Volume Two: Shadows of the Past Chapter Thirteen: The Record Keeper

"Jingzhi, congratulations on advancing to Level 4 Ability User," Chen Jing said with a smile as he looked at Zhang Jingzhi's test results.

"Um, it's alright, I guess," Zhang Jingzhi replied, scratching her head. In truth, she had never known her own ability level—this was the first time she'd learned she was already a Level 4 Controller.

"Since you've reached Level 4, we'll have to run a few more tests," Sun Ruoqing said, glancing at Zhang Jingzhi's report.

"Huh? Why?" Zhang Jingzhi asked, puzzled.

"In our country, any ability user above the Natural level must be brought under the supervision of the Empire," Chen Jing explained. "If they're only at the Natural level, their powers aren't particularly significant and pose little threat to public safety, so they're considered the lowest category of restricted ability users and don't require oversight. But once someone reaches the Calamity level, these ability users can seriously endanger society. If the state doesn't keep them under control, a careless mistake could lead to catastrophe, so every Calamity-level ability user is strictly monitored."

Zhang Jingzhi nodded. "I understand." Although nobody likes being controlled or restricted, she could see it was for the greater good. Besides, it was only supervision, not a restriction on her freedom. That was already quite reasonable.

After determining the ability level, Sun Ruoqing led the two of them to assess their ability attributes—the final step in the evaluation. Attribute testing was more complicated, requiring various tests, including physical trials. Chen Jing accompanied Molly and the others through the afternoon until all the tests were completed.

"Alright, everything's done. Come back tomorrow to check your reports," Sun Ruoqing said as she organized her documents.

"Got it," Chen Jing replied for the two, then smiled and asked, "Where are Yuanshan and the others? I didn't see them today."

"They're busy with their monthly physical exams," Sun Ruoqing answered.

Chen Jing's interest was instantly piqued. "Oh! I should go see if they've regressed."

They soon arrived at the Empire's training grounds, dedicated to training and testing combat members. As they entered, they saw Liu Zexuan and the others in the middle of their physical assessments.

Ji Hao spotted them first, waving and calling out, "Boss, you're here!"

The others heard and looked up, calling out as well, "Boss!"

"Who is he? Why are all the Dragon Fang members calling him 'Boss'?" Some newcomers, unfamiliar with Chen Jing, quietly asked the veterans.

"You don't know him? That's Chen Jing!" some Empire veterans answered, shaking their heads.

"What? That's Chen Jing? The one who was honorably discharged from the Dragon Squad with a special merit two years ago?" Realizing his identity, the newcomers were stunned, then looked at Chen Jing with admiration.

The Empire revered heroes, especially those who earned distinction. Special merit was the highest honor in the Empire; every time it was awarded, there was a nationwide announcement. Chen Jing was the only member in recent years to receive it. How could such a hero not inspire awe in the rookies?

Ignoring the fervent gazes of the crowd, Chen Jing, carrying Molly, walked over to Liu Zexuan and his team, smiling, "So, how are you doing? I came to see if you've slipped."

"There's no way we've regressed! We won't tarnish your reputation, Boss," Wu Wen said confidently.

"Hah, that's a bold claim. Let me see your numbers." Chen Jing took their results and nodded with satisfaction. Even though he was no longer with them, his brothers had kept moving forward. That was good.

He genuinely hoped their numbers would keep improving. Every bit of strength gained meant greater safety during missions.

"Big brother, why don't you take the test too?" Seeing Chen Jing satisfied with their results, Xie Yuanshan urged, "It's been ages since I've seen you tested. Let me watch!"

"Uh... me?" Chen Jing hesitated.

"Yes, come on, Boss, take the test. Let's see if we've closed the gap with you after two years," Tan Xu chimed in.

"That's right, Boss, give it a try..."

The rest joined in, and Chen Jing had no choice but to hand Molly over to Xie Yuanshan and walk toward the testing equipment. Laughing, he said, "Since you all insist, I'll take the test. I'm curious myself whether my body has deteriorated." With that, he took off his shirt, revealing a flawless physique, which elicited a chorus of screams.

"Wow! Boss's physique is always a sight to behold," someone exclaimed.

"I agree! No matter how curvy a beauty is, she can't compare to Boss's body. Am I turning?" Ji Hao gasped.

"Get lost! If you're turning, go elsewhere. Don't disgust us," Xie Yuanshan retorted.

Watching Chen Jing bare his upper body, Zhang Jingzhi's heart raced. She'd always thought he had a good figure, but never paid it much mind. After all, how attractive could a man's body be? Yet, seeing him now for the first time, she realized a man's physique could indeed make someone nosebleed.

The Dragon Squad conducted comprehensive physical assessments every few months. There were three types of tests: ability testing, physical function testing, and combat practice.

Chen Jing was about to undergo the second: physical function testing.

This was the simplest and most straightforward. It included grip strength, push force, squat force, side kick power, punching force, reaction speed, mobility, and body fat percentage—seven metrics.

Chen Jing started with grip strength, the easiest. Just grasp the sensor handle with all your might, and the result would show.

Next were push force, squat force, side kick, and punching power—each straightforward.

With each result, Ji Hao and the others howled, as Chen Jing's numbers were not only higher than theirs, but by a significant margin.

Only Sun Ruoqing remained silent after seeing Chen Jing's results, knowing that his physical abilities had declined.

Zhang Jingzhi watched Chen Jing's test data and applauded with excitement. His numbers were absurdly high—far beyond ordinary humans. Single-handed push force over a thousand kilograms; how could that be considered normal?

When Chen Jing moved on to reaction speed and mobility, Zhang Jingzhi took the opportunity to ask Xie Yuanshan, "Yuanshan, are everyone's numbers here this insane?"

Xie Yuanshan rolled her eyes. "Of course not. Most are just ability users, not many have exceptional physical abilities. Only my brother and his group are like this."

"That's a relief. I thought everyone here was a monster," Zhang Jingzhi sighed.

Xie Yuanshan proudly replied, "Heh, my brother used to hold all the records for these tests. The only one who can surpass his numbers is himself."

"Record holder?" Zhang Jingzhi asked, surprised.

"Yeah, you didn't know? All the highest records for these tests were set by my brother two years ago. No one's broken them yet."

"Uh..."

When the reaction speed test was finished, Chen Jing felt something was off. Checking the results, he immediately saw where the anomaly lay.

"Damn, Boss, you broke another record! Incredible!" Ji Hao exclaimed in surprise at Chen Jing's reaction speed results.

"I thought this one would be like the others—not reach your old heights," he added.

Chen Jing smiled without replying. He glanced at Sun Ruoqing, who was frowning as well, clearly noticing something was amiss.

Chen Jing sighed and shook his head, dismissing further thoughts. Smiling, he said, "Alright, I'll skip the body fat test. I haven't maintained my physique, so I'm sure it's worse than before. No need to test that." With that, he put his shirt back on.

"Well, Boss is still Boss. Two years without training, and your numbers are still way ahead of ours," Li Zijie, sitting in his wheelchair, remarked with admiration.

Chen Jing joked, "If you know you're lacking, work harder. Don't think you can slack off just because I'm gone. Break my records someday, then we'll talk."

"Alright, carry on with your tests. Don't crowd around here. Chen Jing and I need to go somewhere," Sun Ruoqing interjected, shooing them away as she prepared to take Chen Jing for further checks.

Chen Jing knew exactly what Sun Ruoqing intended. Smiling at Molly, he said, "Lily, you and Jingzhi go back to your room for now. Ruoqing and I have something to do."

Molly glanced at Chen Jing, nodded, and followed Zhang Jingzhi back.

With just Chen Jing and Sun Ruoqing left, Chen Jing looked at her with a wry smile. "Do we really need to check? Maybe let's skip it—I feel fine."

Sun Ruoqing said nothing, biting her lip and dragging him along.

As she hurried him along, Chen Jing protested, "Hey! Alright, Ruoqing, don't pull me. I'll walk."

Helpless, Chen Jing thought there was really no need for the check. What difference would knowing make? There was nothing to be done, and it would only add to his worries...