The Legendary Mechanic, page 409
“He’s even stronger…” Lagi felt complicated.
The time for which he had known Han Xiao was still very short, so this was the first time that he had witnessed Han Xiao’s growth speed. When they met for the first time, despite Lagi underestimating his strength as usual, he had still felt that he had a fifty percent chance of beating Black Star. One month ago, when Han Xiao was given the title of Indestructible Body, he had felt that he only had a thirty percent chance of winning.
Now, he felt that he was nothing.
“Such unbelievable growth speed, this is truly Beyond Grade A potential.” Lagi’s negativity exploded, and he suddenly felt that there was no point in him studying magic anymore. He might as well go home and start a farm or something…
On the battlefield, Desoro held on for a while longer before being so disgusted by the mechanical army that he almost vomited. Not having the will to fight anymore, he yelled, “I admit defeat!”
Han Xiao lifted his finger and stopped the mechanical army, making them retreat to the side.
With the pressure gone, Desoro instantly felt more alive. He took a deep breath, slowly turned toward Han Xiao, and said with a regretful tone, “You’ve won the spar. I’m no match for you.”
If he continued, he could still have fought for a long time, but he felt it was futile. Black Star’s mechanical army was so strong and did not give him any chance. Furthermore, Black Star was basically just watching from the side, yet he still had such a tough fight. Even if he continued, he would most likely have had no chance of winning.
“You’re very strong, too.” Han Xiao smiled. “You should’ve tried approaching me. Maybe you would’ve beaten me.”
Desoro’s face turned back. He wanted to ask if Han Xiao even felt shame but decided not to say it after thinking for a moment.
Black Star’s Indestructible Body title was known across the Star Field. Everyone knew that Black Star’s strength was his body. Desoro did not live under a rock—it would have been crazy of him to go close to Han Xiao in a battle thinking that he would be able to defeat him that way.
This was also one of the reasons that Desoro had admitted his defeat he could not see any opportunity to turn the tables.
Luckily, I did not start a conflict with him. Desoro was glad of how sensible he was to give up the thought of using force on Han Xiao. From his perspective, even the first three disciples of Austin would not be able to defeat Han Xiao easily, if at all, so Desoro himself would only be completely thrashed by him.
Desoro was convinced that he was indeed still very far from a Beyond Grade A seed.
Han Xiao gave Desoro a few patronizing compliments. As the victor, he had the right to speak this way, and Desoro saw no problem with it at all. Calamity Grades would not be unable to accept a defeat. The loss only upset him for a while before letting it go, at the same time throwing away his sense of superiority as a Beyond Grade A’s subordinate and giving Han Xiao more respect.
Respecting someone stronger was a rule that never changed and never would change, which was even more deeply understood by a Beyond Grade A’s subordinate.
You have received 6 Trial Points.
Current Progress: 6/50
While chatting, a notification popped up on the interface.
He’s at least twenty levels higher than me. I see, so the definition of winning is to have the opponent admit defeat… Hmm, one person can only give points one time. There are three more people.
Han Xiao was delighted. He turned around and asked Lagi and the other two for a spar as well.
Since Han Xiao personally requested to spar with them, even though the other two Forbidden Sorcerer knew that they would not be able to win, they were not so cowardly as to not even take the fight. After all, it was just a spar. Desoro felt strange. The way he saw it, Han Xiao wanting to spar with his two colleagues even after he had defeated him was clearly an act of showcasing his strength.
“Apparently, although Black Star did not express it, he’s actually very unhappy about us taking Lagi away. Therefore, he requested to spar with us, to showcase his power and beat us up.” Desoro felt that this was the truth, but there was nothing he could
do.
Those two Forbidden Sorcerers were not summoners, but they were just as strong as Desoro. One of them specialized in psychic spells, which ignored Han Xiao’s health-mana cycle and caused him a little bit of trouble. This was one of the few weaknesses that he had at the moment, but he did not let it show.
He had the (Advanced Mental Toughness] talent, so he was not completely defenseless against psychic attacks. Despite not being able to absorb the psychic attacks, he was still very tanky, so he did not panic at all.
Furthermore, if he gave it his all, he could even damage himself to recover energy, which was completely unnecessary for a spar. This Forbidden Sorcerer also admitted defeat very soon.
Lagi was basically a walking pile of negativity. He admitted defeat just one minute into the fight.
After sparring with all four of them, Han Xiao had a rough idea of his combat capability.
I now have two trump cards—my tankiness and the Army Style. As long as it’s not against those strongest Grade A+ who are only a tiny bit away from Beyond Grade A, I will be able to maintain a more than 50% win rate. When facing more than one enemy, I can pose a threat to about three Calamity Grades at the same time. If the goal is just to hold the enemies back, ignoring the fact that the enemies will want to escape, I should be able to hold back six to seven Calamity Grades…
As for those who are a threat to me, psychic attacks and Virtual Mechanics are notable. Army Style Mechanics who also have a psionic energy mechanical army are threatening, too, as it will turn into a battle of resources since the style is the same, but I do have the advantage of being very tanky. Also, those Espers with strange abilities are always dangerous.
While summarizing all that in his mind, Han Xiao was chatting with Desoro and the others.
The spar had ended. Desoro expressed his intention to leave, and Han Xiao did not stop him this time.
Before leaving, Lagi made a serious promise. “Austin is a good man. Although I was chased away by him, we still have a connection, and he won’t make things difficult for me. Black Star, I will definitely return.”
“Alright.” Han Xiao smiled. “When you return, you’ll be my vice-captain.”
Lagi had only joined the Black Star Army for a short time, so he was still on probation. He was currently just a high-level combatant and had not taken on a position yet. With his ability, he was undoubtedly qualified to be the vice-captain. No one would have a problem with a Grade A+ being the vice-captain. Furthermore, he had an amazing resume. Despite being a little negative, he was indeed a talent.
Having developed into a veritable behemoth, the Black Star Army did indeed need one more person that matched up to its fame.
Lagi was stunned for a moment before turning hesitant. “Does that mean I will have more things to do?”
“… I’ll just give you the title without the work, how about that?”
Only then did Lagi smile again.
“Your Excellency Black Star, we shall take our leave.”
Desoro and the other two nodded before taking Lagi to the spaceship. Han Xiao thought for a moment before giving Lagi an Observer’s Mark.
His Promotion was close. His Racial Talents would change by then, so he did not have many chances to use Observer’s Marks left. Although Austin would be able to notice the Observer’s Mark, it was not a problem. His intention was not to peek at Austinhow could a child looking old Mage be as nice to look at as Ames?
He did not stop Lagi from going back. Putting an Observer’s Mark on him was to express his attitude toward Austin, that Lagi was important to him. Unlike the Tyrant, he had no conflict with Austin. In fact, they had quite a good relationship, and Austin had quite high hopes for him.
The spaceship took off and left.
After watching Desoro and the rest leave, Han Xiao looked at the interface.
The Promotion mission progress was now 24/50. It was almost half done.
Nice, that was very efficient. I’m only twenty-six points away. If my opponents are all twenty or more levels higher, I just need five more to complete the mission. If they are less than twenty levels higher or the same level as me, it will take at least seven opponents…
At this time, an unexpected notification popped up on the interface.
You have triggered the round three mission of (Prey]!
“Huh?” Han Xiao was shocked, and his expression changed drastically.
Chapter 667. Sudden Situation |
[Round Three: New Hunters]
Mission Introduction: You have defeated the first group of hunters and seen the tip of the iceberg of this enormous force. Now, a new group of hunters has arrived. They’re stronger and more dangerous, staring at you in the shadows, ready to move.
Mission Requirements: Resolve the attack from the new hunter team.
Reward: 78,500,000 Experience. One random ability from one of the members of the hunter team.
The mastermind behind Albert and his gang has sent a new team here, starting the hunt again?
Han Xiao’s expression became serious. The high experience reward indicated the difficulty of the third round of this mission.
The mission introduction was ambiguous. All he knew was that there was a group of enemies of unknown strength creeping in the shadows. He knew nothing about what their plan was.
This was like a time bomb, and he did not know when it would explode. The only good news was that the interface notification at least alerted him of this time bomb.
According to the clues in the past, the master of these hunters should be a member of The Ancient Ones from another Star Field. That person still has not given up and has now sent another team that is definitely stronger than Albert’s team. This will be quite difficult.
Han Xiao was troubled. Another group of strong enemies appearing during the secret war added uncertainties to the secret war, which was definitely not a good thing.
After pondering for a while, he felt that the most important thing at the moment was to find where the enemies were. Once the enemies showed themselves, it would mean that they had enough confidence to deal with him.
Since the mission notification had alerted him, he wanted to make preparations.
Since the third round has appeared, this means that the new hunter team has already targeted me. In order to capture me, there are a few possibilities…
Han Xiao contemplated but came to no conclusion. He had no idea when and where the enemies would suddenly appear.
Looks like I have to borrow the power of superstition…
He boarded the spaceship and set the destination. The Blacklight Stealth lifted off, turned into a stream of light, and disappeared.
A few days later, a spaceship landed on Floating Dragon Island. Han Xiao ignored the cowardly and fearsome looks of the galactic pirates and headed straight to old man Aesop’s house.
In the past, old man Aesop’s life had been full of excitement and the lack of fear for death. However, for some reason, maybe because he was old now, he had retired on Floating Dragon peacefully, so it was very easy to find him.
“You’re saying that a new group of hunters appeared, and they’re planning to come for you?”
In the room, Aesop yawned and rubbed his eyes in a flecked nightgown and a crooked nightcap, expressing his doubts about what Han Xiao had said. He had originally been sleeping like an old man but had been woken up by Han Xiao’s nonstop calls.
“That’s right.” Han Xiao nodded.
“Therefore, you came to me because you want me to help you by foreseeing what the enemies will do, right?” Aesop brushed his beard and squinted.
“Yes, the enemies are hiding in the shadows, I need your help.”
Aesop suddenly sized Han Xiao up and changed the topic. “I heard you became a Beyond Grade A seed recently?”
Han Xiao was stunned and did not know why he had suddenly brought this matter up, so he could only nod.
“Hmm, I did not expect that to happen.” Aesop tutted. “However, don’t trust that title too much. It’s not that easy to reach Beyond Grade A. It’s not just the increase in strength but more of the ascension of life form. Every Beyond Grade A is actually a new race…”
Aesop had come into contact and communicated with many Beyond Grade As before, so he did not mind telling Han Xiao some of what he knew.
Han Xiao listened patiently. Despite having the interface, there were only pros and no cons in listening to experience. As the saying went, having an elderly at home was just like having a treasure. After speaking for a while, Aesop suddenly shook his head.
“If you do hit the one in ten thousand chance and manage to become a Beyond Grade A, the Ancient One behind the hunters will immediately stop chasing you. The secret war that has been attracting a lot of attention recently will also end because of you alone. As a new Beyond Grade A of the Shattered Star Ring, you will be able to immediately sit on the highest dinner table, and those Star Cluster Civilizations will actively bring their cake to share with you. As long as you express your intent, you will be able to easily receive an enormous amount of support. Everything that has been troubling you will be solved instantly…”
Aesop paused momentarily and sighed. “If that day really comes, you will definitely leave Floating Dragon. It’s impossible for a Beyond Grade A to be the subordinate of another Beyond Grade A.”
Han Xiao did not reply.
Indeed, if he reached Beyond Grade A, he would definitely leave Floating Dragon.
From the beginning, Floating Dragon has always been a stepping stone for him. He had helped Floating Dragon achieve many things throughout the years, so he did contribute as a member. Even if he left Floating Dragon, he would not become Ames’ enemy.
Ames might not be happy, but Jenny definitely wanted him to get the hell away as soon as possible.
Aesop rubbed his forehead and said, “Don’t mind me. Old people are always talkative. Back to the topic, you gave me too few clues. I won’t be able to guarantee how accurate the prophecy is. It can only be used as a reference.”
Then, Aesop closed his eyes and started his prophecy.
Not long after, he opened his eyes.
Seeing that Han Xiao was still waiting patiently, Aesop said, “I only saw a few blurry images. A large shadow shrouds you. You dash left and right but aren’t able to escape the shadow no matter what. In the end, the shadow consumes you completely.”
Han Xiao frowned and asked, “What does this mean?”
“What I saw might not be the reality; it might just be a symbol. I think this prophecy means that the people behind this will keep chasing you, and you won’t be able to escape him. In conclusion, it means you’re in danger.”
“That’s it?” Han Xiao’s mouth twitched. Are you pulling my leg?
“As I said, there are too few clues. The prophecy is very blurry and might not be right.” Aesop shrugged. “If I was all-knowing, do you think you would’ve caught me back then?”
Han Xiao was speechless.
Is that not the same as saying nothing at all? Why do I feel like even the Destiny’s Child Character Summon Card is more useful than you? If not because there’s only one last usage left, I would have used it long ago. You’re not very reliable, old man Aesop.
Aesop was not of any help, so Han Xiao turned and went to see Ames. Since he was already there, of course, he had to see her.
Ames was alone in the palace, and she was rather happy to see Han Xiao. The two of them chatted for a while. Han Xiao did not see Hila and Aurora, so he asked Ames about it. He then came to know that Hila had been extremely motivated recently for some reason, so she had been dragging Aurora along and training extra hard. Han Xiao did not tell anyone else about this visit, so he did not plan on disturbing Hila and Aurora. He chatted with Ames for a while longer before bringing up his request for Ames’ help.
He instinctively felt that the third round of the mission would be very dangerous. If he could get Ames to help, he would have nothing to worry about.
Unexpectedly, Ames smiled elegantly and exquisitely before rejecting him.
“Black Star, I can’t this time. I have something else to do. Plus, you can’t keep asking for my help. Maybe this is very dangerous, but you have the potential to become Beyond Grade A in the future, so if you really want to do that, you have to rely on yourself to conquer one obstacle after another.”
From the rumors recently, Ames saw the possibility of Han Xiao becoming a Beyond Grade A in the future. Hence, she decided to help Han Xiao less. The way she saw it, danger was a fertilizer. Only through danger would the seed be able to sprout and grow out of the soil.
When Aesop was her mentor, he had used the eagle style of education, too, letting her grow and become independent. Ames had learned from this and used the same thing on Hila and Aurora. The only difference was that these sisters had yet to reach the standard of going out on adventures and battles alone.
As for Han Xiao, Ames had a lot of trust in his strength. She felt that giving too much protection to Black Star was not a good thing-it would reduce Black Star’s opportunities to hone himself. She sincerely wanted to see Black Star become stronger, and she would feel happy for him as a friend.
There was nothing Han Xiao could do. After all, Ames was the faction leader-she would not be willing to help him every single time, not to mention the fact that the enemies had yet to even appear this time.
Requesting Ames’ help was just to make things easier. If the Dragon Emperor was not going to help, he would do it himself. In the past few years, he had met countless dangers, so he was not going to be afraid, not ever.
After bidding farewell to Ames, Han Xiao left Floating Dragon Island in his spaceship, coming quickly and leaving just as quickly.
He did not receive much from this trip to Floating Dragon Island, so he was unavoidably a little upset. In the end, relying on himself was still the best choice.
