Chapter Eight: Drawing Closer with Care

“Join the Super God Academy?”
Upon hearing this, Ge Xiaolun raised an eyebrow, unsurprised, but offered no immediate reply.

“To join the Super God Academy and become one of its elite warriors, we can impart upon you the knowledge of god-level civilizations and provide comprehensive training,” Lian Feng explained patiently. “Of course, we also hope you will fulfill your responsibilities as the Force of the Galaxy, standing against the impending interstellar invasion, defending your homeland, and protecting the people.”

“Interstellar invasion?” Ge Xiaolun showed a hint of confusion at the timely question.

“Yes,” Lian Feng replied earnestly, looking him squarely in the eyes. “Three days ago, we detected an imminent interstellar invasion targeting Blue Star, so we began organizing a squad of super warriors to resist the aggression. Your Force of the Galaxy was activated precisely because of this.”

“Oh~” Ge Xiaolun’s eyes brightened with realization.

“So, what about you…” Lian Feng probed cautiously.

“If it’s about defending my homeland, then it’s my unquestionable duty,” Ge Xiaolun declared with a sweeping gesture, without hesitation.

Would he join the Super God Academy and defend his homeland?

Defending one’s homeland was never a matter of choice.

He wasn’t like those unfortunate protagonists in fanfiction who suddenly got transported halfway through, feeling no attachment to this world.

Nor was he the type to worry about laboring for Blue Star only to have others reap the rewards, becoming the main god themselves, prompting him to just declare himself king instead.

He was the Force of the Galaxy.

Undoubtedly the future main god of Blue Star, the main god of the Milky Way, even the supreme god of the Divine River system.

Moreover, he had come here since birth, a native Blue Star inhabitant of this world—not some purebred extraterritorial demon.

His Blue Star, he would protect it.

His compatriots, he would safeguard them.

His Legion of Heroes, he would join without question.

But joining was one thing.

“I have conditions,” Ge Xiaolun shifted his tone.

The four who had been smiling with relief at his declaration of duty froze momentarily at his words.

Yet Lian Feng showed no displeasure, instead responding gently, “Please, go ahead.”

Seeing this, Ge Xiaolun nodded with some satisfaction. From last night until now, the pressure he exerted on the Super God Academy had been effective; at least now Lian Feng maintained a proper stance toward him, not the arrogant disdain often seen in foolish plots, waiting to be slapped down by strength.

He preferred to treat his allies as equals—he disliked that kind of situation.

“Actually, even if there were no so-called interstellar invasion, I had already prepared these conditions for your possible invitation,” Ge Xiaolun said, setting down his coffee cup, his expression growing serious.

Indeed, he would join the Super God Academy, join the Legion of Heroes, and defend the homeland.

He had long regarded the position of Blue Star’s main god as his own—like a throne he was meant to inherit.

But he was not yet the Blue Star God. If he were merely a regular warrior in the Legion, a mere pawn in the original story, he disliked that.

He had an extraordinary vision, and without matching status and authority, conflicts and frustrations would surely arise.

Looking at the group before him, Ge Xiaolun thought for a moment and calmly said, “First, regardless of the form of the super warrior organization I join, considering potential conflicts within Blue Star’s system, I insist on a clear separation between public and private matters.

Aside from war spoils distributed collectively, any other material gains I acquire are mine to use as I see fit.”

Lian Feng and the others hesitated briefly but simply nodded, signaling Ge Xiaolun to continue.

“Second, strength determines status and influence. No matter what kind of super warrior group I join, I require a position and authority commensurate with my power, as well as a voice in matters of war strategy.”

“Third, I respect mortal laws, but my personal life and morals shall not be bound by earthly legal constraints, nor do I wish to be troubled over such matters.”

“Fourth, as a powerful super warrior, besides providing sufficient combat power, I need considerable freedom—such as the ability to interact with super warriors from other civilizations, reasonable leave during collective operations, and leisure time at my discretion.”

“Fifth, I reserve the right to add further conditions in the future.”

Having laid out his terms in one breath, Ge Xiaolun quietly awaited their response.

“This… Xiaolun, your conditions are somewhat numerous. I might need to consult further,” Lian Feng admitted.

Perhaps due to Ge Xiaolun’s overwhelming presence, though they found his demands excessive—especially the last one—none voiced opposition or displeasure.

Lian Feng hesitated briefly, then discreetly contacted Dukao aboard the Giant Gorge through encrypted communication.

Regarding the first condition, they felt no real issue; even if Ge Xiaolun was clever, they doubted he could acquire precious resources on this desolate Blue Star.

Besides, this aligned with the rules of god-level civilizations.

The second condition was also acceptable after some consideration.

From one perspective, they hoped Ge Xiaolun would grow quickly, take on more responsibility, and perhaps assume higher rank.

The third condition even sparked some teasing between Lian Feng and Dukao, but they did not fuss over it.

The fourth condition was accepted after some discussion, as all his conditions seemed reasonable in context.

Moreover, through Ge Xiaolun’s guidance since the previous day, they understood he was signaling not to take him for granted as one of their own super warriors, but to invite him as an independent, powerful super warrior.

“Given our current understanding of you, we can accept your first four conditions,” Lian Feng said after a short while, looking at Ge Xiaolun. “However, the fifth condition—we understand your intent but hope it will not be too excessive.”

The fifth—“I’ll add more conditions later…”

Honestly, if anyone else but the Force of the Galaxy had said that, they could never accept it.

It was plainly unreasonable.

But on the other hand…

This was the Force of the Galaxy after all.

As long as Ge Xiaolun agreed to join the Super God Academy, as long as the Force of the Galaxy remained with Blue Star, everything else could be negotiated.

Better than the terrifying prospect of him being taken away by a god-level civilization.

Lian Feng looked at Ge Xiaolun sincerely, hoping her gaze conveyed their genuine intentions.

“Very well…”

Ge Xiaolun smiled indifferently. “I just wanted to put the unpleasant matters out in the open first.”

With those words, Lian Feng finally breathed a sigh of relief, her smile radiant. “Then Xiaolun, welcome to the Super God Academy.”

Ge Xiaolun returned the smile with a nod.

“Alright already, just watching this is exhausting me…” Du Qiangwei muttered, sipping her unsweetened iced Americano, which now tasted like nectar.

“Oh, Qiangwei, don’t be so impatient when working~” Old man Ruiz resumed his usual flamboyant demeanor.

“Everything else is negotiable,” Lian Feng finally relaxed, sipping her coffee as she smiled at Ge Xiaolun. “We will assemble a squad of super warriors soon, and the positions and ranks you obtain will depend on your abilities and those of your teammates.”

At this moment, she felt unusually lighthearted and content.

The Force of the Galaxy had not been lost, still belonged to Blue Star, and had joined the Super God Academy.

Even the sunlight outside seemed to shine brighter.

“I hope the other super warriors won’t be like this one, constantly tossing out conditions left and right,” Du Qiangwei murmured.

Lian Feng smiled calmly at the scene, feeling no tension.

The matter was settled, and she did not believe Ge Xiaolun to be fickle.

“It seems Miss Qiangwei holds quite strong opinions about me,” Ge Xiaolun said, half-smiling at the scornful Du Qiangwei.

Du Qiangwei glanced at her flushed fist and chuckled. “After dealing with you all morning, honestly, I’m itching to punch you.”

She wasn’t joking.

She really wanted to hit him!

This show-off!

She could clearly see much of the pressure they endured that morning was deliberately caused by him.

As for hitting him, regarding his strength—truthfully, she wasn’t overly impressed.

Though his information shield was hyped as miraculous, it was just a shield after all; what did it have to do with strength?

“Don’t be scared!”

She thought, then gave Ge Xiaolun a cold smile. “We’re teammates now. We’ll have plenty of time to… get close, you know~”

Her white teeth gleamed sharply.

Du Qiangwei never let revenge wait for tomorrow.

Lian Feng and Ruiz exchanged pleased smiles.

To them, the youthful sparring was just a unique kind of sweetness.

At least Du Qiangwei’s provocation was rare—after all, for someone usually scornful of everyone, Ge Xiaolun clearly caught her eye.

But seeing Du Qiangwei’s proud and tsundere demeanor, Ge Xiaolun grinned broadly. “I didn’t expect Miss Qiangwei to be so eager to get close to me—it truly moves my heart.

Perhaps I could consider using my fifth condition to trade for the right to be roommates with Miss Qiangwei, so we can be close day and night. I wonder if that would be approved?”

Du Qiangwei’s expression froze instantly.