Did I Eat The Universe ?

Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che traversed the barren expanse of the Northern Frontier until they finally halted before a dilapidated border outpost. Once a critical defensive bastion against otherworldly invasions, the outpost now lay in ruins—scarred by relentless battles and the corrosive touch of foreign energy. The crumbling walls, riddled with cracks and broken remnants, hinted at the former strength of the defenses, though they now resembled a fragile barrier on the verge of collapse.

Upon entering the outpost's gate, they were met by a biting wind carrying dust and the sharp tang of blood. Inside, a group of local residents and a few Devourers who had yet to fully fall from grace huddled together, facing a continuous wave of otherworldly assaults. The villagers' faces were etched with panic, their tattered clothes revealing helplessness and fear; in contrast, the steadfast Devourers bore expressions of resolute determination and quiet defiance, as if awaiting a miracle to turn the tide.

An elderly man, his face lined with deep wrinkles, hurried forward and pleaded, "Young man, we can't hold out any longer—another wave of enemy attacks is imminent, and our defenses may soon crumble. Please, help us!" His desperate words carried both despair and a glimmer of hope, igniting a strong sense of responsibility in Shuang Yue.

Calmly, Shuang Yue replied, "Rest assured, we'll help secure this place and give everyone a chance to breathe." He turned to Ray and Yun Che; the three exchanged nods of mutual understanding. This outpost was more than a mere defensive line—it symbolized the last hope of the local people. They resolved to immediately begin repairs and fortify the structure, determined to restore it to a robust defense before the enemy's next assault.

Shuang Yue was the first to climb the worn walls, meticulously inspecting the cracked stones caused by repeated attacks. He closed his eyes and channeled the principles of his Inner Universe, transmitting faint yet stable energy from within his body through his hands to every damaged stone slab. Like a living essence, this energy gradually solidified the crumbling blocks, temporarily reassembling them into a reliable barrier. Deep in his heart, Shuang Yue understood the profound lesson behind "Inner Universe Capacity" and "Devour Limit": every time foreign energy is absorbed, pressure is applied to the inner universe. Greed and excessive absorption risk upsetting its balance—or even causing it to collapse. Thus, he constantly reminded himself and his companions to seek breakthroughs through moderation, to truly harness their power to its fullest potential.

Meanwhile, Ray led several local youths to work in every corner of the outpost. Using rudimentary tools, they pieced together broken planks and constructed makeshift defenses with torches and stones. Wiping sweat from his brow, Ray laughed and encouraged them, "If we work together, we can restore this place! Every plank we put back, every trap we set, is a beacon of hope against the invasion!" His words brimmed with both boldness and unwavering conviction, inspiring everyone around him.

At the same time, Yun Che moved within the outpost, carrying his handmade rune stones and a basic medical kit as he administered urgent care to wounded villagers and guards. He gently cleaned each wound and explained simple first-aid measures in a low, reassuring tone. Seeing his focused and compassionate expression, the villagers' eyes shone with trust and gratitude. "I once lost my way chasing extreme power," Yun Che murmured softly, "but I've learned restraint and introspection. Remember, overindulgence in foreign energy will overload your inner universe and ultimately lead to disaster." His words, though softly spoken, carried a deep lesson and a stark warning.

As the repairs progressed, the atmosphere within the outpost gradually shifted from panic to hope. Villagers of all ages began to help one another, working together to rebuild their shattered home. Some carried stones; others helped erect temporary defenses. In that moment, the outpost kindled like a warm flame amid the frigid Northern Frontier, and every face reflected a determined optimism for the future.

As night fell once again, lights were lit both inside and outside the outpost. The villagers gathered together to share the day's labors and their heartfelt hopes. In the glow of the fire, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che took a brief rest and exchanged reflections on the day's work. Shuang Yue spoke softly, "Today's efforts haven't only mended our physical defenses but also healed the fissures in our hearts. If we learn to control the absorption of our inner universe, every intake of energy will become a stepping stone toward a higher state, rather than a prelude to destruction."

Ray nodded in agreement. "Exactly—every person's effort is a spark against the darkness. United, we can turn this outpost into an impregnable barrier against the otherworldly invasion!" His words, filled with confidence and determination, made everyone feel that even in the bone-chilling cold, warmth and hope were beginning to blossom.

Looking around with deep emotion, Yun Che added, "My past was marred by greed and the pursuit of extreme power, but today I understand that only by mastering the art of controlled absorption can the inner universe become a shield to protect this land rather than a force of destruction." His tone was resolute, his eyes shining with remorse and the promise of a fresh start.

Later that evening, as darkness enveloped the outpost, the soft glow of lamps lit both inside and out. The people gathered to share the fruits of their labor and exchange heartfelt words. By the firelight, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che also rested and recounted their experiences. Shuang Yue murmured, "Today's work wasn't just about repairing this barrier but about healing the fractures in our hearts. As long as we adhere to the principles of restraint in our inner universe, every absorption of energy will propel us forward rather than lead to collapse."

Ray added, "Every act of effort is a bet against the darkness. United, we can transform this outpost into a formidable bulwark against the invasion!" His practical yet cautionary tone deeply moved everyone present.

Yun Che, holding a broken stone slab freshly removed from the wall, whispered, "My past has been painful, but it's taught me that only through restraint can we avoid repeating those mistakes. I'll join you all in channeling every bit of absorbed energy into the protection of our home, rather than letting it become our undoing."

In the quiet of the night, every lamp in the outpost bore silent witness to the people's steadfast resolve and faith in the future. Over these trying days, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che had not only rebuilt the shattered walls but had also forged a spiritual fortress within their hearts—constructed not only of stone but of unyielding hope and a rational understanding of power.

As dawn gradually broke, an air of resilient strength filled the outpost. Although the threat of enemy attacks still loomed outside, the outpost had become a symbol of unity, offering every resident a glimpse of a brighter future. Standing on the ramparts, Shuang Yue watched as the morning light pierced the cold mist and bathed the entire outpost in a gentle glow, silently vowing: As long as we adhere to the principles of restraint in our inner universe and prevent our power from spiraling out of control, we'll cut through the darkness and usher in our own ray of light.

Back in the camp, the three gathered once more, quietly discussing their future strategies and responses. Shuang Yue said earnestly, "What we accomplished today wasn't merely physical reconstruction—it was a reaffirmation of our spirit and our beliefs. This outpost, though battered, embodies everyone's hope for the future. If we can keep our energy absorption within safe limits, we'll secure this place and protect our land when the enemy strikes again." His gaze was unwavering.

Ray added, "Every absorption is a gamble. Only when we reach that critical point will our power explode with astonishing force; but if we overdo it, our inner universe will collapse, leading to catastrophic consequences. Today, we learned not only how to repair this outpost but also the importance of moderating our power." His words were both practical and cautionary, resonating deeply with everyone.

Gently holding the broken stone slab, Yun Che murmured, "My past was full of pain, but it's taught me that only through restraint can we avoid repeating history. In the future, I'm willing to work with you all to transform every ounce of absorbed energy into the strength to protect our home, rather than letting it become our downfall."

In the stillness of the night, every light in the outpost seemed to bear silent witness to the people's commitment to the future. Over these hard days, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che had rebuilt not just the physical walls but also a spiritual bastion—one forged from hope and rational mastery over power.

As dawn finally broke, a determined energy emerged from the weariness. Although the enemy's threat had not yet vanished, the outpost now stood as a symbol of unity, inspiring every resident with the promise of a brighter future. Standing on the ramparts, Shuang Yue watched the morning light disperse the cold mist and illuminate the entire outpost. Deep in his heart, he vowed: As long as we steadfastly follow the principles of restraint in our inner universe, preventing our power from spiraling out of control, we'll surely pierce through the darkness and embrace the light that is rightfully ours