by <unknown>
“Tell me about it.”
“Due to the Flickering World, the Beyond Grade As of the various Star Fields will gather in the Shattered Star Ring, which will make up to at least ninety percent of all the Beyond Grade As in the entire universe,” Han Xiao slowly said. “Since that’s the case, I might as well take the lead and invite these people to gather in one place, hosting an enormous party for the Beyond Grade As of the entire universe and having a chat with everyone. This way, I can come to an agreement with all of them at once to not cause problems in the Shattered Star Ring.”
Hearing Han Xiao’s idea, Urranrell started thinking.
This would basically be equivalent to inviting all the Beyond Grade As in the entire universe, which would indeed be way too impactful. These people were all symbolic individuals of their various Star Fields. If this succeeded, it would be more than enough to cause a sensation throughout the universe.
It might even be written in history as a memorable major event.
As for what Black Star would gain from it, it was rather clear. First, it would save him time and energy to resolve the matter of Star Field stability at once, be it with negotiation or showcase of power.
Furthermore, if he could really gather all the Beyond Grade As together, as the host, Black Star’s influence would increase tremendously. It would be proof that all these Beyond Grade As were willing to give him face.
“How confident are you in being able to gather all of them?” Urranrell asked.
“About fifty percent.”
“Really?” Urranrell somewhat doubted him. “Most Beyond Grade As are smart; they know very well that answering your invitation means they’re indirectly helping you make an even bigger name for yourself. The dynasty’s Beyond Grade As are no problem, but can you ensure that the federation and the church are willing to give you face?”
“I can’t promise, but…” Han Xiao chuckled. “I think my face should be somewhat useful. As for those I’m not able to invite, I’m going to need the dynasty’s help.”
“Alright, it’s worth a try. I’ll have some people assist you.” Urranrell thought about it and approved of this plan, expressing that she would provide assistance.
“Then I shall thank the dynasty in advance.” Han Xiao smiled. He then suddenly said, “Other than that, I have something else to say.”
“Go on.”
“About the Evolution Cube, I’ve already thought about it.” Han Xiao shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t plan to use the Evolution Cube to exchange for something else for the time being. The truth is, I’ve read through the list the dynasty gave me many times, but sadly, there’s no Universal Treasure in the list I’m really interested in. I’m very appreciative of the fact that the dynasty is very sincere in this matter, but I’ve made up my mind.”
Urranrell stayed silent for a few seconds before slowly saying, “No problem, we won’t force you. If you changed your mind, contact me anytime.”
The two of them then chatted for a while more before ending the call.
Han Xiao played with the communicator, thought back about the conversation, and nodded.
After thorough consideration, he had decided to decline the dynasty’s proposal and keep the Evolution Cube.
The dynasty wanted ownership of the Evolution Cube to completely control the business of the Evolutionary Totems, which just so happened to be exactly what he wanted to control as well. This was a conflict of interests. Even if the dynasty would not be happy about it, he had to keep this crucial business in his hands.
Instead of relying on others, he preferred to rely on himself. His good relationship with the dynasty was not because of sentiment but because he was useful to the dynasty, and that was the foundation of the army.
Declining the proposal might make the dynasty unsatisfied, but there was absolutely no chance it would destroy their relationship—the dynasty still needed him.
The act of first mentioning the plan to gather all Beyond Grade As before his decision about the Evolution Cube was also a small test to see the change in attitude of the dynasty.
In order to control something, he had to have enough strength to match up to it. Indeed, the dynasty was undoubtedly a giant, but the current Black Star Army also had enough power to keep this profit in its hands, even more so with Hila’s return.
The root cause of the pressure from the federation and the church was the dynasty forbidding the sale of the totems to outsiders. However, if that was no longer the case, the answer to whether the federation and the church would want the dynasty or the dynasty’s allies to control the cube was extremely clear. They would rather have the dynasty’s ally to have the profit made from the totems than have their direct competitor control the business.
Although, on paper, both these cases would still mean that the dynasty was the one benefitting from it, the ownership of the profit was completely different.
“The dynasty will definitely make some moves privately. Let’s see what they’re going to do.”
Han Xiao shook his head.
…
The next day, an announcement was made in the Black Star Army.
“The sixth Beyond Grade A of the Shattered Star Ring who defeated Tolaen, Hila, will become the Black Star Army’s Vice Army Commander.”
Not splitting off and forming her own organization but continuing to stay in the Black Star Army!
Countless organizations were paying close attention to the matter. As soon as the news was out, the entire Star Field was shocked!
Everyone knew that since the Black Star Army had double Beyond Grade As, their influence would surge drastically.
Although Black Star could easily thrash multiple ordinary Beyond Grade As alone, to the galactic residents all around the entire universe, it was a world of difference.
Many organizations with ulterior motives were looking forward to Hila splitting off, but things went the complete opposite direction from what they hoped. They could not help but feel disappointed.
You’re a Beyond Grade A, yet you are satisfied with being below Black Star and working for him?
Can you have some backbone‽
Why not learn from your seniors and form your own organization!
Damn it, there must be a way to split them up!
On the other hand, to the partners and members of the Black Star Army, this was undoubtedly good news.
Knowing that Hila was staying, the entire army was thrilled!
With one more Beyond Grade A behind their backs, the army members were so much more confident that even the way they walked became prouder.
The influence showed very quickly—the army’s appeal to high standard talents became much higher.
Seeing that Han Xiao seemed to really have cultivated a Beyond Grade A, many Supers could no longer sit tight and only watch. Among which, the most affected ones were the neutral Beyond Grade A seeds, as the chance of becoming Beyond Grade As was lethally attractive to them.
…
Somewhere in the Shattered Star Ring, in an Arcane Church fleet…
The conference room of the main fleet was filled with projections of the Arcane Church’s allies. Tolaen was the only one present and sitting in the middle.
“… You’re saying that Hila’s Esper Ability has extraordinary damage to living things, and when it exploded, you were heavily injured in one hit?”
“That’s right. It was really painful. Also, she could even damage my mind. I’ll have to rest for at least a few years.” Tolaen clenched his teeth.
Tolaen was furious about losing to Hila. Not only did he lose, he even suffered damage that he could not easily recover from. It was mainly the damage caused to his mind, which needed to be dealt with slowly. Before he recovered, his control of spells would be reduced, and he would not be able to fight at his peak power.
After resting for a few days, he had contacted the others today and reported Hila’s ability.
Kasuyi slowly shook his head. “The Bl
ack Star Army has obtained a new Beyond Grade A with extraordinary potential. His organization has become stronger again.”
Many people were frowning because of this.
Among the three Universal Civilizations, the Arcane Church was the one that did not want the Black Star Army to become stronger the most. After all, they had suffered a huge loss during the Planet Lighthouse battle, and many people there held grudges against the Black Star Army.
At this time, Sun Hunter suddenly looked at his communicator. “Hmm? Black Star sent me a message.”
“What did he say?” Kasuyi turned and looked over.
“Er, he’s sent an invitation to us, asking us to go to his place as guests,” Sun Hunter said with a strange tone.
“Us?”
“Yes, he’s inviting… all the Beyond Grade As of the Arcane Church.”
Other than Kasuyi, the expression on everyone’s face changed, filled with shock and confusion.
Inviting all the Beyond Grade As of the Arcane Church?
What is Black Star doing? Is he itching to get beaten up‽
If it were others, they would think that this was basically suicide. But since it was Black Star, the people there believed that he could really just be itching to get beaten up.
Chapter 1004. Face |
“Your Excellency, do you think we should go?” someone asked.Kasuyi kept silent for a few seconds before slowly saying, “Since Black Star invited everyone, this isn’t a private matter, so it depends on the Arcane Church… I’m guessing we’ll have to accept the invitation.”“Why should we? The Arcane Church and the Black Star Army are not friends, so why does Black Star think he’s worth this much respect?” Tolaen complained.
Kasuyi shook his head. “I can somewhat guess what method Black Star is going to use. His reason is to maintain the stability of the Shattered Star Ring, and if we don’t go, he’ll target us afterward…”
“And we’re scared of him?” someone said furiously.
“We’re not, but the Black Star Army has an enormous force in the Flickering World, so the church won’t want to mess with him. Furthermore, the church has to think of Psyker. He lives in the Shattered Star Ring and has nowhere to run. If Black Star wants to find someone to settle the issue, he’s going to get it,” Kasuyi said calmly.
Sun Hunter squinted. “But if we all respond to his summon, it will increase his reputation and influence drastically, and he’s not even hiding the fact that this is his goal. There’s no way the upper echelons don’t know about this. Furthermore, will the Beyond Grade As of the other organizations be willing to be used by Black Star?”
“The dynasty is definitely giving their full support to this, and the federation might agree to it too,” Kasuyi said.
“The Federation of Light might agree?” Tolaen doubted.
Kasuyi looked at him. “The Shattered Star Ring is, after all, the Federation’s territory.”
…
At the same time, the Federation of Light has received Han Xiao’ invitation and immediately gathered their various allies to discuss it.
“Black Star wants to host a large Beyond Grade A meeting. His intentions are clear. Do we have to help him build his reputation?”
With his two arms crossed and two other arms placed on the table, Sierron said with a cold and disdainful expression, “Although he’s a peak Beyond Grade A, isn’t he overestimating himself too much? What, he thinks that everyone else has to give him face?”
He was a crucial ally of the Federation of Light, a member of the elderly celebrity group who held a very high position in the circle of Beyond Grade As. His position was equivalent to the dynasty’s Milizaus or the church’s Sun Hunter.
Another Beyond Grade A turned to look at Bader, the President of the Federation, and asked, “What are your thoughts on this?”
“Maintaining the stability of the Shattered Star Ring isn’t a bad thing to us,” Bader said slowly. “Even without the dynasty leading this, I wasn’t planning to cause trouble. The development of the Flickering World is about to start, so there’s no need to cause unnecessary conflict.”
“So, since we never wanted to cause trouble, there’s no need to respond to Black Star, right?” someone asked.
“I’m still considering it,” the Chief Elder said. “From the way things are looking now, there’s indeed no need to give Black Star face and help to increase his influence. This contradicts our strategy to pressure the dynasty for the past few decades.”
“I think that we can help Black Star a little.” This time, someone actually spoke for Han Xiao. “From what I see, the pressure we’ve applied all these years has been quite effective. In addition to some special reasons, the dynasty opening up the purchasing right is just a matter of time…”
Everyone turned to look at this person with different expressions on their faces.
This person’s name was Hades, a relatively new Beyond Grade A. He had joined the Federation rather recently and never had any notable achievements, so his position was plain. No one expected him to suddenly express his opinion. It seemed like he had a source of intelligence unknown to others.
“You said that there are special reasons that are going to cause the dynasty to open up the purchasing rights of the totems? What inside information do you know?” Bader questioned.
“Just some trivial pieces of intelligence.” It was clear that this was a perfunctory response, and Hades did not want to say anything.
Seeing this, Bader was a little unsatisfied. Knowing that continuing to ask would not result in anything, he asked, “Then, why are you saying we should help Black Star?”
“Simple,” Hades said. “The Evolution Cube is the core of the Evolutionary Totem business. If the dynasty opens the totem purchasing rights one day, our demand will be met. In that case, if the dynasty is the side who own the cube, not only will we not have any chances, but the dynasty will also receive the most of the profit made by it. Comparatively, it’s better to continue letting Black Star keep the cube.
“Therefore, we can help Black Star to increase his position and reputation, preventing him from breaking under pressure and giving the dynasty the Evolution Cube.”
“Sounds logical, but since the totem purchasing rights are not open yet, whatever you’re saying won’t make a difference. Helping Black Star now is going against our strategy to pressure the dynasty and will only cause more trouble for us. If you can prove that the dynasty will definitely open the purchasing rights for the totems, tell us the inside information you have. Only then will your proposal be meaningful.” The Chief Elder’s thoughts were very clear.
“I have reliable sources. The information is definitely trustworthy.” Hades shook his head and still did not plan to explain.
This time, Manison, who had been watching from the side and not saying anything, turned his head and calmly said, “Do what you guys want, but I’ll accept Black Star’s invitation.”
The others were shocked. They all looked at him, many confused.
“Don’t you have conflicts with Black Star that are yet to be resolved? Isn’t your relationship with him not good?” Sierron asked.
“That has nothing to do with you.” Manison casually waved. “I think that this is a festival, and I want to make it happen. Usually, the Beyond Grade As are all staying in their own territories. Since this rare opportunity has come up for us to gather in one Star Field, we should all meet.”
Everyone sized Manison’s expression up but could not see through his thoughts. They were all confused and did not understand what Manison’s intentions were.
Logically, Manison and Black Star were competitors, so Manison should want to suppress him as much as possible. Why would he help him? No one knew what he was thinking about.
Looking around at the others, Manison shook his head in his mind.
He was not worried about this matter increasing Han Xiao’s influence, as an increase in regular reputation would not impact their position in the Machi
nery Faith. The believers only cared about mechanical abilities and the result of battles between mechanics, nothing else. Therefore, he did not care if Black Star became more famous.
However, this was also not because Manison wanted to help Han Xiao. His main goal was to indirectly increase the position of all the Beyond Grade As in the universe through this event.
Beyond Grade As were already at the top of the universe, but he felt that it was not enough. In the eyes of the advanced civilizations, their value was more focused on strategic intimidation and killing each other. It had been like this for many years, and Manison wanted to improve this situation.
If all these Beyond Grade As were gathered because of this opportunity, once the advanced civilizations thought about how much power they had if they came together, the advanced civilizations would be more fearful to them. Thus, they would be more important to the advanced civilizations. This would cause some implicit impacts, but overall, there were both pros and cons. Nonetheless, there were more pros than cons to Manison—he had already looked beyond what he had now and planned to bring more benefits to the standard that the Beyond Grade As represented.
In other words, Manison was consciously increasing the ceiling of the entire industry. Of course, it was mainly for his own benefits.
He also did not mind that Han Xiao was the one leading this festival. Although they were competitors, they also had similarities with both being Mechanics. With Black Star gaining more fame, more people would be attracted to becoming Mechanics, which would be beneficial for the Machinery Faith. This way, as the man at the top of the Mechanics, Manison would also benefit from it.
Of course, if he was the one leading it, he would benefit even more. However, Manison was not a petty man. Since Black Star was the one who suggested it first, he did not bother taking that away. Furthermore, Black Star had the excuse of maintaining the order for the Star Field, while he was in no position to gather all these people.
