The Legendary Mechanic, page 351
“Don’t be nervous, eat something.” Underworld Feather took out some suspicious looking dried meat and fed it to the pilot with a friendly look.
The pilot gritted his teeth and ate the piece of dried meat and was surprised to find out that it was actually pretty tasty. He thus asked curiously, “What kind of meat is this?”
Just when Underworld Feather was about to reply, Han Xiao interrupted helplessly. “Don’t ask if you don’t want to puke.”
Over the past few days, he had come to understand Underworld Feather’s personality.
She would pretend to share her snacks warmly but intentionally fed people strange items so as to satisfy her sadistic urges. This little lass was still extremely good at feigning innocence.
“Tsk.” Underworld Feather turned around.
…
Han Xiao and the others arrived at the ceremony grounds and sat in their seats. Their arrival immediately resulted in a huge wave of commotion from the galactic reporters.
“They seem to be the captains of the various large-sized mercenary groups, right?”
“That’s right. They are all famous mercenaries. They should have joined the war as well.”
Below the platform, the reporters chatted among themselves.
After a short while, a couple of aircrafts flew over from the direction of the government buildings. The leaders of Godora were finally there, and they all got into their seats.
Serbia the Fifth was the last to appear, and the moment he made his appearance, the entire crowd burst into loud cheers with the citizens watching from afar also cheering at the top of their lungs.
Han Xiao casually glanced at the VIP seats below the platform. Apart from the reporters, those in the VIP seats were the various leaders of the Godoran planets. Almost all of them were purebloods, and even the few mixed bloods were not too different in appearance.
Serbia the Fifth raised his hand, and the entire crowd became silent. He then began his speech, which was projected far and wide by the magical loudspeaker.
This was the official beginning of the ceremony, and it was broadcast live.
The ceremony would naturally begin with some usual pleasantries like thanking the citizens of the various planets for their contribution, emphasizing on the efforts of the government, and so on.
After a long speech, the Godorans were still sat up straight as they listened with seriousness. However, Han Xiao did not have the same patriotism as the Godorans and almost fell asleep from that long speech. At this moment, Serbia the Fifth finally changed the topic and got to the main point.
“I have something important to announce. DarkStar was a terrorist organization that made use of discrimination as an excuse to create chaos and destruction. For years, DarkStar committed many atrocities, and their hands were covered with blood! We will never be afraid of any provocation and have always done our best to stop DarkStar. Thirteen days ago, we finally made a huge breakthrough and wiped DarkStar out!”
Boom!
Despite Godora releasing a simple report of the matter before this, the Godoran citizens still could not hold in their excitement upon hearing it from Serbia the Fifth personally. The Godoran citizens burst out with excitement upon hearing the news.
The cheers were deafening to the point one could not help but feel one’s body shake.
Right at that moment in the VIP location of the platform, Underworld Feather looked at Han Xiao and softly said, “Can you hear me?”
Han Xiao turned around and replied, “Yes I can. What’s the matter?”
“I am just making sure that you aren’t deaf,” Underworld Feather said expressionlessly.
Han Xiao’s mouth cramped up. Underworld Feather then ignored the cameras around her and took out a bag of melon seeds to munch on. She even shot out the shells of the melon seeds onto his back like a machine gun. Han Xiao’s mouth could not help but cramp up even more.
The Dark Elves truly are a petty bunch…
After cheering for a long time, the Godorans gradually quieted down. The reporters knew that it was time for Godora to announce the process of the raid. They all became extremely attentive and focused their attention on Serbia the Fifth. Their pens were gripped tightly in their hands, and they were prepared to write down everything that he said.
“This time, we received help from a key individual and locked onto the location of DarkStar, thus allowing us to deal with the DarkStar fleet in one fell swoop…”
Serbia the Fifth described the battle slowly. The content of his speech was as the mercenaries had expected. He briefly narrated what had happened and emphasized greatly on their victory.
All the Godorans listened carefully, and the reporters jotted down the details in their notebooks. When this speech was broadcast across the Shattered Star Ring, many galactic residents were extremely curious about this ‘key individual’ that Serbia the Fifth talked about.
This ‘key individual’ should probably be their intelligence source!
After Serbia the Fifth finished his speech, he indicated that he would take questions. The hands of the galactic reporters all shot up extremely quickly.
One of the reporters was then chosen, and he said, “Your Majesty, I would like to ask if the identity of this key individual can be revealed.”
Upon hearing that, viewers across the Star System all rolled their eyes. While they were also interested in the source of the intelligence, this was obviously top secret, and Godora definitely would not be willing to reveal it.
At that moment, Serbia the Fifth smiled and suddenly changed topics. “In truth, there is another major event planned for the ceremony. I will be performing an award ceremony for an individual to award him with the Golden Gal Badge!”
Golden Gal Badge‽
The Godorans and the majority of the reporters present were completely dumbfounded. Their minds blanked out from this piece of news.
Compared to those from other Star Systems, who were puzzled by this announcement, they understood the significance of the Golden Gal Badge.
The Golden Gal Badge was the badge of highest honor in Godora, and it had only been given out a total of thirty-two times. This was despite the millions of years of Godora’s history! This badge was extremely rare!
Only those who made a significant contribution—such as world-renowned scientists, triumphant generals, or wise and peerless rulers—would be able to receive this badge. All the recipients of the badge could be called heroes.
Furthermore, at least half of the recipients had only received the badge after they passed away.
It had been an extremely long time since the badge was last given out. Who would have thought that someone would receive the badge of utmost honor again that day?
This was truly earth-shattering news!
All the reporters regained their cool, and their faces were flushed red from excitement.
Serbia the Fifth turned and looked at the VIP area, and many heads turned to follow his vision.
Han Xiao’s mouth twitched, and he had no choice but to stand up. In the face of Serbia the Fifth’s friendly gaze, he gritted his teeth and walked over.
It was not because he was nervous.
But because his back was still covered with the shells of melon seeds…
“Let me introduce to all of you the recipient of the Golden Gal Badge, Black Star!”
All of a sudden, everyone took a deep breath.
Everyone was stunned!
All the Army Commanders were completely dumbfounded, and Underworld Feather was shocked to the point her jaw dropped.
The players that were watching the live broadcast were dumbfounded.
The Black Star Army Officers who were playing cards while they watched the broadcast were also dumbfounded, with many of them dropping the cards in their hands.
In fact, there were many Godoran officials who had not been made aware of this matter who also revealed looks of shock.
This was the Golden Gal Badge! This was the first time that it was to be awarded to an outsider who was not a Godoran!
Chapter 589. Recorded in History |
“How come Black Star is able to obtain the Golden Gal Badge‽”
At this moment, countless galactic residents were shocked, their faces full of doubts.
The intelligence that Han Xiao had provided had not been disclosed yet. Furthermore, many people still remembered Han Xiao’s identity as well as his deeds. If the medal was issued to an unknown character, most people would only have felt that the person was mysterious and be curious about them. However, giving the medal to someone who had already formed an impression in their hearts instead resulted in a great amount of shock for the community!
Pairs of dumbfounded eyes stared at Han Xiao, only to see him walk to stand side by side with the leader of Godora, Serbia the Fifth.
Serbia the Fifth changed to a solemn tone as he proclaimed, “Black Star is the key person who provided the coordinates of the DarkStar motherships. He is the biggest contributor to the elimination of DarkStar! His boldness and caution allowed him to infiltrate and crack the stealth system of DarkStar, foiling their survival efforts and allowing us to monitor their movements. Without him, we would not have been able to obtain victory!”
Black Star was the linchpin that provided the intelligence‽
Hearing this news, everyone present came to their senses.
The skepticism in the Godorans’ eyes was immediately replaced by surprise, admiration, gratitude, and even reverence.
The various Army Commanders suddenly burst out into conversation. It was no wonder Black Star was favored by Godora. Everything could be explained now.
It turned out, this war employment of theirs was actually a deal facilitated by Black Star himself! Their armies were just the party enjoying the benefits!
Justin blushed, feeling that he had become a laughingstock.
That time, he had asked Black Star if he was worthy. Most likely, he would be mocked till he could not show his face.
On the other side, the various reporters froze for a moment, realizing the key issue here.
DarkStar was ephemeral, coming and going like ghosts, but Black Star was actually able to track their coordinates. In truth, he was the root cause of DarkStar’s demise!
He single-handedly supported the war! He rewrote the power structure of the Garton Star System!
Rather than saying that Godora had borrowed the intelligence of Black Star to defeat DarkStar, it could even be seen as Black Star borrowing the knife that was Godora to kill the villains who destroyed his hometown, DarkStar!
Such a character… how scary!
Many of them were struck by inspiration. The reporters were in a frenzy, burying their heads and scribbling hastily.
Han Xiao accepted the stares as he stood on the stage. The camera broadcast his handsome face onto the virtual screens of every Godoran family.
The impact caused by this news further propelled the reaction that the residents had toward Han Xiao repelling the DarkStar elites a while ago. The effect could only be described as sensational. Han Xiao’s appearance and deeds had been imprinted on the hearts of the countless viewers, and they could not forget him even if they wanted to.
It was a pity that the award ceremony did not arrange for him to give a speech, or else he would have been able to utilize his skills. Right now, he could only be a mascot to receive praise on stage.
The ceremony of awarding the title had a grand and formal process. After going through the ceremony, Serbia the Fifth received a golden medal from the attendant beside him. The medal had an image of God Gal carved on it.
He personally awarded the medal, pinning it solemnly on Han Xiao’s chest.
“I represent Godora in thanking you for your contribution.”
Han Xiao suddenly had the impression that he was an Olympic champion being bestowed the gold medal. He reached out to touch the Golden Gal Badge and had an urge to bring it up to bite on it, to check if it was real gold.
After receiving the highest honor of Godora, he could not just remain passive. In theory, it was time for him to state a phrase of thanks to Godora. However, Han Xiao thought about it before stretching out his hand and giving a firm handshake to Serbia the Fifth before putting on a ‘sincere’ smile on his face.
“It was a great cooperation. Our Black Star Army will accept all legal employment, and we operate with integrity. Please, do not hesitate to choose the Black Star Army, and you can rest assured… oh, and I hope that the friendship between us will continue.”
In Han Xiao’s mind, the bigger the occasion, the more suitable it was to advertise. Since they were not subordinates of Godora, just giving out pleasantries of thanking each other would be too boring for the viewers. As the saying goes, as long as one has the guts, even wheat can have a yield of 18,000 kilograms per acre of land 1 !
Besides, could Godora still take back the medal in front of everyone watching?
F*ck me, at such a grand and formal occasion, you actually came out with an advertisement… The smile on Serbia the Fifth’s face instantly froze, the phrase ‘MMP 1 ‘ almost coming out from his throat. He forcefully swallowed it and maintained his slight smile with difficulty.
I am the leader of the Godorans. I cannot be seen uttering any profanities…
Pa!
The various Army Commanders facepalmed on the spot. We’re all colleagues, but to dare use such a venue to make an advertisement, your courage surpasses all of us here.
“Truly my teacher, even his shameless mannerisms are still so handsome!” Sylvia was staring with sparkling eyes.
Hila suddenly had a sense of relief. This guy indeed had not changed and still had that nasty streak within him!
Kacha!
Countless cameras captured the moment of the duo shaking hands, as though carving this memory into the river of time.
In the eyes of the players, this scene seemed to have a significance on par with an epic tale. Looking at Han Xiao, who had mentioned the Black Star Army, many players suddenly felt inexplicable excitement and pride, as though it was their honor.
Galaxy Calendar, Year 692, the 25th day of the 5th Month.
Godora had launched a comprehensive counterattack on DarkStar, annihilating them. Black Star was revealed as their key source of intelligence, and his actions had practically rewritten the power structure of the Garton Star System. The Black Star Army had also participated in the counterattack, codenamed [Operation Hodellas].
In the 6th Month of the same year, Black Star was awarded the Golden Gal Badge by Godora’s Supreme Leader, Serbia the Fifth. He became the first non-Godoran to have received this honor in history.
Time seemed to stand still as all the events were written into history.
The Shattered Star Ring was thrown into chaos!
…
After the formal ceremony was a celebration for the civilization. The people applauded and cheered for the destruction of DarkStar.
At the end of the ceremony, Han Xiao, under the aggrieved stare of Serbia the Fifth, took the official hovercraft for the reception and returned to the guest house with the other Army Commanders.
On the way, Gureja, Underworld Feather, and the other Army Commanders were all cozying up to Han Xiao.
After the award presentation, everyone knew in their hearts that the Black Star Army was the one that had benefitted the most and had successfully made a name for themselves. They would obtain a continuous flow of tasks in the future, so Han Xiao’s position in their hearts had gone up a few notches. The moment they had the opportunity, they would try to connect more with him.
When the hovercraft stopped at the guest house, Han Xiao, who was already frustrated from all the talking, hurriedly pried himself away from everyone, returning to his room.
Once he closed the door, Han Xiao drank some water and caught his breath. Only then did he take out the Golden Gal Badge, holding it in front of his eyes to analyze.
An introduction popped out on his interface.
_____________
Golden Gal Badge: Highest level of honor awarded by Godora—Your relationship with the Godoran Civilization is fixed at [Reverence]. If Faction Favorability falls to a negative level, the relationship will change. The favorability of all citizens toward you is at [Respect], and the relationship with all of Godora’s allies will reach [Friendly].
Remark: When a small piece of metal that costs less than 1 Ena has the meaning of honor attached to it, its perceived value rises tens of thousands of times in the eyes’ of some people.
_____________
Han Xiao’s eyes sparkled.
This medal has changed my Favorability levels so much, probably saving me at least four or five years of time.
The improvement of his relationships meant that people would show him more respect, and the Black Star Army would receive more employment, allowing them to expand their business.
The default model of his Black Star Army would require a lot of resources, and the thing that he needed most would be NPC provided resources. With the increase in faction favorability provided by the medal, it would help him to save a lot of energy.
Looking at the interface, in addition to the effects provided by the medal, there were more notifications. With the official announcement of DarkStar being annihilated being broadcast, the interface had also sent out a popup showing that the mission [Godora’s Ally] had been completed.
_____________
Mission [Godora’s Ally] has ended. The objectives completed consist of: [Deputy Chief – Degulish], [Wind Demon – Anur], [Captured Mothership], [Assault Ship Destroyer]…
Mission rating: Unbelievable
You have been awarded 75,000,000 experience, 3000 Godora Favorability, 2 Potential Points, 4 Free Attribute Points, 1 Random Reward, and 4 Special Items.
_____________
This was a Grade A main storyline, and one of the four special items was a Medal of Honor. However, Han Xiao had already obtained three and combined them to obtain the special medal that would give a twelve-percent bonus to all Attributes. This item was a one-of-a-kind, so there was no need for his newly obtained Medal of Honor. He gazed at the other three special items instead.
