The Legendary Mechanic, page 437
“Understood!” Brock’s brain had yet to react, but his body moved out of instinct. He subconsciously stood straight and listened to the order.
After Herlous left, Brock returned from his beautiful dream to the cold reality. His back that only stayed straight for a few seconds bent again, giving off a lifeless vibe from all over his body.
Inheriting DarkStar’s mission isn’t bad, but Godora isn’t the same as it was. They’re under the Black Star Army’s protection.
Having thought of that, Brock’s ambition and aspirations suddenly disappeared.
Sigh, why revolutionize anymore? I’m not tired of living yet… I’m already Black Star’s shape anyway. Might as well just continue my work…
Maybe this is all fate.
Brock sighed. He was determined… to resign to his fate.
Inside the private guest room, Han Xiao and Serbia the Fifth sat opposite each other.
“Your Excellency Black Star, you have really given me a huge surprise. Without its leader, DarkStar is gone forever. The pureblood and hybrid conflict within the nation will be reduced as well.”
Serbia the Fifth spoke in a respectful and sincere tone. Han Xiao’s position in the Shattered Star Ring was now completely different from before; even he did not want to be too casual.
Han Xiao nodded. “I have eliminated a serious problem for you guys, so I have a small request. I hope that during the trial, you guys can support the Purple Crystal’s people as much as possible. This is a good opportunity to damage Klent politically. Although the secret war has nothing to do with you, I still hope that you can cooperate.”
“Of course. That’s what we should do!” Even if Han Xiao did not request this, Serbia the Fifth would also give Purple Crystal support. After all, Purple Crystal was their boss.
“Hmm, I actually have one more important matter.” Han Xiao touched his chin. “The news of DarkStar being eliminated can somewhat reduce the internal conflict between Godorans, but it won’t solve the root of the problem. The conflict between pureblood and hybrid won’t be resolved because of this. There will be extremists who inherit DarkStar’s will in the future.”
Serbia the Fifth sighed. “I know that, but the sense of superiority born from blood is an illness much more difficult to eradicate than the system. This is a tradition that has been passed on through countless years. So many leaders in history were unable to solve this problem. All they could do was alleviate the symptoms, not cure it.”
“That might not be the case.” Han Xiao smiled faintly. “I have a solution that might reduce your bloodline conflict even further. Are you interested?”
“You have a solution?” Serbia the Fifth was skeptical. “Of course, I’m interested, but this isn’t a problem that can be solved easily.”
“Hehe. So, I made a friend recently. Her name is Rossellin…”
Han Xiao explained Rossellin’s experience and abilities. Although he was subtle, Serbia the Fifth understood what Han Xiao meant between the lines—he was suggesting using Rossellin’s ability to slightly brainwash the Godoran populace and twist their views. Rossellin was an extremely good tool to be used against deep rooted traditions.
Serbia the Fifth opened his mouth wide and looked at Han Xiao with shock, unable to believe how daring his suggestion was—he was basically telling the leader of a civilization, “I want to brainwash your entire civilization.”
As the highest leader, such an outrageous request almost did not require any consideration. Serbia the Fifth was just about to reject it when he suddenly thought of something. He then shut his mouth and started pondering.
Although brainwashing the entire civilization was outrageous and sensitive, it did indeed seem to be able to quickly solve the deeply rooted bloodline conflict. Serbia the Fifth was both tempted and in denial. By regular means, the bloodline conflict might never be eliminated. But with this extreme method, if something went wrong, it would be a huge shock to all Godorans.
If anyone else had made this request, Serbia the Fifth would have rejected them without hesitation. But the person that made this request was Black Star, who he deeply trusted, which was why Serbia the Fifth did not reject immediately and was conflicted.
“That’s too risky…”
“Do you not trust me?” Han Xiao raised his brows. “How about this? We can request the Purple Crystal Civilization to be the private notary, to prevent the possibility of me having any ulterior motives.”
“But can you ensure that Rossellin won’t mess things up on purpose?”
“From what I know about her, she won’t.” Han Xiao shook his head.
(Bloodline) was the only Grade S mission in his interface. Initially, he did not have any clue on how to complete it, but now that he had Rossellin, he had a way to complete it that was worth a try despite being controversial.
Discussing the issue with Serbia The Fifth directly was a must. If he brainwashed a Star System Civilization protected by the Peace Treaty, the consequences would be very clear for him. It was not a must for Han Xiao to complete this mission, so he would only carry out this plan if he received official approval. Furthermore, brainwashing openly would be much more efficient than secretly.
Seeing that Serbia the Fifth was still hesitating, Han Xiao added, “I know what you’re worried about. Despite being the leader of a civilization, you’re helping an outsider brainwash your own people. Even though your goal is virtuous, this act is very sensitive, and it’s against your duty. However, you don’t have to make the brainwash compulsory or anything; you can give the Godorans the right to make a choice.”
Serbia the Fifth pondered. He was indeed worried about this.
“You can directly announce this to all your people. Of course, don’t use the word ‘brainwash’; make it sound better, such as maybe ‘enhancing the people’s belief of equality’ and the like. Emphasize on the fact that it’s to solve the bloodline conflict and reduce the chance of bad things happening.
“Then, introduce all kinds of related benefits, such as those who accepted the brainwash will have new privileges, and those who don’t will have to pay more taxes. You can also make the bloodline conflict into a new problem, using the public opinion to your advantage and promoting how those who don’t dare accept the brainwashing are stubborn and conservative. You can even re-plan the layout of your planets, forcing those who don’t accept the brainwash to live together, building a spiritual slum, and so on. Anyway, there are tons of methods. You’re a professional leader, so you should know much more than me.”
Han Xiao kept tempting Serbia the Fifth. In his eyes, he just could not reject him. This man’s suggestion was too damn good.
Like his many predecessors, if Serbia the Fifth could not solve the bloodline conflict, no one would blame him.
However, he also saw an opportunity. If he accomplished something that his countless predecessors failed to do, his name would go down in history as one of the wisest leaders. It would be an achievement that no one had ever made!
Serbia the Fifth clenched his teeth. “Le-Let me go back and consider this. This is too big a matter. I can’t make a decision now.”
“Of course.” Han Xiao smiled.
He did not expect to convince Serbia the Fifth this quickly. Even if he lured Serbia the Fifth’s personal desire out, he would not dare bet the entire civilization on it. He definitely had to gather the other relevant officials to brainstorm. He would not agree to it without thorough consideration.
Sending off the troubled Serbia the Fifth, without resting, Han Xiao headed right to the machinery modification room and started to build.
“After slaving for the silver legacy blueprint for so long, I can finally reap the reward!”
Having obtained the ability to complete the Class Advancement mission, Han Xiao did not want to delay it any further. It was time for his Class Advancement.
Chapter 707. Planetary Obliteration Grade Weapon and Apostilization |
The framework of the semi-finished Ice Age Star Freezing Cannon was two stories tall. Accompanied by the buzzing of electric currents and the clanking of the mechanical parts, it was slowly getting finished.
Dozens of mechanical arms moved and assembled the parts. Two Watcher Instruments took care of the welding, while waves formed by nanorobots flowed around the framework, finishing up the details. Blue Mechanical Force lightning chains connected those machines, building the Ice Age Star Freezing Cannon under Han Xiao’s control.
Han Xiao stood below the Ice Age Star Freezing Cannon, continuously adjusting the details and carefully building this enormous cannon. In order to build orange-grade equipment, he was fully focused. He had activated Reynold’s Character Summon Card long ago and received the Perfect Mechanical Sense bonuses.
The effects of [Perfect Mechanical Sense) were apparent. The strength, control, and range of his Mechanical Force all increased tremendously. He became more sensitive to his Mechanical Force and controlled them as smoothly and accurately like an extra limb. Through this, he also gained a deeper understanding of the Perfect Mechanical Sense talent.
Other than these numerical bonuses, Perfect Mechanical Sense had another hidden effect, as written in the remarks, “In your senses, every machine is a world of ecological balance.”
The term ‘Mechanical Sense’ did not just mean understanding of machines but close to a new sense, refreshing his knowledge of machines. As if the machines were no longer just objects, when his Mechanical Force flowed through the mechanical structures, he could almost feel a lively sense of touch like he was running his fingers down the body of a beautiful woman. Han Xiao’s senses to the machines were enlarged countless times, allowing him to easily notice tiny details that he had not been able to notice before.
This hidden effect was the cause of the bonuses this talent gave, and the players who just waited for progress bars to fill up were unable to feel this.
No wonder anyone who had this talent was a Mechanic genius; the Perfect Mechanical Sense was so pleasurable…
Han Xiao wanted it so badly.
Be it building machines or combat, [Perfect Mechanical Sense) had a huge effect; it was a god tier talent for the Mechanic class.
Sadly, he could only temporarily enjoy the effects of the (Perfect Mechanical Sense) through the Character Summon Card.
“I have to find a way to get Reynold’s talent in the future.”
Han Xiao took a deep breath and focused his mind back on building.
Under the bonuses of Perfect Mechanical Sense, the process was very smooth. He successfully built it in less than a day.
Ice Age Star Freezing Cannon, legacy orange equipment, as powerful as Planetary Obliteration Cannon-this was currently the highest grade machine that Han Xiao had and the most powerful.
The two-story-tall enormous cannon retracted part by part and folded into a compressed orb with a blue and white appearance. Under the Mechanical Force, it floated above Han Xiao’s
palm.
Han Xiao held onto the compressed orb, and the item details popped up on his interface.
Ice Age Star Freezing Cannon (Legacy)
Grade: Orange/Silver
Type: Planetary Obliteration Grade Annihilation Weapon
Requirements: Lv180, Mechanic Class, >25,000 Energy, >2,500 INT.
Basic Attributes:
– Attack: 14,500 – 48,300
– Armor Value: 26,000/26,000
– Energy: 15,000/15,000
– Power Output: 12,170
Energy Furnace Forced Cooldown: 360 seconds
Power Output: Minimum power output consumption: 3,000 energy per attack. Maximum power output consumption: 12,000 energy per attack.
Energy Source: Psionic Reaction Furnace, recovers energy at 25/s.
Additional Ability: Extreme Frost-Deals 50% extra Frost Damage.
Additional Ability: Psionic Frost-Turns psionic energy into ice energy. High chance of freezing the target. Core Impact Area Frozen Effect Trigger Rate: 80%. Other Impact Area Frozen Effect Trigger Rate: 60%.
Additional Ability: Expansion Explosion-A second round of explosions will occur after hitting the target, creating an impact wave and mushroom cloud. Damage: 75% of the first round. +350% Damage Range.
Additional Ability: Reaction Furnace Ray-The attack mode can be changed to ray form. Depending on the power output, energy cost 60 – 240/s. Two damage ticks per second. Damage: 8% of the initial attack. The attack direction can be adjusted.
Special Ability: Freezing Wind—When the power output of an attack exceeds 6,000 energy consumption, changes the environment within 50 miles around the target area. The temperature of the area will be reduced to -50 degrees.
Special Ability: Ice Age-When firing at the maximum power output, changes the environment of the area within 200 miles around the target area, freezing this area and turning it into a glacial area. The temperature of the area will be reduced to -100 degrees.
Special Ability: Frozen Star-When the power output of an attack exceeds 6,000 energy consumption and (Reaction Furnace Ray) is used for more than 90 seconds, this effect will be triggered. This will cause chain reactions and bring the surface of a planet into an Ice Age within one month, destroying the lives on the surface.
Remark: The Ice Elementals are overjoyed and are trying to mate with you.
Legacy: “According to my investigation, freezing a Fixed Star can indirectly destroy all the civilizations on the planets in its orbit.” – Peter ‘Flame Extinguisher’ Drate.
“A total of seven Additional Abilities and Special Abilities, certainly fits being orange equipment.”
Han Xiao was very satisfied. The destructive power of the Ice Age Star Freezing Cannon was extremely strong. Its theoretical damage could even reach the hundred thousands with his Mechanical Force bonuses applied.
Usually, this kind of enormous cannon would be deployed in outer space to attack from above, and it would be difficult to apply Mechanical Force bonuses to it. However, due to his Mechanical Force having the (Void) attribute, he could overcome the distance through the Void Dimension and apply Mechanical Force bonuses to it.
This was Han Xiao’s first Planetary Obliteration Grade weapon; it was now his trump card.
He looked at the interface. The Class Advancement mission was now completed.
Finally!
Han Xiao took a deep breath and initiated the Class Advancement with a solemn expression.
Class Advancement requirements completed!
You have received a new class, (Apostle Mechanic Lv.1).
+240 Energy, +3 STR, +4 DEX, +5 END, +10 INT.
You have received 8 Free Attribute Points.
You have received 1 Potential Point.
The moment the Class Advancement was completed, a huge amount of information appeared in his brain out of nowhere. Han Xiao gained new understandings of machines, and his body started to undergo marvelous changes.
A ton of notifications popped up on the interface.
You have received the talent (Mechanical Force Ascension-Apostle Body]!
You have acquired the ability (Apostle Machinery Affinity)!
You have acquired the ability (Machinery Apostilization)!
The effect of all your Virtual Technology related abilities and talents has increased by 20%
It took Han Xiao quite some time to digest the various abilities that he had gained through the Class Advancement. Feeling the new power flowing in his body, he was delighted.
Finally, I’ve reached this milestone.
Apostle Mechanic was a major milestone for high-level Mechanics. As the saying went, ‘the end of technology is the study of God’. The reason for such a ‘God’-related term, ‘Apostle’, was because the path of the Mechanic class was gradually stepping into the ‘study of God’ territory in the eyes of common people.
The knowledge that he had learned did not change, but the way of using that knowledge had ascended to a completely next level. He would have new understandings and new technology that would seem like acts of God to normal people.
The level limit of (Apostle Mechanic] was thirty, five levels higher than (Truth Mechanic). Usually, the increase in the level limit of the main class also meant the start of a new stage.
Unlike all the Mechanic classes before this, the Apostle Mechanic class allowed one to gather great powers within oneself, making one strong in every respect.
[Apostle Machinery Affinity) was, of course, the core talent passed down through the Mechanic class. Han Xiao immediately leveled it up to the max level. Its effect was +105% Machinery Affinity, a total of 30% more than (Master Machinery Affinity)
The talent (Mechanical Force AscensionApostle Body) and the ability (Machinery Apostilization) were set abilities.
[Machinery Apostilization] allowed him to absorb the energy of machines through the Mechanical Force link instead of the other way round, increasing his own attributes and giving him bonuses.
From the beginning, machines had just been external objects, but Apostilization turned the power of these external objects into his own power. Like Mages receiving bonuses by praying to their Gods, machines were Mechanics’ God. Through becoming an apostle of the machines, he would receive the gifts of these machines.
The actual effect was easy to understand. For example, if he used ‘Apostilization’ on one mechanical suit, the energy of this mechanical suit would be turned into his own energy through the Mechanical Force link, increasing his Energy Rank; giving him dozens points of Endurance, Strength, and Dexterity bonuses as well as a part of the mechanical suit’s bonus effects.
At the same time, by using the mechanical suit’s energy furnace, he would be able to use the abilities of the mechanical suit without wearing it.
Any machinery could be ‘Apostilized’, and different machines would provide different bonuses. ‘Apostilization’ would also put a burden on the machines, depending on each machine’s level.
(Mechanical Force Ascension-Apostle Body] was an ability that worked together with this. It would turn his body into an Apostle Body through Mechanical Force so that he could use the energy of the machines. This was the prerequisite for [Machinery Apostilization) to take effect.
