My setting is above yours!

Chapter 37 Ability Formula, Hollow Monster (4k2)

Ability formula?

Ron had actually wanted to ask about the "formula" for a long time.

During his duel with Euan, if Ron's ability hadn't been so overwhelmingly effective against [Gravity Control], and if [Ability Overload] hadn't helped him cheat...

Once Euan uses his unique "formula," Ron is destined to lose.

Such powerful abilities are still an essential step to becoming a Level 5... He can't wait to build the so-called formula.

"I didn't tell you about the formula before, which actually hurt you. Luckily, you were able to beat Yu'an..."

Deng Yin sighed and explained to Ron in detail what the [Ability Formula] was.

"【Ability Formula】is a special ability that only Lv.3 ability users can possess. It is a unique interpretation of the ability model itself, based on the individual's reality..."

After a moment, having listened to Dunn's words and fully understood what the [Ability Formula] really was, Ron couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

—A small ritual unique to superpowered individuals, whose power can be used by recreating the ritual after constructing the formula?
It feels so much like "magic"...

It's important to know that Ron isn't some half-baked amateur; he genuinely possesses the profession of [Potion Mastery], and the [Gravekeeper] has instilled in him a great deal of magical knowledge.

He knew that using the power evoked by ritual in this way was no different from constructing a magical ritual and releasing magic through magic power!

It's just that the energy source of "magic" has been transformed into "personal reality"...

Thinking about it this way, it actually seems more like "magic".
I have a feeling that there must be some special connection between these things...

Ron seemed lost in thought, when he heard Denny sigh and say:

"Unfortunately, [ability formulas] are not so easy to construct."

"It's like taking a portion of your [ability model], transforming it into a special state, and interpreting it through a ritual..."

"Countless top students from the three major universities rack their brains and exert all their efforts to construct a simple formula during their four years of university, pass the graduation exam, and obtain their degree certificates."

"Among them, it is unknown how many have plagiarized the [capability formulas] recorded in the think tank, and then copied them and combined them with their own [capability models] to create a half-finished product that is almost meaningless."

"This requires computing power, experimentation, and luck..."

As he spoke, Ron saw for the first time on Dunn's face a look of nostalgia for a difficult problem:
"Enough to filter out 99.9% of the ability users in the entire Ideal City."

Is it that difficult?

That Yu'an...

Ron couldn't help but think of Euan, and immediately frowned:

"How did Yu'an construct the [ability formula]?"

He didn't think Yu An was any kind of top genius... Aren't there enough geniuses in the three universities?

The vast majority of these people can only construct a simple formula to pass the graduation exam, and most of these are plagiarized, useless, half-finished products...

How did Yu'an manage to construct such a powerful "ability formula" while still in high school?
Even the most talented person shouldn't have such an incomprehensible performance. He wasn't a "raw gem" given to him by heaven; he leveled up little by little from Lv.2!

“My old nemesis, Euan’s father, Scott Hansen, is the vice president of Moen University.”

"After I left, the physics department was completely under his control."

Although Lab 0 was sealed off, making it impossible for him to become the head of [Prometheus]'s authority, he successfully obtained relevant management privileges based on his rank.

As Deng Yin spoke, a hint of disgust inevitably crept into his tone:
"I can guess it even if I'm just guessing... He must have cheated and taken the ranking reward from the physics department last year."

He then used his authority to pull strings and obtain permission to use Prometheus to perform calculations for Euan, an outsider who wasn't a student at the school, thus creating a formula for him.

"His advancement to Lv.3 was also due to the power of the [Ability Formula], which forcibly elevated his personal reality, bringing him to the Lv.3 level..."

So, if one can construct an [ability formula] at Lv.2, one can directly improve their personal reality and reach Lv.3?

Unfortunately, it's impossible for a normal superpowered individual to construct an [ability formula] at level 2.

This kind of promotion method is probably only something that someone like Yu'an, who gets promoted through connections, can enjoy.

Ron couldn't help but feel a little annoyed when he thought about his own reality, which would probably take him more than a year to reach Lv.3.

If I could also construct a "formula" using [Prometheus]...

But the thought had barely formed in his mind when he heard Deng Yin say:

"In fact, the way he constructed the [capability formula] is also the path you will take."

"Control of the [Prometheus] AI sector belongs to Moen University, and many of its functions will be available to students..."

"For example, the computing privileges that Scott granted to Euan could also be granted to you if you accumulated enough credits."

“Constructing ability formulas is far too complicated. Although self-constructed formulas are indeed more ‘spiritual’ than those calculated by [Prometheus], ​​you simply don’t have enough time.”

"Completing on-campus activities, accumulating credits, and applying for access to build formulas is the easiest path... but that's something that happens after you enroll."

"During the summer before enrollment, you should do your best to improve your abilities and try to get close to Lv.3 before enrollment!"

As he spoke, he looked at Irina beside him.

Irina closed the communication pop-up and said to Ron:

"I have already submitted the application to the head office, and I expect your exclusive investment plan will be issued soon."

"We will develop the most scientific improvement plan based on your abilities..."

"Although your abilities are difficult to control, with our support, it is by no means impossible for you to expand your personal reality to a level close to or even beyond Lv.3 before enrolling!"

……

The week flies by.

Ron's unique investment plan was approved by Tian Ting Media the next day, and tens of millions of credit points were deposited into Ron's training project account and then spent like water.

Ron, who had always lived in District D and had rarely even been inside a superpower lab except for a few ability activation experiments, was surprised to learn that money could be spent in such a way...

A personal reality expansion experiment, consuming 700000 credits.

A neurofiller with no side effects costs 100000 credits.

Capability model optimization, augmented reality, computing power enhancement...

Ron was given a whole range of projects, and in just one week he used up tens of millions of credits, which made him somewhat numb to the number of credits.

However, the results are encouraging.

His "ability limiter" has already lifted the ability model restrictions to 15%—

This represents a full 4% improvement in model control compared to when he first reached Lv.2 before the college entrance exam!

It's important to understand that, based on the deduction, if he could unlock the ability model's restrictions to 35%, he would be able to reach Lv.3...

This week's figure is four percent. With seven weeks left before school starts, Ron doesn't even dare to imagine what level he'll reach if things go smoothly and this extravagant ability development program continues...

But it's obviously impossible for things to go that smoothly.

He felt a mix of emotions as he looked at the Dimensional Update Manual's screen—【“Out of Control (35%)”】

As the origin of [Vector Manipulation], [Supernatural Out of Control], which once prevented Ron from advancing to Lv.2, has been enhanced once again due to Ron's improved abilities.

It seems that before long, at most half a month, [Out of Control] will reach a critical percentage again.

At that time, Ron will probably be unable to improve his ability level again, and his personal progress will stagnate.

The one who tied the knot must untie it...

Ron sighed.

It seems he still needs to travel to the "Potion Era" to find a fundamental solution to the problem of "Extraordinary Out of Control".

He always felt that he had overlooked something that made his "extraordinary out-of-control" behavior far more dangerous than that of a normal superhuman.

Even a slight increase in ability was enough to free his power from its constraints.

In the "Potion Age," there are certainly more solutions than just one-time use methods like Idrila's Blessing Drip...

Unfortunately, Ron wasn't in the mood to explore the "Potion Age" today.

He was standing on the bustling street of Ideal City D District, at the gate of a high school, waiting for An Hui to arrive.

Today is the seventh day after the National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao). Every student's score report will be sent to their school by the Ideal City Gaokao Testing Association, and everyone must come to collect their score report.

After the results are released, many universities will be quick to act, with admissions offices seeking out high-scoring students who haven't yet decided which school to attend, promising various scholarships to entice them...

But this had nothing to do with Ron—like An Hui, he had already applied to Moen University early and had been enrolled early, becoming a Moen University student.

Coming here to pick up my report card is just a formality...

I probably won't be going back to this high school where I've studied for so many years.

Looking at the weathered gate of a certain high school that left a deep impression on him, Ron couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.

But before he could even indulge in sentimental thoughts, he smelled the familiar scent of shampoo beside him, and someone gently nudged his arm with their elbow.

"What are you doing? Staring at this shabby door for so long... Are you trying to recite some poetry and lament the passing of spring and autumn?"

An Hui, wearing a high school uniform she hadn't worn in a long time, remarked with emotion:
"I do miss it quite a bit. The school cafeteria's 'group meal'—a 20-15 yuan shopping voucher and a 9% discount for student cards—I feel like we ate this every day during the first year."

Ron's face turned green at the thought of those plates of expired pre-made meals mixed with cheap energy bars.

The fear from the depths of his memory made him instinctively want to vomit.

...At least, he never wants to eat this kind of thing again in his life.

There's nothing to miss at all!

He shook his head, shaking off the endless fear in his mind, and walked into the school gate with An Hui.

Because it was the day to receive exam results, the high school was quite lively even though it was summer vacation.

The two strolled leisurely back to their classroom from the school, and soon someone they knew recognized them on the way.

"Hey, Lao Luo... Oh, and An Hui too, you two came back together?"

The chubby Linde trotted over, looking at An Hui with some surprise in his eyes:
"I originally thought you wouldn't come back after leaving our school..."

As he spoke, he suddenly realized something to himself:
"Oh, I see. You're back to pick up your exam results, right?"

"You know, the rules of the College Entrance Examination Association are ridiculous. They've already been admitted to Moen University without taking the entrance exam, and they still have to come back to get a useless transcript. It's like they made a wasted trip..."

He chattered on and on, walking enthusiastically ahead of Ron and Anne:
"Come on, you haven't been back for so long, you probably don't know the way very well anymore, right? I'll take you to your homeroom teacher, the report cards seem to have just been sent to him..."

As he led the way, he made it very obvious that he was trying to get close to An Hui, implying that "the big shots from the three universities might give me a chance to be mentored"...

This left An Hui quite embarrassed, unsure of how to respond, so she could only remain silent.

Seeing that An Hui didn't respond, Lin De wasn't annoyed. Instead, he naturally steered the conversation back to Ron and started chatting with him about all sorts of things:
"Old Luo, are you back to pick up your report card too? How do you estimate you did on the exam?"

Clearly, he has now forgotten Ron's previous ambition of "I am number one".

Or perhaps he never even considered the possibility that Ron could get first place.

Looking at Lind's cheerful expression, Ron felt a little helpless.

If I said I got the highest score in the entire Ideal City, would we still be able to chat?
I have a feeling I'll be treated even more awkwardly than An Hui...

Ron, not wanting to spoil the atmosphere, thought for a moment and said:
"It should be very good."

"Oh, then you did pretty well, you should be able to get into a top-tier university..."

Linde muttered to himself, then asked:

"But have you thought about how you plan to repay your student loan?"
"I doubt I can make as much quick money as I can with a vocational college... How about I put it this way, do you want me to ask my dad to put in a good word for you?"

"I'll arrange a part-time job for you, which should be just enough to pay off your student loans."

Ron reluctantly declined again: "That's not necessary..."

After a few awkward words, the two arrived at the door of the teachers' office.

The students who came to pick up their report cards had formed a long line that stretched all the way down the corridor and stairs.

Standing outside, Ron could even hear the advice, criticism, and encouragement the older teachers gave to different students, as well as the news coming from the queue.

[Major Breakthrough! Noah Pharma's α003 Laboratory has once again optimized gene editing technology; the future of evolution is in our own hands...]

Who watches a live stream in a public place without headphones? That's incredibly rude...

Ron leaned lazily against the wall, so bored that he and An Hui started playing finger wrestling, using their fingers to act out a life-or-death struggle between opposing soldiers.

But the next moment, a loud bang jolted him awake, snapping him out of his boredom.

Suddenly, the wall of the teachers' office exploded open, and a figure flew out and crashed straight into Ron and his group!

Ron instinctively used [Vector Manipulation] to dissipate the figure's momentum and catch it, only to discover that it was the old teacher who had been kind to him before...

The next moment, a bizarre figure, half-ethereal and covered in strange creature features, standing at least two people tall, emerged from the ripped-open teacher's office—

Without hesitation, they rushed towards the old teacher!
At this moment, the old teacher's face was ashen, his chest was slightly sunken, and blood was trickling from the corner of his mouth.

He opened his eyes and saw the monster lunging at him, then saw Ron supporting him. He broke free from Ron's grasp and lunged forward...

He spoke with all his might:

"Students...run!!"

　I didn't expect this chapter to be so difficult to write. I'm so sorry I only just finished it now. I'm so sorry, I'm practically kneeling in frustration...

　　Although it did take seven hours, I did manage to update 10,000 words, which can be considered a daily 10,000 words... right?

　　I'm going to sleep. Today's update will be at the usual time of 11:50 PM. Over.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)