The Legendary Mechanic, page 789
“The three Universal Civilizations will be hosting the award ceremony together, so to keep up with the times and make it more convenient for all the Beyond Grade As to attend, it’s been decided that it’ll be held in the new Star Field, the Flickering World. The date is in three months, so there’s plenty of time.”
“Convenient, indeed.” Han Xiao nodded. Suddenly, he kept his voice down and asked with a mysterious tone, “Tell me, have you guys finished preparing to target the Super Star Cluster Alliance? When are you guys going to do it?”
“I don’t think this is a suitable time to talk about that…” Tarrokov coughed. He also kept his voice down and said, “Anyway, the three Universal Civilizations will only consider redistributing the Super Star Cluster Alliance’s territories after the fourth phase of the free competition zone’s exploration finishes, not taking them back but sharing them with free organizations and other civilizations… Maybe an excuse similar to the ‘New Star Field Anti-Monopolization Exploration Regulations’ will be made as the reason.”
Pot calling the kettle black… Han Xiao curled his lips. This was what happened in his previous life, so he was not surprised. “Speaking of which, before you opened up the Ancient Star Desert, did you guys do anything to the Super Star Cluster civilizations there?”
“We really didn’t this time, and you understand why… However, although we did not make an attempt on them, we left a lot of eyes and ears behind, closely monitoring the whereabouts of the military and resources of civilizations like the Star Arc Civilization, all to prepare for the conflict that might occur soon,” Tarrokov explained.
“Tsk, evil,” Han Xiao joked.
“You’re one to talk.” Tarrokov rolled his eyes. “Don’t think I don’t know. I heard quite a lot of rumors from the intelligence department that you left quite a lot of things in the Ancient Star Desert’s black market.” “You and I both.” Han Xiao did not mind.
The two of them were already old friends who had known each other for many years. They joked around for a while and prepared to end the communication.
This time, Tarrokov suddenly thought of something and said, “If you have the time, you can go and watch this show. My colleagues in the public opinion management department seem to have sent some of your information over.”
After the call ended, Han Xiao received a link from Tarrokov.
An episode of a political talk show appeared on the virtual screen. It seemed quite recent. This was a show similar to Ruden’s Show, but it was more authentic and official. It was called Focus Talk, targeted at people with higher positions in society.
This episode was about the Intelligent Plague. It analyzed the impact the Intelligent Plague had on the Ancient Star Desert. Han Xiao fast-forwarded for a while and finally saw his name.
A well-dressed Godoran was speaking fluently on the show. The subtitles below said this was an advanced researcher of galactic society, a scholar.
“… Before Black Star left Planet Aquamarine, the Godoran Civilization had already heard of him. With our very own eyes, we saw this powerful neighbor, the Black Star Army, rise step by step. We even fought alongside them. The Black Star Army has gotten past the growing stage, and it’s not difficult to notice they’re trying hard to take on more responsibility in society from the recent Black Star Cup, the Holy Light Emissary project, and the Intelligent Plague.
“Although Black Star is a universe-level warlord, his principles are different from the others. Currently, he controls a large number of resources, and instead of simply keeping all of them to himself, he seems more passionate about using these resources to maintain and improve the environment of the universe. The other Beyond Grade A warlords make us feel afraid and fearful, but toward Black Star, we mostly feel admiration and reverence. He gives us a completely different image, reducing the instinctive fear the galactic residents have toward those strongest individuals in the universe. Perhaps this is this source of his extraordinary affinity…”
While Han Xiao was enjoying his compliments, the images changed, and his deeds flashed past the screen one after another, accompanied by a serious narrator summarizing the events. It sounded quite like an official news segment.
Very soon, the recent events were brought up. This show was able to get their hands on the exclusive first-hand video footage of the confrontation on Planet Magnetic Cloud and played it to the entire universe.
So, this was the promotional material the dynasty sent.
The video captured him fighting Manison in a third-person view. He heard himself saying that sentence again, and it got a close-up.
“… This universe has an end no matter how enormous it is, but ambition has no limits.”
Han Xiao stared at the screen and smirked.
He had to admit that at this instant, he looked very handsome in the video.
The dynasty probably sent this video out because they felt that this scene was beneficial to improving his public image.
The next moment, the narration ended, and the scene changed to a grand office. The interviewer changed into someone very famous too. The subtitles showed that this person was the president of the Stuarts Committee.
Kraber Peterhius, a tenured professor of the Federation of Light’s Advanced Supreme Science and Technology Institute, principal of the Truth Academy, winner of ‘Stars’ and Heller’s Eye medals… There were so many titles that the subtitles had to keep rolling down to display all of them.
The Stuarts Committee was not some little organization but had an extremely long history and superior position. Its founder was the founder of the Energy Rank theory, Professor Stuarts Ona, traditionally known as the ‘Father of Supers’.
In his late years, he founded an award under his name. It was used to reward professionals who had made a huge achievement in various areas. The committee was the organization that managed and assessed the award. It was similar to the Nobel Prize in Han Xiao’s past life, but this was even more impressive and had been going on for thousands of years.
Every year, the three Universal Civilizations and the advanced civilizations would provide sponsorships. The Stuarts Award maintained absolutely neutral. The assessment of their award was affected by any political or economic factors. The award was given out once every three years. It could not really be considered the most anticipated event, but it was very prestigious. Kraber stroked his neatly combed gray braided beard, smiled at the camera, and said, “Black Star is an extremely powerful individual, as well as a respectable scientist. Not mentioning his capabilities, I also respect his philosophy. I’m a scientist, too, and I know very well of the overflowing desire and curiosity we scientists have about the unknown. No one knows better than me how much perseverance it takes to personally destroy unknown technology. I admire Black Star, and I believe he deserves to be the first shared Special Safety Consultant of the three Universal Civilizations more than anyone.
“I can let you guys know a little bit of information from behind the curtains. The Stuarts Committee has already received a lot of members’ nominations for Black Star’s Peace Prize. As a nominee of this year’s Stuarts Peace Prize, Black Star has received a lot of support. From my personal perspective, I have high hopes for him. He’s made a huge contribution to the universe.”
Kraber did not hide his admiration for Han Xiao at all. At the end of the interview, he made a brief summary.
“In the future, when we look back and study this history, we might see the choice Black Star made today as the turning point of this era. He might have affected the path of the entire world.”
Han Xiao let out a deep breath.
He had heard of the Stuarts Award, but something so high class, of course, had nothing to do with the players in his previous life.
If I win the Stuarts Peace Prize of this year, it’ll probably be another Universe Legendary Point. The dynasty really isn’t holding back on promoting me.
Han Xiao chuckled in his mind. He was very satisfied with how the three Universal Civilizations promoted him.
With so many honors gifted to him, they could be seen as a defensive aura that could deflect damage. If anyone attacked him, that person would certainly become a public enemy and lose a lot of reputation. Even if the federation and the church wanted to do something to him again, they would have to first dirty his image, otherwise even they would have to think twice about if the reputation drop was worth it.
Beep beep… At this time, he received a communication request.
Han Xiao looked at it, and to his surprise, it was a call from Ames.
As he picked it up, the projection of the beautiful Ames, who was wearing a black dress, appeared before him. Her arms were crossed, and her lips were slightly lifted.
“I saw the video. You copied me.”
“Haha, just suddenly thought of it.”
“Looks like you paid attention to what I said.” Ames narrowed her eyes with overflowing happiness in them. Clearly, she was in a very good mood.
“I remember most of the things you said.” “You really are getting better at talking…” Ames then chuckled softly and said, “I’m not doing anything at home. Have time to visit me?”
“Missed me?”
“Are you coming or not?” Ames slightly raised her brows.
“You’ve already invited me. How can I possibly not go? Wait for me to arrange my schedule. It’s on the way too.”
“Hmm, I’ll wait for you at home.”
Ames stepped forward and raised her hand to touch Han Xiao’s cheeks. Sadly, it was just a projection. She then smiled and ended the communication as her projection disappeared.Han Xiao touched his face and shook his head with a smile.
“It’s not good to go empty-handed. I should take some gifts…”
It just so happened that the three Universal Civilizations had opened up more resources to him, so he could acquire an Esper Ultimate Knowledge and give it to Ames.
He could then give it to Hila afterward too, killing two birds with one stone.
Also, he had something he had to ask Aesop too. Maybe that knowledgeable old man knew something about the Sanctum, Holy Accord, Oathkeeper, or Manison.
Furthermore, Han Xiao had a feeling.
He felt that if he went to see Ames now, he might receive something surprising.
While thinking of that, Han Xiao looked outside the window, and Harrison just happened to walk by.
Chapter 1127. Prophecy |
Dark blue tail flames extended from the deep cosmic space and brought light to the dark universe. The trail stopped at the dock of the Floating Dragon Island, which was orbiting Planet Aquamarine.
Although they had a lazy leader, Floating Dragon still expanded to having five islands and close to a hundred million residents. Most came from Planet Aquamarine. Staying on Planet Aquamarine’s surface meant they had to be ruled by the Aquamarine Federation, but Floating Dragon was a neutral island with no regime, so it was freer. Plus, they could experience galactic society while still being close to their home, so it was a good holiday destination, which was why the tourism industry of Floating Dragon was booming.
The Black Star Army fleet parked on the main dock and immediately attracted the attention of countless people. When Han Xiao walked out from the cabin with a group of subordinates in the Black Star Army uniform, people instantly swarmed over with excitement.
“It really is Black Star!”
“You make us proud!”
“Can you give me an autograph? My grandfather loves you!”
Han Xiao was surrounded by the crowd and could hardly move.
Hearing the noisy yells and feeling the passion from everyone, Han Xiao used his classic smile, which was quite effective and made the crowd even more thrilled.
Most of the people there were born on Planet Aquamarine. They were taught about Black Star from a young age and were almost all admirers of Black Star. Lately, due to the three Universal Civilizations’ promotion, his reputation had become extremely positive. He was almost worshipped by Planet Aquamarine’s people as an almighty God. This time, the Floating Dragon soldiers who had been waiting for quite some time walked over, split up the crowd, and opened a path.
Jenny approached with an expressionless face. She then said in a tone that completely lacked any emotion or sincerity, “Welcome to Floating Dragon, Your Excellency Black Star.”
“You don’t sound like I’m that welcomed,” Han Xiao joked.
“No, I’m thrilled.” With her eyes opened wide, she moved aside and made a ‘please’ gesture. “Follow me.”
The two of them left with their subordinates, leaving the crowd on the dock watching them disappear in their sights. Quite a number of people shot knowing looks at each other. Gossip about Black Star and Ames had been passing around in the Shattered Star Ring for decades, and that was even more so on Planet Aquamarine. Almost everyone knew about it.
There was a reason it started in the first place. Black Star frequently visited Floating Dragon, and Dragon Emperor moved her base to Black Star’s home planet. If someone were to say there was nothing between the two of them, not a single person from Planet Aquamarine would believe it.
Han Xiao and Jenny walked at the front and led the others through one street after another, receiving thrilled looks from countless passersby and chatting here and there. Han Xiao glanced at her. “You seem to be in a good mood today.”
“Why do you say so?” Jenny wondered.
“Your attitude to me isn’t as bad as before.”
“…Humph.” Jenny snorted softly. “If you liked it, I can go back to that.”
She had never liked Black Star, partly because he gave her tons of work and partly because of Ames. However, after watching the recent news, although Jenny never mentioned it, she actually did admire Black Star somewhat. If she continued to be so cold to Black Star, she would not feel good about it.
“Tsk.” Han Xiao shook his head. “I liked you more when you were defiant.”
Jenny secretly rolled her eyes and did not bother responding to Han Xiao. At this time, they arrived at a junction and heard the sound of dense footsteps, as well as the clear and loud sound of metal rubbing against metal. They looked over and saw a group of Floating Dragon warriors in dark gold heavy armor pushing several creatures from different races that had their heads covered in black cloth. They hastily passed by on the street not far away from them. The pedestrians around quickly stepped out of their way like they were horrified.
These warriors were covered by armor from head to toe, including their faces. They gave off a cold-blooded merciless vibe while walking. There were two symbols on their chest armor. One was Floating Dragon’s symbol, and the other was a symbol Han Xiao had never seen before.
“Who are those people? I don’t recall seeing them the last time I was here.” Han Xiao was curious.
“They’re the Hunters. They recently split from Wilsander’s law enforcement team and became an independent division,” Jenny explained briefly.
Harrison saw that the creatures that were being escorted had dried blood marks on their clothes, so he asked, “What are they going to do to those people?”
As soon as he asked that, Han Xiao and Jenny both turned and glanced at him with a strange expression.
“Wh—What?” Harrison was a little terrified and nervous from being looked at by the two of them.
Jenny did not bother about him but looked at Han Xiao. “Black Star, where did you get this newbie from again? He doesn’t seem to know when to speak.”
“Don’t say that. Harrison is a great kid. He’s helped me a lot.” Han Xiao did not mind it and smiled. “I like it when you’re being mean. It just feels right.”
“Humph.” Jenny sized Harrison up, waved her hand, and said, “Since you’re so curious, why don’t we go and take a look? It’s not that far anyway.”
“Er… can we?” Harrison looked at Han Xiao.
“Go take a look then.” Han Xiao nodded. Although he was Harrison’s boss now, he would still try to satisfy the tiny requests of someone with Advanced Luck Glow.
The group of them followed after the Hunters and came to the edge of Floating Dragon Island. The translucent light gold protective shield separated them from the vacuum of space right outside. A large crowd had already formed around, but the Hunters did not mind it at all. They did not chase the bystanders away and focused on their tasks. They lined up the people blinded by black cloth in a row and made them kneel down. They then opened up a small part of the light gold protective shield. As an opening was created on the gold shield, the group of people who had no armor got sucked out instantly. They were exposed to the cosmic space and started to struggle in agony, like fish jumping around on the cutting board.
Very soon, these people struggled less and less. A layer of white snow appeared on all of them, and their bodily functions were destroyed by the vacuum. Their faces were hidden under the black cloth, or their twisted facial expressions would have shown as well.
The next moment, the Hunters raised the firearms in their hands and fired simultaneously.
Green beams shot out from their guns, shattering those people who were about to turn into ice sculptures into pieces that drifted out into cosmic space.
“Is this an execution?” Harrison opened his eyes wide. “What crime did they commit? Isn’t this too cruel?”
Although he had never come to the Shattered Star Ring, he did some slight research about Floating Dragon when he heard their schedule had changed.
As the Black Star Army’s galactic pirate happy little house was too famous, the galactic pirates in the Shattered Star Ring all transferred their business elsewhere. Floating Dragon, too, stopped letting galactic pirates in. This place had become an orderly safe and free city.
He had expected the atmosphere in Floating Dragon to be very positive, but to his surprise, Floating Dragon shockingly carried out death sentences right before countless spectators. This was not something that would happen in an orderly city at all. Furthermore, open execution was a special trait of places that were ruled by terror. He did not expect to see something so violent here at all.
