by <unknown>
After the fight with the three Universal Civilizations ended, Han Xiao had the Dimension Factory repair damaged soldiers every hour of the day, prioritizing the Apostle Weapons. The Apostle Weapons had almost fully recovered.
With the muscles on his body bulking, blood gushed out, weaving into flesh. The mechanical soldiers around swarmed toward him, and the evolved version of the Mechanical Deity instantly appeared.
He did not hold back and charged forward, pouncing at SWY-001 and beating him up fiercely. It was like two gigantic mechanical beasts fighting.
Han Xiao had the upper hand in all of his attributes, while SWY-001’s modules were disassembled, and it was far from its peak state. It was completely overwhelmed and no match for Han Xiao.
Since he fought the direct members of the three Universal Civilizations, Han Xiao had concluded the missions from then and received 520 billion EXP, eight Character Summon Cards, and six new skills.
Among them, two were normal talents, two were high-level talents, one was a rare ability, and one was a Molding Talent, which came from Wuornos. The Molding Talent’s name was (Divinity Enhancement). The effects increased the strength of some of his abilities and tremendously enhanced the bonuses of the various God’s Trait Transformation levels while enhancing the bonuses of talents related to religion, including (Key of Adeptus Mechanicus).
These missions also brought him three Universe Legendary Points. They were [Strongest Beyond Grade A), (Creator of the Most Legendary Battle), and (The Three Universal Civilizations’ Source of Fear).
Other than that, he also completed Manison’s request mission by forcing the three Universal Civilizations’ fleet to retreat, so he got one of Manison’s skills too. It seemed like all the luck from Feidin was concentrated into this draw. He once again obtained one of old Manison’s Unique Talents. Its name was (Ultimate Mechanical Force-Manison). It enhanced the Mechanical Force itself, tremendously increasing his Machinery Affinity and the strength of his Mechanical Force. It also increased the attributes of his Mechanical Force and his maximum energy.
Though the talent was great, having already obtained three of Manison’s Unique Talents, he felt more and more like the Mechanic Emperor himself.
All these bonuses gave him a total 2,740-Ona increase in his Energy Rank. Bringing his Energy Rank up by such a considerable amount even at his current level, the impact on his combat capability was visible. Compared to back then, he was much stronger. The battle with the three Universal Civilizations became the nutrients for his growth.
Peak-state Han Xiao versus SWY-001, who did not even have a complete body—there was no suspense to the battle at all. The best method of convincing someone was usually with his fists. After a beating, SWY-001 was finally forced to speak calmly.
While beating SWY-001 up, Han Xiao sent messages at the same time to explain the current situation.
“Stop resisting. This is not the World Tree Civilization; we’re another advanced civilization. You dropped into our territory and were found by me…”
After explaining repeatedly, along with the very convincing fists of his, SWY-001 finally stopped resisting and communicated back, though still doubtful.
In the quantum network, the data exchange between the two parties was completed in a blink of the eye. SWY-001 knew that Han Xiao had looked at his memory module, and he also saw some information about the galactic society. He believed Han Xiao for the most part but still said in a panicky tone, “I can’t stay here. My civilization is waiting for me…”
His voice was like a mixture of the voices of countless people, strangely ethereal. His memories remained at when he was attacked and collapsed, so did not see the Karma Republic destroyed.
Han Xiao shook his head and said, “I’ve tested your age. You’ve already drifted in the universe for a very long time. In the terms of our time, what happened to your civilization was 600 years ago. Your civilization is long gone.”
SWY-001 froze as if he was lost.
Protecting his civilization till his death was the top priority written into him, as well as the reason he was born in the first place.
“I need to confirm,” SWY-001 replied.
“If you’re willing to provide the coordinates, we can help you check it… but we need your help too. It’s an equal trade.” “Help?”
“We’re facing the same threat; you’re the only survivor we know, so we need your help… Your civilization is destroyed, but if you want revenge, we can work together,” Han Xiao explained.
SWY-001 thought about it for a while then nodded in the end. He did not have much of a choice anyway, since he could not defeat Han Xiao. “… If that is true, I’ll help you.”
Plus, in his fundamental logic, there was code for revenge too—while keeping himself alive, he should take revenge against the World Tree Civilization if his civilization was destroyed. Furthermore, if his civilization was really wiped out, he would have nowhere to go anyway, so fighting alongside another civilization against the World Tree Civilization matched his goal.
“I’ll arrange to have you meet the rulers of this territory after some time then. I need you to convince them of some things and help them to see the threat of the World Tree Civilization.”
Han Xiao paused for a moment.
“I gave you a name, but you probably wouldn’t like it. What do you want me to call you?”
“… Just call me Herberlon.”
The communication between the two of them happened very quickly. Herberlon no longer resisted, letting the several Apostle Weapons take him away. There were still a lot of things he had to learn about galactic society, but Han Xiao was not going to let him connect to the internet freely; he had sealed it up using his Virtual Technology.
Only then did Han Xiao deactivate the Mechanical Deity and relax.
“That went smoother than expected… Hmm, probably thanks to my strength.”
If he was not able to control Herberlon, Herberlon would have definitely run away seeking the answers on his own. However, with his strength, this problem was solved easily. The method was simple, brutal, but effective. No way would Herberlon be so easily convinced had Han Xiao not defeated him.
Han Xiao opened the interface; (Visitor from Afar] was already shown as complete. The rating depended on how much SWY-001 had recovered, so the rating was very high. Although he disassembled a ton of his mechanical parts, because of Aurora, the rating increased tremendously. The reward of this mission itself was not high; the most useful reward was only a Herberlon Character Summon Card. The key to this mission was the unknown impact waking Herberlon up would cause to the current situation of the explored universe.
While Han Xiao was concluding the reward, Aurora slowly flew over to him with her face filled with curiosity. He did not know what Han Xiao talked to Herberlon about, nor did she know where Herberlon came from.
“What did you just say to him? What’s with this big guy?”
“He comes from a lost civilization, a wanderer who lost his home. As for the details, it’s a secret. I have plans for him.”
“Tsk, fine.”
Knowing Han Xiao did not want her to ask more, Aurora curled her limps and snorted.
Aurora then said, “By the way, what are the Underworld Hero Spirits I revived going to do? They’re still standing by; do you want me to revert them back to their spirit forms?” “No need, keep them this way as a secret army. They’ll be of use one day.” “Is it to guard against the three Universal Civilizations?” Aurora asked subtly. The outside world did not know what was going on between the association and the three Universal Civilizations now.
“It’s part of the reason but not the main one.” Han Xiao shook his head. “I’ve already spoken to the leaders of the three Universal Civilizations. If things go well, the two sides are probably going to call it a truce.” Shocked, Aurora said, “What? What agreement did you guys make that the three Universal Civilizations are even willing to take a step back!”
; “It’s a secret for now, so I can’t tell you… but I’ll host a plenary after some time to explain the detailed terms. You’ll know then.”
More than half a month passed quickly. With concentrated attention of the galactic society, the three Universal Civilizations and the Beyond Grade A Association seemed to have really stopped fighting and were minding their own business.
As all kinds of speculations were blooming, the three Universal Civilizations who had remained silent for more than half a month finally made a joint announcement, causing an earthquake in the entire galactic society.
The three Universal Civilizations claimed that when the situation was spiraling out of control, they decided to take a step back, with the safety of the galactic society in mind. After thorough consideration, in the end, they decided not to burn the galactic society with the flames of war.
At the same time, they stated they had agreed with the association and came up with reasonable measures to deal with the virus… As for what exactly that was, not a single thing was mentioned.
As for the Beyond Grade A Association, they gave the three Universal Civilizations face and agreed with this claim, stating it was the truth and that there was no conspiracy.
At least on the surface, the reason the three Universal Civilizations made this huge military move was the Virtual Mutiny Virus. As long as this problem was ‘solved’, it made sense for them to retreat, despite the claims being quite ambiguous to say the least. They just called it confidential, and there was nothing the galactic residents could do about
However, what caused an uproar among the galactic residents was the second half of the three Universal Civilizations’ joint announcement—they shockingly removed the trade sanctions against the association all of the sudden!
Everyone was dumbfounded. They were almost at war not long ago, yet they were making peace with each other? What in the world happened?
Had the three Universal Civilizations given up dealing with the imbalance of individual strength? What agreements did the two sides make? Were the three Universal Civilizations so afraid they dared not strike?
Many people subconsciously thought of how Black Star single-handedly defeated all of the three Universal Civilizations’ direct members. Although they knew very well the three Universal Civilizations most likely did not retreat because of how unbelievably strong Black Star was, they could not help themselves from thinking in this direction… Were the three Universal Civilizations really afraid?
Seeing how the three Universal Civilizations and the Beyond Grade A Association quickly turned from aiming at each other’s throat to peace, countless members of the public felt complicated and somewhat discouraged. They felt like their feelings did not matter at all.
When eras changed, for better or worse, they could only accept it.
However, although the two sides stopped fighting, since the three Universal Civilizations expressed such a firm and aggressive stand earlier, this result undoubtedly made people feel like the Beyond Grade A Association had won.
This was one of the extremely few examples of a civilian organization forcing the three Universal Civilizations to take a step back. The reputation of the Beyond Grade A Association that had been reducing over the time suddenly rocketed, attracting all the attention in the galactic society.
Although voices of cursing the Supers never disappeared completely, they were lost in the sea of compliments. Many people’s faces were hurting from this hard slap of an ending, no longer daring to voice out against the trending public opinion.
The Super Star Cluster Alliance was really the most dumbfounded party.
That’s it? You guys aren’t breaking up anymore?
How are we going to have a chance with the association if you guys don’t quarrel?
Are we going to be abandoned again?
Being a spare tire… is so bitter!
Chapter 1313: Ahead |
At the Beyond Grade A Association headquarters, the first plenary since the three Universal Civilizations decided to back off was underway. All the Beyond Grade A members arrived early at the venue, and none were not curious about what agreement Black Star had achieved with the three Universal Civilizations. They were all waiting for the president to give them an explanation.
“Frankly, this is all quite sudden for Black Star to just come to an agreement with the three Universal Civilizations. We heard nothing about it at all,” Kasuyi complained.
“I wonder what kind of agreement the president made with the three Universal Civilizations. Given Black Star’s personality, we shouldn’t be the ones losing more than we have to gain.” Kant’s tone was uncertain.
Of course, no one present believed the three Universal Civilizations’ public announcement. They all knew that Black Star had definitely made a deal with them privately; only, no one knew anything about it.
Psyker turned around. “By the way, Ames, you’re close to Black Star. Did he tell you anything?”
“He didn’t tell me anything.” Ames turned to look at Hila, smiled faintly, and said, “But Hila might know a thing or two.”
“… I have no idea either. I haven’t seen him lately.” Hila shook her head.
The people chatted for a while before Han Xiao’s remote projection finally appeared in the main seat. He looked around and smiled.
“Since everyone is here, let’s jump right in. I’ve summoned you guys mainly to tell you about the agreement I’ve made with the three Universal Civilizations, as well as the next steps for the association.”
Han Xiao looked around, and seeing that everyone was listening attentively, he continued.
“The three Universal Civilizations have agreed to my terms. They’ve decided to remove the trade sanctions against us and will compensate us very generously for it. Also, they’ll admit the official position of the Beyond Grade A Association, granting us the same rights as advanced civilizations. This will be written in galactic law. At the same time, we’ll receive a territory at the edge of the explored universe that we’ll have full rule over. That’s roughly it.”
As he said that, the entire place became completely silent.
The Beyond Grade As members were astounded, looking at Han Xiao with disbelief.
It was not that this agreement was bad but that it was way too good. They did not expect Black Star to be able to negotiate such outstanding terms, not to mention the fact that the three Universal Civilizations actually agreed with it.
A usual truce would be reasonable, but this was not a truce from the three Universal Civilizations at all. It was basically a surrender! No one would compromise this much unless there was a gun pointing at their productive organ! Originally, they thought it would be good if the three Universal Civilizations were even willing to give any compensation. To their surprise, these terms solved more than half of the problems that had been bothering the association all this time.
“How did you do it?” Kasuyi could not help but ask.
Han Xiao subtly glanced at those Beyond Grade As from the Star Clusters and said, “I know you’re all curious as to why the three Universal Civilizations agreed to such terms, but this is quite a complicated matter that doesn’t have a definitive result yet. Plus, these benefits are not given to us for free; they’re part of the deal, and the price is that we’ll have to help the three Universal Civilizations in some situations.”
Hearing this, everyone exchanged looks.
Seeing this, Han Xiao nodded and said, “If you guys have any ideas, feel free to bring them up. The foundation of the existence of our association is respecting the opinions of all members. If you guys aren’t satisfied, we can discuss it.”
Beiger coughed and made his stand, saying, “I think this is quite good. After all, us Revivors have already died once and can’t use the Sanctum Revival again. It’s good we don’t have to take the risks of fighting a war.”
Hearing this, quite a number of Revivors nodded. Completely convinced by Oathkeeper, they thought if they di
ed again, they would have no choice but to live a meaningless life in the Underworld.
Dylan, however, snorted with disdain and said, “Tsk, what a disappointment. I thought a massacre was about to begin so that we could teach the three Universal Civilizations an unforgettable lesson to pay them back for what they did to us back then. Who would’ve thought that after a few hundred years, the three Universal Civilizations became cowards too? Black Star, why did you even bother to negotiate? The three Universal Civilizations are definitely in a difficult situation if they’re willing to compromise, so we should’ve used this opportunity and made their situation even worse. I used to think you’re a cruel and decisive person; I was wrong about you!”
“Hmm?” Han Xiao raised his brows and made a sound.
Dylan snorted and said with still a strong tone, “To think you’re not a despicable person I thought you are but a wise man with vision, generosity, and greatness. No wonder you’re our leader.”
“Hmm.” Han Xiao nodded with satisfaction.
The others looked away with despise and ignored Dylan’s voice.
Kasuyi stepped out and said with a smile, “These terms are all pleasant surprises, so we have no problems with it. But, Black Star, the three Universal Civilizations are only saying all these things for now. They have yet to acknowledge our independence publicly. Are you sure they’ll live up to the agreement? I still think they won’t compromise easily.”
“I’m sure for the most part, but we’ll have to wait for some time.”
Han Xiao shook his head.
He had already gotten Herberlon to speak with the leaders of the three Universal Civilizations, making what he said more convincing. When the three Universal Civilizations came to some results in their exploration, they would carry out the terms.
Furthermore, this matter was the center of attention for now, so the three Universal Civilizations planned to not bring more attention to it for some time. They only planned to announce it after the matter had cooled down to reduce its impact.
