The Legendary Mechanic, page 785
Urranrell was the first to speak.
“Black Star, you’ve achieved a great merit this time, pinpointing the real danger of the Intelligent Plague for us. Without your intel, countless people would have been killed and injured in this disaster. We’re grateful for you for your contribution on behalf of the universe.”
“Maintaining the order of society is everyone’s responsibility,” Han Xiao replied perfunctorily as he looked at the three of them. This was still the first time he had spoken to all three heads of the Universal Civilizations. He had practically reached the very forefront of Galaxy, as few had such an honor in the universe, with those receiving this treatment being the most dazzling great people of each age. Speaking of which, he was only familiar with Urranrell and had not had much contact with either Bader or the Pope.
The three of them took turns to speak, praising Han Xiao for his contribution but did not say much about his act of destroying the virus core.
After listening to their praise, Han Xiao then finally heard the Pope move onto the main topic.
“For such an achievement, we will definitely not be stingy with the reward…”.
Han Xiao secretly rolled his eyes. He knew that the three leaders had definitely reached a consensus before speaking to him.
Not out of his expectations, the three of them coincided with each other, introducing the reward. Among them, resources and policy support counted for the majority. The federation and the church expressed their willingness to help the Black Star Army in the Star Fields outside the Shattered Star Ring and the Flickering World, allowing them to expand their businesses and sphere of influence.
The development of the Black Star Army in the other Star Fields had been relatively difficult, as their hands could not stretch too far at the moment. With the joint support of the three Universal Civilizations, the development would be much smoother.
Han Xiao understood the meaning behind this
– it was to allow him to catch up with the Mechanic Emperor’s organizations, allowing the two of them to better compete with each other. At the same time, this support would mean that the three Universal Civilizations were sharing their own interests with him, so as to deepen their relationship and avoid any conflict with him like what happened between them and Manison.
Furthermore, the three Universal Civilizations promised to open a portion of the Universal Treasure blueprint library to Han Xiao, which would allow him to purchase a portion of the Gold Grade blueprints using money and his Contribution Points.
Originally, most of these blueprints were not for sale. However, during his conflict against the Mechanic Emperor, the three Universal Civilizations saw the gap in strength between the two parties, so they were willing to provide some benefits to aid Black Star in reducing the gap. Generally speaking, such privileges were only awarded to those of their direct line. These treatments could be regarded as a manifestation of their trust in Han Xiao.
Of course, support still had its limits, and they would not give everything away for free.
Han Xiao’s eyes sparkled, and he was unexpectedly surprised.
If this was the case, other than his own research and Awakening Point methods, he now had a new channel to purchase Universal Treasures. Because of his (Spirit Instrument] skills, there were additional benefits to this reward for him, and in his opinion, this was better compared to those business support they would provide him.
At this moment, Urranrell slowly said, “We’ve also jointly decided to hire you as a Special Safety Consultant for the Federation of Light, the Crimson Dynasty, and the Arcane Church.”
Han Xiao was stunned.
A Special Safety Consultant for the three Universal Civilizations?
This was new to him.
If that was the case, then he would also form a relationship with both the federation and the church, turning from an ally of the dynasty into a cross-faction character.
It seemed like there was no Beyond Grade A who had been given such an honor before in history. He might be the first and likely only one.
After thinking about it, Han Xiao could guess the intentions of the three Universal Civilizations.
Firstly, they wanted to build his momentum, and the second reason was that the other two wished to earn money through investing in him just like advertising sponsors. Black Star would carry a part of their labels with him. The third intention would be for the development union, which would mean that the three Universal Civilizations were currently adjusting their attitudes toward the Beyond Grade A development union.
Why does this feel like in the martial arts novels that I read in my previous life, about how the court would secretly support one of their own in order to become the Master of the Martial Community, thus allowing them to control the pugilists? I’m becoming more and more like a villain, Han Xiao grumbled in his heart.
While he thought this way, he did not refuse the position of the Special Safety Consultant and politely nodded.
“I’m honored to be offered this position.”
For the Mechanic Emperor to engage in rebellion, it was not just because of the methods employed against them but also contained his own selfish will. Han Xiao did not have that idea; for him, there was more than one way to protect the Beyond Grade As. In his opinion, no one could truly be alone in the universe. The right way was to seek cooperation amid their struggles.
Furthermore, the three Universal Civilizations would be the main force in dealing with the World Tree Civilization. What he wanted was to make their cooperative relationship equal, not to backstab the three Universal Civilizations.
The majority of people in the Beyond Grade A Association also thought the same way. His position as a Special Security Consultant for the three Universal Civilizations would now act as a halo, which could attract members with the same idea. This would further separate him from Manison.
Thinking of this, Han Xiao once again had a fresh perspective.
Why does it feel like we’re Professor X and Magneto?
While he had become a Special Consultant, his roots were still as a pillar of the dynasty, and his relationship with the other two civilizations was a lot more superficial.
“These are the general rewards. Black Star, do you have any specific needs?” Han Xiao thought for a while before saying, “I hope that I can purchase the Ultimate Knowledges of other systems and be able to pass it on to others.”
The moment he spoke, the eyes of the trio changed, and silence fell.
This was a sensitive issue and one that the Development Union had been negotiating with the three Universal Civilizations.
The issue of lifting the monopoly on Knowledge.
There were so many Beyond Grade As, and if they gathered together, they would definitely be able to gather all the Ultimate Knowledges of every Class. The key lay in their right to disseminate the knowledge, as the three Universal Civilizations prohibited any sort of private teaching
Now, Han Xiao wished for them to release their grips on this issue, which was in line with the requests of the Beyond Grade As. However, it would harm the interest of the three Universal Civilizations. Seeing their expressions, Han Xiao said, “Hila is still serving as my Deputy Army Commander. I have to help her gather knowledge of her Esper System, and there are also people with extraordinary potential under me that I hope can master some Ultimate Knowledge to improve their combat power.”
The three of them exchanged glances, and after being silent for a long time, Urranrell finally spoke.
“You may exchange three Ultimate Knowledges for Hila, but you are only limited to passing one Ultimate Knowledge per person for others. At the same time, you have to submit a list for filing and limit the number of people who are able to learn this.”
The three Universal Civilizations finally made some concessions on this issue, but this was only limited to Black Star himself, while others did not have this treatment.
After the various deals were negotiated, the three Universal Civilizations’ leaders went offline, and Han Xiao left the meeting room, stopping by to greet Sidreun before returning to his territory.
Just as he walked into his exclusive office area, he saw Harrison nervously standing at the door, waiting for him. Han Xiao did not stop, however, instead walking on.
Harrison immediately rushed up, stammering, “Your… Your Excellency Black Star, I have something to ask…” “Speak.”
“I would like to ask, what are we going to do after the Intelligent Plague is over?”
Hearing this, Han Xiao turned to glance at him, only to see Harrison’s expression of anxiety. He immediately knew what was on the latter’s mind.
“What, are you afraid you’ll go back behind bars?”
“Yes, that’s right.” Harrison appeared a little frazzled. While he had followed Han Xiao for a few months, he was still guilty. This charge had not been lifted, so he was afraid he would have to continue sitting behind bars and had come to ask Han Xiao for help.
“Relax, you’ve made a great contribution this time, and I won’t leave you in the lurch.” Han Xiao patted his shoulder.
Harrison was flattered, but at the same time, he was a little dazed.
I made a great contribution?
Why didn’t I hear anything about it? “Then… What will happen to me in the future?”
“I will ask the three Universal Civilizations to withdraw the charges against you and restore the freedom of you and your companions, but you can no longer be scavengers.”
“Thank you very much!” Harrison had an expression of gratitude.
It was nice to regain his freedom. It did not matter if he could not be a scavenger. After unearthing the Virtual Mutiny Virus, Harrison was already traumatized and planned to go back and inherit his family fortune.
“Don’t rejoice too early. I’m not saving you for nothing. You’ll need to continue your current job scope and do exploration under the funding and surveillance of the Black Star Army.”
“This…” Harrison hesitated. “Not willing?” Han Xiao stared at him. “Then I hope you’ll get used to your prison life as soon as possible.”
“No, no, no!” Harrison immediately grabbed Han Xiao and helplessly replied, “We can do it.”
Black Star was their last hope, so he had no other choice. Besides, obtaining financial aid from a behemoth such as the Black Star Army would mean that they did not have to worry about everything like before.
Han Xiao hummed in agreement, but he was smiling in his heart.
Want to go back and inherit the family business? Dream on!
Once you enter my leek field, don’t even think of running away. Just work hard for me!
Chapter 1122. Changes and Announcements |
After the three Universal Civilizations completed the operation, they notified the various organizations in the Ancient Star Desert to reopen their quantum networks. The quantum network was only disconnected for half a day, yet it brought about huge economic losses to the entire Star Field. The various organizations were all wondering what the three Universal Civilizations had done during the period when their quantum network was disconnected.
Through intelligence gathered from all walks of life, they quickly found out that a group of Beyond Grade As had gathered for an operation, and they all were dumbfounded.
The Super Star Cluster Civilizations were all suffering from PTSD from the three Universal Civilizations, and thus, they were always on the lookout about this turmoil. Upon learning of this matter, the upper echelons held another meeting
“It turns out that the Virtual Mutiny Virus had such a mechanism. If it was leaked out, it’s unknown how many people would have been killed or injured… It’s a pity that we were kept in the dark, and the core has now been destroyed by Black Star.”
Many of the upper echelons displayed fear and regret.
They were afraid of the threat of the Virtual Mutiny Virus itself. They thought that the three Universal Civilizations had controlled the situation, but they did not expect it to be just an illusion. If they did not manage to find the virus core, then disaster would have swept across the entire universe.
What they regretted was that they did not know the goals of the three Universal Civilizations in advance, and in order to cooperate, they developed a wait-and-see attitude, finally resulting in the virus core being handled by the three Universal Civilizations. The Virtual Mutiny Virus thus became a disappearing voice. Because the ship had already sailed, the three Universal Civilizations no longer concealed the information, so the Super Star Cluster Alliance discovered this matter.
One of the executives sighed in relief. “Luckily, Black Star destroyed the virus core. If we’d let the three Universal Civilizations obtain such weaponized information technology, then our situation would have been much worse.”
“You’re wrong. Black Star destroying the virus core does us more harm than good. Even if the technology was obtained by the three Universal Civilizations, they would only use it in order to maintain order. But for us, this sort of technology would be enough to allow us to threaten them, and it would allow us to shorten the gap between us and them. Now that this technology has disappeared, we have lost this opportunity forever,” someone retorted.
“It would have been good if the Mechanic Emperor had succeeded…”
Many of them sighed.
They had hoped that Manison would succeed, as there was a high chance the Mechanic Emperor would ally with their Super Star Cluster Alliance in order to maintain his competitive advantage in hoarding profitable goods. In this manner, they would also have had an opportunity to find ways to obtain the virus technology through him.
However, this hope of turning the tables was now destroyed by Black Star, and they could not help but greatly regret it.
“Black Star, this fellow, really…” One of the superiors paused, not knowing how to describe Han Xiao, before finally speaking dejectedly. “He’s too wasteful.”
Glancing at the other upper echelons with varied expressions, the Star Arc Civilization’s leaders solemnly said, “The results cannot be changed. What we need to think about is how to deal with the current situation.”
“In the Flickering World, the three Universal Civilizations and the Super Star Cluster Alliance will definitely have a battle. What we lack now is preparation time. Originally, the Intelligent Plague would have taken up all the energy of the three Universal Civilizations. The longer they are held up, the better. But now that the disaster is about to disappear, the three Universal Civilizations will soon be free to deal with us.”
“The virus core was discovered by Black Star, and it was also eliminated by him. Because of his actions, the time for the three Universal Civilizations to solve the Intelligent Plague was greatly reduced… Hey, it’s Black Star again!”
Most of the upper echelons were very dissatisfied. The exposure of Traveler before was due to Black Star, and now he had once again disrupted their plans.
But while they were angry, they could not do anything. They hoped to be low-key at this point to avoid trouble, so why would they go and provoke Black Star?
The leader of the Star Arc Civilization looked through the intelligence and suddenly exclaimed, “Black Star and the Mechanic Emperor had a disagreement on the issue of dealing with the virus core. The two of them had a fight and officially turned against each other. What do you think about this?” “The battle report shows that Black Star and the Mechanic Emperor reached a tie…” An intelligence department’s chief frowned. “If Black Star arrived in his main body, it is still possible, but both sides were using avatars. Our artificial intelligence has constructed countless models and analyzed the results, showing that in the case of this battle, Black Star’s win rate was as low as 0.0027%. He is not yet an opponent of the Mechanic Emperor. The tie was because the other Beyond Grade As forcibly interfered, which meant that they were instructed to do so. Thus, we can judge that the three Universal Civilizations hope to create an equivalent character to compete against the Mechanic Emperor.”
The leader of the Star Arc Civilization narrowed his eyes. “This means that after this battle, Black Star and the Mechanic Emperor will part ways, and the Beyond Grade As will be divided into two factions. One faction will support Black Star, and the other, the Mechanic Emperor. There might be an opportunity in this…”
“You mean…” “After operating his business for so many years, the Mechanic Emperor is already considered a semi-independent state, almost rid of the three Universal Civilizations control,” the leader of the Star Arc Civilization said. “However, against the three Universal Civilizations, he will still require some external help, and that help… can be offered by us.”
Everyone’s eyes lit up, and they nodded.
Everyone would have a time when they sorely needed help. The Mechanic Emperor was such a powerful figure, so if the Super Star Cluster Alliance helped him right now when he was in a difficult position and not trusted by the three Universal Civilizations, they might have a chance to become his secret partner.
In this way, to a certain extent, they can prevent the Beyond Grade A union from reaching a new cooperative relationship with the three Universal Civilizations, and they would also add obstacles to Black Star, who often caused them trouble.
On a desolate planet in the Primeval Star River, there was a hidden base underground.
Electricity arced in the darkness, and a pair of eyes emitting sparks opened, reflecting a silhouette sitting on the ground. This figure stood up, his robe rustling in the silence of the room. The next moment, he turned on the light, revealing his appearance, which was the true body of Manison.
After the battle, he had released his Lord’s Descent and had not been in contact with others for quite a while. During this time, he had been secretly operating his organizations in the various Star Fields, ready to deal with the suppression of the three Universal Civilizations.
