The Legendary Mechanic, page 514
This sensitive ground was not easily governed. Besides, the three Universal Civilizations had stargates connecting to each other, so most people would not even choose to travel along the desolate universe belt. Thus, its impact on the security of the Central Galaxy was not too huge.
EsGod’s team usually hid within the seams of the borders along the desolate universe belt. Their presence had always been a secret, and only recently did they suddenly reveal their tracks, being caught by the dynasty’s surveillance.
With the notoriety of EsGod, the three Universal Civilizations had long treated this job as ordinary, as though their daily tasks would be to eat, sleep, and fight with EsGod, thus the name ‘Routine Clearance’.
Han Xiao still had a grudge to settle with EsGod. While EsGod had made him an offer, Han Xiao would not regard EsGod as an ally or friend. Since he was based inside the Lawful Faction currently, he had to draw a line between himself and this sort of notorious outlaw.
Speaking of which, it had always been EsGod that looked for him to create trouble. This was the first time that he was paying back his dues.
If it was not for the opportunity given by the dynasty, he would not have been able to do so. Having a backer was truly awesome.
However, he was a little anxious toward the strange abilities of EsGod, so he did not move solo, instead inviting a few Beyond Grade A allies of his for this operation.
Clotti had a position and thus refused without even thinking. The rest of them also made excuses, as they did not wish to provoke EsGod. Only one person agreed to his invite.
“When do we set off?”
The communicator showed Beyoni’s horn-covered head, the volcanic texture for skin, and the fluttering around him of agile fire snakes. He was no human but rather an Esper of the Pyre Tribe.
“Tomorrow. I’ve already informed the people in the dynasty, and they will send us over.” Han Xiao stroked his chin.
He had settled everything on the dynasty’s mother planet, and there was nothing left for him to do. The next step would be to complete the two plans that he had in the Central Galaxy.
The first was to obtain the Ultimate Knowledge, and the second was to develop his leeks. The latter only needed the brand of the Black Star Army and did not require him to be there in person.
“It will be dangerous with just the two of us. EsGod’s fleet is too large, and he himself is dangerous.” Beyoni shook his head.
“We don’t just have two Beyond Grade As here.”
He glanced at Ames to the side. Upon knowing of this matter, Ames had automatically volunteered, as though she was worried about being left out, and more people would always be welcome.
Seeing him look over, Ames gave a light smile, as though she was raring to go.
Chapter 803. No Coincidence |
An ordinary dynasty spaceship leisurely left Planet Crimson Ring, and within it, Han Xiao stood at the porthole, looking out at the shrinking dynasty mother planet, his expression passive.
Having accepted this routine clearing task and notified the dynasty, they had specially arranged an escort spaceship to see them off. The entire process was settled that day, with no delay. Thus, the three of them, together with Hila and the others, boarded the dynasty’s spaceship and set off to the garrison base located at the border to participate in the removal of the Fallen Ark forces.
“This time, I really came in a hurry and left in a hurry.” Han Xiao’s eyes looked at the gradually shrinking mother planet as he mused.
He had only stayed on the mother planet for a few days, not even close to the time he had spent on the road. He did not wait long, leaving the moment he finished his activities there, swift and decisive.
This trip allowed him to meet with the Dynasty Ruler as well as the National Pillars of the dynasty to deepen his ties, expanding his network in the dynasty. His image within the dynasty was now clearer, and with the Crimson Dynasty’s well wishes, he would also become one of the backbones of the dynasty in the future.
“The dynasty’s troops have finished organizing themselves and are just waiting for a Beyond Grade A Super to take the fort. Through the stargate, we will converge with them in another four to five days.”
Beyoni walked over from the side as he spoke, spitting out little fire seeds.
The Crimson Ring Star System was the center of the dynasty, and they were moving to the edge of the Star Field. Needing only four to five days was not because of the short distance but because the transportation of the Central Galaxy was much better compared to that of the Shattered Star Ring. This was because the three Universal Civilizations had planted a multitude of stargates within the Central Galaxy to form a quick transport channel. If they converted this to time taken in the Shattered Star Ring, the journey might have taken longer than a month.
“Before this, did you participate in any related activities?” Han Xiao suddenly asked.
“Oh, I’ve only taken part in the encirclement and suppression of the Fallen Ark twice. This is the third time for me. Those Beyond Grade As who reside in the Central Galaxy have participated in such actions,” Beyoni noted.
This is really eat-sleep-fight, and that bunch of allies who made excuses saying they did not wish to provoke EsGod did so only because they did not wish to group up with me… Han Xiao’s mouth curled up.
“Then, had EsGod practically fought with all the Beyond Grade A people in the three Civilizations?”
“You could say so. However, the majority of times we only came into contact with the doppelganger of EsGod. Only during large operations will we come across his true body. However, people on Clotti’s level would be in charge of such operations because the true body of EsGod is far too strong. I’ve heard that more than two Beyond Grade As have already fallen at his hands. We only have so many Beyond Grade As, so this can be considered a terrific result.”
Beyoni shook his head.
Because of his deliberate attempt to foster ties, Han Xiao’s relationship toward him was closer than to the rest of the allies.
Hearing his words, Han Xiao nodded to express his understanding, his eyes flashing.
The capability of EsGod was well known, but to the three Civilizations, if they gritted their teeth, they would be able to get rid of this threat. There was no need for them to endure EsGod for so long. There had to be something more hidden.
“This time, there are three Beyond Grade A Supers holding the fort, so even if we’re unlucky and encounter his true body, we can still retreat without losses,” Beyoni said.
Unlucky? Heh, there’s an eighty percent chance we’ll meet with his true body this time.
Han Xiao smirked to himself. EsGod revealing some tracks the moment he entered the dynasty’s mother planet was no coincidence.
Upon thinking about the contents of when EsGod had contacted him, it was likely because of this reason. However, he had still chosen to participate in this cleaning operation.
Putting those thoughts aside, he opened the interface to look. The cleaning operation missions were placed within, with great rewards.
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Dynasty Battle Operation: Fallen Ark (Repeatable)
Mission Introduction: The Fallen Ark, the paradise of the thugs in the Universe are evil and notorious, is constantly besieged by the three Universal Civilizations. Today, the Crimson Dynasty has discovered the whereabouts of one of the Fallen Ark’s groups, and you decided to participate in this battle and contribute your strength.
Reminder: This is a faction series mission. You can complete the below requirements during this mission.
Elite Soldier: A cumulative kill count of over 2,000 enemies. Reward: 3,800,000 Experience, +20 Crimson Dynasty Contribution Points.
Fierce General: A cumulative kill count of over 200 Supers at least at Grade C. Reward: 8,100,000 Experience, +30 Crimson Dynasty Contribution Points.
Street Cleaner: A cumulative kill of over 10,000 enemies. Reward: 13,350,000 Experience, +50 the Crimson Dynasty Contribution Points.
…
Beheader: Kill the Fleet Commander. Reward: 120,000,000 Experience, +220 the Crimson Dynasty Contribution Points.
Face Off Against EsGod (I): Deplete a cumulative total of 0.5% of EsGod’s HP (either to the true body or its copies). Reward: 200,000,000 Experience, +350 Crimson Dynasty Contribution Points.
Face Off Against EsGod (II): Deplete a cumulative total of 5% of EsGod’s HP (either to the true body or its copies). Reward: 1,500,000,000 Experience, +550 Crimson Dynasty Contribution Points.
Face Off Against EsGod (III): Deplete a cumulative total of 15% of EsGod’s HP (either to the true body or its copies). Reward: 6,500,000,000 Experience, +900 Crimson Dynasty Contribution Points.
Face Off Against EsGod (IV): Succeed in joining forces with the Crimson Dynasty troops to eliminate a doppelganger of EsGod. Every 1% of contribution effort made in battle will reward: 250,000,000 Experience, +80 Crimson Dynasty Contribution Point, and an EsGod Character Summon Card.
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This was not a one-off opportunity. As long as there was another cleaning operation, this mission would appear once more.
The Crimson Dynasty was one of the top organizations in Galaxy, so the rewards were the standard of the middle to later versions, involving the Beyond Grade A level. The highest rewards were worth tens of billions of experience.
This time, the Fallen Ark fleet was discovered near the frontier of the dynasty, so it was the troops belonging to the dynasty that were deployed.
Han Xiao had accepted this task because he saw the ample reward.
This was so for the [Face Off Against EsGod] series reward. Ninety percent of the potential rewards came from those mission requirements. This meant that it would be challenging, and most players could only complete the basic requirements of killing the enemy troops, since it was almost impossible to cause damage to EsGod. Even if the mission requirements were for cumulative damage, it was just too difficult.
However, it was a different case for him. When he was only at the Calamity Grade, he had been beaten black and blue by EsGod, but right now, even if the true body of EsGod was present, he might not be able to defeat it, but it would not pose any trouble to him.
Players needed to obtain a total of twelve thousand Contribution Points from a Universal Civilization in order to exchange for Ultimate Knowledge. However, his current identity was now different from theirs, and he had a discount of fifty percent. Only six thousand points were needed for one Ultimate Knowledge.
The stronger the faction, the harder it would be to increase favorability. In order to obtain Ultimate Knowledge in the past, the players had almost burst their livers from working. This sort of cleaning operation was the most popular. Since Han Xiao did not wish to stay too long in the Central Galaxy, he prepared to take full advantage of this mission to rack up his favorability.
In the entire mission list given by the dynasty, only this mission temporarily met his requirements, and it was also the most convenient.
This was also an opportunity for him to separate himself from EsGod and send a signal to him.
Han Xiao suddenly remembered something and asked, “That’s right. How is it living out in the Primeval Star River? What’s your relationship with the Mechanic Empire?”
Beyoni had belonged to the Pyre Demon Tribe before he advanced to Beyond Grade A. Currently, he had kept his original appearance as part of the Pyre Demon Tribe. He led his clan within the Primeval Star River, and while they led a life like thieves, they could still be considered bigshots in the Primeval Star River.
The Mechanic Empire was situated in the Primeval Star River, so Beyoni would definitely recognize him.
“Manison? Why are you asking?” Beyoni was confused.
“After all, he’s a Beyond Grade A from the Mechanic profession, so I’ve admired him for a long time.” Han Xiao casually gave an excuse.
Beyoni did not suspect a thing. “We seldom come in contact, but his influence is deeply entrenched in the Primeval Star River, far more than mine. If you wish to visit him, I can help you, but he belongs to the Federation of Light, so it might not be a good idea to visit him in private.”
“You’re thinking too much. The Universal Civilizations will never restrict our private meetings.”
“Oh, but I don’t like to associate with people from other organizations.” Beyoni shook his head.
Han Xiao smiled in return. While he was not prepared to completely offend the Mechanic Empire, Aroshia’s issue made him pay more attention to it.
As for the visitation, he was not lying. He was genuinely interested in Manison’s ‘Indestructible Mechanic Empire’. However, this was not the time to pay a visit. The exploration of the Flickering World was imminent, and he did not have the time to run off to the Primeval Star River.
However, upon mentioning the Mechanic Empire, Han Xiao could not help but remember an old archenemy of his—Thousand Shadows.
This guy did not seem to have acted for several years. Han Xiao surmised that he had given up, but the [Prey] mission still hung on his interface without disappearing.
I should pay a visit to the Abyss of Stars at some point.
He had not forgotten how much trouble that guy had caused for him. Now that his wings were growing, it was time to settle old debts.
…
Amid the rifts around the border of the Central Galaxy, a huge fleet was slowly cruising. This was the branch fleet of the Fallen Ark.
In the main flagship was a palace. The ground was covered in energy transmission loops that were connected to the throne in the center. A doppelganger of EsGod sat on the throne, and the energy core of the spaceship constantly flowed through, sending energy to it, as though it was a battery pack charging EsGod up.
At this moment, the main consciousness of EsGod was descending upon this doppelganger.
“Not sure whom the Crimson Dynasty will employ this time for the Beyond Grade A Super that will hold the fort.” EsGod was musing. “My intelligence stated that Black Star has recently appeared in the Crimson Dynasty. Will he come over to find me?”
He had learned about Black Star’s trip to the Central Galaxy more than half a month ago. If Black Star wished to perform the trade with him, he would need an opportunity to get in contact, so EsGod had intentionally revealed some of his traces to the dynasty to create an opportunity for him.
He could not easily leave the Central Galaxy. Thus, if he wished to allow his true body to utilize the Evolution Cube, he could only invite Black Star to his door. In order to prevent any blackmailing or threats, Black Star would not search for him on his own, so he had to provide a plausible excuse.
“He should understand my intentions…”
After thinking about it for a while, EsGod shook his head.
He did not doubt Black Star’s perception, but since Black Star had not contacted him. It was likely that he had not decided as to if he wished to perform the trade.
In this situation, EsGod felt that Han Xiao might not come in contact with him.
…
“Black Star has already set off. Beyoni will watch over him.”
In Tarunamir Palace of the Dynasty Ruler, Clotti wore an unreadable expression as he read Urranrell the intelligence report.
Urranrell put down the documents in her hand, rubbing her eyes. “He chose to fight with EsGod, which is out of my expectations. In addition, the timing is a little too coincidental. He brought the Evolution Cube with him, and EsGod is also interested in that thing. We must take precautions.”
Initially, it should not have been the concern of a Dynasty Ruler like her as to which mission Han Xiao had picked, but she felt something suspicious about this, so she could not help but start to pay attention.
To the dynasty, the matter of EsGod attempting to steal the Evolution Cube was no secret. Han Xiao had taken the Evolution Cube to fight with him and could be seeking revenge, but it could also be for other things. While Black Star appeared as a new ally, with the dynasty taking care of his every matter, it was also a form of surveillance on him.
Beyoni accepting Han Xiao’s invite was partly because he had a good relationship with him and partly because of Clotti’s request. In addition to providing protection, he also wished to monitor Han Xiao’s movements.
One always needed to have their guard up toward others, and the dynasty was not willing to see any of their allies come into contact with EsGod.
“Black Star’s information shows that he is good at cooperation, working along the borders of many different organizations. To have built up his foundation to where he is today, he is definitely not someone that is easily satisfied…” Urranrell opened her eyes wide, her gaze cold and indifferent. “I hope he will not be too arrogant and attempt the same thing, thinking that he can deceive the dynasty.”
Chapter 804. Main Body |
A couple of days later, in the desolate universe belt, the small spaceship with Han Xiao and the others on it approached a large Crimson Dynasty fleet. This fleet belonged to the dynasty’s border defense army, the 36th Division. This was the team tasked to eliminate the Fallen Ark. They were waiting to rendezvous with the dynasty’s Beyond Grade As.
After checking the various passes and confirming their identity, the small spaceship entered the fleet’s formation and connected with the square Soldier Grade Heavy Main Ship that looked like a coffin.
Whoosh!
The path opened, and Han Xiao and the rest entered the main ship’s cabin. Officers were there to welcome them.
“Your Excellency Black Star, Your Excellency Incineration, and Your Excellency Dragon Emperor. I’m Commander Murraky’s deputy, here to welcome you guys,” an officer said respectfully.
Although Ames was not the dynasty’s ally, she was a neutral Beyond Grade A who had followed Han Xiao there, so the dynasty would not treat her badly.
