Rise of the Deity

In the tranquil hours of the afternoon, Yin Shen arranged to meet a friend at a cozy refreshment restaurant. As he leaned over the balcony on the second floor, Yin Shen waved down to his friend waiting below.

Spotting Yin Shen's gesture, a familiar face in the lobby broke into a warm smile and ascended the stairs to join him. This friend, known as the Cuntou Man, was not just a casual acquaintance but also a fellow classmate from Yin Shen's college days. While he may not have been an expert in any one field, the Cuntou Man possessed a breadth of knowledge that made him the perfect companion for engaging conversation.

Yin Shen relished these encounters, finding solace in their discussions that ranged from the scientific to the fantastical. From the mysteries of science fiction to the depths of ancient mythology, their conversations meandered through various realms of thought, always leaving room for laughter and lighthearted banter.

During one such meeting, Yin Shen broached a topic that had been weighing on his mind. "Lately, as I drift off to sleep at night, it feels as though another version of myself awakens within me."

He paused, searching for the right words to convey his peculiar experience. "It's almost like soul projection, or the yin gods of ancient myths."

The Cuntou Man, far from dismissing Yin Shen's words, took them seriously, reflecting on them with a thoughtful expression. "Let's delve deeper into the nature of the soul," he suggested.

Their conversation soon turned to questions of consciousness and existence, weaving through the fabric of reality and imagination. As they contemplated the mysteries of the soul, Yin Shen couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had accompanied his nocturnal experiences.

"Could it be," he ventured tentatively, "that the soul is not bound by the confines of our physical reality?"

The Cuntou Man nodded, acknowledging the possibility. "Perhaps," he mused, "the soul exists beyond the boundaries of space and time, transcending the limitations of our universe."

As Yin Shen grappled with the implications of this revelation, a sense of trepidation crept over him. "But what if," he wondered aloud, "the soul becomes lost in its journey beyond the body?"

The Cuntou Man's response was sobering. "There are many paths that the soul may take," he acknowledged, "some leading to enlightenment, while others to eternal oblivion."

Their conversation fell into a reflective silence, each lost in their own thoughts. But even as they contemplated the mysteries of existence, the Cuntou Man couldn't resist a wry smile. "Your ideas are quite innovative," he remarked, pouring another cup of tea for Yin Shen.

As Yin Shen prepared to take his leave, the Cuntou Man reached into his bag and produced a small box. "Before you go," he said, "I have a gift for you."

Yin Shen accepted the box with curiosity, opening it to reveal a beautifully preserved trilobite fossil. "It's a Ledniche," the Cuntou Man explained, "a relic from a bygone era."

Grateful for the thoughtful gesture, Yin Shen thanked his friend and made his way towards the exit. But as he stepped into the lobby, a sudden crash shattered the tranquility of the moment.

In the chaos that ensued, Yin Shen found himself enveloped in a cascade of glass and metal, his vision fading into darkness as he clung to the precious gift in his hands.