Rowan sat by the observation deck window, gazing into the endless sea of stars beyond the glass.
Countless stars glittered like scattered diamonds across the cosmos. From time to time, a comet streaked across the darkness, dragging a luminous tail behind it. The sight was majestic, mysterious, and awe-inspiring.
Though he had left the Silver Blue Empire three days ago, his heart was still filled with thoughts of the friends he had left behind.
The Starwing Divine Roc feather in his hand emitted a gentle silver-blue glow beneath his touch, as if responding to his emotions. Through the feather, Rowan could vaguely sense Haruto's presence. Even separated by unimaginable distances, the bond of their shared bloodline remained unmistakably clear.
"Sir, you don't seem to be in a very good mood."
A young woman seated beside him spoke with concern.
She was a researcher from the Virtual Universe Company, returning to headquarters to submit a work report.
"It's nothing," Rowan replied politely. "I just miss my friends. It's my first time being this far away from them, so it's taking a little time to adjust."
"I understand that feeling."
The young woman smiled warmly.
"My name is Lina. I'm a researcher from the Third Research Institute of the Virtual Universe Company. I heard you're also an employee of the company?"
"That's right. I'm Rowan. I recently finished an assignment in the Silver Blue Empire."
He offered a brief introduction before asking,
"What field do you specialize in?"
"My primary focus is the study of ancient civilizations, ruins, and artifacts."
Lina's eyes brightened immediately.
"We recently discovered several highly valuable relic sites in the Sirius Star System. I'm heading back to headquarters to submit a detailed report. What kind of mission were you carrying out in the Silver Blue Empire?"
"Mostly cultural exchange and learning experiences."
Rowan chose not to elaborate on everything that had happened.
"The Silver Blue Empire is a fascinating civilization. I learned a great deal there."
The two continued chatting pleasantly when the ship's broadcast system suddenly activated.
"Attention all passengers. A large asteroid field has been detected ahead. The ship will perform an emergency course adjustment. Please fasten your safety restraints and remain seated."
As the announcement echoed through the cabin, the spacecraft began vibrating slightly.
Outside the observation window, countless flashing points of light appeared in the distance. The asteroid field was coming into view.
"That looks pretty massive."
Lina's expression tightened.
"I hope we can safely navigate around it."
"We should be fine," Rowan reassured her.
"Virtual Universe Company vessels are equipped with the most advanced navigation systems available. Situations like this shouldn't be a problem."
Unfortunately, reality proved otherwise.
A few minutes later, the intercom sounded again.
This time, the captain's voice carried a hint of tension.
"Attention passengers. We've encountered a technical complication. The asteroid field is significantly larger than our initial scans indicated. Several asteroids contain unusual metallic compositions that are interfering with our navigation systems. We are currently searching for a safe route."
The vibrations intensified.
Through the window, the asteroid field now loomed directly ahead. Massive chunks of rock floated through space like mountains, their surfaces glimmering with metallic reflections.
"This doesn't look good."
Lina gripped her armrest nervously.
"The asteroids are packed too tightly together. There may not be enough room to pass through."
Rowan's expression grew serious as well.
No matter how advanced the spacecraft was, accidents could still happen in a field this dense.
Instinctively, his hand moved toward Void Severance hanging at his side.
Hopefully he wouldn't need to use it.
But it never hurt to be prepared.
Suddenly, alarms erupted from the control room.
The captain's voice returned, this time unmistakably panicked.
"Emergency! A supermassive asteroid has been detected directly in our flight path! Estimated diameter: five kilometers! Due to navigation system failure, we cannot alter course in time. Activating weapon systems for interception!"
Chaos instantly spread through the observation cabin.
Several passengers cried out in alarm.
Through the viewport, everyone could clearly see the enormous asteroid.
It resembled a mountain drifting through space.
At their current velocity, a collision would be catastrophic.
The ship's weapon systems activated.
Several high-energy laser beams shot forward and slammed into the asteroid's surface.
Brilliant explosions erupted.
Then everyone froze.
The lasers had barely done anything.
Only a few scorched marks remained on the asteroid's exterior.
No meaningful damage had been inflicted.
"That's impossible!"
Lina stared in disbelief.
"The company's laser cannons can destroy small planetary bodies. Why aren't they working?"
Rowan narrowed his eyes and studied the asteroid carefully.
Its surface was unlike ordinary rock.
Under the laser impacts, intricate metallic patterns became visible.
The material appeared to be some kind of extraordinary alloy with exceptional resistance to energy attacks.
"That's... Starcore Stone!"
An elderly passenger suddenly exclaimed.
"What?"
Lina turned toward him.
"Starcore Stone?" she asked.
The old man nodded grimly.
"It's one of the hardest materials in the universe. It can only form under the extreme conditions found within stellar cores. Ordinary energy weapons are virtually useless against it."
A wave of despair spread through the cabin.
If even the ship's primary weapons couldn't damage the asteroid, their chances of survival were slim.
The captain's voice echoed once more.
This time, resignation filled every word.
"Weapon systems ineffective. Course correction impossible. Prepare for impact. Emergency shielding systems are now active."
Red warning lights flashed throughout the vessel.
Protective barriers began charging at maximum output.
Yet everyone knew the truth.
Against an asteroid of that size, even the strongest shields offered no guarantee of survival.
At that critical moment, Rowan stood up.
He could not simply sit and watch.
Fighting in open space was extremely dangerous.
But it was also the only chance to save everyone aboard.
"I'll deal with the asteroid," he said calmly.
"What?!"
Lina stared at him.
"Are you insane? That's outer space! There's no oxygen out there! And that asteroid survived direct laser cannon fire!"
"Trust me."
Rowan offered a faint smile.
"I have a way."
Without further explanation, he headed for the airlock.
Inside, he quickly put on a spacesuit.
Although his current cultivation allowed him to survive briefly in space, additional protection was still wise.
"Sir, you can't do this!"
One of the airlock technicians tried to stop him.
"The environment outside is far too dangerous!"
"We don't have another option."
Rowan's voice remained firm.
"If that asteroid isn't destroyed, everyone on this ship dies."
Before anyone could stop him, he activated the airlock sequence.
The hatch opened.
Moments later, he was launched into the vacuum of space.
The vast universe unfolded before him.
Even through the spacesuit, he could feel the overwhelming grandeur of the cosmos.
Silence ruled this realm.
No wind.
No sound.
Only distant starlight illuminating the endless darkness.
Ahead, the Starcore Stone asteroid continued its relentless approach.
From this distance, it truly resembled a mountain drifting through the void.
Its metallic patterns sparkled beneath the stars.
Rowan took a deep breath.
The Kunpeng bloodline power within him surged awake.
In his awakened state, he could maneuver freely through space for a short period without relying entirely on the suit's life-support systems.
Slowly, he drew Void Severance.
Even in the vacuum of space, the divine sword radiated dark brilliance.
The law markings engraved across its blade began to glow.
It was as though the sword itself were sensing the surrounding structure of space.
"Void Severance," Rowan murmured softly, "I'm counting on you this time."
A warm response flowed back through their spiritual connection.
The remnant consciousness of the Void Sword Saint seemed to recognize the importance of this challenge.
Space Law energy gathered around the blade.
Visible distortions rippled through the surrounding vacuum.
Rowan raised the sword and pointed it at the incoming asteroid.
This strike would unleash every ounce of power he could currently command.
Even if it exhausted him completely, it would be worth it.
"Void... Heaven-Splitting Slash!"
His roar echoed only within his suit.
A colossal black sword light erupted from Void Severance.
It stretched for kilometers across space, resembling a bolt of darkness tearing through the stars.
The attack surged toward the asteroid.
Everywhere the sword light passed, space itself trembled.
This was not a conventional energy attack.
It was a direct assault using the Laws of Space themselves.
No matter how durable Starcore Stone might be, it was insignificant before the power of a fundamental cosmic law.
The instant the black slash struck, the surrounding starfield seemed to brighten.
Not because of an explosion.
But because space itself warped, creating bizarre optical distortions.
Then the impossible happened.
The giant asteroid that had resisted the spacecraft's laser cannons was sliced cleanly in half.
Like tofu beneath a master chef's knife.
The cut was perfectly smooth.
No debris.
No shattering fragments.
Only a flawless division.
Momentum carried the two halves forward, but their trajectories shifted apart.
They passed harmlessly on either side of the spacecraft.
The danger was gone.
Inside the ship, every passenger witnessed the unbelievable scene.
Despair instantly transformed into shock.
A single man.
A single sword.
Had destroyed an asteroid made of Starcore Stone.
"This can't be real!"
Lina's eyes widened.
"That's Starcore Stone! Even Cosmic Rank experts would struggle to destroy something like that!"
The captain's voice blasted through the intercom.
"Threat neutralized! Repeat, threat neutralized! Our deepest gratitude to the gentleman who intervened! You saved all our lives!"
Outside, Rowan felt a wave of exhaustion.
That attack had nearly drained every bit of strength he could currently command.
Even Void Severance seemed weakened and would need time to recover.
Yet seeing everyone safe filled him with satisfaction.
Then something caught his attention.
The exposed interior of the asteroid revealed an unusual structure.
It didn't look natural.
It looked artificial.
"What is that?"
Curious, Rowan flew closer.
Near the asteroid's center was a spherical chamber roughly one meter across.
Suspended within it floated a faintly glowing device.
The object appeared ancient.
Its surface was covered in intricate runes that radiated an air of profound mystery.
"Could this asteroid have been manufactured?"
The thought immediately surfaced in his mind.
Approaching cautiously, he examined the device.
It appeared to be some sort of energy core.
Despite existing for untold ages, it was still functioning, albeit weakly.
"This could be a relic of an ancient civilization."
Rowan's eyes narrowed.
"The experts need to see this."
Carefully securing the device, he returned to the spacecraft.
When the airlock finally closed behind him, everyone aboard looked at him with expressions of awe.
"Sir, what you just did was unbelievable!"
Lina exclaimed excitedly.
"How did you do it? That attack was stronger than the ship's main cannon!"
"I was just lucky."
Rowan smiled modestly.
He had no intention of explaining the origins of Void Severance.
The captain soon arrived in person.
"Sir, if not for your intervention, every one of us would have died today. Please tell me your name. I intend to report your heroic actions directly to company headquarters."
"My name is Rowan."
He nodded politely.
"I'm also an employee of the Virtual Universe Company. Helping fellow employees is only natural."
"Rowan..."
The captain paused thoughtfully.
"That name sounds familiar..."
Suddenly, his eyes widened.
"Wait! You're Mr. Rowan, the man recognized by the Sword Saint of the Silver Blue Empire!"
The passengers immediately looked at him with even greater admiration.
Within the company, anyone acknowledged by the legendary Sword Saint was already something of a celebrity.
"I can't believe I'm meeting a living legend!"
Lina said excitedly.
"No wonder you could destroy a Starcore Stone asteroid. You're the famous sword prodigy!"
Rowan waved his hand awkwardly.
"You're giving me too much credit. I still have a lot to learn."
"Oh, right."
The captain suddenly remembered something.
"Mr. Rowan, did you discover something inside that asteroid? I noticed you brought something back."
"Actually, yes."
Rowan produced the ancient device.
"This asteroid may not have formed naturally. I found this structure hidden inside its core. It could be an artifact from an ancient civilization."
As an archaeologist, Lina's attention was instantly captured.
"This is definitely artificial!"
She carefully examined the device.
"Based on the style of these runes, it could be tens of thousands of years old. And this energy signature is unlike anything I've ever encountered."
"This is an extraordinary discovery."
The captain's face lit up with excitement.
"An ancient device preserved inside Starcore Stone for tens of thousands of years. Its value could be immeasurable. Mr. Rowan, not only did you save our lives, but you've also brought a priceless discovery to the company."
With the crisis resolved, the spacecraft gradually returned to normal operations.
The repaired navigation system successfully identified a safe route through the asteroid field.
Once again, the Galaxy sailed steadily through the boundless sea of stars, carrying its passengers toward their destination and perhaps toward an even greater mystery hidden within the ancient device Rowan had recovered.
-------------------------------
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