【Interstellar Contract Magician】Ruyuanke

Chapter 478 [Empire] Continue living as a new male.

I looked at Qianmo and said in a weak but determined voice, "Continue living as a new man."

Qianmo was slightly startled, as if touched by my words. He was silent for a moment, then nodded gently: "Yes, life should have choices, and should not be restricted to a single path."

I felt an inexplicable sense of relief. Although the consequences of this choice were unclear, at least, at least I could decide how to face the future. Even if the road was winding and foggy, the choice was still in my hands.

"Thank you," I whispered. That thank you was probably for him, or maybe for myself.

His eyes stayed on me, as if he was thinking about something, with a hint of complexity in his eyes. But in the end, he just lowered his head, sighed softly, and smiled.

"You are such a strange girl," he said.

I shrugged and smiled. "Who wouldn't?"

At that moment, there seemed to be a lightness in the air. All the heaviness and uncertainty seemed to dissipate slightly in this moment of smile.

I began observing the changes in the transparent young vine. It became more active, and even the cool air it subtly emitted seemed more concentrated and intense. This change, after I realized it was supplying the cyan seedlings with its own plant essence, made me realize it was silently providing energy for them. I sighed silently. Perhaps it had long been aware of the cyan seedlings' needs, which was why it was so naturally giving.

The transparent young vine gradually revealed its slender tendrils, its colorless branches and leaves swaying in the air, its surface shimmering with a subtle sheen. It was no longer the vine I remembered that simply emitted cold air. Now, it seemed to possess a more complex energy flow.

A faint glow had already begun to emanate from the green saplings' branches and leaves. Though still somewhat immature, I could sense their vitality, stronger than before. And I could also clearly feel my mental state gradually recovering from the brink of numbness and trance. The previous exhaustion and discomfort seemed to be gradually alleviated by a warm force, gradually soothed by this green breath of life.

A thin, silken thread of light emanated from the gradually growing branches of a transparent young vine, gently touching the leaves of the emerald seedling. I knew the connection between them was silent, yet it was so strong that I could almost sense the exchange of energy. This exchange was not merely a physical supply of energy, but more like the flow of life, a mutual adaptation to each other's needs.

Sometimes, I stop and gaze at them. Watching the transparent vines slowly stretch out, devoting ever greater energy to the growth of the green seedlings, I feel a subtle sense of emotion. Their tacit understanding is something I've never truly understood. That unspoken, unforced, yet still unspoken power of understanding fills me with an inexplicable sense of security.

I gradually discovered that even as I gradually adapted to this energy-supply model, I still felt an inexplicable fatigue. This was a shadow I couldn't shake, not just a physical exhaustion, but more importantly, a spiritual emptiness. But at least, in this moment, I knew I was no longer alone.

The slime's presence seemed to bring a slightly different atmosphere to the training grounds. Its round shape and shimmering crystals attracted quite a few eyes. Every time it shook its small body and emitted a crisp "chirp" sound, a few curious boys couldn't help but come up to it, gently poking its body, imitating its "chirp", and sometimes it would even suddenly jump out of their hands, bringing a burst of laughter.

Most of the boys didn't seem to harbor any ill will towards the slime; they were more drawn to its unique glow, some even jokingly competing to take care of it. One boy even brought out his own special-powered plants and "competed" with the slime. Although the slime clearly didn't take them seriously, the scene still made everyone around burst into laughter.

Sometimes, I'd quietly observe their interactions with the slime. Despite its small size, the slime was nimble and resourceful, almost always escaping the boys' pursuit, as if it were the most active presence on the field. While it mostly relaxedly enjoyed these playful interactions, sometimes it would leap from my arms, determined to find something more interesting.

I didn't intervene too much in the boys' teasing, having grown accustomed to Slime's status as a "little star." Its presence wasn't just a dazzling star on the training ground; it also invisibly lightened the overly serious atmosphere around me. After all, everyone could find some lightheartedness and laughter in a tiny, rainbow-colored slime, and that laughter always seemed to instantly dispel the dull atmosphere of training.

As my physical condition gradually improved, I found myself able to focus more on my training. My mind was relieved, less easily distracted, and my body gradually regained its vitality. Every time I stepped onto the training field, my movements became smoother, my breathing more even, and I felt I could handle those intense training sessions with greater ease than before.

Especially when running and doing weight training, I've started to be able to control my pace better and no longer tire as easily. Every step on the track seems more firm and powerful, and although I still feel a slight discomfort occasionally, it's no longer a major problem that bothers me.

During strength training, my muscles gradually adapted to the load, and I could now perform exercises that once seemed strenuous. With each lift, I could feel my strength growing, and my muscle power and endurance significantly improved. This progress gave me more motivation and confidence to face future challenges.

During training, I occasionally peeked at my teammates, especially those who were already strong. Their movements were more skillful and their breathing was more stable. Although I couldn't reach their level yet, every time I saw my own progress, I felt that I was one step closer to that goal.

Moreover, while resuming training, I also paid more attention to some details, such as how to adjust my breathing, how to better relax my muscles, and how to stay calm under extreme conditions. These small improvements and discoveries made me more determined to continue to improve myself.

During extra training with Qianmo, long night runs became a tacit agreement. After each session, we'd always choose to run a bit in the night. Despite the harsh climate of this planet, the air filled with a biting chill, I found that these long runs were relaxing, as if they could expel all the pent-up stress and anxiety with just one breath.

The training grounds were quiet and empty at night, the cold light from the starry sky casting silver streaks across the snow. On the track, only the sound of our footsteps mingled with the whisper of the wind and snow. Qianmo ran ahead of me, his steps steady and light. Every time I slowed even slightly, he would wait, waiting for me to catch up. Although he appeared calm and composed, I knew he had a side to him that he kept hidden.

The wind blew across my face, a biting chill, yet it also gave me a sense of clarity. With every breath, the air seemed to condense in my lungs, and my exhaled breath turned into a white mist in the air before quickly dissipating. The icy wind penetrated my thick training suit, yet it stirred a reaction in my muscles, as if the blood in my body was accelerating at the speed of exercise. Every part of my body was stimulated by the cold wind, and it seemed as if nothing could stop us from continuing forward.

Qianmo occasionally glanced down at me, a hint of concern in his eyes. I knew he was concerned about my perseverance, but I didn't intend to worry him. My pace quickened, the force of the wind seeping into every cell. The chill mixed with the warmth of exercise, enveloping me in an irresistible freshness. In that moment, I almost forgot all the anxiety and confusion in the outside world, leaving only my own footsteps and breathing.

Qianmo suddenly quickened his pace. I felt the air around me shift instantly, a gust of wind whipping towards me, as if to sweep me away. My heart raced, but I followed closely, my steps gradually adapting to his rhythm. We ran side by side, the road seemingly endless, only our mutual understanding and the stillness of the night.

Sometimes, the slime would follow us, bouncing and hopping as we went. Though small, its slimy, shimmering appearance always caught our attention. Occasionally, it would chirp, as if happily participating in our training, as if it were part of the scene itself.

Whenever it got tired of chasing, the slime would suddenly stop, its darting eyes fixed on us, as if waiting for us to slow down a bit, giving it time to catch up. Its tiny body was a little clumsy, but each leap was full of energy, filled with childlike curiosity and excitement. Every time it fluttered its tiny body and leaped to Qianmo's and my feet, we would stop, wait for it to recover, and then continue running.

Sometimes, it would accidentally bump into our legs, make a soft "splat," and then scurry away, as if blaming us for being slow. Qianmo couldn't help but laugh, and I couldn't help but chuckle. Even on this cold night, this tiny, colorful slime brought us a lot of joy.

Just like that, everything seemed to improve. The heaviness that had been weighing on my heart gradually lightened. While daily training was still tough, my mindset was different. Whenever I rose in the morning light and breathed in the cool air, my body didn't feel exhausted. Instead, a quiet energy flowed through me, reminding me that I was recovering and growing stronger.

I would march across the playground, braving the chilly wind, my physical training gradually increasing in intensity. As my strength gradually adapted, the silent loneliness receded. My steps gradually became rhythmic, my breathing more steady, and each step no longer mechanical, but filled with energy and vitality.

The cyan seedling also seemed to be receiving more nourishment. The transparent vine's abilities began to stabilize, no longer so easily losing control. It gradually became a latent force within me, gradually restoring my mental strength. And the slime's presence brought me indescribable comfort. Its slimy form, always filled with joy and childlike innocence, could easily ease any lingering anxiety.

On the training ground, I no longer felt as exhausted as I did in the early days. I could even occasionally run long distances side by side with Qianmo, enjoying the cool night breeze. That sense of physical and mental relaxation felt like a long-lost freedom. Occasionally, I'd turn my head and see Qianmo's profile. Although he didn't say much, I could feel his quiet presence. The peace I felt with him made me feel that I wasn't alone.

Moreover, every leap and every joyful cry of the slime makes me feel more at ease. It is like an invisible force, with its joy and innocence, gently pulling at my heartstrings, allowing me to find my place on this strange and cold planet.

After training, I began to walk easily into the dorm, sit by the window, and watch the night fall. The heavy pressure of life was no longer in my heart. It was like entering a new stage. Each day became less unbearable and instead filled with a sense of anticipation. It seemed that, gradually, I had begun to adapt to the cold and loneliness of this planet, and even found my own rhythm and tranquility within it.

Sometimes, when I run with Qianmo, the drifting clouds in the sky no longer evoke such envy. I've learned to stop dwelling on the past and instead appreciate every moment in the present. Even a small improvement, even a small smile, has become the most precious part of my life.

It seems that the burden of life has gradually become lighter. Gradually, I feel that I am becoming stronger, less fragile, and no longer afraid of future challenges.

The Special Ability Class's group training for the competition has finally begun. Unlike previous sessions, this time the pace is more intense, with each group undergoing a series of simulated confrontations to test their chemistry and coordination. In my group, Qianmo is the only teammate. Our goal is to improve our chemistry through continuous practice and to be fully prepared for the final competition.

Every time I stood on the training ground, a subtle sense of tension would rise in my heart. Although Qianmo and I had already had some contact in our usual training, this group collaboration required us to achieve a high degree of coordination in even more details.

Initially, the training rhythm was a bit unfamiliar, and we needed to constantly adjust to find our rhythm and the right way to work together. Qianmo always remained calm and composed, and his ability control was extremely precise, which gave me an inexplicable sense of security when working with him.

The training that day was particularly intense.

We faced a team also composed of students from the Special Abilities Class. Our goal was to demonstrate our tactical coordination through a duel. This team consisted of one attacking student and one supporting student. The other team was highly aggressive, yet their coordination was excellent, which put me at a slight risk.

But Qianmo seemed to have anticipated this. He made no unnecessary moves, simply standing there quietly, waiting for the perfect moment. His defensive abilities played a crucial role in this confrontation. Whenever an attack approached, he would use precise control to form a defensive barrier, buying me time to counterattack. I, in turn, relied on the power of my battle plants to quickly break the enemy's formation during my attacks. Combined with Qianmo's defense, I formed an impeccable offense and defense combination.

"The cooperation is pretty good." Qianmo said lightly.

I was a little stunned. He usually doesn't talk much, but this brief compliment surprised me. Especially hearing these words from him, it felt more like an acknowledgement of my abilities.

However, precisely because of this, I felt even more clearly that our coordination was far from perfect. Although we were able to complete the task after each rehearsal, there was always a lack of fluidity, and occasional mistakes made the entire training seem less than perfect. We need more coordination and more training to perform at the level we deserve in competitive matches.

During the break after training, Qianmo and I sat in the rest area at the edge of the field and quietly watched other groups training.

"What do you think of our cooperation?" I asked.

Qianmo frowned slightly, as if pondering his response. He finally spoke, "You have potential, but you still have many shortcomings. You need to use your combat plants more flexibly to coordinate with my defenses." His tone was calm, yet full of rationality and analysis.

"Yeah, I understand." I nodded. Although I felt a little disappointed, I was also aware of my shortcomings in this area. The training had just begun, and it would take time to build trust and tacit understanding between us.

We are not perfect, but we can get better.

Although Qianmo doesn't talk much, he always gives guidance at critical moments, making me feel that I am not alone in this process.

As training progressed, Qianmo and I's coordination gradually became more natural. Every confrontation, every drill, was a process of growth for us. While we might not always be perfect, I gradually began to believe that with continuous effort, we would eventually overcome all difficulties and demonstrate our strongest strength.