Super God Academy: Kabuto

The realm of nothingness, beyond all laws

This is not any known coordinate in the universe, but an absolute "nothingness." There is no perception of the passage of time, no boundary of spatial extension, only the most primordial void. Two transcendent figures stand here, their very existence defining the rules of this place.

One of the hazy figures, surrounded by a light that seemed to belong to no known cosmic system, gazed at the being opposite him, clad in a black trench coat and exuding an aura as deep as an abyss. It spoke first, its voice echoing directly at the conceptual level:

"How is it?"

Lin Yu, dressed in black, remained calm as he replied, "Everything is progressing as we anticipated." His gaze seemed to pierce through the barriers of endless dimensions, reaching even the smoke rising from the chimneys of a small courtyard on Earth. "The crucial moments are unfolding one by one. What about your side? How's the situation 'over there'?"

The hazy figure trembled slightly, as if recalling and weighing its options: "Some 'old things' that we thought had long since vanished have not been completely annihilated. If I were to force my way in, it would surely disturb them and add unnecessary complications." Its "gaze" turned in a certain direction, as if it saw two interdependent yet independent cosmic bubbles. "Only it can open that passage. For the twin universes, perhaps the best outcome is to find a way to coexist peacefully."

His tone shifted to one of urging: "His strength is still too weak. You need to... keep a closer eye on him."

"Hmm." Lin Yu, dressed in black, nodded slightly, his tone carrying a peculiar mix of agreement and detachment. "He is us, yet he is no longer us. He is the one we left behind for ourselves amidst all the predetermined fates. He is both a variable and a hope."

The hazy figure pondered for a moment, and its invisible "gaze" pierced through layers of time and space, landing on the small courtyard on Earth's North Star. It saw the three figures who accompanied each other daily and occasionally played around, as well as the beautiful figure playing around with her friends.

"I hope that small world will grant him power, helping him grow faster." His thoughts carried a hint of barely perceptible expectation, but quickly turned into absolute reason and decisiveness, "If things are not possible... we must leave."

His "gaze" suddenly shifted to the other extreme of the void, as if piercing through the barriers of countless worlds, gazing at that pitch-black abyss filled with chaos, disorder, and a sense of devouring. Even He revealed a deep sense of dread.

Lin Yu, dressed in black, followed His "gaze" and eventually returned to Earth. Watching the warm, everyday interactions between Keisha, He Xi, and Lin Yu in the courtyard, he calmly responded, his voice carrying a complex, indescribable emotion:

"Yes, he will. After all... he is one of us too."

The words faded slowly into the void. The two figures ceased their conversation, silently "gazing" at the blue planet where they had planted the seeds of hope, and at the young figure carrying "the vanished one." The plan had been laid, the seed was sprouting, and whether it could ultimately grow into a towering tree before the abyss descended, protecting everything they cherished, remained to be seen through time and trials.

Lin Yu's small courtyard, next to the dining table

The three sat around the table, on which were laid out several delicious-looking home-style dishes, steaming hot. Lin Yu had just placed a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs on He Xi's plate when, as if suddenly sensing something, he looked up towards the direction of the courtyard gate, his movements pausing slightly.

"What's wrong?" He Xi, who was sitting next to him, noticed his unusual behavior and asked softly.

Lin Yu looked away, shook his head, and said with a hint of uncertainty, "It's nothing. I just felt... like someone was watching me."

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in He Xi's icy blue eyes. Her invisible Eye of Insight ability silently activated, rapidly scanning the area around the courtyard and beyond like a sophisticated radar. A moment later, she withdrew her ability, her brows furrowing slightly.

"No trace of spying was found. That's impossible. Even if Karl used the Great Clock, he couldn't possibly spy on me and Keisha completely silently without us noticing."

Lin Yu nodded, seemingly realizing he might be being a bit too suspicious, so he stopped worrying about it and turned to look towards the kitchen, calling out, "Seventh Brother, take a break after you've finished chopping the vegetables, wait for me to come in and cook."

"Alright, Master!" came Wei Laoqi's crisp and efficient reply from the kitchen.

A short while later, Lin Yu personally cooked the last two stir-fried dishes and brought them to the table. The four of them sat down, and before picking up their chopsticks, Lin Yu said to Wei Laoqi, "Laoqi, go to the door and greet someone."

Although Wei Laoqi was somewhat puzzled, he immediately put down his chopsticks, got up, and strode towards the courtyard gate. As soon as he opened the gate, he saw a sprightly old man in a simple Zhongshan suit standing outside, seemingly about to knock.

Upon closer inspection, Wei Laoqi instantly straightened his back, solemnly gave a standard military salute, and spoke in a loud and respectful voice:

"Greetings, Commander! This is Wei Laoqi, former Company Commander of the 1st Company, 67th Division, Juxia City, reporting for duty!"

Looking at the spirited and sharp-eyed young soldier in front of him, Uncle Huang outside the door smiled with satisfaction. He stepped forward and patted Wei Laoqi's strong arm, saying repeatedly, "Good, good, good! You're all good kids! Come on, let's go in."

Old Wei stepped aside and invited Uncle Huang into the courtyard.

When Lin Yu saw Uncle Huang enter, he stood up and greeted him, "Uncle Huang, you're here. Please have a seat."

The group rearranged their seats, inviting Uncle Huang to sit in the head seat. Once everyone was seated, Uncle Huang looked at Lin Yu and asked gently, "Little Lin, did you specifically call Uncle Huang over today because of something important?"

Lin Yu turned his gaze to Wei Laoqi, who was sitting at the lower end of the table, and introduced him, "Uncle Huang, this is Wei Laoqi. I plan to have him operate with the Super Soldier Squad from now on." He paused, then added with certainty, "With his current strength, he's no weaker than some angel warriors."

"The Super Soldier Company?" A hint of surprise and concern flashed in Uncle Huang's eyes. "You still have news about them?"

"Yes," Lin Yu nodded, "Based on what I know, those little guys should arrive at North Star in a few days."

"Good! Good! Good!" Uncle Huang's face lit up with an excited smile upon hearing this, and he exclaimed "Good!" three times in a row. "They're all good kids! With them, I believe we'll soon be able to drive these damned invaders out of our homes!"

Lin Yu smiled and agreed, then said, "Let's eat first, Uncle Huang. Try my cooking, and we can chat while we eat." He enthusiastically put a piece of food on Uncle Huang's plate, and then naturally put some spare ribs on He Xi's plate next to him, which she liked.

This simple home-cooked meal took place in a warm atmosphere. After the meal, Lin Yu arranged, "After you finish eating, let Lao Qi go back with Uncle Huang first to familiarize himself with the situation, so that he can integrate as soon as possible when the Super Soldier Company arrives."

Wei Laoqi immediately stood up and bowed solemnly to Lin Yu, He Xi, and Keisha: "Master, Sister He Xi, Sister Keisha, I'll go back with the commander first."

Uncle Huang also stood up and shook hands with Lin Yu again: "Little Lin, thank you so much! You've sent us another formidable general!"

At the entrance of the courtyard, Wei Laoqi followed Uncle Huang's figure and gradually disappeared into the bustling and hopeful street scene of Beizhixing.