Chapter Nine: Entering the Whirling Gale (Part Two)

On the first page, the protagonist humorously requests their siblings to cast their votes for them. The existence of this secret passage is highly confidential, and it is not a straightforward route. Many sections require waiting for meteors to clear the path, causing delays. Although the journey is slow, it is safe; larger meteors block the way, requiring patience, while smaller ones are shattered by the transport ship's defensive cannons before proceeding with shields activated.

After a month and a half, the transport ship finally navigates through the meteor belt, taking over ten days longer than usual. The protagonist, known as the Thief, briefly returns to the ship's bridge to inform the commander, Crazy Food, of the need to direct the ship, before hurriedly leaving. Once out of the meteor belt, the Thief enters the cabin, looking worn out.

Upon seeing the Thief's condition, Crazy Food expresses concern, questioning if directing a transport ship could be so exhausting. The Thief, with a wry smile, shakes his head and explains the difficulties of dealing with a foolish captain. After mentioning his need for rest, he retreats to his quarters, emerging the next day. After sharing a synthetic meal, the Thief remarks on Crazy Food's apparent nearing of a breakthrough into the innate realm, but senses something strange about his energy.

During the Thief's absence, Crazy Food diligently practiced in the confined cabin, focusing on internal martial arts due to the limited space. He is close to mastering the fifth level of the Crazy Dragon Technique, a crucial step toward transitioning from acquired to innate abilities. Recognizing the need for natural progression, he turns to the Starry Sky Technique, which trains spiritual energy, an area where he previously lacked strength. The Thief quickly notices this change in Crazy Food.

In a light-hearted conversation, Crazy Food mentions his imminent mastery of the Crazy Dragon Technique. The Thief agrees, acknowledging the importance of not becoming complacent as they approach the innate realm. Crazy Food respects the Thief, despite the playful banter.

After another two weeks of travel, Crazy Food senses the transport ship has stopped and hastily exits his cabin. In the main hall, the Thief, anticipating the reason for Crazy Food's emergence, informs him they have arrived at the Star Gate and can pass through in three cosmic days. Crazy Food's smile returns upon hearing this, although the Thief warns him that once inside the Wind Empire, they might face challenges with the subsequent gates.

Crazy Food remains optimistic, suggesting they will find solutions when they reach the Star Gate. The Thief agrees, highlighting the ease of access to human-controlled starfields. Returning to his cabin, Crazy Food observes the massive space base outside before resuming his training in the Starry Sky Technique.

Passing through the Star Gate feels like moving from outside into a room, but this door is a vast, glowing nebula. Crazy Food nearly mistakes it for a random cloud until the Thief confirms its identity. The transport ship appears well-connected, as the guarding forces do not inspect them and only pause at the Star Gate for three days before entering a fully metal passage for disinfection.

As the Star Gate approaches, Crazy Food feels a strange energy wash over him, igniting his internal power at an unprecedented speed. Suddenly, the energy overwhelms him, breaking through his meridians and flooding his muscles and blood vessels. Caught off guard, Crazy Food finds himself on the brink of losing control and facing potential disaster when an immense suction from his left arm draws in the chaotic energy, saving him from collapse.

Weak and unable to support himself, Crazy Food falls, but the Thief catches him just in time. Observing Crazy Food's blood-drenched appearance, the Thief, bewildered, helps him sit down and asks what happened. After a moment, Crazy Food explains the uncontrollable internal energy surge coinciding with his breakthrough to the fifth level of the Crazy Dragon Technique, nearly costing him his life.

Laughing at the situation, the Thief congratulates Crazy Food on his achievement. Reaching the innate realm marks Crazy Food as an elite warrior, promising him an extended life beyond the typical hundred years for ordinary humans. Attaining this status opens the door to further development and mastery, suggesting even the foolish can become formidable warriors with enough time.