Chapter Two: Revealing the Edge
Following Angel Yan's speech, the cadets of the Super Seminary were left basking in a fervor of hope for the future. Lin Yu was no exception; his mind brimmed with her words and the awe-inspiring image of the angel, fueling an ever-intensifying thirst for power within his heart.
In the days that followed, Lin Yu threw himself wholeheartedly into the curriculum of the Super Seminary. The coursework was both diverse and intensely challenging, spanning cosmology, genetic engineering, energy manipulation, and combat tactics.
In his cosmology classes, Lin Yu learned of the vastness and mysteries of the cosmos, the intricate relationships between various galaxies and civilizations, and profound concepts such as dark matter and dark energy. Mysteries of the universe that had once existed only in his imagination were now laid bare before him, forcing him to confront his own insignificance and ignorance, while simultaneously igniting a fierce determination to explore the unknown.
The genetic engineering course was an eye-opener. He witnessed the evolutionary pathways of different civilizations and the Super Seminary's cutting-edge technologies in genetic enhancement. Through simulation experiments, he learned how gene editing could enhance bodily functions like strength, speed, endurance, and regenerative capabilities. It made him realize that here, the physical limits of humanity would be constantly shattered, and becoming a super soldier was no longer an unattainable dream.
The energy manipulation course was undoubtedly one of the most demanding disciplines. Lin Yu had to learn how to perceive and channel the various forces of the cosmos—such as light, dark, and electrical energy—and convert them into usable power. In the early stages of training, he often felt frustrated by his inability to accurately sense the flow of energy, but he refused to yield. Under the patient guidance of his instructor, he gradually mastered the basic techniques, eventually learning to condense a faint sphere of energy in the palm of his hand.
Combat training was the most grueling and direct phase of his education. Every day, Lin Yu engaged in live-combat drills against other cadets on the training grounds. He mastered various close-quarters combat skills—strikes, kicks, and swordsmanship—and learned to utilize the environment and tactical maneuvers to overcome his opponents. Meanwhile, he was introduced to advanced weaponry, ranging from energy firearms to melee weapons, each possessing unique properties and handling methods.
During one live-combat exercise, Lin Yu faced a formidable opponent from an alien civilization. Named Cassius, this cadet was towering and muscular with blue skin, hailing from a race renowned for their physical prowess and martial heritage. The moment the fight commenced, Cassius launched a ferocious assault, leveraging his superior physiology. Every punch and kick carried shattering force, forcing Lin Yu into a defensive posture of constant dodging and parrying, temporarily ceding the initiative.
Yet, Lin Yu remained calm. Even as he evaded the onslaught, he coolly analyzed Cassius's rhythm and looked for openings. He knew that brute strength alone was useless against a superior foe; victory required intellect and technique. Suddenly, Lin Yu noticed that after a flurry of attacks, Cassius paused ever so briefly to catch his breath. Seizing this window, Lin Yu unleashed a swift, fierce sword technique. The energy sword in his hand flashed with a cold gleam, thrusting toward Cassius like a bolt of lightning. Caught off guard by the sudden counteroffensive, Cassius managed to weather the assault using his robust physical defense, but was nonetheless forced back several paces.
This successful counterattack bolstered Lin Yu's confidence, prompting him to take the offensive. Cleverly employing his energy manipulation skills, he coated the blade of his sword with electrical energy, ensuring that each strike delivered a paralyzing shock. Gradually, Cassius found himself in dire straits; his movements grew sluggish, and his strikes lost their ferocity. Sensing the decisive moment, Lin Yu launched a final assault. Leaping high into the air, he channeled all his power into the energy sword and thrust it downward. Cassius attempted to block, but his defenses crumbled under the sheer force of the blow. The tip of Lin Yu's blade came to a halt right at Cassius's throat.
The duel ended in Lin Yu's victory, marking his first prominent display of talent at the Super Seminary. The surrounding cadets erupted into cheers and applause. From this fight, Lin Yu gained not only valuable combat experience but also a surge of confidence. He understood that in a place like the Super Seminary, where elites gathered, only continuous effort and growth would secure him a place on the grand cosmic stage of the future.
As time passed, Lin Yu's performance across all courses grew increasingly outstanding. His dedication and innate talent caught the attention of the academy's instructors, particularly a senior mentor named Li Ze. Renowned throughout the Super Seminary for his mastery of energy manipulation and tactical strategy, Li Ze decided to take Lin Yu under his wing to help the young cadet elevate his abilities to the next level.
Under Li Ze's tutelage, Lin Yu began to grasp more advanced and esoteric energy manipulation techniques. Li Ze taught him how to fuse different energy types to create more potent and unique forms. For instance, combining light and dark energy yielded an energy sphere of immense destructive power and stealth, capable of catching enemies completely off guard. Furthermore, Li Ze placed great emphasis on developing Lin Yu's tactical acumen. Through simulations of complex combat scenarios, he trained Lin Yu to devise optimal strategies under pressure and to coordinate effectively with teammates, maximizing the group's collective strength.
During a simulated galactic war exercise, Lin Yu was appointed commander of a squad. His team members hailed from diverse civilizations, each bringing unique traits and abilities to the table. Facing a formidable enemy fleet and ground force, Lin Yu put his tactical intellect to the test. He directed his squad to utilize the terrain to mask their movements, employing guerrilla tactics to dismantle the enemy's scouting units and supply lines piece by piece. At the critical juncture, he led a daring ambush that successfully destroyed the enemy's flagship, turning the tide of the entire battle. This victory further elevated Lin Yu's reputation within the academy, establishing him as a role model among the cadets.
However, Lin Yu did not let this success get to his head. He knew he still had a long journey ahead, and that the Super Seminary held far greater challenges in store. Whether it was the competition from his peers or the hidden crises lurking in the depths of space, he needed to continuously refine his strength and intellect.
Even as Lin Yu strove to grow within the academy, the geopolitical landscape of the cosmos was quietly shifting. A mysterious dark force was rising in the depths of space, invading other civilizations and plundering resources, leaving ruin in its wake. Keenly aware of this growing threat, the Super Seminary began mobilizing its defenses. And Lin Yu, as a rising star of the academy, was destined to be swept into this grand war for the fate of the universe. Guided by the radiant glory of the angels, he would soon write his own magnificent and legendary chapter.