Did I Eat The Universe ?

The Northern Stronghold had just weathered the ferocious rift crisis. Though the savage onslaught of otherworldly creatures was repelled, the near-catastrophic waves of energy left an indelible mark on everyone: the battles ahead would only grow harsher. To confront this looming threat, Shuang Yue resolved to rally all members of the Devourers' Alliance for their first collective operation at a strategic outpost beyond the stronghold. This was more than a defensive drill—it was a real-world trial to test their strength and mastery of restraint.

At dawn, the vast plains outside the stronghold buzzed with the presence of elite Devourers. Shuang Yue stood atop a makeshift command platform, his gaze unwavering, clutching the ancient jade that symbolized restraint and power. Taking a deep breath of the frigid air, he addressed the assembled Devourers: "Today, we face an otherworldly rift that's unleashing a relentless flood of energy and creatures charging toward us with terrifying speed. Only by wielding our Inner Cosmos with restraint and wisdom can we transform this power into a shield to protect our home. Work closely together, adhere strictly to the 'Devourers' Code,' and keep your Inner Cosmos within safe limits!"

His voice, deep and resolute, carried across the stronghold, igniting a flurry of activity. The guards swiftly began fortifying defenses, using temporary energy monitoring stations to track otherworldly fluctuations, while elite Devourers assigned to scouting were dispatched to the stronghold's perimeter to monitor the rift's activity.

Word from the East Sea had already arrived via messengers: Long Ze, having accepted the alliance's invitation after his previous duel, pledged to send a water-based unit to bolster the northern defenses. From the Southern Region, the trial between Yan Ji and Yun Che had borne initial fruit—though Yan Ji still clung to her preference for solo combat, she agreed to observe the alliance's performance and offer support with her flame-devouring techniques.

Just then, the rift before the stronghold widened with a violent lurch, and a horde of otherworldly creatures erupted from the darkness. Their bodies radiated a menacing blend of blue and crimson light, their grotesque faces snarling with deafening roars. The ice and snow at the stronghold's edge splintered under their charge, as if the world itself teetered on the brink of collapse.

Shuang Yue immediately rallied the elites gathered at the strategic site and led the core forces to the front lines. Raising his ancient jade, blue light pulsed within him, swiftly forming a sturdy shield that seemed capable of withstanding anything. With the "Devouring Reversal" skill, he absorbed the incoming otherworldly energy, channeling it through his Inner Cosmos into a counterforce. The blue shield intertwined with the energy tide, instantly forging an impregnable defensive line.

At the stronghold's edge, Long Ze arrived from the East Sea, leading his water unit into fierce combat with the creatures. Unleashing his "Wave Phantom Shield," he manipulated streams of water into protective barriers, repelling the attackers. This technique synced seamlessly with Shuang Yue's blue light defense, curbing the enemy's momentum. The fusion of East Sea water and northern blue light painted a dynamic tapestry of resistance, offering the alliance a glimmer of hope.

Meanwhile, on the southern flank, Yan Ji's flame unit charged into the fray. Wielding her "Flame Purification Array," she conjured roaring fires that reduced the creatures to ashes in an instant. The blaze illuminated the battlefield, and though waves of heat surged, the alliance's tight defenses held firm against the enemy's numbers. Yan Ji's flames complemented Yun Che's recently honed "Soul Guardian Incantation," boosting the Southern Region's fire unit to peak efficiency.

On the battlefield, Shuang Yue, Long Ze, and Yan Ji each led their front-line units, wielding restrained yet precise power to counter the creatures' relentless assault. As the fight intensified, the stronghold's energy monitoring stations reported a steady rise in otherworldly fluctuations, with each absorption meticulously tracked to gauge Inner Cosmos strain. Shuang Yue employed his "Inner Cosmos Capacity Control" skill, fine-tuning his energy flow to keep the blue shield steady through every impact. This power gradually solidified into a robust defensive system, buying the stronghold precious time to regroup.

As the hours wore on, the front lines stabilized, though no detail could be overlooked. The creatures repeatedly tested the defenses, but Shuang Yue, Long Ze, and Yan Ji coordinated seamlessly, countering each challenge with their unique abilities. After one wave subsided, the battlefield lay strewn with shattered ice, smoldering embers, and the scattered remains of fallen creatures. Though the units suffered minor losses, they held their ground, blending restraint and wisdom to maximize their strength.

The battle raged for hours, and under the alliance's relentless efforts, the stronghold's defenses finally held firm. Standing atop the wall, Shuang Yue surveyed the battlefield as it settled into uneasy calm after the fierce clash, his heart heavy yet hopeful. He knew this rift crisis was merely the opening act of their combat trials, with greater, unpredictable foes still to come. Each fight drove home the truth: only by channeling Inner Cosmos power with restraint could they turn every ounce of energy into a shield for their home.

As dawn broke, the energy monitors showed otherworldly fluctuations dropping to safe levels, and the creatures' assault weakened. Exhausted yet emboldened, every Devourer in the stronghold emerged from this first alliance battle with newfound confidence. They had not only defended their home but gained invaluable lessons: restraint and wisdom were the keys to wielding Inner Cosmos power, and unity was their strength in overcoming adversity.

Inside the stronghold, Shuang Yue convened a post-battle review with Long Ze, Yan Ji, and other front-line commanders. Each warrior presented data on energy absorption and skill usage, discussing ways to refine tactics and monitoring systems. In a grave tone, Shuang Yue said, "Today's victory stems from our collective effort, but this trial has shown us that only by tightly controlling the absorption and release of Inner Cosmos power can we maintain our edge against stronger assaults ahead." He proposed new strategic adjustments, mandating rigorous energy data analysis before every operation to ensure all absorption stayed within safe bounds.

Allies from the East Sea and Southern Region relayed updates via communication devices. Long Ze reported, "Our water unit, paired with Shuang Yue's blue shield, blocked most of the creatures' advance. This trial has shown me the power of alliance teamwork." Yan Ji, proving her worth with fire, added, "Despite facing blazing flames and otherworldly attacks, our flame shields and purification array held steady—a testament to coordinated effort."

Every corner of the Northern Stronghold seemed to bear witness to the battle's details—from the blue energy seeping through the ice to the lingering sparks of flame—testifying to the Devourers' forged resolve through restraint and wisdom. As stability returned, Shuang Yue stood on the wall, gazing at the battle-scarred defenses born of life-and-death struggle. He knew this first alliance battle was just the beginning, with greater tests on the horizon. As long as they mastered the art of Inner Cosmos restraint, keeping every absorption under precise control, that boundless power would become their mightiest weapon to protect their home and reshape their fate.

As morning light pierced the northern mist, a brighter mood settled over the stronghold. Though the battlefield bore the scars of combat, every Devourer's eyes shone with determination and hope. Shuang Yue stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his comrades, listening to the faint horn calls echoing from the distance—remnants of an enemy not fully retreated, a prelude to future challenges.

This day, the alliance's first battle taught them all that only by wielding Inner Cosmos power with restraint and wisdom could they transform it into a shield for their home. This fight was more than a stand against otherworldly invaders—it was a pivotal milestone in the Devourers' Alliance, marking their rise from individuals to a united force. Every warrior understood that the wars ahead would be brutal, but through unity and refined restraint, they could kindle a flame of light in the endless dark.

As the battle concluded, the energy monitoring data stabilized, and the rift's fluctuations fell within manageable limits. The Northern Stronghold slipped into a brief calm, and this first alliance battle and trial of strength became a treasured lesson for their future fights. From the wall, Shuang Yue gazed at the clearing horizon, resolve and determination swelling within him. This was only the start, and the fires and trials ahead would test them further. Yet, united and guided by restraint and wisdom, the Devourers' Alliance would carve a legendary path through this turbulent world.