【Interstellar Contract Magician】Ruyuanke

Students gradually emerged from the battle simulator, each one revealing a different emotion. Some looked solemn, their eyes still tinged with the aftermath of battle; others appeared dazed, as if they hadn't fully recovered from the simulated world; and still others, faces filled with unconcealed excitement and thrill, as if they had just experienced an intense adventure.

Different camps, different roles, and even different stories make up this classroom at this moment.

Each person seemed to recreate their own life on that virtual battlefield, bearing their own pain and glory, life and death, and choices. Those moments of fighting in the simulated battle may have become their most authentic memories, and at this moment, their faces were the most direct reflection of that battle.

Some people, their brows furrowed, their eyes etched with an unspoken pensiveness. I knew they were likely playing the role of someone on the "opposing side," experiencing inner struggle, madness, betrayal, and regret. Perhaps a classmate had just played a soldier of the Mechanical Empire, and that sense of irreversible fate had perhaps brought home to him an unspeakable heaviness within the virtual world.

The expressions of others were completely different. Their eyes were filled with uncontrollable excitement, as if they had just experienced an unforgettable victory. The satisfaction of escaping from an all-out battle and the relief of finally surviving the battlefield, all these emotions intertwined into a picture on their faces.

Some students were still rubbing their shoulders, seemingly feeling some kind of physical strain or fatigue from the simulation, while others stood there smiling faintly, completely immersed in the glory of playing their roles, even a hint of pride. The differences between them were just as different as the characters themselves.

As a "survivor" in my regiment, I felt a sudden sense of loneliness. Although we all experienced that battle together, each of us had a completely different state of mind.

I couldn't help but recall my own experience in the simulation, the moments of desperate fighting, my heartbeat trembling with the gunfire and explosions. And finally—watching the Legion Commander's figure dissolve into a wisp of flame in the smoke, my heart was heavy, beyond words.

For a moment, I hesitated to look the people around me in the eye, afraid their expressions would reveal my inner confusion and fear. Perhaps it was because this virtual battlefield was so realistic that I even forgot it was just a simulation. However, the image of that man took root in my mind and refused to leave.

The other students didn't seem to notice me; they were busy discussing their recent battle experiences. Someone excitedly waved their arms, exclaiming, "I felt like a hero! That shot was so satisfying!" Elsewhere, several students were whispering about their own failures: "This damned mechanical empire is endless!" The atmosphere was boisterous, as everyone seemed to be trying to find their place in this virtual, bloody battle.

I glanced back at the students around me, finally realizing that despite their diverse expressions, they all shared one common thread: a lingering sense of battle. Even though this was just a simulation, it was as if everyone was shaken by the weight of this "history," leaving a deep impression on their hearts.

Just like me, even though I had just played a small soldier in the battle, a lucky person saved by the legion commander, the emotional shock left me feeling restless for a long time. And this, perhaps, is the true meaning of this simulation - it is not only a re-enactment of history, but also an indelible mark on the hearts of each character.

That little soldier in history had succeeded. He had brought back the story of his commander's heroic deeds alive. Countless generations would witness that man's valor. Countless others, like him, would remember him. Let all of this become a part of our classroom and training.

At noon, I once again arrived at the cafeteria. Today's lesson was still lingering in my mind, but the pangs of hunger kept me from concentrating. I walked into the cafeteria and saw rows of staff busy behind the windows. The air was filled with the aroma of steaming food. The cafeteria was bustling with people, chatting and laughing, discussing the previous simulated battle or their plans for after class.

The cafeteria's layout was the same as always: long tables, plastic chairs, everything simple and functional. The familiar smell of food hung in the air, accompanied by the occasional sounds of chewing, whispers, and the crisp clink of metal plates. I went upstairs again, found a random corner, sat down, put down my backpack, and began to collect my food from my plate.

At that moment, I noticed a figure standing quietly in a corner of the cafeteria. He was dressed in a simple black suit, his face stern. His presence was remarkably quiet amid the clamor of the cafeteria, like an isolated island. At a glance, I recognized him—Shan Qi, the business legend and one of my guardians.

He didn't look like someone who belonged in this cafeteria. Standing there, he seemed completely out of place. His gaze pierced the crowd, as if searching for someone specific. My heart trembled, and I quickly lowered my head, feeling a sense of unease.

However, perhaps I was being overly sensitive; he didn't notice me. He simply nodded, then turned and walked towards the other end of the cafeteria, his figure gradually disappearing. His aloof and distant demeanor still evoked a sense of awe, as if he belonged to another world, incompatible with the ordinary people of us.

I quickly put my uneasiness aside, thinking, "It's just a chance encounter, isn't it? Just some expressionless, cold-faced myth." The bustle of the cafeteria brought me back to reality. I picked up my plate, haphazardly loaded it with food, and sat down absentmindedly, ready to eat.

The cafeteria was still bustling with activity, and I thought I'd quickly regain my composure. However, for some reason, the atmosphere today seemed even more subdued than usual. The history of the simulated battle still resonated in my mind, especially the image of the legion commander and his final heroic stand. Every time I ate, those images surfaced in my mind, as if each bite carried a weight.

Several students nearby were still discussing the details of the simulated battle, discussing the different roles and factions. Some gloated over their "honors," while others were absorbed in the tension and excitement of the battle, their voices sometimes high-pitched, sometimes low. I, on the other hand, remained remarkably silent. It seemed as if no matter who was talking, it was just a blur of sound waves, resonating with me in no real way.

Suddenly, I heard a familiar cough. I looked up and saw a classmate sitting across from me looking at me with some concern. "Are you okay? You seem a little absent-minded today."

I was stunned for a moment, then forced a smile: "It's okay, just a little tired."

Actually, I knew it wasn't just fatigue. The emotional impact of that simulated battle was far greater than I'd imagined, especially from that legion commander. That fire had long since been quietly buried deep within my heart. Now, my chance encounter with Shan Qi has made me rethink my relationship with him. He's so cold and powerful, as if nothing in this world could truly touch him. And why am I enduring these unnecessary emotional fluctuations, time and again?

"If you have any questions, remember to tell me." The classmate opposite me suddenly smiled gently, interrupting my thoughts.

I nodded and smiled back, but my heart was still empty, as if nothing was really left, only the endless ocean.

The sunlight from outside the cafeteria streamed in through the windows, warm but not glaring. I took a few bites of my food and suddenly felt a little bored.

I sighed, raised my head, looked at the blue sky outside the window, and silently asked myself: Will this history have an ending that can bring me, or everyone else, a little comfort?