by <unknown>
The Indestructible Mechanic Empire troop was Manison’s trump card. It did not only have a powerful strength but also the Virtual Technology skills of the AI life forms. Thus, it was important for him to deal with them. If he could complete the entire [Reboot] mission, Manison’s strength would definitely decline.
Manison had modified the core logic of all the AI life forms, which was akin to brainwashing them. He had the strength of the Divine Throne Mechanic and had the rights to undo the brainwashing that Manison had done to free them from his clutches.
However, the gap between them was large, and Han Xiao knew that he still needed to raise his Virtual Technology skills.
Furthermore, it would be difficult for him to come into contact with the data of the Indestructible Mechanic Empire. Manison would guard it tightly for sure.
“I shall be at your service from today onward,” Risda said with excitement. He had finally received this promise from Black Star after waiting for such a long time!
You make it sound as though I wasn’t making use of you before, Han Xiao thought to himself.
Although he had lost, Han Xiao’s mood was not too bad. No one in the universe would be able to beat him in terms of confidence.
After sending Risda away, Han Xiao got Phillip to look through the database and see how much information had been taken away by Manison.
Phillip then looked through the database and reported to Han Xiao, “Master, hum… 43.7% of our commonly accessed data, 35% of our low authority restriction data, 21.6% of our mid authority restricted data, 11.4% of our high authority restricted data, 2.5% of our confidential data, 27% of our blueprints data… Should I restore the backup?”
“Yeah, restore the backup.”
Han Xiao nodded and sighed.
He was not too bothered by the loss of data. The data in the army’s database was mainly related to the development of the army, and it was not too important. Han Xiao got Phillip to make a daily backup of the data, and the lost data would be easily recovered.
It would not matter much to him if Manison snatched that data away. There was very little data on himself in the army’s database. All the top-secret data was kept in his own mind, and the data that Manison had stolen was not too important.
Regardless of whether it was blueprints or Class knowledge, Manison had no lack of them. They both specialized in the same things, and it would be useless for Manison to obtain his blueprints because Manison already had a copy of them. Besides, Han Xiao’s Eternal Light blueprint had also been stolen from Manison…
The thing that concerned Han Xiao the most was the strength that Manison had displayed. Manison had only carried out the Virtual Intrusion remotely, and his strength was greatly reduced. If he had brought all his trump cards along, who knew how powerful Manison would be?
“What a terrifying enemy.” Han Xiao sighed.
Losing to Manison was not too embarrassing. As a ‘newbie’ in the Beyond Grade A realm, it was not too surprising for him to lose to someone at the peak. Furthermore, Manison was not the Tyrant, and both of them did not have any grudges between them. Thus, the effect on his prestige would be limited. However, he would indeed be unable to shake Manison’s status within the Machinery Faith followers, and this was Manison’s objective.
He did not care about the views of ordinary galactic residents. Only the views of his followers were important.
“It seems like I don’t have to think about the Machinery Faith anytime soon. It will be difficult for my strength to exceed Manison during the version refresh period,” Han Xiao lamented.
Before his strength as a Mechanic could catch up to Manison, his [Key of Adeptus Mechanicus] can only collect dust.
“Although Manison made a huge profit, I didn’t suffer a loss.”
Han Xiao looked at his interface and chuckled.
Manison had provided him with two new abilities because Manison ran over to fight him. It was truly difficult to tell which party was suffering a loss!
If he could trigger such a mission every time, Han Xiao would not mind Manison coming over to his place to play every day.
In the eyes of Han Xiao, Manison was like a walking treasure chest, and he might be able to get all the Mechanic talents from Manison.
What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.
This saying was true indeed.
…
Backing out from the quantum network, Han Xiao’s consciousness returned to his body. He then picked up his communicator, which had been vibrating without stopping. There were a bunch of questions sent by Sylvia and the other officers.
Han Xiao replied to them and got them to return to their posts.
After sending out the news, he then looked toward the Black Star Guards and Lagi, who had gathered.
“Are you alright?” Aurora’s palm glowed, and she was prepared to fill Han Xiao up with life force.
“I am very good. It is difficult for a virtual battle to threaten my life. Manison has retreated already.” Han Xiao waved his arms.
Lagi had a bitter look on his face and said, “To think that the Mechanic Emperor has actually set his eyes on us. Our future is bleak. As the vice commander of the army, I would like to request for sufficient time to train.”
“Shut up. Go and become the principal obediently,” Han Xiao said with exasperation. He understood Lagi too well.
After assuring his officers that he was alright, Han Xiao sent his officers away and touched Feidin a few times for luck before closing the door.
Han Xiao then rubbed his hands excitedly.
“Let me see what I can get. My target this time is Manison. If I still draw some tanky talent, I will write my name upside down!”
Opening the interface, Han Xiao completed the mission.
_____________
[Reboot] sixth round completed.
You have received 1,500,000,000 Experience, Random Reward x2.
You have received talent [Affable AI]!
The seventh round has not been triggered.
_____________
Han Xiao smiled with satisfaction.
[Affable AI] could increase the power of his Virtual Technology skills by thirty percent. The bonus was still alright, but the most important aspect of the skill was the effect on AI lifeforms. It would definitely be useful if he wanted to wipe out the Indestructible Mechanic Empire troop in future.
Han Xiao then called Phillip out to test the effects of the talent.
Taking in a deep breath, Han Xiao completed the Mechanic Emperor boss mission.
_____________
[Mechanic Emperor Manison Virtual Combat] has been completed.
You have completed all the mission requirements and received 76,250,000,000 Experience.
You have received [Character Summon Card—’Mechanic Emperor’ Manison].
Character Summon Card—’Mechanic Emperor’ Manison. [Ancient One]: Your long life provided you with a wealth of valuable experience. +20% INT, +10% MYS, +2 levels to all skills. Duration: 24 hours. Usages: 0/2.
You have received: Draw one of Manison’s abilities.
Tip: Manison is a Virtual Mechanic, and your Class is completely compatible with his. You will be able to draw any of his abilities. If you draw an ability that you have, you can strengthen your ability to a certain extent.
Randomizing… complete!
Please select one from the five options below as the reward.
1. [Apostle Machinery Affinity] Skill: +105% Machinery Affinity (You already have the skill, can be strengthened).
2. [Titan Grade Planet Fort] Blueprint Skill: A planet modification blueprint suitable for the development of a machinery civilization. Specific parameters (Expand/Collapse). Construction requirements: Lv220, 3,500 INT, [Ultra-Composite Mechanical Architecture Technology], [Cutting-Edge Material Science], and [Abnormal State Energy].
3. [Innate Machinery Soul] Talent: You have an innate machinery talent, and your understanding of machines increases according to yo
ur strength. Lv1 – Lv100, +5% Machinery Affinity and +3% Virtual Technology skill for every 10 levels. Lv100 – Lv200, +7% Machinery Affinity and +5% Virtual Technology skill for every 10 levels. Lv200 and above, +10% Machinery Affinity and +7% Virtual Technology skill for every 10 levels.
4. [Legion Firepower Volley] Skill: A skilled tactician knows when to open fire. The range of your mechanical army being boosted by your Mechanical Force will increase by 25% for the next 8s. Cooldown: 160s.
5. [Mechanical Race: Endless Barriers] Blueprint Skill: A blueprint that belongs solely to the Mechanical Race. Specific parameters (Expand/Collapse). Construction requirements: Lv255, 6,000 INT, [Endless Material Science], [Ultimate Machinery Manufacturing Theory], [Advanced Space Application], and [Abnormal State Energy].
Chapter 963. I Won“t Suffer a Loss |
“Two blueprints, two skills, and one talent…”
Han Xiao fell into deep thought after seeing the five choices.
The ability with the highest value was naturally [Innate Machinery Soul]. With his current level, the talent would give him 220% of Machinery Affinity and a 150% increase in Virtual Technology skills.
Of the other four choices, it would be impossible for him to choose [Apostle Machinery Affinity]. Although [Legion Firepower Volley] was not too bad, its value was limited when compared to the other choices. The two blueprints were not too bad, but he already had similar equipment and did not really require it.
“The outcome isn’t too bad.” Han Xiao was pretty satisfied.
As Mechanics of the same level, most of Manison’s abilities would be suitable for him. This meant that the number of choices that he could draw was extremely large. Furthermore, a Mechanic at Manison’s level would have plenty of blueprints, and it could be said that the outcome of the draw was not too bad.
Manison’s strength was supported by many different talents. Although Han Xiao was not able to draw a top-grade Molding Talent, he had managed to draw a high-grade talent to reduce the gap between them.
The more talents he drew from Manison, the smaller the gap between him and Manison would become. It would be extremely difficult for him to exceed Manison in one go.
The Machinery Affinity bonus from the level 300 [Innate Machinery Soul] talent was higher than the bonus from the [Lord Grade Machinery Affinity] talent. Its Virtual Technology effect was also better. When put together with the 2.5x multiplier of [Virtual Lord], it was akin to having a 375% increase in his Virtual Technology skill. As such, the effect of this talent was similar to a core talent like [Machinery Emperor].
Han Xiao then made his choice.
_____________
You have received [Innate Machinery Soul].
_____________
His brain structure then seemed to have been changed slightly, and he had a new understanding toward machines.
After adapting for a while, Han Xiao let out a long sigh.
“Manison doesn’t only have [Perfect Mechanical Sense] but also a series of Mechanic talents such as [Innate Machinery Soul]. His talent is truly too amazing.”
In truth, he was truly a little… cough, extremely envious!
Han Xiao then looked at the Manison Character Summon Card that he had received. This Character Summon Card was extremely powerful, but the effects did not come from Manison being a Mechanic but an ability of the Ancient Ones.
Who knows whether this ability is unique to those who become a part of The Ancient Ones or I just need to live long enough for it?
The experience reward from the mission was more than double that of the Tyrant’s mission, and it could replenish his pitiful experience stash.
However, this mission did not give him a Legendary Point. Looking at the mission name, Han Xiao had a guess of his own. The mission name had the suffix ‘Virtual Combat’, so perhaps he needed to fight Manison in real life for a Legendary Point to be awarded.
After looking at his new abilities, Han Xiao closed the interface and calculated his gains and losses.
“Manison’s arrival was too sudden, and he stole some of my data. He even made me use up a Perfect Mechanical Sense Character Summon Card. I would have suffered a loss if not for my two new talents. Manison can suppress me in terms of Mechanic skills, and he has already achieved his objective. Thus, it is unlikely that he will create trouble in the near future.”
Han Xiao’s eyes shifted quickly.
He had stood out a little too much recently, and this was a good chance for him to remain low profile.
His foundations were still too weak, and he needed to sow his crops well. Before his crops returned, he should first plow the earth and fertilize the fields.
Having one less Perfect Mechanical Sense Character Summon Card was not a big problem to him. Han Xiao still had a few blank Character Summon Cards in storage, and he could just use them on Reynold again to replicate a new Perfect Mechanical Sense card.
In fact, he had a huge stash of Random Reward opportunities that he had yet to use.
Hmm, I’d better wait for Nero and Feidin to gather together first. One of them can cancel out my bad luck, and the other can provide good luck for me…
In Han Xiao’s eyes, Feidin and Nero were like two deities of luck.
After calculating his losses, Han Xiao stood up and opened his army channel to make a simple announcement.
“My comrades of the Black Star Army.
“Not too long ago, our headquarters’ main system was infiltrated by ‘Mechanic Emperor’ Manison. Under the aid of everyone and the dynasty, we managed to force Manison back, and everything has been resolved properly.
“I did not wish to become enemies with the Mechanic Emperor, but things do not always go my way. The matter today is a signal, and I hope that everyone will be mentally prepared to face the Mechanic Emperor one day.
“The Black Star Army has been around for more than twenty years now. We’ve gone from a weak mercenary group to the current armed organization that we are. In the past twenty years, we have walked through many storms and various difficulties together. This is a path destined to be rocky, and there are still many more difficulties ahead for us to conquer.
“The universe is a vast place, but regardless of how vast the universe is, it cannot contain our boundless ambition. As long as sentient beings are present, competition cannot be avoided. This is the case in history, today, and in the future.
“I have created many miracles in the past, and I will not fear any challenges in the future. I hope that everyone will continue moving forward together with me.
“Your Army Commander, Black Star.
“Galaxy Calendar: Year 710, 11th day of the 9th month.”
After making sure that there was no problem with the contents, Han Xiao sent it out.
This message of his served to calm down the members of his army and reduce the negative effects of Manison’s attack. Although he did not need to be bothered by the thoughts of most of his members, it was better than doing nothing.
After settling this matter, Han Xiao took a few tubes of nutrition fluid and returned to his room to rest for a while before returning to his machinery modification room to strengthen his machines.
After recognizing the distance between his strength and the Mechanic Emperor, Han Xiao became even more hardworking. He planned to remain in seclusion for a period and remain in his headquarters to prevent Manison from attacking again… even if the likelihood was not high.
After ensuring that the storm was over, Han Xiao was prepared to make a trip to the Flickering World and personally oversee the development of the machinery civilization and Black Spirit Race.
…
In the Limitless Financial Group headquarters in the Sea of Star Spirits, Sorokin was looking through the reports from the various regions when his communicator rang.
When he was in his office, only a few important individuals would be able to contact him directly.
Sorokin placed down the report in his hands and picked up the comm
unicator. It was Manison, who had completed his intrusion.
“Your Excellency Manison, have you succeeded?”
“Yes, Black Star’s Virtual Technology skills aren’t too weak, and the dynasty sent Kant over. Thus, I was only able to obtain a portion of the intelligence that you wanted. I have already sent it over to you,” Manison said calmly.
Looking at the information that Manison had sent over, Sorokin shook his head and said, “The information will be of some use to me, but it can’t be considered confidential. Forget it, we can’t force such matters. Also, why did you contact my main body directly? You could’ve just handed the information over to my avatar in the Bloodshed Land.”
“I am just being careful,” Manison said casually. He was extremely experienced and did not wish to send the information within the Shattered Star Ring to prevent Black Star from tracking his transmission and blocking it.
He had only dealt with Black Star to solidify his own position, and apart from his growing interest in Black Star, Manison’s heart was not stirred.
“Alright then,” Sorokin said. “You have formed an enmity with Black Star after defeating him this time. Aren’t you afraid that he will take action against you?”
“I don’t mind defeating him a few more times if he isn’t resigned.”
“Heh, Black Star isn’t your opponent now, but this may not be the case in the future. Don’t forget about his terrifying potential…”
Manison then glanced at him and said, “Don’t play your little tricks with me.”
Sorokin chuckled and changed the topic.
“Right, the dividends from last month have been calculated and will be given out in a few days’ time. Give me a list of the resources that you would like. I will give you a discount and exchange them for you.”
“The usual.”
Manison was not too bothered. Although the profits of the financial group were large, he was not too bothered by money at his level.
After a casual conversation, both parties hung up.
Placing down his communicator, Sorokin’s eyes narrowed, and he muttered, “Mechanic Emperor… Black Star…”
