Chapter 8
"We've arranged for your admission to a first-class university in Monster Capital," her mother continued, "a place where only the most talented gather. There, you can learn how to cultivate and control your Spiritual Power."
Su Mu's heart skipped a beat. Monster Capital—even the name sounded intense. From her merged memories, she vaguely recalled it as the hub of elite Spiritual Masters and a center for powerful organizations, Monster races, and ancient families.
Su Mu looked down at her soup for a moment, her reflection faintly visible on the surface. "I understand," she said softly, but with growing resolve. "I won't let you down."
Her mother gave a small nod of approval and returned to her meal, but Su Mu's mind wandered.
This world—Blue Star—was nothing like Earth. Its history had taken a very different path.
Spiritual Power. Reiki. Mana.
Different names for the same incredible force that had changed everything.
About two thousand five hundred years ago, this power had suddenly appeared, spreading across the entire planet like an invisible storm.
No one knew exactly where it came from, but its arrival changed the world forever. The skies darkened for weeks.
Oceans roared, mountains shifted, and the very fabric of life seemed to warp under the weight of this new energy.
People started awakening strange powers—some could move objects with a flick of their wrist, others could talk to beasts, or even manipulate the elements.
Society had to change. New cities were built. Old governments fell. And families like the Su family rose to power, their bloodlines rich with Spiritual Energy and their names etched into history.
Her father didn't stay for long but the silver-haired woman's gaze grew more solemn as the last of the meal was cleared away. The quiet clinking of plates was replaced by a heavier silence.
"Mu'er, I need you to understand something clearly before you leave for Monster Capital," she said, folding her hands in front of her large breasts. "The world beyond these walls is no longer like the old tales we used to tell."
Su Mu looked up, sensing the weight behind her mother's voice.
"Sink slowly… or fall forever."
Her heart skipped at those words.
It was a phrase Su Mu had heard in the memories buried deep in her soul.
A warning passed through generations since the Blooming—the name given to the cataclysm thousands of years ago when Spiritual Power first appeared… and nature began to twist.
"Perhaps a stellar phenomenon, a failed terraforming experiment of cosmic scale, or maybe an arrival of a gravitational entity—the cause is lost to legend."
Her mother continued, "The result, however, is undeniable: the planet's solid mass was shattered and enveloped by an impossibly vast, newly formed gas giant atmosphere."
She remembered now. The things Su Mu—the original Su Mu—had learned and feared.
For a moment, Su Mu could barely breathe.
And somewhere inside, a deeper, quieter thought whispered: 'Fuck, is this is the world I'm meant to survive in now.'
Her mother's tone softened. "That's why you must master your Spiritual Power, Mu'er. Only the strong survive in today's world."
A quiet pause passed before her mother stood up, smoothing out the front of her gown.
Her mother further explained, "You'll leave for Monster Capital tomorrow morning. Make use of the time."
Su Mu listened quietly as her mother's voice softened, the tension from before easing into something more practical, more grounded.
"You'll be staying in Monster Capital for quite a while," her mother said, folding her hands neatly.
"We've already arranged your accommodations. You'll be living with your uncle, Ye Fan."
Su Mu blinked, surprised by the name. "Uncle Ye Fan?"
Her mother gave a slight nod, noticing the flicker of doubt on her daughter's face. "Yes, your uncle. He's a professor at Monster College. It's thanks to his help and your father's request that we were able to an admission there."
Su Mu tried to pull something from her memories—an image, a voice—but it was all faint. She hadn't seen Ye Fan in over fifteen years. To be honest, he was almost a stranger.
She remembered visiting him once as a child. He had smelled like ink and old books, and had laughed loudly at her drawing. That was about it.
"I haven't seen him in so long…" Su Mu murmured, her brow furrowed.
"I know," her mother replied, gently. "But he's family, and he's done well for himself. He's respected at the Academy. It's good to have someone close in a new place. Someone who can look after you."
Su Mu gave a slow nod, chewing on her bottom lip in thought.
"When does the Academy start?" she asked after a pause, wanting something solid to hold onto.
"In a week," her mother said. "That should give you time to adjust and get to know your uncle's household."
Su Mu leaned back in her chair, the whirlwind of changes catching up with her. Her heart thudded a little harder than usual.
"A week," she echoed softly. "It all feels so sudden…"
Her mother reached out and placed a warm hand on her shoulder. "I understand, Mu'er. It is sudden. But sometimes, that's how life moves. Fast. Unexpected."
She squeezed gently. "You'll be okay. Change can be scary, but it's also a chance to grow, to see new things… become someone even stronger."
Su Mu's chest tightened at those words, but she nodded. Slowly.
"Tomorrow morning, you'll leave for Monster City," her mother said, her tone returning to its usual composed calm. "Lingxi will stay behind, she has duties here."
Su Mu's eyes shifted to the floor, a quiet sense of loss blooming in her chest at the thought of parting from Lingxi. But she said nothing.
"You should use tonight to prepare," her mother continued. "Say your goodbyes, pack what you need, and rest. Monster City is not like Silver Moon."
She paused, then added gently, "Your uncle and his wife know you're coming. They've already made space for you. He's looking forward to seeing you again."
Su Mu's hands curled slightly in her lap, her thoughts now turning to the journey ahead.
Her mother stood and began listing the things Su Mu would need: travel robes, spiritual focus tools, an identity token for Monster City, and few other things.
But Su Mu wasn't listening to all the details anymore.
After their dinner, Su Mu and Lingxi retreated to their room.
Lingxi, overcome with emotion, murmured softly, with tears welled up in her eyes. "Am I not allowed to accompany you to..." she questioned; her disappointment evident.