Breaching the Void Realm

Ming Yu hoisted Little Nightingale onto her back, her palm resting against the girl’s thigh as she gauged her weight. Compared to when they first met, Little Nightingale felt slightly heavier, her skin finally yielding a hint of flesh when pinched.

Ming Yu recalled the first time she had held Little Nightingale. Back then, the girl’s weight had been alarmingly light, as if her small frame was nothing more than a skeletal structure barely holding itself upright.

‘It seems she’s been taken care of quite well these past few days,’ Ming Yu mused.

‘The feel is rather pleasant. I’ll just give it another squeeze.’

“Sister Ming Yu, that tickles…”

“Oh, my apologies, haha.”

Little Nightingale offered no reply.

Climbing thirteen flights of stairs on foot, Ming Yu appeared utterly at ease, not a single bead of sweat gracing her brow. Her breathing remained steady and deep, betraying no effort.

Upon finding their room, she gently set Little Nightingale down. She then produced a metal card, swiping it to unlock the door, revealing a lavishly decorated interior.

Dominating the center of the room were two stealth pods, each measuring two to three meters in length and width. Beyond these, a grand bed, a row of plush sofas, and a large display screen adorned the walls.

Environmental controls meticulously regulated the temperature and humidity, while a kaleidoscope of vibrant lights shimmered across the dark-toned carpet.

It was Ming Yu’s first time in such a place, and the sheer luxury of the amenities left her speechless.

Her gaze settled on the two stealth pods.

‘Virtual reality, then…’

‘I’ve heard of it, but I wonder how effective it truly is.’

Unbeknownst to Ming Yu, the young girl following behind her suddenly furrowed her brow. An inexplicable tremor of unease, a sudden palpitation, quietly enveloped Little Nightingale’s heart.

****

Planet Aquamarine, Equatorial Sea.

On the planet’s opposite side, night had already fallen.

Across the inky black sea, over a dozen ships were scattered, gathering together. They moved in an orderly procession from north to south, heading towards Pharos.

Aside from the three antiquated naval frigates leading the way, the more than ten large fishing vessels that followed had all been modified. Each boasted impressive engine power and reinforced hulls.

Aboard one of these fishing vessels.

A young boy, cradling his infant sister in a swaddling cloth, leaned against his father. He gazed at a silver thread arcing across the sky, blinking in curiosity.

“Dad, what is that?”

He extended his index finger, pointing towards the silvery line in the heavens.

Following his son’s gaze, Colt squinted, peering at the faint wisp of silver-grey. He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

He ruffled his son’s hair, chuckling softly.

“That is… the New World.”

“The New World?”

Narr tilted his head back, his face brushing against his father’s thick stubble. He smacked his lips, a puzzled expression on his face.

“Yes, the New World…”

****

While many referred to the New World as the “Sky City,” perhaps “Starry Sky City” would have been a more fitting description.

Over two centuries ago, during times of war, the citizens of the United Nations often called this colossal planet-spanning structure by another name:

Star Ring Base Alpha.

****

Alpha Section One.

Capital Social Sciences Academy, Psionic Research Institute.

Within the solemn grand auditorium, every pioneer who took their seat had made their final arrangements, penned their last will, and signed a life-and-death contract.

They were the most exceptional psionicists in all of Alpha.

Psionics, a power transcending physical laws, served as their closest companion, their most potent assistant, and their most formidable weapon.

An octogenarian, leaning on a cane, stood upon the high platform. He stroked his long beard, speaking eloquently with an agitated expression.

“Thought is a reflection of the world, a miniature world in itself. Even if we cannot unveil the true essence of thought, we can still hone consciousness into the greatest of tools.”

“Only a fraction of our inner potential has been tapped. Within our species, merely a handful of individuals can currently wield the power of psionics.”

“This power should not be buried, should not be confined! We must claim it, demand it from the void, demand it from the gods!”

“Therefore, we gather here, in the name of pioneers, to raise the torch of civilization. We shall step into darkness and nothingness, striving to illuminate the path for those who follow!”

The elder raised both his arms high, his expression transforming into one of fervent obsession and madness.

“Our life’s flame shall blossom into the most brilliant radiance at the very edge of the Void Realm!”

“All units, follow me into battle!”

“Initiate — breach the Void!”

****

Beings of the material plane could not possibly conceive of the forms high-dimensional spaces took.

The Void Realm was the fabled resting place of souls, a confluence of spirit and will, and the sacred land yearned for by all psionic users.

Like moths drawn to a flame.

Even without conscious awareness, psionicists would instinctively yearn to gaze into the abyss, indulging that primordial instinct for the Void Realm hidden deep within their souls.

After entrusting Luna to Ming Yu, Little Nightingale severed the connection to her internal vision. She then settled into the stealth pod, allowing Ming Yu to attach various devices until all movement ceased.

A soft, electronically synthesized female voice echoed in her ears:

“Device check complete. Connecting to data network…”

“Initializing. Please wait…”

“Loading…”

****

Once Little Nightingale’s equipment was adjusted, Ming Yu slipped into the other stealth pod, methodically repeating the same procedures.

As the pod’s lid closed, the ambient lights within the chamber instantly illuminated, casting a soft, non-glaring glow.

After a brief wait, the lights automatically extinguished.

For some unknown reason, Ming Yu’s eyelids suddenly twitched uncontrollably. A profound sense of unease welled up within her, leaving her mind utterly blank.

“Device check complete. Connecting to data network…”

“Initializing. Please wait…”

“Loading…”

“Welcome to… crackle, crackle crackle—“

****

Immersed in a kaleidoscope of bizarre dreams, Ming Yu, in a hazy state, suddenly recalled memories from her childhood.

During her childhood, whenever the topic of dreams arose, everyone would clamor with all sorts of unrealistic fantasies. Some aspired to be astronauts, others scientists, and still others great heroes.

Yet, as they grew older, everyone’s dreams, for some reason, became increasingly attainable, yet also increasingly diminished.

The astronaut who longed to touch the sky became a sea beast hunter instead.

The scientist who sought truth stumbled on the path of examinations.

The great hero who wished to uphold justice was instead sent to prison.

Eventually, a day came when no one dared to dream, nor dared to speak of the dreams they once held, unwilling for their fantasies to become fodder for others’ idle amusement.

Ming Yu’s own dreams had long since been cast aside, forgotten in a neglected corner.

It was a midsummer night. The boy, covered in mud, climbed to the orphanage’s attic. From the highest point he could reach, he gazed up at the starry sky.

“Ming Yu, we’ve all told ours. You’re the only one left!”

Viktor and several other friends, panting, had clambered up after him, eagerly questioning Ming Yu.

Viktor, especially, seemed impatient. He had excitedly declared his wish to be an astronaut, only to be met with uproarious laughter. Now, feeling thoroughly disgruntled, he was determined to mock Ming Yu in turn.

“Come on, tell us, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

“Yeah, yeah, we want to know too!”

“Mhm, hurry up and tell us!”

The others gathered behind Ming Yu, following his gaze towards the sky. Their eyes reflected the brilliant, sprawling galaxy above.

Ming Yu stared at the dazzling firmament, blinking slowly.

He pointed to the brightest star in the night sky.

“Do you see it? There’s a very, very bright star up there.”

“I want to…”

“Crush it.”