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My name is Dr. Genus. Ever since I was born, everyone around me constantly praised me as a genius, and I always believed it to be true.
I lived up to everyone's expectations, using my intelligence to make many contributions to society.
However, I found that the public was only interested in my extraordinary intellect; no one cared about my ideology—
"Promote human evolution!"
This was my ultimate goal, not merely to advance human societal development.
Yet, no one understood. The public even began to reject me, deeming me an eccentric madman, and started attacking my ideas as dangerous.
Heh... they're just a bunch of monkeys!
Societal development? That's just monkeys playing with more advanced sticks and stones; fundamentally, nothing has changed.
But I, Dr. Genus, am here to lead these ignorant monkeys to break free from the shackles of genes and achieve a leap in the level of life!
I was severely disheartened but not discouraged. This is my dream, and I must persevere, even if I am the only one!
After that, I became engrossed in research, and it continued for seventy years—until I found it! The secret to human evolution!!!
So I regained my youth, created a large number of clones to assist my experiments, and established the House of Evolution.
The path of genetic evolution is correct! Although various test subjects had all sorts of flaws, as long as I continued my research, one day, perfect human evolution would be achieved.
I always believed this, until... a bald man shattered my illusion... Dr. Genus stared blankly at the base, which had a large hole blown into it. It was already dusk outside, and the orange-red sunlight cast upon him made him appear even more desolate.
"Can one become so powerful just by training? Then what have I been striving for all this time!" Confusion instantly enveloped him.
He felt as if he had reverted to that young man, rejected by the world and isolated, but this time, even he himself began to doubt himself.
Subsequently, an unparalleled fury erupted from his heart like a volcano. Why! Why could a mere mortal, using the most primitive and foolish methods, reach the realm he had dreamed of?!
He angrily clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms.
"Doctor..." A low voice came from behind him.
Dr. Genus turned around and saw the surviving Armored Gorilla, whose eyes now showed a hint of sympathy. He wanted to scold him, but found he didn't even have the strength to speak.
After a long while, the rage in Dr. Genus's chest gradually subsided, and his face became terrifyingly calm, as the mad scientist persona reasserted itself.
"It seems a new research direction must be established..."
— — — — — —
[Fear from Armored Gorilla, Energy Points +300!]
[Confusion from Dr. Genus, Energy Points +50!]
[Astonishment from Asura Kabuto (residual), Energy Points +5000!]
...A series of crisp and pleasant notification sounds rang in Lin Mo's mind, making him almost unable to suppress a laugh.
He walked beside Saitama, carrying a bag of discounted hotpot ingredients he had rushed to buy from the supermarket.
"It's good to follow Saitama; the monsters are high quality, and there are many Energy Points," Lin Mo thought happily.
"System, bring up the personal attribute panel!" Lin Mo silently recited to the system in his mind.
A light blue screen, visible only to him, unfolded before his eyes.
[Name: Lin Mo (Mr. KING)]
[Gender: Male]
[Energy Points: 12082]
[Stamina: 50]
[Strength: 50]
[Speed: 50]
[Psychic Power: 15]
[Skill: Intimidation (Dragon-level)]
[Items: Misfortune Coin x1, Fighting Skill Fragment (Beginner) x3, Basic Stamina Potion x2, Basic Healing Potion x2, Basic Mental Recovery Potion, Sunglasses, Powerful Hair Growth Agent...]
Over 12,000 Energy Points!
Lin Mo's breathing almost stopped. The last time he used up 20,000 Energy Points, he thought he would be "poor" for a long time, but he didn't expect to be wealthy again so quickly.
At this moment, Lin Mo noticed the small "lv1" at the top of the attribute panel.
With a thought, Lin Mo asked, "System, how many Energy Points does it take to upgrade to lv2? What new features will there be after the upgrade?"
[Answer to Host: Upgrading the system requires Energy Points x10000. Permissions can only be known after the upgrade.]
"Upgrade, System!" Lin Mo didn't hesitate. He didn't have to worry about his safety for now; Saitama had been by his side recently.
Since he couldn't quickly improve his own strength for the time being, investing in the system itself might yield unexpected gains.
[Deducting Energy Points x10000, system upgrade initiated. Estimated time: 24 hours. Please wait patiently, Host...]
Lin Mo was startled. Why did it need time to upgrade? That meant he would have to stay overnight at Saitama's house... [Skills belong to the Host; the system has no right to interfere. Please rest assured, Host.]
Receiving an affirmative answer, Lin Mo breathed a sigh of relief.
He looked up at Saitama beside him, who was staring intently at the cabbage in the shopping bag, muttering, "Today's cabbage seems 5 yen more expensive than yesterday. Is it just my imagination..."
Lin Mo smiled helplessly, "This bald guy..."
The two walked one after another on the way back to the uninhabited area of Z-City. The setting sun stretched their shadows long.
After a long while, the apartment building finally appeared in sight.
However, at the entrance of the apartment building, a figure was already standing upright.
"Genos?" Lin Mo was a little surprised.
"Is Dr. Kuino that amazing? Genos is already repaired in such a short time." He secretly marveled at the brand-new Genos before him.
"Teacher Saitama, Mr. KING." Genos bowed respectfully, "I apologize for the sudden visit."
He paused, his golden electronic eyes fixed on Saitama, his tone resolute: "I wish to live in Teacher's home to closely learn the secret of Teacher's power. I wonder if it's possible..."
"Huh?" Saitama interrupted him, displeased, "How can that be? My house isn't that big to begin with, and this guy Mr. KING is here almost every day..."
Genos directly pulled out a large wad of cash, "I can pay rent and cover all utility and miscellaneous expenses. I will absolutely not freeload!"
"Oh? Oh! Is that so..." Saitama looked at the thick stack of cash, his voice immediately softened, and his gaze became shifty.
He counted on his fingers. This amount of money was enough for him to buy several months' worth of discounted ingredients.
"Then... alright..." Saitama coughed lightly, asking somewhat sheepishly, "Did you bring things like a toothbrush and blanket?"
"I will buy them later, please don't worry." Genos was very happy to see Saitama agree.
"I will definitely find the secret to Teacher Saitama's strength..." Genos secretly vowed in his heart. It was clear he didn't quite believe Saitama's previous method of becoming strong either.
"Well... in that case, Genos, join us for dinner too."
Lin Mo timely raised the shopping bag in his hand, smiling as he extended the invitation, "We bought a lot of good stuff today; it's perfect for hotpot."
Genos bowed slightly, respectfully replying, "Then I shall impose."
Hotpot group, progress 3/6.