Chapter 6: The Angel's Trial

Although the Super God Academy emerged victorious in the decisive battle against the Shadow Clan, the cost was devastating. The campus was shrouded in an atmosphere of sorrow and exhaustion; wreckage from ruined buildings lay everywhere. While the students recuperated in medical pods and wards, the instructors were preoccupied with repairing facilities and synthesizing combat experience. Lin Yu, having demonstrated extraordinary courage and wisdom during the war, had become a celebrated hero, yet he did not revel in the glory, knowing well that the path ahead remained fraught with thorns.

Following a brief respite, Lin Yu received news that left him both exhilarated and nervous: he had been selected by Angel Yan to travel to the Angel Nebula for a special trial. This was a supreme honor and an unprecedented challenge. The Angel Nebula, the core of the Angel civilization, was a realm of mystery and the unknown, legendary for its pure divine energy and the most rigorous training grounds in existence. Only those who could overcome layer upon layer of tests could truly grasp the essence of Angelic power and the Order of Justice.

Lin Yu embarked on his journey to the Angel Nebula with a heart full of reverence. As his starship traversed the interstellar corridors, he witnessed the majesty and cruelty of the universe. Vivid nebulae glowed like dreams, while desolate planets and floating meteor debris spoke of the cold indifference of space. After a long voyage, he finally reached the edge of the Angel Nebula.

The sight before him was staggering. Colossal Angelic structures shimmered within the nebula, radiating holy light like brilliant pearls in the cosmos. Energy bridges connected various buildings and sectors, and Angel warriors patrolled the expanse, their wings flickering with dazzling brilliance against the starlight.

Lin Yu’s ship slowly approached a magnificent Angel temple, the starting point of his trial. As he disembarked, an Angel guard stepped forward to escort him inside. The interior of the temple was vast and solemn; the walls were inscribed with the history and doctrines of the Angel civilization, and exquisite murals depicted the grand deeds of the Angels as they upheld justice throughout the universe.

In the central hall of the temple, Lin Yu met Angel Yan. She remained as beautiful and moving as ever, possessing a noble aura that made it difficult to look directly at her. Angel Yan looked at Lin Yu with a hint of expectation and said, "Lin Yu, your performance at the Super God Academy showed me your potential. But this is the Angel Nebula. Our trials will test the limits of your body and soul. Only by enduring will you truly become a warrior recognized by the Angels."

Lin Yu bowed respectfully and replied, "I will give it my all, Angel Yan."

The first trial was an extreme test of energy mastery. Lin Yu was led into a massive energy chamber filled with chaotic and powerful currents drawn from every corner of the universe, encompassing contrasting attributes such as light and darkness, searing heat and biting cold. His task was to find balance within this sea of energy, to organize and harness these chaotic currents, and to transmute them into power he could command.

The moment Lin Yu stepped into the chamber, he felt immense pressure. Violent streams of energy surged toward him like a tidal wave, attempting to consume him. Closing his eyes, he calmed his heart and mobilized the energy of the Star-Radiance Heart within him, seeking a thread of order amidst the chaos. Initially, he was repeatedly buffeted by the energy flows, his body wracked with pain, but he gritted his teeth and persisted, gradually deciphering the patterns within the turbulence.

He discovered that these seemingly disorganized energies actually shared subtle connections, much like all things in the universe—opposing yet interdependent. He began to use his own energy to guide the chaotic currents, much like a conductor mastering an unruly orchestra. After hours of arduous effort, the energy flows in the chamber began to stabilize. Lin Yu succeeded in transmuting a portion of the energy into his own power, condensing a seven-colored sphere of light in his palm—the proof of his mastery over the chaos.

Having completed the first trial, Lin Yu faced the second: the persistence of faith. He was placed into a virtual space that presented him with various extreme scenarios and temptations. At one moment, he was back on Earth, reunited with family and friends, enjoying a peaceful and happy life; at another, he was endowed with supreme power and endless wealth, ruling the universe; at yet another, he faced grave danger where only by abandoning his convictions could he save his life.

Faced with these temptations, Lin Yu’s heart struggled intensely. Yet, whenever he wavered, the images of his comrades at the Super God Academy, the civilizations invaded by the Shadow Clan, and the Order of Justice guarded by the Angels surfaced in his mind. He knew deeply that his faith was the foundation of his existence in the universe and the source of his drive to protect peace. Consequently, he resolutely rejected every temptation, remaining steadfast in his conviction throughout the virtual simulation.

With the first two trials passed, Lin Yu faced the most difficult challenge: a live combat duel against an Angel Guardian. He was led into a colossal arena, surrounded by countless Angel warriors watching the trial. Opposite him stood a powerful Angel Guardian, wielding a long spear wreathed in holy flames, wings spread several meters wide, eyes filled with immense confidence and majesty.

The moment the battle began, the Angel Guardian launched a ferocious attack. Moving like lightning, he charged at Lin Yu, his spear dancing with sharp, piercing strikes, the holy flames burning searing trails through the air. Lin Yu dared not be careless; he quickly utilized the combat techniques learned at the Super God Academy, while mobilizing his inner energy to form a shield against the Guardian's assault.

The two engaged in a fierce exchange in the arena, neither giving an inch. The Angel Guardian’s attacks were powerful and skillful, each strike infused with the might of holy energy. Lin Yu relied on his agility and clever application of energy to narrowly escape danger time and again. Throughout the fight, he constantly observed the Guardian’s attack patterns, searching for a flaw.

After a violent collision, Lin Yu noticed that the Angel Guardian had an extremely brief pause to adjust his breath after launching a continuous sequence of attacks. He decided to seize this opportunity to counter. The moment the Guardian launched another attack and faltered, Lin Yu unleashed a self-created energy-burst technique. He fused the energy of his Star-Radiance Heart with the other energies he had mastered, channeled them into his energy blade, and lunged with all his might at the Angel Guardian.

The Guardian was caught off guard by the sudden counterattack, but he was, after all, an experienced and powerful warrior. He dodged sideways at the last second, Lin Yu’s blade grazing his armor and leaving a deep mark. The battle continued for a long time; both were exhausted, yet neither surrendered.

Finally, during a fierce clash of energy, Lin Yu and the Angel Guardian fell to the ground simultaneously. The arena fell into a brief silence, followed by thunderous applause. Angel Yan slowly flew over the arena, looked at Lin Yu, and said, "You performed excellently, Lin Yu. In this trial, you have demonstrated tenacious perseverance, unyielding faith, and exceptional combat talent. You have passed the Angelic trial. From this moment on, you are an honorary partner of the Angel civilization, and together with us, you shall guard the Order of Justice in the universe."

Lin Yu stood up, his heart filled with joy and pride. He knew that this trial was not only an enhancement of his personal strength but another significant milestone on his legendary path at the Super God Academy. Bathed in the radiance of the Angels, he would carry this honor and responsibility back to the Academy, share his experiences with his comrades, and continue to strive for the peace of the universe. More challenges awaited him in the future, but he felt no fear, for he had already proven his worth and determination in the trials of the Angel Nebula.