The Command HQ of the Commonwealth Guard, a unified spiritual energy user force of Earth nicknamed the “Blue Guards,” occupied a fifteen-story “small building” on Oahu Island, which didn’t look particularly striking.
Especially when compared to the Military Command Headquarters, a towering thousand-meter skyscraper across two streets, it seemed like a tiny dwarf at the foot of a giant.
Of course, this didn’t mean that the “Blue Guards” were neglected.
No matter how “unremarkable” the small building was, it was still only one street away from the Military Command Headquarters; if you worked there, you might end up sharing a table with two generals while eating a bowl of luosifen for lunch nearby.
Moreover, Captain Yu Lian knew that the above-ground structure of this fifteen-story “small building” was merely an annex; its true body was a massive twelve-story underground complex, with each floor’s total area equivalent to three celestial spheres.
In the future, that towering thousand-meter skyscraper would be leveled by an orbital bombardment, and the Command HQ would directly relocate here.
Later still, a hero regiment of the Volunteer Army even used these labyrinthine underground structures as a base and hiding place, engaging in over a year of urban warfare with tens of thousands of Imperial occupation forces around the entire Eternal City and the Hawaiian Islands.
Often, the importance of a department is directly proportional to its office location.
Furthermore, even the gatekeeper here was a Major officer and spiritual energy user from the Internal Guard; even the Imperial Palace didn’t have such prestige, did it?
Yu Lian looked at the Internal Guard Major standing at the entrance with the astonished gaze one might reserve for a luxury item.
Of course, almost at the same moment, the other party saw him; he seemed to hesitate briefly, but then an extremely unfriendly sneer appeared on his face, and he stomped aggressively towards Yu Lian with an oppressive stride.
Of course, because the above display was too deliberate, the aura felt unnatural, and the deterrent effect was only mediocre.
Although he looked like he was spoiling for a fight, Yu Lian couldn’t even muster the slightest sense of alarm.
There were still several people entering and exiting the building’s doors, and they naturally noticed this scene, but none seemed inclined to intervene.
Ordinary people knew they couldn’t meddle in the affairs of spiritual energy users, while spiritual energy users directly showed expressions of playful anticipation, waiting for a show.
As for the legitimate security personnel further away, they were caught in hesitation.
Yu Lian wasn't too surprised.
The Blue Guards had only been established for a little over half a year; their first Commander was a naive idealist, the acting Vice President was a potential anti-establishment figure, and while their members included professional soldiers like Colonel Chaimen and Major Nani, there was also a considerable number of “Jianghu people” (jianghu renshi) hoping to live off the government, so military discipline was just so-so.
With a bunch of unruly spiritual energy users mixed together, brawling incidents were bound to be endless.
For the higher echelons of the military and the Defense Committee, as long as things didn’t escalate, they were generally indifferent.
Therefore, Yu Lian, beaming with a friendly, professional smile, saluted the other party.
No matter what, I am a proper elite group officer, unlike those wild monkeys from the “Jianghu people” (jianghu renshi); I am a very polite and graceful gentleman!
The other party returned a perfunctory salute, his face grim, so grim that Yu Lian felt a subtle sense of déjà vu.
“Captain Yu Lian?” he asked, trying to make his voice sound more oppressive.
“That would be me, sir!” Yu Lian replied with a smile, then quickly sized up the other party, showing a concerned expression: “…Was your neck stepped on by a corrupted demon, or penetrated by a Void Realm spiritual beast?”
The other party’s subsequent words were abruptly cut off, and after a moment of astonishment, suppressed anger gradually appeared on his face.
“As a spiritual energy user, you need to take even better care of your body! If your throat was truly penetrated, then you need to rest well.
Ignoring mental trauma will always lead to an eruption at some point, and then it will be too late,” Yu Lian said with an advising expression.
“My name is Helfan, Musa Helfan!” he stated.
This was a young man around twenty-five, tall and upright, with dark skin, clearly someone who had spent a lot of time outdoors.
His appearance was unremarkable, but his demeanor was fierce and capable, and with the added aura of a spiritual energy user, he could be considered a standard handsome man.
If he were in Yu Lian’s previous life’s hometown, in a certain “dock” (wu), even if he couldn’t become the third male lead or a minor villain in an action movie, he could easily make a living in the famous “valley” (gu) next door.
“Hmm! Nice to meet you,” Yu Lian said.
“You don’t know me?”
Yu Lian seriously looked at the other party’s rather unremarkable face, then shook his head even more seriously.
Neither in this life nor the last did he know him.
Generally speaking, Yu Lian was quite willing to let such overconfident individuals get a taste of reality, but since he was in a good mood today, he decided not to bother with this guy.
“Very well, you will remember in the future! You should remember! I grew up in an orphanage, and at fifteen, I was on the streets, living by instinct like a wild dog.”
Hmm, sounds like quite a story!
But what does that have to do with me?
“If Brigadier General Morey hadn’t discovered me, I might have ended up as a gangster’s thug, dying in a firefight on some remote star system, right?” He showed a reminiscent expression, then instantly switched to a ferocious one: “Yes, you heard right, I am a spiritual energy user warrior personally trained by Brigadier General Morey, to me, he is like a father figure.”
“Oh, nice to meet you!” Yu Lian repeated.
The other party had considered many possibilities for meeting Yu Lian, but he had never expected him to be so impervious to persuasion.
“…We’ll have plenty of time to get along well in the future, I hope you remain as steady as ever!”
He stretched out his hand, drew it across his neck, looked at Yu Lian with the gaze reserved for a dead man, and then strode away with a self-important gait.
Yu Lian glanced at the surrounding gazes out of the corner of his eye and sighed indifferently.
Then, just as the mocking gazes from the surroundings were about to turn into disdain, the one who called himself “Captain Helfan” suddenly let out a scream as if he had been stepped on by an invisible dragon’s foot, clutching his head and falling to the ground, then rolling around and wailing like an electrocuted groundhog.
What gave a mere Two Rings “peacekeeper” such confidence!
Well, even though I’m also Two Rings, if the world of extraordinary beings could be determined by the number of rings, wouldn’t that be too superficial?
As Yu Lian passed the other party, he called out, “What are you standing around for? Call a doctor quickly! A mental health professional too! That’s why I said, if you’ve been penetrated by an unspeakable entity from the Void Realm, you need to rest well.”
The surrounding gazes, which were about to turn into disdain, instantly transformed into fear and panic, and Yu Lian, under their watchful eyes, also strode away with a self-important gait, heading for the elevator.
Two ordinary military officers, who seemed to be logistics personnel, moved aside, bowing with smiling faces and inviting Yu Lian to enter.
One was a Captain and the other a Lieutenant; theoretically, they were of similar rank to Yu Lian, but at this moment, their attitude was as if they were welcoming a General.
The incident at the main entrance seemed to be just a minor impromptu interlude by someone and did not affect the normal operation of the entire Command HQ.
Yu Lian went all the way up to the fifteenth floor without any further incidents.
He met the newly appointed Commander, Major General Azisa Malowen, in her office on the top floor.
Major General Azisa Malowen, who had just turned forty this year, was one of the Blue Star Commonwealth’s most renowned archaeologists.
In this foolishly idealistic world, archaeologists were more respected than physicists and mathematicians, so even if one scored 676 points but chose to study archaeology, no one would question it.
In her professional career over the past decade or so, this lady had overseen four national-level, large-scale Enlightener Ruins excavation projects, and the number of small and medium-sized ruins explored and excavated was countless.
It is said that the arc weapons and deflection shields currently in the experimental stage were inspired by technology obtained from an ancient artifact she unearthed… Of course, this was “history” that the future told Yu Lian.
As for now, arc weapons and deflection shields were top secrets of the Blue Star Commonwealth; Yu Lian did not know, and no one knew!
Furthermore, once an archaeologist was also a spiritual energy user, and a very capable fighter at that, in this Universe, which was not only idealistic but also particularly individualistic and heroic, they would immediately take on a different aura.
For example, before joining the military, Major General Malowen was an influential adventurer and treasure hunter, not only among Earthlings but throughout the All-Galaxy.
It is said, and truly only said, that the prototype for the mysterious, beautiful, capable, and fierce Earth treasure hunter lady, who was both a friend and foe to Professor Jones, the ninth generation of Yu Lian’s favorite “Treasure Raiders Alliance,” was indeed this Azhisha.
In the "history" that Captain Yu Lian later came to know, this famous archaeologist would preside over three more ruin excavations during her career.
Two of them were multi-national collaborations, including the Alliance and the Empire, which completely elevated her standing in the academic world to its peak.
...However, Captain Yu Lian had truly never heard of her having any military experience.
Because she was a Five Rings spiritual energy user, Major General Azisa Malowen looked at least ten years younger than her actual age, so she couldn't even be considered past her prime; she was a beautiful older sister with high Appearance , great temperament , and a nicebody.
When Captain Yu Lian entered the room, this older sister was hunched over her desk, using tools to tinker with a small, round object about the size of an eyeball.
"Is that Captain Yu Lian? Have a seat, I'll be done in a moment," she said casually, without looking up. Her voice was friendly and gentle, indeed possessing the refined air of a scholar.
She fiddled with the small device on the table for a moment, then looked up. Only then did Captain Yu Lian notice that her left eye was closed. Immediately after, she opened her right eye, revealing a dark, empty socket, and then forcefully inserted the small sphere into it.
This scene was a bit unsettling, but because her movements were very quick, an ordinary person wouldn't have been able to see it clearly at all. However, Captain Yu Lian was not an ordinary person, so it was still a bit unsettling.
Fortunately, Captain Yu Lian, who was already accustomed to even more unsettling scenes, remained unfazed and even seemed a little interested.
She blinked, and her eyes naturally looked at Captain Yu Lian, revealing heterochromatic pupils, one blue and one red, with no discernible abnormality, as if they were born that way.
"This thing is occasionally a bit mischievous. It seems to have detected a spiritual energy skill involving a mental attack, so it started bouncing around in my eye socket, making my head feel like a party. Heh, what a mischievous little fellow!" She pointed to her red right eye, smiling faintly.
Captain Yu Lian pretended not to hear, instead staring at the Major General's red eye with interest, an expression of appreciation on his face: "This should be an audruus crystal eyes, right?"
"Oh, you have good taste, Captain Yu Lian. I heard Captain Yu Lian has quite extensive theoretical knowledge in the field of mysticism; it seems the rumors are true!" Azhisha said, unfazed, her expression becoming even friendlier.
"I occasionally obtained this while exploring the Hilruth star system. It is indeed an audruus crystal eyes, and it has an Enlightener array. However, precisely because it's a genuine Enlightener artifact, it's too sensitive; it trembles at the slightest disturbance, like it's disco dancing in my brain."
The so-called Audruus Crystal was an Enlightener relic unearthed 500 years ago by the Imperial archaeologist, Count Audruus. It wasn't a scientific or technological heritage but a powerful spiritual energy treasure. Its main materials were "Energy-Gathering Crystal," "Spirit Crystal," and "Spiritual Marrow Fluid" from Zero Element.
Later, many such treasures were unearthed. Due to their very similar properties and materials, alchemy masters believed they should be the same type of work, crafted by the same group of alchemy masters from the Enlightener civilization.
The Empire's alchemists later successfully restored this treasure and achieved its "mass production."
Thus, the unified term "audruus crystal eyes" came into being.
The effect of this item is also very straightforward: once activated, it can grant the wearer sharper observation and vision, as well as powerful X-ray vision. Additionally, it can unleash spiritual energy beams with extremely strong destructive and penetrating power to attack enemies.
Yes, as everyone guessed, it's the type of ability like laser eyes.
The one Azhisha held, with its Enlightener array, meant it was a genuine article unearthed from Enlightener Ruins, and its power was far greater than the counterfeit imitations made by the Imperial Royal Alchemist Order.
However, this thing is actually quite sinister. The only way to activate it is to sacrifice one eye.
Moreover, it's not simply a matter of ruthlessly gouging out one's eye; it also involves some kind of spiritual sacrifice, requiring the activator to deny the existence of one eye on a soul level.
Sounds very metaphysical and cult-like, doesn't it? What Captain Yu Lian hated most were these charlatanic claims, always feeling that the evil winds were too strong. If it were him, he would never do such a thing. However,
These audruus crystal eyes have been unearthed for over five hundred years, and no other side effects have been reported.
...Uh, except that this thing will twitch in your eye socket, twitch when it senses danger, twitch when it senses spiritual energy fluctuations, twitch when it senses an abnormal environment, and twitch even more when the wearer's soul is ambushed, making your whole head feel like it's twitching, then there really are no side effects.
Additionally, the genuine Enlightener artifacts are more sensitive and prone to twitching than the Imperial imitations. From this perspective, twitching isn't a side effect, but a legitimate, super-strong early warning function!
In short, for the idealistic fools of this Universe, what's not to love about exchanging a mere physical eye for a divine eye that can see thousands of miles away, has X-ray vision, and can shoot lasers?
But then again, the entire Universe prohibits body modification through cybernetics, but as long as it involves mysticism, it's a different standard. What a world full of preferential treatment for idealistic fools!
"This level of modification is, of course, permitted. Besides, treasures made from Zero Element are not mechanical products, so their nature is different. If you could replace your entire torso with active metal and Seven-Star Stones, others would only revere you; to be able to wield so much Zero Element, you must be a spiritual energy master worthy of admiration! However, even replacing a single finger with a mechanical one would draw strange looks. Captain Yu Lian, don't you think this is a very absurd Universe?"
It was indeed a very absurd Universe.
If he wasn't too unfamiliar with the Major General, Captain Yu Lian might have already invited her for a drink later.
"I am a 'Shepherd,' ultimately not very good at direct combat, which is why I need this little thing as a safeguard. However, perhaps due to my path, my adaptability to this item is quite good," she said with another smile.
The dark side of the Fanatic, the fifth ring of the "Co-fusion" Star Ring?
This was also a relatively awkward Star Ring. One must know that its dark side was the powerful "Driving," whose pinnacle referred to the Sky Mentors who could ignite stars and create black holes with their bare hands.
As for "Co-fusion," its currently known pinnacle is the sixth ring, "Shape Shifter," which is even more awkward than Captain Yu Lian's "Balance."
Overall, if the "Driving" Star Ring represents control over spiritual energy and matter-energy conversion, then "Co-fusion" should be a form of communication. It is said that at its extreme, the spirit can communicate and merge with all things, from microorganisms and even the quantum world, to stars and even the Universe...
Of course, all of the above are claims, theories, and in any case, no one has seen them yet.
However, what can be guaranteed is that this profound sixth sense is indeed very strong, and for archaeologists, it is indeed a very convenient ability, it's just not very suitable for direct combat.
"There's no other way. I've been involved in the adventure and archaeology world for so many years, so I have some connections. I have many good friends in the Alliance's Guerrilla Association, the Extraordinary Administration Bureau, and even the Empire's Star Gazing Pavilion. This is probably why the higher-ups invited me to be this Commander." The Commander's smile carried a hint of sarcasm: "Fortunately, there haven't been any archaeological discoveries worth my attention recently, so I can free up my hands to do some things. Anyway, this spiritual energy unit is still in its construction phase, and no one expects much from my leadership. As long as I can manage communication and ensure a smooth transition during this construction period, I'll consider my mission accomplished."
At this point, a hint of helplessness appeared on her face: "Then, my archaeology team will gain a large batch of equipment and three armed scientific research vessels! This was a promise made personally by the Defense Committee Chairman!"
"Communication?" Captain Yu Lian was more interested in what she had said earlier.
"Yes, communication! The establishment of the Commonwealth Guard actually drew inspiration from the organizational structure of the Extraordinary Administration Bureau, and of course, it also included the existing experience of the Star Realm Knight Order. Anyway, I heard from Maria... Vice President, that she even hopes our Blue Guards can become a bridge of friendship between the Alliance and the Empire."
"Hmm, this subordinate can understand Vice President. She probably thinks: among extraordinary individuals, there's always more common ground!" Captain Yu Lian said with a smile.
Whether spiritual energy users believed it or not, "mortals" always had such thoughts. He wondered if this counted as an inherent prejudice.
"So, do you understand why I'm telling you all this today?" Azhisha's eyes showed anticipation, and even the fake eyes formed by the treasure seemed to glow brightly.