Of the Heaven-Sundering Mercenary Corpsâ three original Squad Leaders, Rogerâs Genetic Optimization Level had now reached 95%.
Wu Yanâs Genetic Optimization Level had also reached 92%.
At their rate of progress, they would probably be qualified to attempt a breakthrough to the Blood Qi Realm in another half a month.
As for Xu Haishui, who had the lowest Genetic Assessment, his Genetic Optimization Level had also reached 83%.
While this rate was a bit slow compared to Roger and Wu Yan, it wasnât slow at all when compared to others. In fact, it was quite fast.
After all, when Lin Xinghai first met him, Xu Haishuiâs Genetic Optimization Level was just over 40%. His Genetic Assessment was only D Level, and he had been selected as a Squad Leader purely because heâd been lucky enough to awaken a Rare Level Superpower.
Now, less than two months later, Xu Haishuiâs Genetic Optimization Level had reached 83%. This level of strength was by no means weak; he was even stronger than many First Level Mercenary Corps Leaders.
Moreover, at this rate of progress, if all went smoothly, his Genetic Optimization Level could reach 90% in half a month at most.
Of course, that was the ideal scenario. If things didnât go smoothly, it would be normal for him to never be able to break the third Genetic Lock.
After all, for someone with a D Level Genetic Assessment, the difficulty of breaking the third Genetic Lock was comparable to the difficulty Roger and the others would face when breaking their fourth.
Of course, the Heaven-Sundering Mercenary Corps now had abundant resources and could purchase High Level Breakthrough Potions from the Military Department, so by Lin Xinghaiâs estimate, Xu Haishui shouldnât have any problem breaking the third Genetic Lock.
But whether he could break the fourth Genetic Lock in the future and become a Blood Qi Realm expert was another matter entirely.
Besides Roger and Wu Yan, another member of the Heaven-Sundering Mercenary Corps, the former deputy captain Xu Hao, had also broken his third Genetic Lock.
He became the sixth member of the Heaven-Sundering Mercenary Corps to do so.
Over at the Mountain and Sea Mercenary Corps, Gao Mountainâs Genetic Optimization Level had reached 99% a week ago, but he had been holding back and hadnât broken through yet.
Besides him, Ling Xiu had also successfully broken his third Genetic Lock. His Genetic Optimization Level had already reached 92%, and if he maintained this rate of improvement, he might even be able to attempt a breakthrough to the Blood Qi Realm within a month.
As for the other three core membersâZhang Meiling, Huang Nuo, and Yao Chengâtheir Genetic Optimization Levels had all surpassed 85%. Breaking their third Genetic Lock was just a matter of time.
It was safe to say that with the rapid rise in strength of these five core members, both the old and new members of the Mountain and Sea Mercenary Corps had become completely loyal, with no thoughts of leaving for another corps.
After all, anyone could see that if the Mountain and Sea Mercenary Corps maintained this pace of development, they wouldnât even need a month to qualify for promotion to a Third Level Mercenary Corps. Under such circumstances, only a fool would want to leave.
...
As Lin Xinghai mulled over these things, the massive convoy was gradually approaching the branch base.
Today was his last time leading a team out to clear out Zombies. There were only two days left before the East Sea Academyâs assessment.
He and Liu Miaomiao were to follow a convoy to the East Sea Base, over 2,000 kilometers away, early the next morning.
The thought that this was his last night here made Lin Xinghai feel a little melancholy.
The convoy soon drove through the city gates. As they entered the branch base, Lin Xinghai quickly noticed that the atmosphere seemed different than usual.
It was just after 5:00 PM. Normally, many of the Mercenary Corps wouldnât be back yet. Even if they had returned, they should be busy taking inventory of their supplies and treating their wounded.
But a single glance showed him that the branch base was already full of Mercenaries, and they seemed quite idle, even chatting and laughing.
As the convoy drove past, these Mercenaries would look over with complex expressionsâa mix of reverence, sentimentality, and reluctance to see him go.
Just then, Lin Xinghai noticed something else. He looked at Fang Tianhe in confusion and said, "This doesnât look like the way back to our Mercenary Corpsâ headquarters, does it?"
"Thatâs right." Fang Tianhe nodded. "Weâre going to the Mercenary Plaza in the center of the branch base."
"You and Liu Miaomiao are leaving tomorrow, so Iâve arranged a farewell party. I invited all the Mercenary Corps in the branch base, as well as officials from the Military Department. Even Director Wei and his people will be stopping by tonight."
Hearing Fang Tianheâs explanation, Lin Xinghaiâs confusion was cleared, but it was replaced by a feeling of reluctance to leave.
However, he quickly thought of something else. "How long do you expect this farewell party to last? It wonât get in the way of tonightâs important business, will it?"
"Donât worry," Fang Tianhe said with a smile. "The feast will begin as soon as we arrive and will only last two or three hours at most. It wonât delay their breakthroughs tonight. And if we need to, we can always leave early."
In fact, Liu Miaomiaoâs Genetic Optimization Level had reached 89% five days ago, which was high enough to break the third Genetic Lock. However, Lin Xinghai didnât let her rush the breakthrough. Instead, he had her spend time honing her abilities, especially mastering her Life Control Superpower.
Lin Xinghai hoped that when Liu Miaomiao broke her third Genetic Lock, she could simultaneously trigger a secondary awakening of her Superpower.
A few days prior, when Roger and Wu Yan were breaking through, they had both tried taking the High Level Breakthrough Medicine Liquid. They wanted to see if, just as Fang Tianhe had guessed, the massive surge of Energy could trigger another Superpower awakening.
Although both of their attempts failed, they saw that success was possible and shared some of what they had learned from the experience.
This was precisely why Lin Xinghai had Liu Miaomiao hold off on her breakthrough and spend the last few days preparing. After all, she only needed to break her third Genetic Lock before leaving for the East Sea Academy assessment.
In fact, it wasnât just Liu Miaomiao. Shen Han and Gao Mountain were also planning to attempt their breakthroughs tonight.
If both of them succeeded, Shen Hanâs breakthrough would mean the Heaven-Sundering Mercenary Corps would have two Blood Qi Realm experts. In that case, they would truly be the undisputed First Mercenary Corps.
And if Gao Mountain broke through, the Mountain and Sea Mercenary Corps would gain a pillar of strength. Then, even upon becoming a Third Level Mercenary Corps, they would instantly be among the top ranks.
Therefore, tonight was of the utmost importance for both Mercenary Corps.
That was why Lin Xinghai had asked with such concern, and after receiving Fang Tianheâs answer, he was relieved.
As the convoy moved forward, they soon arrived at the Mercenary Plaza.
This Mercenary Plaza at the branch base was much larger than the one in Star Shield Shelterâat least four to five times the size. After all, the branch base had no shortage of land.
Fortunately, the plaza was large enough; otherwise, it really wouldnât have been able to accommodate such a massive banquet.