Li Ming really defeated Balkan.
All eyes converged on Li Ming, who appeared severely wounded.
Sitting beside Dean Chen, several professors were visibly moved; they exchanged looks, astounded by a victory that defied the basic laws of evolution.
The gap in their progress was at least 90%, and with the amplification of core abilities, the disparity ought to have been even greater.
Even if Li Ming underwent a genetic mutation, it would be difficult to bridge such a gap.
Yet, the scene before them showed Li Ming nearly killing Balkan with one strike. Although he too was seriously injured, it was beyond reason.
"Looking at his speed, he must be a Genetic Mutant," Professor Xia offered thoughtfully, suggesting a possibility.
"Is there really such a life form?" Professor Gao asked, skeptical.
Professor Bai immediately added, "Certainly, there are. The Kanles Research Institute has discovered at least ten cases where life forms have developed genetic mutations during the evolutionary process, thereby obtaining strength and speed beyond those of their peers."
"However, this also undermines the life form’s inherent potential for development, and there are other risks involved; it’s not necessarily a good thing."
"So, his previous development potential, was it reduced before or after the weakening?" Professor Gao posed a critical question.
"Wu Yanqing really struck gold this time!" Professor Bai snorted, increasingly displeased: "He’s already a Level D life form, so what do you think, before or after the weakening?"
During the last enrollment assessment, he didn’t feel too strongly about Li Ming himself, as his discontent was more towards Wu Yanqing’s arrogant demeanor.
After all, the first place in the previous assessment was also taken under Wu Yanqing’s wing, and the gap in development potential with Li Ming was only one or two levels.
But now it was completely different; Li Ming’s development potential was not merely as it had appeared, it was far beyond Level 8.
He even speculated that it was above Level 10, and it was highly probable that this was an aftermath of a genetic mutation; what then could be the limits of his true developmental potential?
Suddenly, a tumultuous cheer erupted from below the stage, as students from the University of Science and Technology celebrated boisterously, their excitement beyond words.
Some even began to taunt on the spot, hurling insults towards those from the Sela Royal Academy, venting their frustration from the past few days.
Flushed with excitement, Xu Wei slowly exhaled, her eyes shining with an unusual luster. She knew that this little brother was sure to shine so brilliantly that no one could ignore him.
"I guess the internet is erupting by now."
This friendly exchange meet was being live broadcasted, and those who followed such events were probably popping champagne.
In stark contrast, the people of the Sela Royal Academy felt like they were sitting on pins and needles, their complexions ashen, but they had no means to refute, nor could they find a point of contention.
Li Ming simply went against the current, then did a one-man-against-three.
Some couldn’t bear it and stood up with stern faces, pushing their way through the crowd and leaving in a hurry, unable to stay a moment longer.
Dean Chen and others let out their emotions for a while before raising his hand to signal for quiet, and the noisy crowd gradually fell silent. With a calm voice, he announced, "I declare that Li Ming has swept the first, second, and third places."
After a brief silence, a greater uproar ensued, many young people gazing enviously at the figure on the stage.
To reverse the tide of defeat silently and with diligent effort, only to emerge at the crucial moment and achieve a one-man-against-three feat, preserving their last shred of dignity—what a glorious moment that was.
They were all passionate young people, who wouldn’t envy that?
On the stage, medical staff rushed forward to attend to Li Ming’s injuries.
The Sela Civilization, having lost face, had no interest in staying any longer and began to leave one after another.
Sain left without expression, not even bothering to say goodbye.
The matters that followed were taken care of by the University of Science and Technology. Numerous media swarmed forth, eager to interview Li Ming first-hand, but were all held back outside.
Dean Chen and the other high-ranking officials took Li Ming to the medical room.
"Good lad, I always felt that following Wu Yanqing was a loss for you, but now I see that’s not the case," Professor Xia stared at him for a while and finally expressed his sentiments with a sigh.
He often heard from Ding Hui about Li Ming’s remarkable talent and lamented the waste of brilliance in the shadows.
"Dean, the rewards for first, second, and third places are all mine; surely it’s not fair to just give the highest value, right?" Li Ming was concerned with a different issue.
Dean Chen smiled warmly, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes stacking as he closed the door to the medical room, saying, "Of course not. A total of ten million in prize money, not a cent less."
"Additionally, the school will give out an extra five million as a token of appreciation for you."
Medical personnel had already attached various monitoring devices to him. At that moment, Li Ming was grimacing as different liquids were poured onto his torn wounds, causing incessant pain.
Upon hearing the news, he couldn’t help but grin and said, "The teachers often tell me how generous the Dean is, and indeed it is so."
Dean Chen chuckled. Li Ming’s appearance had solved a big problem for him, although the last friendly exchange also ended in a defeat for the University of Science and Technology,
but the previous event didn’t stir up such a big public outcry or involve as many parties.
"Rest for a while; once your injuries have stabilized a bit more, you can leave. The outside is probably in chaos by now," said Dean Chen.
"That suit of armor..." Li Ming quickly said.
"It’s part of your spoils," Dean Chen shook his head, "That thing isn’t often used in usual circumstances, but you seem rather concerned about it."
"It’s very valuable as a collector’s item," Professor Xia interjected appropriately, looking at Li Ming with a "I understand you" expression and sighed, "It’s a pity your potential isn’t that high; you would have been a great Mechanic."