemingly waiting for some change to occur.

A faint sound reached Zed’s ears, originating from the squeezing and vibrating of Yi Chen’s pores.

Suddenly, red mist began to emit from Yi Chen’s running body, as though his blood were evaporating. In truth, his total blood volume hadn’t decreased; what was being expelled were clotted blood and the residual pain that had accumulated in his body over time.

The more red mist that was released, the lighter Yi Chen felt.

His speed on the treadmill increased further, until the red mist nearly obscured his entire figure. All that remained visible was a blur of a body running at high speed.

Then, something even stranger happened.

Yi Chen’s skin began to undergo “shelling”—separating from his body in large sections.

A whole piece of shed skin fell off, which Zed swiftly picked up.

Touching the flawless layer of human skin, Zed’s expression turned to one of extreme excitement.

“Purification, shedding… just one final step remains!”

A new layer of slightly red skin emerged on Yi Chen’s body. Underneath, tiny, vibrant root-like fibers visibly intertwined with blood vessels.

Within seconds, the fresh skin matured, transforming into a normal tone and texture—more flexible, delicate, and closely fitting than before.

Yi Chen’s hair grew visibly, gaining six months’ worth of length and cascading over his shoulders.

With a loud crash, accompanied by the sound of shattering metal, the treadmill—overused and heavily worn—exploded under Yi Chen’s intense speed.

Amid the blend of red mist and metallic debris, a long-haired young man emerged completely unclothed.

On his shoulder was a small fleshy protrusion, rhythmically swaying its tiny arms. Its teeth ground together noisily, emanating excitement.

The youth picked up his gear bag and donned a long-unused suit.

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