Did I Eat The Universe ?

The northern border was already shrouded in gloom, a faint prelude to the coming winter. Shuang Yue and Ray traveled together along a rugged, winding mountain path, venturing deep into a secluded valley. Hidden among towering peaks, the valley was enshrouded in thick mist, its ancient trees creating an atmosphere of tranquility distinct from the outside world. Though the air was heavy with cold, a faint breath of life murmured within the quiet trails. The two remained vigilant, exchanging observations on the strange occurrences in the northern border. Just as they prepared to rest on a relatively flat patch of grass, a weak groan echoed from deep within the forest.

Shuang Yue frowned slightly and signaled Ray to investigate with him. Following the sound, they pushed through the dense undergrowth and finally discovered a man lying on the damp earth in a semi-hidden clearing. His clothes were tattered, his face streaked with tears and blood, and his body bore signs of severe injuries. Scattered around him were fragments of shattered rune stones—evidence of a violent conflict. Shuang Yue crouched down to examine him, a faint sense of familiarity and sorrow rising in his heart at the sight of the man's frail figure and despairing gaze.

"Are you alright?" Shuang Yue asked softly, his voice carrying both concern and caution. He reached out, gently supporting the man's shoulder, offering a faint sense of warmth and security.

The man's eyes fluttered open briefly, flashing with a mixture of panic and confusion before he murmured weakly, "Th… thank you…" Before he could finish, his consciousness faded, and he fell back into a state of extreme pain and exhaustion.

Ray immediately retrieved a set of herbs and a simple medical kit from his pack, skillfully assessing the man's wounds. After a careful examination, he spoke in a low voice, "His injuries are severe, but with prompt treatment, he should pull through. However, these rune fragments… they don't look like something an ordinary Devourer would carry."

The man slowly opened his eyes, his voice hoarse but resolute. "I… I was once a disciple of the Sect of Annihilation… My name is Yun Che." His tone carried deep regret and sorrow, as if the very mention of his name bore an unbearable weight. "I have witnessed how the merciless power of Devouring can consume one's soul. I have seen my comrades fall, corrupted by their obsession with ultimate strength… I… I couldn't endure that madness any longer."

Shuang Yue and Ray exchanged a glance, reading the same mixture of sympathy and complexity in each other's eyes. Shuang Yue spoke gently, "Yun Che, since you've chosen to break free from the shackles of Annihilation, this is your chance to walk a new path. The road ahead won't be easy, but together, we can seek redemption and rebirth."

A flicker of uncertainty passed through Yun Che's eyes. He struggled to sit up, his voice trembling. "I once believed power could elevate me above all else, but in the end, I realized that extreme methods only lead to self-destruction. Annihilation… its twisted ideology tormented me. Every time I recall the fate of my fallen brethren, my heart is filled with unrest." His voice carried a mix of regret, despair, and a faint glimmer of hope.

For the next few hours, Shuang Yue and Ray carefully treated Yun Che's wounds, applying medicine and tending to him with patience. The valley breeze whispered through the trees, as if recounting long-forgotten stories. As Yun Che slowly regained consciousness, his exhaustion remained evident, but his gaze grew steadier, his sorrow tinged with newfound determination.

Sitting around the fire, the three shared a quiet moment. Yun Che, his voice barely above a whisper, began to recount his past. "Back when I belonged to the Sect of Annihilation, my heart was filled with ambition and the relentless pursuit of strength. I believed that if I could devour enough energy, I could rewrite my destiny and become the strongest Devourer. But reality was far crueler than I'd imagined. I watched my fellow disciples lose their sanity, transforming into hollow shells in their desperate quest for power. Those memories haunt me like nightmares—I can no longer bear the sight of such madness and corruption."

Shuang Yue nodded slowly, his voice calm yet encouraging. "Yun Che, everyone loses their way at some point. But true strength isn't just about power—it's about finding a balance between power and responsibility. Your suffering has given you clarity. Now that you've awakened from the illusions of the past, this is your turning point."

Ray added, "The northern border may be harsh, but it also offers a chance for rebirth. Your past mistakes don't have to define your future. Instead, they can serve as lessons for your growth. If you're willing, we'll walk this path together and seek the true light that can guide us forward."

Tears welled in Yun Che's eyes, his voice filled with remorse and resolve. "I want to change. I've had enough of that relentless pursuit of power—watching my comrades turn into lifeless husks, consumed by their own greed. If I can learn from you, if I can find true balance within my Inner Cosmos, perhaps I can atone for my past and reclaim the warmth and hope I once lost."

The wind howled softly through the valley, as if playing a mournful yet beautiful melody of redemption. Shuang Yue and Ray met each other's gaze, an unspoken understanding passing between them. They knew the northern border was filled with mysteries and dangers, where every turn could alter the fate of the world. Yun Che's presence was more than just an addition to their group—it symbolized the possibility of light emerging from darkness.

That night, they sat by the flickering fire, its glow casting long shadows on their weary faces. Yun Che shared the secrets of the Sect of Annihilation—its brutal Devouring rituals, its ruthless sacrifices, and the fanatical belief that ultimate power was worth any cost. His voice trembled as he recalled the horror he'd witnessed. "I once believed that devouring everything was the path to supreme strength. But the truth is, that road leads only to destruction. I watched my closest friends become mindless husks, and I can never erase those images from my mind."

Shuang Yue listened in silence, fully aware of how pivotal this moment was. He spoke with quiet conviction. "Every experience shapes us. Just as the northern frost forges resilience, your pain and regret can become your strength—if you learn from them. True power isn't about destroying everything in your path but about understanding when to wield it and when to let go. Only then can the power of your Inner Cosmos serve your true purpose rather than become a force of ruin."

As the firelight dimmed, their conversation grew softer. Ray pulled out an old, worn journal filled with notes from his years in the northern border. Flipping through the pages, he murmured, "These stories are records of heroes—both their triumphs and their failures. We can't change the past, but we can learn from it. Every failure is a lesson, a reminder to stay true to our convictions."

Yun Che gazed at him, his expression filled with newfound resolve. "From this moment forward, I will no longer be shackled by my past. I won't chase the twisted ideals I once held. Instead, I'll seek the light within myself and use it to dispel the darkness. Please, let me walk this path with you and teach me how to find balance within my Inner Cosmos."

The northern wind whispered against their faces, carrying with it the echoes of the land's unspoken tales. At that moment, they were no longer solitary wanderers—they were bound by a shared purpose. Shuang Yue's eyes burned with determination. The road ahead, filled with both danger and opportunity, would be forged by their own hands.

As the stars glittered over the valley, the three drifted into much-needed rest. Yun Che lay on his makeshift bed, his thoughts a whirlwind of memories and newfound hope. For the first time in a long while, the shadows of his past began to fade, replaced by the flickering light of redemption.

The next morning, shrouded in mist, the valley remained an ethereal dreamscape. As the first rays of dawn pierced through, Yun Che opened his eyes, a quiet courage rising within him. He stepped toward the campfire where Shuang Yue and Ray awaited. Meeting their gazes, he saw not just determination but the promise of a new beginning.

In the vast, frozen lands of the north, pain and hope intertwined, weaving a tragic yet beautiful symphony. And Yun Che, stepping out of the darkness, had finally found the first glimmers of light.