After completing the Demon Dragon Rune Crystal modification, Feng Qi began a period of adaptive training. Gradually, the rune's powers began to manifest.
From the materials provided by Wei Wei, Feng Qi learned that the Demon Dragon was an exceptionally powerful domain creature, the apex predator of the notorious Demon Dragon Domain Field. This domain field had once wreaked havoc, and two renowned domain combat squads had fallen in their attempts to disperse it.
The rune crystal integrated into Feng Qi's chest was the only one of its kind, sourced directly from the Demon Dragon. Its complete corpse had been retrieved and brought to the Crimson Research Institute for study, which enabled the institute to maintain a comprehensive research report on the creature.
The Demon Dragon was an imposing 13 meters tall, resembling a more menacing, nightmarish version of the Tyrannosaurus rex from the Jurassic era. Its most prominent features included an exceptionally thick keratin layer covering its body, unmatched physical strength, speed, and biting power—all attributes suited for close-range combat.
The research indicated that the Demon Dragon was a physical powerhouse, relying on its robust body to endure magical and physical attacks alike. Furthermore, its regenerative capabilities allowed it to recover from injuries at an alarming rate.
Though it lacked the esoteric powers commonly seen in other domain creatures, the Demon Dragon epitomized raw physical might.
Over ten days of rigorous training, Feng Qi discovered a unique ability inherent to the rune crystal, which he named "Rage." Activating this ability unleashed a surge of special energy from the rune crystal, coursing through his body. His skin would turn crimson, his control over his movements would diminish, and a primal urge to destroy everything in sight would overwhelm his mind.
In essence, activating "Rage" sacrificed intelligence for a significant boost in combat power.
Intelligence -100, combat power +100. It was a simple yet effective trade-off, emblematic of the Demon Dragon's nature.
As his compatibility with the Demon Dragon Rune Crystal improved, Feng Qi also achieved near-complete control over his muscles, down to the most subtle fibers. He could even manipulate obscure muscles that most humans weren't consciously aware of.
One of the researchers at the institute joked, "With this level of control, you could shape your...uh...'outputs' however you'd like. It's like molding clay."
Hearing this left Feng Qi feeling deeply unsettled, vividly imagining the unsettling possibilities.
With his newfound control, Feng Qi no longer experienced episodes of accidental strength outbursts. Feeling ready to move forward, he decided it was time to leave the Crimson Research Institute and return to Star City Academy. His purpose wasn't to resume his academic life but to formally resign from his teaching position and focus on honing his abilities within the Crimson Research Institute, preparing for the establishment of the Dawn Rebel Army.
Wei Wei accompanied him on the trip, as her testimony would lend credibility to his resignation letter, which cited his involvement in virtual game research and a sponsored cultivation technique development project as the reasons for his departure.
Dean Bai Fusheng, though reluctant to see Feng Qi leave, ultimately supported his decision, wishing him great success in his future endeavors. Their parting was bittersweet, marked by Bai Fusheng's warm blessings and encouragement.
Feng Qi also bid farewell to Mu Qing and his students, including Lin Ran, who expressed confusion over his sudden departure. However, once he explained his aspirations, they too offered their heartfelt support.
By the time the farewells concluded, it was already dinnertime. Feng Qi agreed to share one final meal with his students in the academy's northern cafeteria corner—a gathering spot that had become their unofficial meeting place.
This dinner, filled with laughter and fond memories, stretched on for several hours. As the group prepared to part ways, everyone shared their plans for the future:
Lin Ran pledged to help Feng Qi complete his cultivation technique research.
Yang Xiaoxin intended to join the military.
Cai Guo planned to contribute to medical research.
The Xia siblings and Yan Yue would join their family's combat squads, taking the fight to the frontlines.
Monk Hui Xu would return to the Prajna Domain Combat Squad.
Lin Ran would join the Tiger Soul Research Institute.
Only Mu Qing would remain a potential ally in Feng Qi's future endeavors.
After dinner, Feng Qi boarded the vehicle back to the Crimson Research Institute. The time was nearing 10 PM, and as familiar scenery passed outside the car window, he felt a pang of nostalgia.
Wei Wei, driving the car, noticed his reflective mood. "Reluctant to leave?" she asked.
"Naturally," Feng Qi replied with a smile. "But I have more important things to do."
Wei Wei pressed further, her tone thoughtful. "Have you ever thought about being selfish for once? To take a break and live the life you want, just for this timeline?"
Feng Qi shook his head resolutely. "Every version of me in every timeline shares the same convictions. If I give up, they'll give up too. If I waver, they'll waver too. As long as I hold firm, they'll all remain steadfast."
He turned to Wei Wei with a knowing look. "It's not just me. Every version of you across the timelines has never given up either."
Wei Wei chuckled, narrowing her eyes playfully. "What am I? Your ultimate multitasking assistant?"
Feng Qi grinned. "Well… you've been pivotal in every timeline. From the talent blind boxes to groundbreaking innovations, I've always wondered how your brain works. How can you be so brilliant?"
"Flattery won't get you anywhere," Wei Wei retorted with a mock glare before sighing dramatically. "But honestly, the thought of eating nutrient paste for centuries is depressing."
Even Wei Wei, who faced life's hardships with grit, balked at the culinary monotony of their long-term plans.
"Why don't you invent a tastier nutrient paste before retreating to the hidden base?" Feng Qi suggested.
Wei Wei's eyes lit up. "Good idea. I'll start researching tonight. No way am I spending centuries on bland sustenance."
"Speaking of tonight," Feng Qi teased, "how about some midnight snacks?"
"Let's indulge while we can," Wei Wei replied with a laugh, slamming the accelerator as the magnetic levitation car shot skyward.
After returning to the Crimson Research Institute, Feng Qi fully immersed himself in high-intensity training.
The daily grind was monotonous, but he endured it with unwavering resolve. In comparison, he found himself in awe of Wei Wei's persistence. Across countless timelines, she had spent centuries dedicated to research, facing far more grueling and tedious work than his current regimen.
In the following days, the Crimson Research Institute brought in elite base guards to mentor Feng Qi, honing his combat techniques. He approached these lessons with earnestness, knowing that the skills he acquired would not only benefit him but also his other selves in future timelines. Every piece of knowledge and expertise gained would become a legacy, passed down to ensure humanity's survival.
As the compatibility between Feng Qi's body and the Demon Dragon Rune Crystal deepened, he escalated the intensity of his training. The institute even designated a specialized area within the base exclusively for his sessions.
Years flew by as Feng Qi pushed his physical limits, striving to grow stronger. Simultaneously, Mu Qing at Star City Academy approached her graduation.
In the original timeline, Mu Qing left her graduation day alone—no family to meet her, no friends to see her off. But this time, the ripples Feng Qi had caused altered the course of events. Surrounded by friends, Mu Qing experienced a lively and heartfelt graduation celebration.
The Star City Academy graduation banquet was a grand affair. Exceptional performances were prepared in advance to bid farewell to graduates heading into research institutions or the frontlines. Teachers, students, and even local celebrities filled the brightly lit campus grounds, where dazzling lights illuminated the night sky.
In one corner of the bustling venue, Mu Qing sat with her friends from Combat Class Three. The table was piled high with an array of exquisite dishes, and the group chatted animatedly about their plans for the future.
"Senior, don't forget to visit us when you have time. We'll graduate in a year too," Yang Xiaoxin said, her voice tinged with reluctance.
"I will," Mu Qing assured her, nodding earnestly. "I'll bring something tasty when I come."
"Senior, bring us domain beast meat!" one of them chimed in.
"Yeah, especially meat from those high-level domain creatures. I heard it's soaked in pure spiritual energy and tastes amazing!" added another.
Mu Qing chuckled. "Alright, I'll bring some for everyone."
Just as they laughed and discussed what delicacies Mu Qing should bring, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Heh, did you kids forget about me already?"
The group turned and saw Lin Ran, who had been recruited by the Tiger Soul Research Institute nearly a year ago.
"Lin Ran, why are you here?" Xia Long asked curiously.
"Senior Mu Qing is graduating. Of course, I had to come and see her off. When you guys graduate, I'll come back for you too." Lin Ran grinned, then glanced around. "Wait… where's Qi-ge? I don't see him anywhere."
"Over here!" Feng Qi's voice rang out from a distance.
The group turned to see Feng Qi jogging over. As he approached, their eyes lit up with surprise and excitement. Feng Qi had always been their anchor, the core of their group. His unexpected departure had left a void, and seeing him again brought back a flood of memories.
"Qi-ge, you're finally here. Wait… did you grow taller?" Lin Ran exclaimed, wide-eyed.
The others quickly inspected him and realized Feng Qi had indeed shot up—he was nearly a full head taller than before.
"Traffic was bad," Feng Qi explained with a sheepish grin. "As for my height… well, the food at the Crimson Research Institute is amazing. I guess good nutrition does wonders."
"I can vouch for that," Mu Qing chimed in with a rare smile. "The food there is excellent, though I probably won't get to eat it again."
Turning to Mu Qing, Feng Qi noticed how much she had changed. Gone was the timid, solitary girl of the past. In her place stood someone confident and radiant. The transformation was striking.
"It's been a while, Senior Mu Qing," he greeted warmly.
"It has," Mu Qing replied, her tone just as warm.
The group quickly settled back into their seats. Lin Ran, ever the instigator, declared, "Alright, everyone, let's dig in. Tonight, we make an exception—we're drinking! I don't usually touch alcohol since it messes with my brain and research, but tonight is special."
Feng Qi took a seat and joined the gathering, surrounded by laughter and camaraderie.
This moment, like many others, was a fleeting reprieve amidst the storm of their future battles. Yet it was a reminder of the bonds forged and the strength drawn from friendship. Feng Qi's path ahead was steep, but for now, he allowed himself this brief pause—a rare chance to savor the present.
Under the moonlight, surrounded by the melodies of the evening's performances, the group sat together, speaking of their futures with laughter and bittersweet fondness.
Graduation season was always tinged with the sorrow of farewells, and the conversation at the neighboring table struck an emotional chord with Feng Qi.
"Stay alive, alright? I don't want to hear bad news about you. You're my best brother from Star City Academy," said one voice, laden with emotion.
"Heh, how many of us graduating today will actually make it through the frontlines? Do you know the survival rates for our graduates in the domain battle squads? First-year mortality is 23.23%, second-year 18.24%, third-year 15%... Thinking about it won't change anything. When I joined Star City Academy, I decided to dedicate my life to humanity's rise. Joining the domain battle squads, every extra year I survive is a bonus."
Hearing this, Feng Qi and his friends grew quiet.
The reality was undeniable: the mortality rate among those heading to the frontlines was staggeringly high. This was why Star City's citizens held the academy's students in such high regard. Their privilege came with the responsibility to honor the oaths they made upon enrollment: to study for humanity's rise and survival.
Sensing the somber mood, Lin Ran broke the silence with a playful grin.
"Mu Qing-jie, I remember you once said you wanted to form your own domain battle squad. I'm calling it now—you'll be among the top ten domain squads in the future. We're counting on the good news."
"Top ten? Please, with Mu Qing-jie's skills, she'll lead the number one battle squad, no contest!" Xia Long chimed in with a laugh.
Mu Qing, caught off guard by the teasing, joined in their laughter. "I do have plans to form my own squad, but not just yet. I want to join an established squad first, gain some experience for a year or two, and then start my own."
Turning to Feng Qi, her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.
"Ah Qi, remember our promise? Should I reserve the deputy captain position for you?"
Feng Qi raised his glass with a grin. "Captain Mu Qing, I humbly accept your offer. Let's drink to that." With that, he drained his glass.
"So, does that mean you're in?" she pressed.
"If the day comes when you form your own squad, I'll be there."
Hearing his definitive response, a bright smile lit up Mu Qing's face. "Good. Deputy Captain Feng, this toast is for you!" She raised her glass and downed it in one go.
The banter spread to the others.
"Mu Qing-jie, can I be a team leader?" Xu Hongyun asked, raising his glass.
"I want a team leader position too!" Yang Xiaoxin chimed in.
"Alright, alright, enough!" Xia Long interjected with a laugh. "This isn't a family reunion squad. If all the positions go to you, how's the battle squad supposed to develop? Let's drop it—come on, cheers!"
The group burst into laughter as they clinked glasses and celebrated together.
When the night's revelry finally wound down, Mu Qing found herself under the starry sky, dragging her suitcase and carrying a large backpack as she slowly exited the gates of Star City Academy.
She glanced back to see her friends, despite their drunken stupor, gathered at the campus entrance to see her off.
"Mu Qing-jie, good luck out there!"
"Mu Qing-jie, visit us when you can!"
"Mu Qing-jie, make it into the top ten domain squads. We're rooting for you!"
Their heartfelt cheers brought tears to her eyes. Overwhelmed with gratitude and sorrow, she turned to the stone monument engraved with "Star City Academy," memories of her journey here flashing through her mind.
For the first time, she felt a hint of intoxication—not from the alcohol but from the whirlwind of emotions.
Facing her friends one last time, she softly whispered, "Thank you."
With that, she turned and stepped into her new journey.