Chapter 51: If Your Body Reaches Its Limit, Let Your Will Carve a Path Through the Abyss

"I'm sorry, Kong—man, I was wrong about you all along!"

"Chen Kong: I may not be a genius, but I’m no coward either!"

"Kong—you’re a real man!"

A twist. A massive reversal.

When the multiverse spectators saw this boy—once branded a “coward” by them—now, at the brink of death, instinctively rushing to protect a group of complete strangers, the image of Chen Kong as a shy, timid outcast crumbled instantly.

In its place rose a figure just as quiet and insecure—but one who dared to face death head-on.

And in that moment, the viewers finally understood something profound:

They had never truly hated kindness.

They despised only the hypocrites—those who preached morality while wielding it like a weapon, twisting ethics into chains.

You may choose to hide in silence.

But don’t mock, don’t scorn those who dare to stand.

Because the light they fight for?

It will shine on you too.

Boom!

The obsidian Void Pattern bullet sliced through flames and smoke, meeting the expectant gazes of countless spectators—then struck precisely between Rongshan’s brows.

But then—something unexpected happened.

The bullet passed straight through the “Rongshan” behind Chen Kong… and embedded itself into the empty cash register behind him.

The figure that had appeared at Chen Kong’s back wasn’t real.

It was a flawless illusion.

“Too bad,” Rongshan’s voice echoed from the shadows. “You were so close to killing me.”

Chen Kong spun around—fingers tightening on his gun—only for a brutal fist to strike first.

Crack!

His body flew like a ragdoll, slamming into a shelf before crashing to the ground.

Where he had stood, Rongshan now stood in flesh and blood.

His right elbow bore two grotesque, volcanic-like growths—emitting faint plumes of smoke as he remained frozen in the act of striking.

“Though you’re just a kid, the Stellar Envoy knows one rule above all: never act without knowing your enemy’s Stellar Source type.”

“Boy, I’ve seen right through you.”

“If I’m not mistaken… your Stellar Source is some kind of Trait Class that nullifies other Stellar Sources, isn’t it?”

“A truly absurd ability… but it doesn’t matter.”

“Because I’m not some weakling who crumbles without my own power.”

“And your weakness? It’s glaringly obvious.”

Cough!

Chen Kong curled into a ball among the rubble, his ribs fractured—possibly piercing his organs. Warm blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

How many ribs were broken? One? Two? More?

He didn’t know.

All he knew was that the scorching heat of Kong energy burned through his chest with every breath—each inhalation a blade slicing his lungs.

He hurt.

So much pain he couldn’t even stand.

His body had reached its limit.

There was no doubt: Chen Kong was utterly trapped.

Even at full strength, he couldn’t match Rongshan.

Now, wounded and broken? He was finished.

If he’d just ignored the people in the store—fled using the low profile granted by Void Pattern—he could’ve escaped.

But if he’d done that, Rongshan would’ve slaughtered every single one of them in fury.

So Chen Kong chose to stay.

He gave them precious seconds—time to run.

Was it worth it?

To risk everything for strangers he didn’t even know?

He didn’t know their names.

And even if he saved them… would they ever say “thank you”?

Was it worth it?

Dazed, Chen Kong felt his head grow heavier. His vision blurred. Memories flashed like a film reel.

"Tian Dao, why does everyone hate me? Am I really that repulsive?"

"Hmm… that’s a good question. Have you ever thought… maybe they’re not afraid of you? Maybe they’re afraid of what you might be?"

"Afraid of me? Why?"

"People are curious about the unknown—but they fear it too. A predator only bares its claws when facing another threat. But when it sees a harmless little rabbit? It just naps. Doesn’t even bother to stand up."

"So the more ordinary you seem… the more they fear you. Because they don’t know—were you pretending to be weak? Or are you truly weak?"

"But honestly… none of that matters. You’re living for yourself—not for them."

"So what others think? It doesn’t matter. What you think? That’s what counts."

As the memory faded, Chen Kong’s eyes—once clouded with doubt—clearly focused.

Right.

It didn’t matter what others thought.

Only what he believed mattered.

Because he was living for himself—not for anyone else.

If he believed in something… he’d do it.

Whether it brought reward or not.

Whether it was “right” or not.

If he believed it was right—then it was right.

With that, Chen Kong made his choice.

He suppressed the Void Pattern within him.

And poured every last shred of star energy into his Stellar Source—The Dreamer.

The Dreamer possessed the ability to copy up to three Stellar Sources.

And now, Chen Kong activated the one he’d chosen: Jing Ruli’s Daydream, from Stellar Prodigy No.3.

"Wait… you want to copy my Stellar Source?"

"B-But… is that okay?"

"Of course! My ability isn’t anything special. Take it—use it however you want."

"But there’s one thing I must warn you: my Daydream isn’t fixed. Its effect depends entirely on your mood, your thoughts. After all, only what you dream of at day can appear in your night."

"People think it only creates healing Dream Candy because that’s what I wanted—to keep everyone happy in the base. I poured my joy into every sweet."

"But everyone’s dreams are different. I’m happy here. I want this life to last. So my Dream Candy makes people joyful, healthy, whole."

"But that’s my dream. Not yours."

"If you don’t know what you truly want… you won’t know what kind of dream you’ll create."

"Remember that."

"I… I understand."

That was why Chen Kong chose Jing Ruli’s Daydream.

Because he knew his heart.

He knew his mind.

His dream?

To live.

And that will—more than ever—burned brighter than fire.

“Huh?!”

In Rongshan’s stunned gaze, the boy—already broken, already at his end—suddenly erupted with a surge of Stellar Energy far stronger than before.

His body visibly healed. His posture straightened.

As if he’d never been wounded at all.

All because of the strange, glowing blue candy now clutched in his hand.

So… his Stellar Source wasn’t about nullifying Star Energy?

Or… did he have two Stellar Sources?

Rongshan couldn’t think.

Because Chen Kong was already on his feet.

The custom black gun rose once more—its barrel now pulsing with a faint, eerie blue glow, like the heartbeat of a man who refused to die.

He wanted to live.

And he would live.

His tomorrow was coming—no matter what.

---

[Dream Candy · Blue (Fake)]:

Temporarily suppresses all pain. Restores and boosts Stellar Energy Value and physical condition. Duration: 3 minutes.

Side Effect: After effect ends, user enters 24-hour state of extreme weakness—all stats reduced by 50%.

Creator: Chen Kong

Blue represents the sky, freedom, and the future. This candy—carrying the weight of tomorrow—will let its eater witness the brilliance of what’s to come.

So if your body has reached its limit… let your will carry you through the abyss.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end