The very next day, the old butler prepared a suitable room for Cecil to increase his gene fusion degree.

As it happened, Cecil was home. When he heard the news, he didn’t hesitate and decided to go through with increasing his gene fusion degree that same day.

He wanted to become stronger as quickly as possible, to become someone Lu Xia could rely on.

Seeing he was ready, Lu Xia didn’t object.

She prepared the gene fusion agent and accompanied Cecil into the room. Smelian heard what was happening and came over to help as well.

Simon, however, was out on business and wasn’t home.

After having Cecil drink the Spiritual Spring Water, Lu Xia explained the risks and what to expect during the gene fusion degree enhancement process.

Cecil was already mentally prepared. He nodded slightly and said, "Don’t worry. I’ll definitely succeed!"

Lu Xia smiled, stroked his head, and began to inject the gene fusion agent.

Once the injection was complete, Lu Xia and Smelian left the room. To better monitor Cecil and be ready to help, Lu Xia had replaced one of the walls with glass, making it easy to observe his condition at all times.

Shortly after they left, the gene fusion agent began to take effect inside Cecil’s body.

The familiar burning sensation returned, even more intense than the last time.

Every joint in his body made a CREAKING sound, as if they were growing, or perhaps breaking free from some kind of restraint.

A cold sweat broke out on Cecil’s forehead. The pain was so intense that, even though he’d been prepared for it, it was nearly unbearable.

Watching him writhe on the floor, his body twisting in a desperate struggle, Lu Xia grew worried. Noticing her concern, Smelian gently patted her shoulder.

"I believe Cecil can get through this."

They both knew that only by overcoming this ordeal could he achieve his final, perfect transformation.

This wasn’t the first time Lu Xia had witnessed what happens after a gene fusion degree increase, but she was still worried. She nodded slightly, leaned into Smelian’s embrace, and kept her eyes on Cecil as he endured the most agonizing part of the process.

Cecil raised his eyes and glanced toward the glass wall. He knew Lu Xia was watching him.

’I can’t give up. I can’t let the pain defeat me. I can’t disappoint Lu Xia, and I can’t make her worry. I have to get through this.’

Clinging to this conviction, Cecil stubbornly held on.

His form began to shift. His human features gradually faded, replaced by those of a golden lion crouching on the floor.

The transformation complete, Cecil struggled to his paws, shook his massive head, and looked toward the glass. He let out a low roar, as if to say, "Look! I did it!"

Seeing this, Lu Xia smiled and glanced back at Smelian. "He did it!"

With that, she quickly left the observation room and entered the one next door, bringing the Spiritual Spring Water she had prepared to help Cecil recover.

Since Cecil’s current form made it difficult for him to drink, Lu Xia held the cup and fed him the water herself.

After Cecil finished drinking, he moved closer and nuzzled Lu Xia with his large head, seeking affection.

Lu Xia gently stroked the mane on his head, which was much softer than she had imagined. Smelian stood to the side, not wanting to disturb the moment.

After calming Cecil, Lu Xia said, "Congratulations, Cecil. You are now a 100% Gene Fusion Expert."

Cecil let out a low rumble and nuzzled Lu Xia’s hand with his large head. Mindful of her condition, he didn’t pounce on her, but kept his movements gentle.

Then, Cecil suddenly shifted from his beast state back into his human form. However, because he had just completed the gene fusion degree enhancement, his form was unstable. His lion ears and tail remained.

Looking at his current state, Lu Xia said, "The old butler has clothes ready for you. You can change into them after you’ve showered."

With that, she and Smelian left the room, giving Cecil space to recover.

Smelian smiled at Lu Xia. "Go get some rest."

Lu Xia had broken out in a sweat from worrying about Cecil. Fearing the stress was too much for her, Smelian escorted her back to her room to rest.

As the months passed, Lu Xia’s belly had grown much larger. Her due date was still two months away.

Lately, Doctor Eugene had been making preparations for Lu Xia’s delivery. The last time, an unforeseen incident had forced Lu Xia to give birth to Little Pu Tao all by herself. None of them wanted a repeat of that.

Cecil quickly tidied himself up. When he emerged from the room, his entire aura seemed to have changed. The old butler smiled at him and said, "The missus has already had dinner prepared. We’re going to celebrate you properly tonight."

Hearing this, a smile lit up Cecil’s eyes. He wasn’t surprised; this was exactly the sort of thing Lu Xia would do.

She was always so thoughtful, often acting on things without a word.

Now that he was a Gene Fusion Expert with a 100% gene fusion degree, he finally understood what it truly meant. The feeling of power coursing through his body was incredible.

He was finally no longer the weakest, "defective" male in the family. He could now stand beside Graces and Smelian, protecting Lu Xia.

Seeing Cecil’s excellent recovery, Lu Xia smiled and said, "Research on the Golden Spirit Gene has already begun. I’m sure we’ll see results soon."

’He had only just finished increasing his gene fusion degree, and Lu Xia was already making preparations for his Alien Gene.’

Cecil walked over and hugged Lu Xia. "Lu Xia, I’m not in a hurry. I feel great as I am."

Lu Xia gently patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "It will be even better."

That evening, the old butler prepared a lavish dinner. Simon had also returned, and when he learned that Cecil had become a 100% Gene Fusion Expert, a sincere smile touched his eyes as he offered his heartfelt congratulations.

His congratulations weren’t a perfunctory, half-hearted gesture; he was genuinely happy for Cecil.

Only those who had once been labeled "defective" could understand how difficult the journey had been.

For once, Cecil didn’t bicker with him. He just smiled, said thanks, and added, "Your condition has stabilized. You should be able to increase your gene fusion degree soon, too."

At Cecil’s words, Simon instinctively glanced at Lu Xia.

"Yes, Simon’s condition has stabilized as well," Lu Xia said. "When are you free? We can work on increasing your gene fusion degree."

"How about tomorrow? Is tomorrow okay?"

Lu Xia nodded. "Of course."

’He never expected it to be settled so easily. It seemed like there was no problem Lu Xia couldn’t solve.’

Hearing Lu Xia’s conversation with Simon, Cecil felt a pang of jealousy. ’It took me so long to get to this point, while Simon is much smarter and more clear-headed, always knowing what he wants. But that’s fine. It’s fine. Lu Xia still dotes on me more!’