The virus core’s virtual soul was instantly locked, unable to escape its shell that had yet to even form fully.
Manison’s movements were smooth without any hiccups. He quickly took out the specially made containment device and sucked the virus core in.
This containment was specially made to suppress the virus core’s abilities. It could perfectly contain it. As long as the virus core was caught in it, it would never escape.
Han Xiao’s pupils constricted. Old Man Manison got it!
However, the next instant, the other Lord’s Avatars that followed attacked at the same time. Highly dense beams passed him by and headed right toward Manison’s back.
Boom!
Manison had expected this. Layers of shields appeared and blocked the bombardment, causing violent explosions.
Using this force, he quickly got away from the others, at the same time turning toward them, with the containment that carried the virus core still in his hands.
The others surrounded and confronted Manison.
“Be careful. If you guys destroy the container, my efforts will have gone to waste.”
Manison was not angry at all and spoke calmly.
A direct member of the Federation of Light, Defender Romo, said with a deep voice, “Manison, hand over the virus core. You should know that this kind of thing can’t be leaked.”
The remote projections of the inspectors including Sidreun appeared. He said with a solemn tone, “That’s right. Your Excellency Mechanic Emperor, you’re a sensible person. The three Universal Civilizations will certainly reward you generously for capturing the virus core, but this thing cannot remain in the hands of someone else.”
“Hehe, you don’t have to be so nervous. After I’m done studying it, not only will I hand turn the virus core over, I’ll even share the technology I’ve obtained through it.”
Manison was very casual and did not panic at all.
Han Xiao did not speak. He looked around and nodded secretly. This was completely within his expectations.
In his previous life, the person who obtained the virus core had probably obtained it secretly. Now, however, the situation was completely different. The virus core was a hot potato. No matter which Mechanic possessed it, they would instantly be in a difficult situation and become the target of the rest of the Mechanics. At the same time, the three Universal Civilizations would certainly ask for the virus core from them.
The battleships were of no help in capturing the virus core, so why did the three Universal Civilizations deploy fleets at the trap nodes? Clearly, they were not there to deal with the virus core but to deal with them, the Beyond Grade A Mechanics!
The Lord’s Avatars present all had short-range hyperdrive abilities. Han Xiao even had Void Hyperdrive, but no one used it. This was because the fleet had activated spacetime stabilization anchors at the trap nodes long ago, preventing anyone from escaping.
And this was the exact reason Manison stayed to talk, or he would have escaped the moment he succeeded.
The only way to leave with the virus core was… to fight a way out!
However, although the three Universal Civilizations and the other Mechanics wanted to take away the virus core, they were worried about destroying the container, so they all held back.
The three Universal Civilizations hoped to take back the virus core from Manison through a negotiation. They were even mentally prepared for Manison to ask for an outrageous price.
“Mechanic Emperor, the Virtual Mutiny Virus is a strategic weapon that can threaten the entire universe. It will only be safe in the hands of the three Universal Civilizations. We won’t allow any risk to exist, so no matter what, we have to take the virus core today. You should know the severity of this matter.”
The inspector of the Arcane Church’s tone was firm.
Manison did not respond instantly but looked at the avatars of the other Mechanics. He then said slowly, “See that? Anyone who gets the virus core will have to face this. Are you guys still planning to fight for it?”
“Honestly, I don’t have a lot of interest in the virus core. After all, I’m not a Virtual Mechanic… However, I wouldn’t mind exchanging this for more good stuff.” Kant chuckled.
“Don’t look at me. As long as I get the virus core, I’ll regain my freedom, so I’m on the side of the church,” Mechanical Catastrophe Francisco said.
“I’ll fight for something with all I’ve got as long as there’s a chance… Teacher, you taught me that.” ‘Mechanic Empress’ Mornisa’s tone was calm.
Everyone expressed their attitude. Their reasons were different, but they all had the same resolve.
In the end, Manison’s eyes stopped on Han Xiao.
“Black Star, what about you?”
Han Xiao did not answer it directly but replied with a mocking tone, “You didn’t ask around just to chat, did you? Are you stalling for the time, or are you trying to find a temporary ally?”
Hearing this, Manison smiled. “Black Star, you know me well… That’s right, I need an ally to deal with this tough situation together. You and I both know the situation the Beyond Grade As are in. We’re on the same side. I plan to study the Virtual Mutiny Virus not only for its technology but also to add a layer of insurance for the Beyond Grade As. If you’re willing to help me, I won’t mind studying this technology together with you.” Everyone looked at Han Xiao with different emotions.
Han Xiao was not convinced at all. He casually said, “Sounds good, but I have a feeling you’ll go back on your word.”
“Hehe. You might not believe me, but I need someone to take this risk together with me. Two people having this technology suits my interests more, so this time, I will keep my word.”
“Tsk, that’s all words. No matter how good they sound, they’re just that.”
“Then, how do you want me to prove it?”
Han Xiao pointed at the container in Manison’s hands, smiled, and said, “Since you’re willing to study it together with me, who’s holding the virus core won’t make a difference. Give the device to me. I’ll take the risk, and you’ll help me to get out of this. That way, I’ll believe that you’re sincere and not just toying with my feelings.”
“I’m okay with that, but will you be willing to study it with me when it’s in your hands? How can I be sure you won’t go back on your words?” Manison asked the same thing.
“As you just said, I need someone to share the pressure too.” Han Xiao shrugged.
Manison stayed silent for a few seconds. As the atmosphere became heavier and heavier, he finally spoke slowly and shocked everyone.
“Since that’s the case… then why not?”
Chapter 1114 - The Choice of the Era
At the same time, what was happening on Planet Magnetic Cloud was being broadcast live to the Central Galaxy through a military coded channel. The leaders of the three Universal Civilizations were monitoring events in real-time. Seeing this, the three of them were all silent.
Bader took a deep breath and slowly said, “Manison… We’ve given him too much freedom. We can put up with other things, but this time, he crossed the line.”
The church’s pope said, “He always ignores our warnings, provoking our authority time after time, and now even wants to acquire a strategic intimidation weapon. He says he’s fighting for a form of insurance for the Beyond Grade As, but he’s just trying to make us fear him so he can be on the same level as us. He’ll definitely also use this to threaten us for more things in the future. The possibility of all that happening has to be eliminated at the roots.”
“I seem to recall that Black Star has a similar ability to the Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device. If he works with Manison and takes the virus core, he’ll be able to teleport out immediately…” Bader turned to look at Urranrell, who was silent, and said with a more serious tone, “As long as he leaves the scene with the virus core, we’ll assume that the Virtual Mutiny Virus has already been obtained
by Black Star… So, Your Excellency Dynasty Ruler, what are you planning to do?”
Urranrell stayed silent for a while before saying, “Now isn’t a good time for a cleansing. The Flickering World is in development, and the Super Star Cluster Civilizations are a threat. If we force Black Star and Mechanic Emperor to turn on us, they might go to the Super Star Cluster Civilizations with the Virtual Mutiny Virus in their hands. That’s going to be a real threat, so we should try our best for things not to come to that.” “That’s right. With the Super Star Cluster Civilizations, now indeed isn’t a good time to have a cleansing… However, our compromise and tolerance should have a limit, and we can’t step behind that line,” Bader said with a deep voice.
The church’s pope said with a grave tone, “Maybe having a trump card to protect their safety is a sensible demand of the Beyond Grade As, but we can’t ignore how much of a threat this is to our rule. I know that if Black Star or the Mechanic Emperor acquire the virus technology, we’ll still be able to maintain a peaceful relationship with them as long as we don’t push them too hard, and things won’t end up in the worst scenario. However, it will still be a hidden threat. Can we close our eyes and act like all this never happened just because it won’t show its dangers for the time being? We did not get to where we are today by having illusional hopes in others!”
Urranrell frowned and shouted, “Do you have any idea what you’re talking about? You’re talking about a war that will involve all the advanced civilizations in the entire universe, a cleansing that will last for decades or even a century. Do you not know the consequences of that? Do you want to go back to the exploration
era””
“It won’t come to that. We’re already the absolute rulers. No one can stand above us. Maybe this will be the most chaotic time since the start of the Galaxy Calendar, but it will make sure all our obstacles are cleared. It’s better than watching our enemies grow so powerful that we can’t get rid of them…” The pope’s tone was calm.
“What about the threat of the Super Star Cluster Civilizations?”
“If the Super Star Cluster Civilizations want to use the Virtual Mutiny Virus technology, we’ll announce this to the entire universe. It’ll be the best reason to start a war with them. The Super Star Cluster Civilizations have ignored the safety of the universe and attempted to use such a dangerous weapon; to maintain order, we have no choice but to wipe them out.’ This will be an opportunity to shatter all the Super Star Cluster Civilizations. Although both sides will end up suffering, nothing else will be able to shake our position afterward… After our enemies are eliminated, we’ll have more than enough time to deal with internal matters.”
Urranrell bit on her lips and squeezed out the words from between her teeth. “Stability above
all.”
The church pope was unconvinced. “Our bottom line doesn’t allow provocations.”
The atmosphere became tense. Disagreements were common in such meetings.
Seeing the two of them argue, Bader looked left and right with a strange expression.
The always aggressive Crimson Dynasty shockingly spoke about stability today, while the usually cheeky Arcane Church suddenly became a war fanatic?
Bader was at a loss.
He suppressed his shock, coughed, and said, “That’s very decisive of you, Pope. Since the Dynasty Ruler doesn’t agree with the more aggressive approach, maybe we can do it another way. Let’s say the Mechanic Emperor and Black Star succeed, we can temporarily compromise with them on the terms of them having to deal with the Super Star Cluster Civilizations. When they’re both wounded, we can come in and clean the two sides.” “Too assumptive.” The church pope shook his head. “If the Mechanic Emperor and Black Star acquire the technology, they definitely know the risks they’ll take by eliminating one of their potential customers. Otherwise, the leverage they have will lose its biggest threat.”
“Things are still not clear yet,” Urranrell said with a heavy frown. “Black Star has yet to agree to work with the Mechanic Emperor. He’s a smart person. I believe he will make a choice that’s beneficial for the peace of the universe.”
The church pope coldly said, “But what if? The federation once trusted the Mechanic Emperor too much as an ally, which led to him pushing the boundaries and gradually getting out of our control. With such an example, is the dynasty still planning to continue to protect Black Star for the sake of not offending him? A choice has to be made between the big picture and allies; unending fawning will only make the other party think you’re weak.”
Hearing this, Urranrell closed her eyes, only opening them again after a while. Her eyes were emotionless when they opened again.
“By then, I’ll have my measures.”
“Such as?”
“That’s not for you to worry, Your Excellency!”
On the other hand, the confrontation was still underway on Planet Magnetic Cloud. As soon as Manison said that, everyone present was startled. They did not think Manison would be willing to pass the virus core to someone else.
Han Xiao was shocked too. He was just mocking Manison and testing him. He did not think Manison would really agree to it. Hearing this, Han Xiao hesitated and did not respond instantly. He started to think quickly in his mind.
Manison wants to work with me, not only to shift the target to me but also because of the teleportation ability of the King suit. Of all the people here, I’m the only one who can leave this place with the virus core easily. Old Man Manison is strong, sure, but even he isn’t very confident in fleeing from here, which is why he has chosen me…
Han Xiao pondered. This body was a Lord’s Avatar that did not have the King. Nonetheless, he could summon a spare one from the Dimension Factory, so it was not an issue. Manison is killing two birds with one stone. If I agree and leave with the virus core, I’ll instantly become the target of everyone, while Manison won’t have to fight for a way out after throwing the hot potato to me. Instead, he got himself out of the equation, and I’ll face the most pressure from the three Universal Civilizations.
If I break my promise after acquiring the technology, not only will I have to endure the pressure alone, but I’ll also have to suffer the consequences of breaking my promise. Not speaking of offending Manison, my name among the Beyond Grade As will plummet for sure. Therefore, he’s certain that I’ll need an ally, so he knows he’ll most likely still get his hands on the technology, and he’s willing to gamble on it…
Han Xiao clenched his teeth in his mind.
He’s playing these dirty tricks again! The two of them did not chat privately but openly. Manison’s intentions were clear; he wanted to shift the target of the conflict, and everyone understood that. However, some people still panicked. Seeing that Han Xiao was about to be convinced, the dynasty’s inspector yelled loudly, “Black Star! You have to think carefully about what you’re doing!”
He had to panic. Although the spacetime was stabilized, Black Star was the only one who could just teleport out.
Although the two of them could run but could not hide, if the three Universal Civilizations could not retrieve the virus core on the spot, it would cause tons of problems afterward.
The Beyond Grade A Mechanics changed their positions and stood apart from Manison and Han Xiao.
This time, Manison raised the contained virus core, stared at Han Xiao, and said, “Black Star, I’ve always had high hopes for you. You should know that this will become the amulet for the Beyond Grade As. We have the same philosophy. Leave with it. Our future is in your hands.”
“Bullsh*t. Although you’re the association president, you still don’t have the right to make this kind of decision on behalf of all the Beyond Grade As. No one needs you to plan the future for them.” Kant turned to Han Xiao and said, “Black Star, don’t get tricked by him. Not only will possessing the virus core not give us insurance, but it will bring us a disaster.”
Han Xiao hesitated.
His philo
sophy was not the same as the Mechanic Emperor’s. He wanted to interfere with the Calamity of the Supers so that the explored universe could preserve more strength to deal with the World Tree Civilization in the future.
Manison wanted to make the Beyond Grade As stronger, making everyone in this Grade his shield. Another goal of him attempting to acquire the Domino Virus technology was most likely to make the other Beyond Grade As more united around him and see him as their leader.
In Han Xiao’s previous life, Manison most likely was the one who got the Domino Virus. However, he did not use it during the World Tree Civilization war. His ambitions showed from that-since he still did not expose his trump card even when the explored universe was threatened by an outside enemy, he clearly wanted to use it on the three Universal Civilizations.
Han Xiao looked around and saw the expression on everyone’s face.
Is the Domino Virus really an amulet? Who knows? It might be a death invitation.
How can the three Universal Civilizations possibly be willing to be restricted by someone? If I threaten them with this as leverage, I won’t receive compromises but, more likely, the three Universal Civilizations’ resolve to eliminate their enemies no matter the cost.
Most of the time, the three Universal Civilizations would think about the big picture, but this did not mean that they would compromise without limits. Strategic weapons would only achieve a balance of power when the power of the two sides was on the same level in the first place. However, if one side’s power overwhelmed the other, it was tough to imagine they would allow an outsider to use a weapon that could threaten them to demand things. If he obtained the Domino Virus technology, he would be able to cause huge damage to the entire universe if he wanted to and make the galactic society go back multiple generations. He might feel this meant that the three Universal Civilizations would have no choice but to choose to tolerate and compromise with him… However, this would be the exact source of the three Universal Civilizations’ resolve to eliminate him.
The Legendary Mechanic c1-1385 Page 787
