by <unknown>
After careful observation, and with the information given by the combat information, he quickly came to a conclusion.
Their compression technology has undergone some innovation, giving out some special Mechanical Force Vigor Resonance. After which, an ability similar to Machinery Apostilization is carried out, giving the Mechanical Force new characteristics to alter a portion of one’s cells and transform it into an empty space akin to the army boxes. The Mechanical Force blessing allows the compressed orbs to be further compressed and stored in the body, providing an effect similar to that of the secondary dimensional army box… However, this ability has a limitation, which is the same drawback as the Machinery Apostilization. The more the machinery stored, the higher one’s load, which will reduce the upper limit of one’s life span and Energy… This was a feasible method. The idea could not be said to be novel, but there were also merits. The main problem was that the Mechanical Force conversion skills were complicated, most likely automatically obtained through Promotion or Class Advancement. Due to the difference between the systems of their universes, the abilities generated during Class Advancement would be different. This could be described as a situation where they existed as different branches of the same system. However, the secondary dimensional army boxes and Dimension Factories were better for usage, as there was no need to bear any load as well as a lack of limit on the troops stored, which made it far superior. However, this method of storing troops in one’s body also had an advantage, which was not being affected by any sort of spatial interference devices.
Understanding the opponent’s method did not mean that Han Xiao had cracked the principles; he had yet to be able to learn this technique.
Both sides fought fiercely, not caring about the aftermath. The planet was soon crushing into a stream of dust within the universe, and their battlefield moved toward outer space.
Just as Han Xiao was busy observing the rest, Kasuyi’s voice rang out in his mind.
“Black Star, why are you not activating your Mechanical Deity? Quickly, we need to get rid of one of two more!”
“What are you anxious about? Aren’t we maintaining the stalemate well. Let me gather more intelligence first.” “I’m out of energy,” Kasuyi replied.
Are you kidding me?
This thought subconsciously floated past Han Xiao’s mind.
But he quickly reacted… This time, Kasuyi might really be out of MP. Of course, because this battle only lasted for a short time, it was an exaggeration to be out of MP. But from a long-term view, Kasuyi had limited skills to allow him to recover his MP, and his current MP reserves would not allow him to fight against nine opponents. If they fought a war of attrition, they would fall into a disadvantage soon, so he did not want Han Xiao to continue wasting time. He decided to get some results whilst he was still able to fight, shaving off the enemy’s strength.
“Fine, since you’ve asked…”
Han Xiao did not think much. Just as he was about to activate his Mechanical Deity…
Everything changed.
The nine of them suddenly stopped attacking, retreating quickly with complex and exquisite blue magic patterns illuminating on their mechanical suits.
Whoosh!
The next instant, the figures of the nine disappeared without a trace.
“Hmm?”
Han Xiao’s movements stalled. He swept the surroundings with his senses, but he did not find a trace of their targets.
With the disappearance of their opponents, Kasuyi also paused and scanned the area with his Psychic powers, but his search yielded no results.
The nine experts that came to hunt them down suddenly seemed to have activated some teleportation magic runes to run away.
Both of them shared a glance in confusion.
What?
“They couldn’t have… run away, right?”
The Great Mechanic Han was dumbfounded.
Wait, I haven’t even tried!
The opponents had no casualties, basically retaining their complete combat strength. It was just a slight disadvantage, so how could they run away so decisively?
Could it be that the Beyond Grade As there were the people only heard of in stories, that would only fight if they were guaranteed victory?
Kasuyi also left his mouth agape, totally speechless. This group of pursuers had come in an aggressive manner, letting them think that they would stop at nothing to achieve their goals. They did not expect them to escape so skillfully. They did not even leave any final words.
“Black Star, do we chase them?”
“… I’m a Mechanic, not a Mage. Locating people isn’t one of my strengths. Besides, theirs is a strategic retreat; it’s too arrogant of us to chase after them.”
“So, what do we do now?”
“Forget it. Since they’ve run away, I’ll test out this Cloaking Device.”
Han Xiao shook his head in resignation, taking out the alloy pieces. He carefully inspected the device as he inputted his energy, but he did not feel any change through his senses. So, he just kept them on himself in this activated state.
He had collected all the intelligence he needed and also confirmed that any cooperation between himself and the Superpower Security Department was impossible. Thus, he could only choose the option of the mysterious man. The two of them quickly tidied up the battlefield and did not dally, leaving the scene quickly. They headed for the location given by the mysterious man.
Somewhere far from the battlefield, nine rays of light flashed as Milton and his party teleported over. With a sigh of relief, Milton endured the splitting pain in his head and spoke in a deep tone through the team communication channel.
“There’s a slight error in the judgement made by the department. The targets’ combat strength is frightening, likely at the forefront even among Supreme experts. This is especially so for the person called Black Star, who commands an unbelievable recovery speed and resilience. Our attacks could hardly threaten his life. With just the nine of us alone, the success rate of arrest is too low. Requesting the headquarters for reinforcements.” The others nodded. “Understood.”
While they could still continue to fight, they felt it unnecessary. After a few clashes, they had already sensed that their manpower alone would not be able to allow them to capture the target. Thus, they retreated decisively and prepared to call for reinforcements.
The Superpower Security Department’s modus operandi did not advocate aggressiveness. Since they were evenly matched, it would be settled if they got more people. Clashing head on was not only a waste of time but also carried the danger of sacrificing someone.
So what if the enemy is powerful? We have so many people. We can simply overwhelm you!
Nine people isn’t enough? Then double it! Still not enough? Double that! I do not believe you can last forever!
Since they were a law enforcement department, there was no need to speak about morality with wanted criminals!
The staff of the Superpower Security Department had always operated in this manner, and the reason behind this was because of the existence of the Positioning Star Map.
No matter where the target went, the Positioning Star Map would be able to relocate them. Thus, there was no fear of them running away.
However, at this moment, an emergency communication was sent by the headquarters before they could contact the other party.
Milton received the communication only to see the face of their department leader appear, solemn with a trace of irritation.
“What have you two done to the fugitives?” the leader bellowed.
Milton did not know how the leader got angry and could only reply honestly.
“We fought with them, but our team agreed that they were too strong. Thus, we made a strategic retreat and decided to call for reinforcements… What happened?”
“I want to know that too!” The leader’s expression was ashen. “Just a moment ago, their coordinates disappeared from the Positioning Star Map!�
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Milton’s eyes widened, his expression shocked. The moment we retreated, their coordinates vanished?
Impossible!
What did those two do!
His confidence was instantly shattered.
Chapter 1198: Secret News (1) |
Planet Jardinger was a rather prosperous interstellar port that was in the neutral faction, with a complex web of organizations and people that would pass through it every day. On the bustling street, two tall men were strolling as they shopped. They occasionally walked into the shops on the side of the road, looking left and right.
These two were precisely Han Xiao and Kasuyi.
It had been more than half a month since the last time they fought with Milton’s team. Han Xiao had led Kasuyi to Planet Jardinger, following the coordinates left by the mysterious man. They had waited here for several days, but there was no movement.
“It’s already been so many days. Why is the mysterious person you mentioned not responding yet? Oh, I want this, thanks.”
Standing in front of a self-service vending machine within a food store, Kasuyi pointed at the green can of an alcoholic beverage.
“They should be observing if we managed to get rid of our pursuers.”
Han Xiao shrugged and activated his Virtual Intrusion, instantly hacking into the entire store. The next second, two cans of drinks popped out of the vending machine.
Because they were illegal immigrants, without even a bank account to their name, they were naturally penniless. He could only utilize Virtual Intrusion to bypass payments like these, just like taking out cannons to kill mosquitoes. With his current level, there was no way he would leave any traces.
“Sigh, I haven’t been so poverty-stricken in such a long time. To think I’m reduced to drinking such inferior wine…” Kasuyi pulled off the tab, sipping the pale green wine in a graceful manner. “We can survive for a decade without eating. I think you’re just greedy.”
Han Xiao rolled his eyes, emptying the can in one mouthful before squeezing the can into a small ball and throwing it into the garbage bin beside them.
Neither of them had anything to do, and thus, they wandered about the streets, trying to learn about the customs.
At first, the two of them were still on guard, but their enemies never came to look for them, proving that the Cloaking Device given by the mysterious person was useful.
While they were chatting, a piece of news suddenly appeared on the virtual screen within the store, attracting their attention.
“Urgent News: The Celestial Star Alliance Superpower Security Department has issued two new arrest warrants. The contents are as follows… “Bounty Target – Black Star, Supreme level Mechanic, reward of 1.6 billion Star Alliance Coins.
“Bounty Target – Kasuyi, Supreme level Psychic, reward of 1.6 billion Star Alliance Coins.
“These two wanted criminals have committed many crimes and are extremely dangerous. They have succeeded in repelling the pursuit team sent by the department. If you find their whereabouts, please report it immediately. The contact information is…”
Seeing this news, Han Xiao could not help but laugh. “Oh, the bounty has gone up again. It seems like they really cannot find us.”
Kasuyi, however, had a face full of black lines.
Every time he saw the name on his bounty, he would flare up uncontrollably.
No matter how he looked at it, it was the imposing nickname of ‘Void Overlord’ that would suit his status as a top powerhouse! Why did those idiots ignore his claim and take Black Star’s words so seriously?
“Oh right, speaking of wanted criminals, I surfed on the internet yesterday…” Han Xiao stroked his chin in interest. “Our added bounties currently put us in second place of all the fugitives within this universe.”
“We’re number two just like that? We didn’t even do anything heinous.” Kasuyi frowned. “Plus, our bounties should not be considered high as well. There aren’t any more ferocious criminals than us?”
“It seems like there really isn’t anybody. The Celestial Star Alliance has experienced many years without chaos. Not only is their governance stable, most of the Beyond Grade As here are like obedient babies. We’re anomalies.” Han Xiao waved his hand. “Then, who’s at the top of the bounty list?”
“It’s an organization named (Eye of Insight), with a six-billion-dollar bounty. However, I couldn’t find what sort of criminal record they had online.” Han Xiao shook his head.
The two of them walked out of the shop as they chatted. Before long, they came across a store that was full of liveliness and clamoring, causing them to head over in curiosity.
The interior was shaped a little like a board game cafeteria, but everyone was playing the same game, a card game known as ‘Myriad Souls Card’.
It seemed like an event was currently ongoing, with four people each seated at a game table, playing against each other while the spectators crowded around them. In the middle of the room was an exhibition cabinet with three exquisitely-made cards floating. The host constantly added to the atmosphere, emphasizing that the winner of the game could walk away with these three limited-edition cards.
As both of them leaned over a table to take a look, their expressions turned weird.
“Do you feel that this is rather familiar?” Kasuyi whispered.
“You don’t say…” Han Xiao said this as his mouth twitched.
How could it not be? The playing style of this card game was exactly the same as the Wayne Cards in their universe. It was just that the characters were different.
Why would there be similar card games here? Could it be the will of the universe, ensuring that card players would always be present in the world?
At this moment, the senses of the two picked up something. Turning their heads at the same time, they discovered a person staring at them from among the crowd, his gaze indeterminate.
Seeing them look at him, the man put his hand into his pocket, slowly taking out a piece of green metal to shake it before leaving.
“That was the device given by the mysterious
person…”
Han Xiao recognized it immediately before exchanging a glance with Kasuyi. They stepped up to follow.
The person walked and stopped along the way, glancing back as though leading the way. They walked along the streets, soon coming into a slightly older docking terminal.
The guide opened a hanger, which revealed a plain, general-purpose spaceship. He then opened the hatch, turning back to look at the two as though inviting them up.
Seeing this, Han Xiao and Kasuyi scanned the spaceship with their senses. Finding no abnormalities, they stepped onto the gangway, entering the spaceship.
Very quickly, the hull vibrated slightly before moving off. The view of Planet Jardinger from the porthole slowly shrank.
Han Xiao finally retracted his gaze, turning back to look at the silent guide before taking out a similar piece of green-gold alloy as he asked, “Can you explain who you are exactly? Why did you bring us on board?”
аrе е
Hearing this, the guide straightened his clothes before slowly speaking. “Let me introduce myself. I’m a senior officer under the Eye of Insight, Lucidias. It was my leader that asked me to meet up with you.”
Eye of Insight… Isn’t that the wanted organization with the highest bounty?
Kasuyi glanced at Han Xiao meaningfully.
Han Xiao’s eyes flashed, and he replied, “In that case, it means that your leader was the one who sent me the anonymous messages, right?”
“My job is only to escort the two of you. I was told that as long as I showed the Heaven Concealing Apparatus, you would follow me. As for the rest, I’m also unaware.” Lucidias shook his head.
“Heaven Concealing Apparatus?” Han Xiao raised the alloy piece on his hand. “You mean
this?”
“That’s right. It is the core technology of our Eye of Insight.” Lucidias nodded.
> “What exactly does your Eye of Insight do?” Han Xiao was curious.
“Apologies, but without express permission from our leader, I cannot disclose too much information. If you have any questions, please direct them to our leader.” Lucidias refused to answer, diverting it to his boss.
Seeing that he could not dig out more intelligence, Han Xiao also stopped asking, beginning to come out with his own hypothesis.
During this period of time, he was also guessing the identity of this mysterious person. In the original message sent, it was revealed by the mysterious person vaguely that he was aware of their identities as outsiders.
In view of the fact that this place was isolated from the outside universe, Han Xiao felt that the mysterious man might have been someone who had accidentally trespassed into this secondary dimension as well. As for why he was looking for them, it could be because he was trapped here and thus needed more helpers.
Since the Celestial Star Alliance was still unaware of the existence of the outside universe, then this mysterious person probably did not reveal anything about the main universe, instead lurking around, creating this organization in secret.
The more Han Xiao thought about it, the higher he felt the likelihood of that. In his theory, the only suspicious point was the Eye of Insight as there was little information about them on the web. But looking back, it seemed like the Eye of Insight had existed for a long time and did not seem to be created by an intruder.
Since the mission prompt has connected me to this mysterious person, the other party will probably be a friend, not an enemy. It is useless for me to overthink right now. It will be more convenient to ask things directly later.
The spaceship travelled for over ten days before reaching the destination. They arrived at a huge mothership resembling an asteroid, which maintained its stealth as it wandered through outer space.
Swoosh!
As the hatch opened, the two followed Lucidias to step into the mothership.
They passed through various areas, seeing a large number of staff and mechanical guards. The entire mothership was heavily guarded.
