Yang Hao was practically defeated. Holding the freshly issued report card, the numbers on it made even his thick-skinned face burn with embarrassment.
Primordial Force Technique: 23 points. Flight Technique: 30 points. Swordsmanship: 5 points. Object Control: 15 points.
All of these were out of a hundred. Only his normally strong Perception Technique was decent, scoring 85 points. But Perception Technique was the skill the Empire needed the least right now. If one excelled in Primordial Force, they could become a warrior. If skilled in Object Control, they could become a spaceship pilot.
However, a student with top-tier Perception Technique could at best become a miner or excavator operator, digging for relics on long-abandoned planets.
Looking around at his classmates, their situations were mixed, but at least everyone had a few decent specialties. That was one of the goals of the Raymond Advanced Interstellar Academy, the best university in the Galactic Empire, specifically dedicated to supplying the Empire with elite talents. Countless offspring of nobles and officials fought tooth and nail to get in.
But not all students were nobles. Take Yang Hao, for instance—he was 100% a commoner. In fact, he was the only commoner student at the school. He had gotten into Raymond Advanced Academy not because of excellent grades or noble birth, but purely by luck, like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse.
To maintain a down-to-earth image, Raymond Academy occasionally selected one lucky commoner from the Empire through a lottery system. Yang Hao was the third such student in the past ten years.
It was said that the previous two commoner students had mysteriously disappeared during their time at the academy, and the reasons remained unknown.
Yang Hao looked around and noticed that Essie’s seat was empty. Thinking of Essie brought a rush of excitement to his heart, a small comfort in his otherwise dreary life.
Yang Hao had secretly admired Essie for a long time, as had more than half the male students in the academy. She was the daughter of the Empire’s ambassador to Raymond Star, and her beauty was simply ethereal. It was said that her father had been stationed at the beauty capital, Angel Star, where he married and gave birth to Essie, making her appearance worth at least a 90 out of 100.
To Yang Hao, Essie was even more beautiful than an angel. Her delicate figure and long legs could steal anyone’s soul. Even when she dozed off in class, she would stun everyone with her beauty. Sitting close to her, Yang Hao often caught Essie resting her chin on her hand, lost in thought, her long lashes fluttering—so beautiful it made him sweat.
Unfortunately, Essie was always surrounded by a crowd of rich young men, leaving no room for Yang Hao to get close. It wasn’t until yesterday that Yang Hao, gathering all his courage, finally handed Essie his very first love letter.
And today, before the report cards were handed out, Essie had secretly approached and invited Yang Hao to meet her behind the academy’s mountain.
Even now, Yang Hao felt like he was floating on a cloud, his heart sweet as honey. Among the countless noble students at the academy, only he had received the privilege of a private date. He no longer cared about the pitiful numbers on his report card.
The mountain behind Raymond Advanced Academy was absolutely a forbidden zone. According to school rules, no one was allowed to enter. Among the academy’s four great legends, it was said that this mountain was the oldest meteorite impact site in the galaxy, crashing down thousands of years ago, and that a terrifying monster lay buried within.
Though the school’s rules stated this, nearly every student had secretly visited the mountain. So as Yang Hao sprinted up the mountain path, he felt no sense of unfamiliarity.
At the mountain’s peak was a large depression—supposedly the meteorite’s impact point. But now, there was no sign of the meteorite, only a pale blue lake nestled there. Surrounded by lush green trees, it was the perfect romantic spot.
Yang Hao gazed at the blue sky and the shining silver sun, filled with anticipation. Perhaps today he could finally win over the girl of his dreams, Essie, and become the envy of every boy in school.
“Kid, you sure arrived on time,” a rough voice, accompanied by a distinct roaring sound, came from behind him.
Yang Hao turned around. He recognized that roar—it was the sound of a noble’s hoverboard, specially designed for those who lacked skill in Flight Technique. Although Yang Hao was also terrible at Flight Technique, he simply couldn’t afford one, so he had to run.
Turning around, Yang Hao was deeply disappointed. It wasn’t Essie who had come—it was Big Bear Kevin. Kevin was a Ursian, standing at two meters tall, his body covered in iron-like muscles and brown fur. It was said that Ursians were the strongest race in the universe when it came to Primordial Force, but they were practically incapable of aerial flight.
“Kevin?” Yang Hao was confused. “What are you doing here?”
Kevin had always been extremely harsh toward Yang Hao, glaring at him every time they met. Today, his bullying demeanor was even more unbearable, instantly ruining Yang Hao’s good mood.
“I’m here to teach a brat like you a lesson,” Kevin said, jumping off his hoverboard. In his hand was a thick metal club, even thicker than Yang Hao’s arm, as if trying to show off his brute strength.
Yang Hao felt a bad premonition. “If you want to beat someone up, just do it. Why are you staring at me like that?”
Kevin paused, digging his nose with effort, his voice muffled. “Because that idiot brat is you.”
“Me?” Yang Hao realized he was already within range of Kevin’s club, escape seemed impossible. “Why me? I haven’t even provoked you.”
Kevin sneered loudly. “Haven’t provoked me? You, a lowly commoner, actually dare to pursue Essie. Isn’t that provocation enough?”
Yang Hao felt a surge of nervousness. He knew very well that in a fight, he had no chance against this big brute. Still, his pride wouldn’t let him back down. “Anyone can pursue Essie. She doesn’t care whether I’m a commoner or not. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have invited me here.”
“Hahahaha!” Kevin laughed hideously, shaking loose some of his fur. “Stupid fool, haven’t you figured it out yet? If she hadn’t invited you here, how else could I teach you a lesson?”
Yang Hao was stunned. According to Kevin, Essie had arranged this beating. Still, he clung to a sliver of hope. “I don’t believe you. Essie would never do that.”
“Who knows?” Another roar of a hoverboard echoed. A silver hoverboard, shaped like a scooter, floated out from the trees. On it were two people—noble student Wang Zhijun and Essie.
Wang Zhijun sneered. “Essie is our angel. A poor nobody like you even daring to pursue her is an insult. Don’t you deserve a beating?”
Seeing Essie in this situation left Yang Hao completely stunned. He desperately hoped that Essie, sitting so cozily with Wang Zhijun, would speak up and stop these two.
But soon, his hope shattered.
Today, Essie wore a beautiful silver dress and the latest princess-style hat, highlighting her fair complexion and making her look incredibly charming.
But her voice was icy cold. “Why haven’t you started yet? So slow. I’m getting bored.”
Seeing the beauty express dissatisfaction, Wang Zhijun quickly signaled. Kevin, the brute, obeyed and laughed heartily as he swung his club toward Yang Hao.
Yang Hao was utterly humiliated. Holding the freshly issued report card, the numbers on it made even his thick-skinned face burn with shame.
Force Technique: 23 points.
Flight Technique: 30 points.
Swordsmanship: 5 points.
Telekinesis: 15 points.
All out of a hundred. The only decent score was in Perception Technique, where he scored an 85. But Perception Technique was the least valued skill in the Empire right now. If he excelled in Force Technique, he could become a warrior. If he mastered Telekinesis, he could pilot a starship.
But for someone with top-tier Perception Technique, the best career prospects were being a miner or an excavator operator, digging up relics on long-abandoned planets.
Looking around at his classmates, it was a mixed bag—at least everyone had a few passable specialties. That was one of the goals of the Raymond Star Advanced Interstellar Academy, the Empire’s most prestigious university, dedicated to nurturing elite talents. Countless children of nobles and high-ranking officials fought tooth and nail to get in.
But not all students were nobles. Take Yang Hao, for example—he was 100% a commoner, the only one in the entire school. He hadn’t gotten in through merit or connections, but by sheer luck, like winning a lottery.
To maintain a “people-friendly” image, the academy occasionally drew one lucky commoner from the Empire to enroll. Yang Hao was the third in a decade.
Rumor had it the previous two commoner students had mysteriously disappeared during their studies.
Yang Hao glanced around and noticed Ais’ seat was empty. Thinking of her, his heart raced—she was the only bright spot in his otherwise miserable life.
He had been crushing on Ais for a long time. In fact, over half the male students in the academy did. She was the daughter of the Empire’s ambassador to Raymond Star, stunningly beautiful—like a fairy. Word was, her father had once served on Angel Star, a planet renowned for its beauties, where he married and had Ais. Her looks were easily a 90 out of 100.
To Yang Hao, Ais was more beautiful than an angel—her delicate figure, long legs, and captivating presence could steal anyone’s soul. Even when she dozed off in class, she still turned heads. Sitting close to her, Yang Hao often found himself mesmerized by the way her long eyelashes fluttered when she rested her chin on her hand.
Unfortunately, Ais was always surrounded by a crowd of noble boys, leaving no room for Yang Hao to approach. Until yesterday, when he finally mustered the courage to hand her his first-ever love letter.
And today, before the report cards were handed out, Ais had quietly approached him, asking to meet at the academy’s back mountain.
Yang Hao still felt like he was floating on clouds, his heart sweet as honey. Out of all the noble students, he was the only one who got a private meeting with her. That alone made his terrible grades seem insignificant.
The back mountain of Raymond Star Advanced Academy was strictly off-limits. School rules forbade anyone from setting foot there. Among the academy’s four great legends, it was said the mountain was the oldest earthen mound in the galaxy, having landed via meteorite thousands of years ago—and that it housed some terrifying monster.
Despite the rules, nearly every student had sneaked up there at least once. So when Yang Hao sprinted up the mountain, he felt no unfamiliarity.
The mountaintop was shaped like a concave crater—supposedly the meteorite’s impact site. But now, there was no trace of any meteorite, just a pale blue mountain lake nestled among the green trees. It was the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous.
Gazing at the blue sky and the gleaming silver sun, Yang Hao was filled with anticipation. Maybe today, he’d finally win over his dream girl, Ais, and become the envy of every boy in school.
“Hey, you’re right on time.” A gruff voice, accompanied by the distinct hum of a hoverboard, sounded behind him.
Yang Hao turned. He recognized that hum—it was the sound of the hoverboards nobles used to compensate for their poor Flight Technique. Though Yang Hao’s Flight Technique was terrible too, he couldn’t afford one, so he had to run everywhere.
But when he turned, his heart sank. It wasn’t Ais—it was Kevin, the “big bear.” Kevin was from the Ursa Clan, standing two meters tall with muscles like iron and covered in brown fur. The Ursa were said to be the strongest race in the galaxy, with innate bonuses to Force Technique, but they were nearly incapable of flight.
“Kevin?” Yang Hao was confused. “What are you doing here?”
Kevin had always treated Yang Hao horribly, glaring at him on sight. Today, his bully-like demeanor was even more infuriating, instantly ruining Yang Hao’s good mood.
“I’m here to teach a certain clueless brat a lesson,” Kevin said, jumping off his hoverboard and gripping a thick metal rod—thicker than Yang Hao’s arm, as if to flaunt his brute strength.
Yang Hao had a bad feeling. “If you want to fight, just fight. Why glare at me like that?”
Kevin paused, digging at his nose with a grunt. “Because the clueless brat is you.”
“Me?” Yang Hao realized he was already within striking range of Kevin’s rod—there was no escape. “Why me? I didn’t even provoke you.”
Kevin laughed mockingly. “Didn’t provoke me? A lowly commoner like you, daring to pursue Ais—doesn’t that count as provoking us?”
Yang Hao’s heart raced. He knew he stood no chance in a fight against this brute, but he refused to back down. “Anyone can pursue Ais. She doesn’t care if I’m a commoner—otherwise, why would she ask to meet me here?”
“Hahaha!” Kevin’s laugh was grating, shaking loose some of his fur. “Idiot, don’t you get it? If she hadn’t lured you here, how could I teach you a lesson?”
Yang Hao froze. From Kevin’s words, it sounded like Ais had set him up. But a sliver of hope remained. “I don’t believe you. Ais would never do that.”
“Wouldn’t she?” Another hoverboard hummed as a silver, bike-like one emerged from the trees, carrying two people—Wang Zhijun, a noble student, and Ais.
Wang Zhijun sneered. “Ais is our angel. A poor wretch like you daring to pursue her is an insult. Don’t you deserve punishment?”
Seeing Ais in this situation, Yang Hao was stunned. He desperately hoped she’d speak up and stop them.
But his hope was quickly dashed.
Today, Ais wore a beautiful silver dress and the latest princess-style headpiece, accentuating her fair face—adorable, until she spoke.
“Why haven’t you started yet? So slow. I’m roasting out here,” she said coldly.
Wang Zhijun, eager to please, gave Kevin a signal. The bear-like boy laughed and swung his rod at Yang Hao.
Even though the rod was a meter away, a surge of force struck Yang Hao’s stomach, sending him flying.
That was the power of Force Technique—channeling energy through any weapon to strike without direct contact.
Wang Zhijun fawned over Ais. “Kevin’s an incredible Force Technique expert. Among students, barely anyone can match him. Even I can only barely outdo him.”
Ais ignored his bragging, but Yang Hao was in agony. He’d been flung several meters, landing on the lakeside pebbles, his stomach churning with pain.
Kevin wasn’t done. He used Force Technique to hurl pebbles at Yang Hao, treating him like a toy.
What hurt more was Yang Hao’s heart. He finally understood—he had no right to pursue Ais. He was just a commoner. How could a lowly commoner ever win a noble girl’s affection?
The cold lake wind blew over him, intensifying his humiliation. Gritting his teeth, he muttered under his breath, “Even a commoner has his pride.”
“What?” Kevin paused, not catching his words. “What did you say?”
“Taste Yang Hao’s wrath!!” Yang Hao roared, his usual timidness vanishing, replaced by a surge of courage.
Seeing Yang Hao charge, Kevin was momentarily stunned—he’d always seen Yang Hao as a punching bag, never expecting resistance.
Gripping his rod, Kevin channeled his Force Technique, ready to crush Yang Hao in one blow.
But before Yang Hao reached striking range, he hurled a handful of pebbles with surprising force—apparently pouring his meager 23-point Force Technique into them.
Kevin blocked with his rod, the collision creating a gray dust cloud that enveloped him.
Seizing the moment, Yang Hao threw one last hidden rock, hitting Kevin square in the head. The bear-like boy, rubbing his eyes in the dust, never saw it coming—and collapsed, unconscious.
“Yes!!” Yang Hao cheered, flashing a victory sign as Kevin’s massive body hit the ground.
Wang Zhijun and Ais stared in shock, struggling to process that the usually inept Yang Hao had taken down the formidable Kevin.
“Useless,” Ais muttered, clearly displeased.
Wang Zhijun, furious, jumped off his hoverboard and drew a gleaming silver shortsword. Infused with Force Technique, the blade extended into a meter-long energy beam.
He advanced on Yang Hao, flicking the blade menacingly. “You brought this on yourself. Don’t blame me.” His eyes gleamed with malice, sending chills down Yang Hao’s spine.
“Kevin attacked first,” Yang Hao argued, despite his fear. “I was just defending myself.”
“Nobles can strike commoners,” Wang Zhijun sneered. “But if a commoner resists, he dies.”
“You’d actually kill me…?” Yang Hao finally understood how the previous two commoner students had disappeared.
“Why not? Killing a commoner or two—my father will handle it.” Wang Zhijun even struck a pose for Ais, as if Yang Hao were already dead.
And why wouldn’t he think so? Yang Hao had no chance against him. The Wang family was a renowned swordsmanship lineage, with generations of imperial generals. Their children trained in a unique technique that enhanced their swordplay beyond ordinary Force Technique.
Wang Zhijun himself had bypassed beginner swordsmanship upon enrollment and was now mastering advanced courses—far beyond Yang Hao’s pitiful 5-point score.
So when Wang Zhijun twirled his blade into a floral pattern, Yang Hao paled.
“Kneel and beg,” Wang Zhijun taunted, “and I’ll only take one arm. You can be my crawling slave.”
“No.” Yang Hao’s voice was firm.
“No?” Wang Zhijun laughed. “What right do you have to refuse?”
But Yang Hao meant it. “I won’t be your slave. My hands have other uses.”
“Then die.” Wang Zhijun raised his sword. “Let’s see what can stop my blade.”
Yang Hao stood empty-handed, but his clenched jaw radiated defiance—beyond courage, almost a glow.
Suddenly, his body erupted in blinding light.
Wang Zhijun recoiled. “You’re insane! You’re breaking the law—using Force Technique on your own body!”
It was strictly forbidden—punishable by expulsion, imprisonment, and having all techniques erased. Yet Yang Hao poured Force Technique into himself, shining like a star.
“I won’t die, and I won’t be anyone’s slave,” Yang Hao shouted. “No sword? Then I’ll fight with my body!”
“Big deal.” Wang Zhijun scoffed. “Your weak Force Technique wouldn’t help even with a sword, let alone bare-handed.”
But Yang Hao, stubborn as ever, charged headfirst into Wang Zhijun’s blade.
Wang Zhijun executed his family’s “Ephemeral Blossom” technique, the sword’s energy blooming into a silver flower.
In past duels, this move had left opponents either dismembered or severely wounded. But this time—
The blade clashed with Yang Hao’s glowing body, failing to pierce his Force barrier. Instead, an unprecedented explosion hurled Wang Zhijun back, leaving him sprawled in the dirt.
Yang Hao fared worse—catapulted hundreds of meters, he crashed into a hillside, creating a crater where he vanished.
And just like that, Yang Hao embraced a fate stranger than dreams.
That was the power of Primordial Force—regardless of the weapon, it could generate special energy capable of hitting someone without physical contact.
Wang Zhijun flattered Essie. “Kevin is an outstanding Primordial Force expert. Among students, almost no one can rival him. Even I can only barely surpass him.”
Essie paid no attention to Wang Zhijun’s bragging, but Yang Hao, who had been struck, was in agony. He flew several meters and landed hard on the pebbles by the lake, his stomach burning with pain.
But Kevin wasn’t done. He continued to use Primordial Force to hurl small stones at Yang Hao, treating him like a toy.
What hurt Yang Hao even more was his heart. Now he finally understood—he had no right to pursue Essie. He was just a commoner. How could such a lowly person ever earn the favor of a noble girl?
The icy wind from the lake chilled Yang Hao’s body, making him feel even more deeply humiliated. He raised his head with effort, whispering in a voice only he could hear, “Even a commoner has his anger!”
“What?” Kevin couldn’t hear clearly. He paused his club. “What did you say?”
“I said, feel the wrath of Yang Hao!!” Yang Hao shouted with a voice he had never used before. The usual timidness and inferiority he felt around nobles vanished, replaced by a surge of courage radiating from him.
Seeing Yang Hao charging toward him, Kevin felt a bit nervous. After all, Yang Hao had always been a meek and obedient target in his mind. He never expected Yang Hao to dare resist.
Kevin tightened his grip on the club, filling it with as much Primordial Force as he could. He would knock Yang Hao down in one hit and show him who was boss!
But before Yang Hao even entered the club’s striking range, he threw a handful of pebbles from the lakeshore straight at Kevin. The pebbles whistled through the air with immense force.
It seemed Yang Hao had poured all his 23-point-rated Primordial Force into those pebbles, and the result was impressive.
Kevin didn’t dare be careless. He swung his club hard. The two waves of Primordial Force collided, shattering the stones into dust, creating a gray mist that completely engulfed Kevin.
Taking advantage of the moment, Yang Hao hurled his last, largest stone with all his might. It struck Kevin square in the head. Still rubbing his eyes in the dust cloud, Kevin had no idea another attack was coming and was knocked unconscious.
“Yesss!!” Seeing Kevin’s massive body slowly collapse, Yang Hao raised his hand in triumph.
Wang Zhijun and Essie, watching from the side, were stunned. It took them a while to finally accept the fact that Yang Hao, who had always been weak, had actually defeated the formidable Kevin.
“What a loser,” Essie muttered unhappily. Wang Zhijun had promised to impress her, but now the situation had turned, leaving her beauty shaken.
Wang Zhijun was furious. He immediately jumped off the hoverboard and drew a gleaming silver short sword from his waist. The sword was originally only palm-sized, but once Wang Zhijun infused it with Primordial Force, it extended into a blade over a meter long.
Wang Zhijun lightly flicked the blade, stepping toward Yang Hao. “You brought this on yourself. Don’t blame me.” His eyes gleamed with cruelty, making Yang Hao tremble.
“Kevin started it,” Yang Hao argued, though he was scared. “I was just defending myself!”
“Only nobles can beat commoners,” Wang Zhijun sneered. “If a commoner resists, he only deserves death!”
“You’re going to kill me…” Yang Hao couldn’t believe Wang Zhijun would go that far. Now he understood—this was probably how the previous two commoner students had disappeared.
“What’s the big deal? Killing a couple of commoners? My father will cover it up.” Before launching his attack, Wang Zhijun waved at Essie, striking what he thought was a cool pose, as if Yang Hao were already a corpse.
Of course, what chance did Yang Hao have against Wang Zhijun? Wang came from a noble family renowned for swordsmanship, with nearly every male descendant becoming a general in the Empire. It was said that their children underwent special training different from ordinary Primordial Force training, granting them powerful enhancements when wielding swords.
Moreover, Wang Zhijun’s sword skills were already high. When he first entered the academy, he had automatically passed the basic swordsmanship course. Now he had surpassed intermediate swordsmanship and was already practicing advanced sword techniques.
Compared to Yang Hao, who had scored only 5 points in the basic swordsmanship course, the gap was enormous.
So when Wang Zhijun swung his blade into a flower-like arc, Yang Hao’s face turned deathly pale.
Wang Zhijun looked at him with contempt. “If you kneel and beg me, I’ll only cut off one of your arms and let you live as my slave.”
“No!” Yang Hao said solemnly.
“No?” Wang Zhijun laughed. He couldn’t imagine what right Yang Hao had to say that word.
But clearly, Yang Hao meant it. “I won’t be your slave. My hands are meant for other things.”
“Then die!” Wang Zhijun assumed a starting stance with his sword. “Let’s see what you can do to stop my blade.”
Yang Hao had no weapon in his hands. He had thrown everything he had. But his expression was full of determination, almost beyond courage—it was a kind of radiant glow.
Suddenly, Yang Hao’s body emitted a strong light, shocking Wang Zhijun, who had thought victory was certain. “Have you gone mad? Daring to violate the rules and use Primordial Force on yourself?”
What shocked Wang Zhijun even more was Yang Hao’s current action—he was channeling Primordial Force into his own body, just like one would into a weapon. Everyone knew that in Raymond Advanced Academy—and even throughout the entire galaxy—this was strictly forbidden. From the very beginning of their Primordial Force training, the academy’s rules had clearly stated that channeling Primordial Force into one’s own body would result in severe consequences, including the removal of all techniques and imprisonment in the Empire.
Yet now, Yang Hao dared to break the law, pouring more and more Primordial Force into his body, his glow growing brighter and brighter, like a radiant star shining with brilliance.
“I won’t die, and I won’t be anyone’s slave,” Yang Hao shouted fiercely. “I don’t have a sword, so I’ll fight you with my body!”
“So what?” Although the scene was terrifying, Wang Zhijun had no reason to be afraid. “Even if you pour all your Primordial Force into your body, you still can’t match me. Let alone fighting me barehanded!”
Wang Zhijun thought his words would scare Yang Hao into retreating, but he never expected Yang Hao’s stubbornness to kick in. Ignoring the consequences, Yang Hao charged forward, glowing like a blazing star.
Yang Hao was utterly humiliated. Holding the freshly issued report card, the numbers on it made even his thick-skinned face burn with shame.
Force Technique: 23 points.
Flight Technique: 30 points.
Swordsmanship: 5 points.
Telekinesis: 15 points.
All out of a hundred. The only decent score was in Perception Technique, where he scored an 85. But Perception Technique was the least valued skill in the empire right now. If he excelled in Force Technique, he could become a warrior. If he mastered Telekinesis, he could pilot a starship.
But for students who were only good at Perception Technique, the best career prospects were as miners or excavator operators, digging up relics on long-abandoned planets.
Looking around at his classmates, it was a mixed bag—at least everyone had a few passable specialties. This was one of the goals of the Raymond Star Advanced Interstellar Academy, the empire’s most prestigious university, dedicated to cultivating elite talents. Countless children of the aristocracy fought tooth and nail to get in.
But not all students were nobles. Take Yang Hao, for example—he was 100% a commoner, and the only one in the entire school. He hadn’t gotten in through merit or connections, but by sheer luck, like winning a lottery.
To maintain its “people-friendly” image, the academy occasionally selected one lucky commoner to attend. Yang Hao was the third in a decade.
Rumor had it the previous two had mysteriously disappeared during their studies.
Yang Hao glanced around and noticed that Ais’ seat was empty. Thinking of her, his heart raced—she was the only bright spot in his otherwise miserable life.
He had been secretly in love with Ais for a long time. In fact, over half the male students in the academy were smitten with her. She was the daughter of the empire’s ambassador to Raymond Star, stunningly beautiful—like an angel. It was said her father had once served on Angel Star, a planet renowned for its beauties, where he married and had Ais. Her looks were easily a 90 out of 100.
To Yang Hao, Ais was more beautiful than any angel—her delicate figure, long legs, and captivating presence could steal anyone’s soul. Even when she dozed off in class, she still managed to turn heads. Sitting close to her, Yang Hao often found himself mesmerized by the way her long eyelashes fluttered when she rested her chin on her hand, so beautiful it made him sweat.
Unfortunately, Ais was always surrounded by a crowd of noble boys, leaving no room for Yang Hao to approach. That was, until yesterday, when he finally mustered the courage to hand her his first-ever love letter.
And today, before the report cards were handed out, Ais had quietly approached him, asking to meet at the academy’s back mountain.
Yang Hao still felt like he was floating on clouds, his heart sweet as honey. Out of all the noble students, he was the only one who got a private meeting with her. It made his terrible grades seem insignificant.
The back mountain of Raymond Star Advanced Academy was strictly off-limits. According to school rules, no one was allowed to set foot there. Among the academy’s four great legends, it was said that the mountain was the oldest earthen mound in the galaxy, having landed via meteorite thousands of years ago—and that it housed some terrifying monster.
Despite the rules, nearly every student had sneaked up there at least once. So when Yang Hao sprinted up the mountain, he felt no sense of unfamiliarity.
The summit was shaped like a concave bowl, rumored to be the meteorite’s impact site. But now, there was no trace of any meteorite—just a pale blue mountain lake, framed by lush greenery, making it the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous.
Gazing at the blue sky and the silver-glowing sun, Yang Hao was filled with anticipation. Maybe today, he’d finally win over his dream girl, Ais, and become the envy of every boy in school.
“Hey, kid. Right on time.” A gruff voice, accompanied by the distinctive hum of a hoverboard, sounded behind him.
Yang Hao turned around. He recognized the sound—it was the hoverboards nobles used to compensate for their poor Flight Technique. Though Yang Hao’s Flight Technique was terrible too, he couldn’t afford one, so he had to run everywhere.
But when he turned, his heart sank. It wasn’t Ais—it was Kevin, the big bear. Kevin was from the Ursa Clan, standing over two meters tall, his muscles like iron, his body covered in thick brown fur. The Ursa were said to be the strongest race in the universe, with a natural affinity for Force Technique, but they were nearly incapable of flight.
“Kevin?” Yang Hao was confused. “What are you doing here?”
Kevin had always been hostile toward Yang Hao, glaring at him whenever they crossed paths. Today, his bully-like demeanor was even more infuriating, instantly ruining Yang Hao’s good mood.
“I’m here to teach a certain clueless brat a lesson,” Kevin growled, stepping off his hoverboard and gripping a thick metal rod—thicker than Yang Hao’s arm, as if to flaunt his brute strength.
Yang Hao had a bad feeling. “If you want to fight, just fight. Why glare at me like that?”
Kevin paused, digging at his nose with a finger. “Because that clueless brat is you.”
“Me?” Yang Hao realized he was already within striking range of Kevin’s rod, with no way to escape. “Why me? I didn’t do anything to you.”
Kevin laughed mockingly. “Didn’t do anything? A lowly commoner like you, daring to pursue Ais—doesn’t that count?”
Yang Hao’s heart pounded. He knew he stood no chance in a fight against this brute, but he refused to back down. “Anyone can pursue Ais. She doesn’t care if I’m a commoner—otherwise, why would she ask to meet me here?”
“Hahaha!” Kevin’s laughter was grating, shaking loose clumps of fur. “Idiot, don’t you get it? If she hadn’t lured you here, how could I teach you a lesson?”
Yang Hao froze. From Kevin’s words, it sounded like Ais had set him up. But a sliver of hope remained. “I don’t believe you. Ais would never do that.”
“Wouldn’t be so sure.” Another hoverboard hummed as a silver, bike-like model emerged from the trees, carrying two people—Wang Zhijun, a noble student, and Ais.
Wang Zhijun sneered. “Ais is our angel. A poor wretch like you daring to pursue her is an insult. Don’t you deserve punishment?”
Seeing Ais like this, Yang Hao was stunned. He desperately hoped she would speak up and stop them.
But his hope was quickly dashed.
Today, Ais wore a beautiful silver dress and the latest princess-style headpiece, accentuating her fair face, making her look utterly adorable.
But her words were ice-cold. “Why haven’t you started yet? So slow. I’m roasting out here.”
Wang Zhijun, eager to please, gave Kevin a signal. The bear-like boy laughed and swung his rod at Yang Hao.
Even though the rod was still a meter away, a surge of brutal force struck Yang Hao’s stomach, sending him flying.
This was the power of Force Technique—no matter the weapon, Force could channel energy through it, allowing attacks to land without direct contact.
Wang Zhijun fawned over Ais. “Kevin’s an incredible Force user. Among students, almost no one can match him. Even I can only barely outdo him.”
Ais ignored Wang Zhijun’s bragging, but Yang Hao was in agony. He’d been flung several meters, landing on the pebbles by the lake, his stomach churning with searing pain.
Kevin wasn’t done. He used Force to hurl pebbles at Yang Hao, pelting him relentlessly, treating him like a toy.
What hurt Yang Hao more was the realization—he’d never had a chance with Ais. He was just a commoner. How could a lowly commoner ever win the affection of a noble girl?
The cold lake wind blew over him, intensifying his humiliation. Gritting his teeth, Yang Hao lifted his head and muttered, so softly only he could hear:
“Even a commoner… can feel rage.”
“What?” Kevin paused, lowering his rod. “What did you say?”
“Taste Yang Hao’s wrath!!” Yang Hao roared, his usual timid demeanor vanishing, replaced by a surge of courage.
Seeing Yang Hao charge at him, Kevin was momentarily stunned. Yang Hao had always been a punching bag—he never expected him to fight back.
Kevin tightened his grip on the metal rod, channeling as much Force as he could into it. He’d knock Yang Hao down in one hit, show him who was boss!
But before Yang Hao entered striking range, he hurled a handful of pebbles with surprising force—clearly, he’d infused them with his meager 23-point Force Technique.
Kevin didn’t dare underestimate it. Swinging his rod, the two Forces collided, shattering the stones into a gray mist that enveloped him.
Seizing the moment, Yang Hao threw one last, hidden rock—straight at Kevin’s head. The bear-man, rubbing his eyes in the dust cloud, never saw it coming.
*Thunk!*
Kevin’s massive body swayed, then collapsed.
“Yes!!” Yang Hao pumped his fist in triumph.
Wang Zhijun and Ais stared in shock. It took them a while to process that the usually pathetic Yang Hao had actually defeated Kevin.
“Useless,” Ais muttered, clearly displeased. Wang Zhijun had probably promised her a show, and now the tables had turned.
Wang Zhijun’s face twisted with rage. Jumping off his hoverboard, he drew a gleaming silver dagger from his waist. With a surge of Force, the blade extended into a meter-long energy sword.
He advanced on Yang Hao, flicking the blade menacingly. “You brought this on yourself. Don’t blame me.” His eyes gleamed with malice, sending a chill down Yang Hao’s spine.
“Kevin attacked first,” Yang Hao argued, though fear crept into his voice. “I was just defending myself.”
“Nobles can beat commoners,” Wang Zhijun sneered. “But if a commoner fights back? That’s a death sentence.”
“You’d actually kill me…?” Yang Hao finally understood how the previous two commoner students had vanished.
“Why not? Killing a commoner or two—my father will smooth it over.” Before striking, Wang Zhijun even flashed Ais a smirk, striking what he thought was a cool pose.
As if Yang Hao were already dead.
And why wouldn’t he be? What chance did Yang Hao have against Wang Zhijun? His family was a renowned swordsmanship lineage, with generations of imperial generals. Their children trained in a unique technique that enhanced their swordplay beyond ordinary Force.
Wang Zhijun himself was already a prodigy, having bypassed beginner courses and now mastering advanced techniques.
Compared to Yang Hao’s pitiful 5-point Swordsmanship score, the gap was insurmountable.
So when Wang Zhijun’s blade traced a flower-like arc, Yang Hao’s face went deathly pale.
“Kneel and beg,” Wang Zhijun taunted, “and I’ll only take one arm. You can live as my slave.”
“No.” Yang Hao’s voice was firm.
“No?” Wang Zhijun laughed. What right did Yang Hao have to refuse?
But Yang Hao meant it. “I won’t be your slave. My hands… have other things to do.”
“Then die.” Wang Zhijun raised his sword. “Let’s see what you’ve got to stop me.”
Yang Hao was unarmed. But the determination in his eyes wasn’t just courage—it was something more.
A brilliant light erupted from his body.
Wang Zhijun’s smirk faltered. “You’re insane! You’re using Force on your own body? That’s forbidden!”
What Yang Hao was doing was illegal—not just in the academy, but across the galaxy. The school rules explicitly warned that channeling Force into one’s body led to catastrophic consequences. Offenders had their abilities stripped and were imprisoned.
Yet Yang Hao poured every ounce of his Force into himself, his body blazing like a star.
“I won’t die. And I won’t be anyone’s slave.” Yang Hao’s voice rang out. “No sword? Then I’ll fight you with my body.”
“Big deal.” Wang Zhijun scoffed, though the sight was unnerving. “Your pathetic Force wouldn’t even scratch me through a weapon, let alone bare-handed.”
He expected Yang Hao to back down. Instead, the fool charged headfirst, glowing like a supernova.
Wang Zhijun countered with his family’s signature move—*Ephemeral Bloom*. His blade burst into a silver flower, clashing with Yang Hao’s radiant body.
In past duels, this technique had left opponents either dismembered or grievously wounded.
But this time—
*BOOM!*
The sword couldn’t pierce Yang Hao’s Force shield. Instead, an unprecedented explosion of energy sent Wang Zhijun tumbling, covered in dirt.
Yang Hao fared worse. The blast hurled him hundreds of meters, crashing into a hillside—where the impact carved out a hole, burying him inside.
And just like that, Yang Hao stumbled into a fate beyond his wildest dreams.
According to Wang Zhijun’s previous dueling experience, this move would either tear his opponent apart or at least leave them severely injured. But this time, he miscalculated badly.
When the sword strike met Yang Hao’s body, it failed to penetrate the glow surrounding him. Instead, it exploded. An unprecedented force erupted, sending Wang Zhijun crashing to the ground, covered in dust and shame.
Yang Hao fared even worse. Taking the brunt of the explosion, he was thrown hundreds of meters away, crashing into a hillside and burying himself in a crater he had created.
And with that, a dreamlike fate embraced Yang Hao.
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