The Beast Tamer Qualification Exam wasn't just a simple test of a pet's battle strength. It was a comprehensive assessment, including a written test on the theory of battle pets, a practical command assessment, and finally, a one-on-one battle.
For the written portion, Lin Ke was supremely confident. With the memories of his past life's rigorous academic training, acing a test on basic biology and pet theory was a simple matter.
The real challenge lay in the practical and battle assessments. His Rock Vole, in its current state, was undeniably weak. Its combat power was likely at the bottom percentile of all the exam candidates' pets.
"A direct confrontation won't work," Lin Ke thought to himself as he paced his apartment. "I need to leverage my advantages."
His advantage wasn't brute force, but data. Precision. Efficiency.
He looked at the Rock Vole, which was currently chasing a small rubber ball around the living room. "Little guy, playtime is over. It's time for some training."
"Ji!" The Rock Vole squeaked, dropping the ball and running over to him, its eyes bright with anticipation. It was always eager to interact with Lin Ke.
Lin Ke didn't take it to a public training ground. Instead, he cleared a space in his living room. His training method was unique, designed by him, for him.
"Alright, first, let's test your basic agility. Run from this wall to the other when I give the signal. Go!"
The Rock Vole shot off, its little legs scrambling across the floor. As it ran, Lin Ke's eyes took on a faint, almost imperceptible blue glow. The Gene Editor was active.
In his vision, a stream of data flowed from the Rock Vole's body.
[Subject: Rock Vole]
[Action: Sprinting]
[Top Speed: 1.2 m/s]
[Muscle Fatigue Rate: 3.4%/s]
[Energy Consumption: 12 units/min]
[Note: Inefficient limb movement results in 15% energy loss.]
"Interesting," Lin Ke muttered. "The energy loss is higher than I thought."
This was his unique training method. He wasn't just commanding; he was monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing. While other Beast Tamers could only shout commands and vaguely assess their pet's condition, Lin Ke could see every detail in real-time.
"Again!" he commanded. "This time, try to keep your body lower to the ground. Yes, just like that!"
He guided the Rock Vole through a series of exercises: sprinting, jumping, dodging. With each attempt, he used the data from the Gene Editor to give precise feedback, correcting its posture, its breathing, and its power output.
It was less like training a pet and more like a scientist conducting an experiment, meticulously refining every variable to achieve the optimal outcome.
The Rock Vole was a willing student. It trusted Lin Ke completely, following every instruction without question. Although the exercises were tiring, the praise it received from its master and the feeling of growing stronger, even by a tiny amount, made it incredibly motivated.
After an hour, the Rock Vole was panting heavily, its body covered in a light sheen of sweat.
[Subject: Rock Vole]
[Status: Fatigued]
[Physical Condition: Muscle fibers at optimal stress level for growth. Cellular energy reserves at 22%.]
[Recommendation: Cease training. Administer nutrient solution and allow for 4 hours of rest for maximum conditioning effect.]
"Alright, that's enough for today. Excellent work," Lin Ke said, picking up the exhausted but happy Rock Vole.
He prepared a nutrient-rich solution—another small but necessary expense—and fed it to the little creature. This physical conditioning was crucial. He needed the Rock Vole's body to be in the best possible state to withstand the upcoming genetic modification. The repair of a gene fragment, even a small one, would be a significant event on a cellular level. A stronger body meant a higher chance of a perfect integration.
As the Rock Vole fell into a deep sleep in its soft bed, Lin Ke sat back down at his desk, his own expression one of satisfaction.
He wasn't just training a pet for an exam. He was laying the foundation for a miracle.
Other candidates were focused on mastering battle moves. Lin Ke was focused on mastering his pet's very essence. While they were playing checkers, he was playing chess on a cellular level.
"Tomorrow's exam..." Lin Ke looked at his sleeping pet, a confident smile gracing his lips. "They won't know what hit them."