The Legendary Mechanic, page 880
Seeing this, the dynasty inspection officer continued. “I’ll take it as that’s what you think. You couldn’t possibly not have known that, after doing what you did, the marshals who monitor everything would definitely find you. In order to eliminate those so-called stubborn people, you were willing to be imprisoned and even held responsible for some of your accomplices, basically giving up your life. Is it worth it?”
Barton shook his head calmly and said, “Here or outside, both are prisons. What’s the difference? On this planet, no one’s life is valuable. If I can give mine for some hope, of course it’s worth it.”
“You think you’re very noble, right?” the inspection team leader said with a poker face. “I’m the dynasty’s inspector. Frankly, I do not like your extreme methods at all. Your motive is too strong. You think you can convince the dynasty by doing this? Youngster, don’t you think you’ve underestimated us?”
Barton’s carapace color shifted slightly and then returned to the color of calmness. “This might be the only inspection in my life. I only did what I thought was right. No matter the results of the inspection, I’ve reduced the source of hate. The number of haters born in the future will also be reduced because of it. Even if we fail the inspection now, the chance of passing in the future will increase. At least what I did was meaningful.”
The dynasty inspection team leader was not touched at all. He had witnessed too many similar examples, so he was already used to it.
He thought for a moment, changed the topic, and asked, “If your planet is freed, what do you think your people should do?”
“Join the Black Star Army.” This time, Barton answered without hesitation.
The dynasty inspection team leader narrowed his eyes and asked, “And why is that?”
“Even freed, the Kunde Race still lives in the Black Star Army’s territory. In the short term, the Kunde Race still needs the Black Star Army’s protection. Our civilization is still too weak. If one of us can become an officer of the Black Star Army, the Kunde Race will also receive help. Have the Supers work for Black Star and aid the entire race, this is the best path for now,” Barton said with a deep voice.
Hearing this, the dynasty inspection team could not help but glance at the Black Star Army patrol team. He snorted and said, “Looks like the promotion you guys did was very effective.”
“Thank you. The army commander taught us well. Plus, he’s too charming.” The army patrol team leader smiled.
The dynasty inspection team leader looked down and pondered for a while before writing some remarks on the inspection form and ticking off a few things.
…
When the inspection team visited all the Kunde Race planets, Han Xiao finally received the results.
“A total of seventeen planets reached the standard. The standard is even lower than I expected.”
Han Xiao curled his lips. He looked at the list of the planets, and Planet No. 77 was on it.
Then, he summoned Phillip and said, “Hmm, there’s no problem. Make the arrangements according to this list. Have the troops stationed at these seventeen planets guide the residents to familiarize with galactic society. At the same time, make a recruit announcement. Although they’re free, they don’t have anywhere to go, so the majority of them will choose to join me…
“Also, broadcast the process of freeing these seventeen planets to the other planets. Encourage them to accept the transformation properly and regain freedom sooner.”
Han Xiao gave the order. He then looked at the details of the inspection and discovered the conversation between the dynasty inspection team leader and Barton.
“Oh, this kid is interesting.”
Han Xiao raised his brow. He brought up Barton’s information and said casually, “Phillip, tell the prison department of Planet No.77 to let this kid out and have him join the army.”
He felt that Barton was a man with dreams and not lazy. Also, Barton seemed to have potential. After all, the Kunde Race never had the Super system in the past. Barton was in the first batch to learn it, and he still became a Grade C at such a young age. His potential should be quite high.
However, at Han Xiao’s current position, he did not plan to meet him personally. He was only picking out a high-quality leek out of habit. If Barton could not achieve things in the Black Star Army, Han Xiao would not specifically remember him.
A few days later, the results of the inspection got approved by the dynasty. The Black Star Army acted right away to open up these seventeen planets. Billions of Kunde Race members were freed.
On this day, the screams of joy of countless people shot into the sky and echoed through planets. After more than twenty years, they were finally free. Be it seniors or youngsters, they were all tearing up.
They still had problems with the dynasty, but most of them had a strong sense of appreciation toward the Black Star Army. Not only were they thankful for the Black Star Army’s advanced notification but also for Black Star avenging the Kunde Race by making Modo suffer. There was also the protection the Black Star Army had provided them for decades.
Among the Kunde Race, the reputation of the army was at the peak. The relationship was firmly at Reverence.
At Sigaia City Prison, Barton walked out the prison door. The blinding sunlight almost made him unable to open his eyes. The streets were filled with an overjoyed crowd, and loud cheering voices came from all directions.
The lifeless city in his impression seemed to have suddenly come alive. Barton stood still, stunned.
“You’ve been let out. Now go.”
The warden spoke from behind. He had received the message from Black Star, so he did not dare ignore it and personally sent Barton out of the prison.
“Isn’t my crime very horrible? Why have you let me go?” Barton turned around. He was both shocked and confused.
You think I wanted to? While thinking that in his mind, the warden gave a stiff smile and said, “Don’t thank me. The army commander said to let you go by name. He must believe in your capabilities. Work hard, and don’t waste the army commander’s kindness.”
Barton’s entire body shivered. The color of disbelief appeared on his body.
The news was promoting how strong Black Star was every day. To say he did not admire someone that strong would be a lie; Barton simply kept this admiration buried in his heart.
He originally wanted to sacrifice himself, so he never expected to be released. Plus, he was released by Black Star personally.
Doesn’t this mean Black Star knows who I am?
Suddenly, Barton felt a stream of heat flowing in his body. He was feeling tipsy like he had too much to drink. His shell rapidly turned into the color of hot red excitement like he was cooked.
“Since Black Star… no, since the army commander has so high hopes for me, I must live up to it!”
At this moment, Barton made a decision.
He would become the army’s officer and prove that Black Star was not wrong about him!
He hoped that he could one day stand before Black Star and express his appreciation to him face to face.
…
“Your Excellency Black Star, our inspection is complete. We shall get going.”
Inside the army commander’s office in Black Star Palace, the dynasty inspection team bade farewell respectfully and expressed their intention of leaving.
Han Xiao nodded with a smile and said, “Send my regards to your superiors when you get back.”
They nodded and swarmed out, leaving Han Xiao alone in the room.
Han Xiao opened the interface and looked at the mission list. The first requirement, to provide protection when the Kunde Race was being culturally transformed, was finally shown as completed.
“Only the first batch of the planets are free, and more of them are still being culturally transformed. However, since some of the Kunde Race have entered galactic society, they’ll take care of their people who are still in lockdown in the future. I won’t be the only one providing protection.”
Han Xiao smirked. This was him completing his promise; it was enough.
“I’ve protected you guys for so long. Finally, I can get some rewards.”
Han Xiao took a deep breath and chose to conclude the mission on the interface.
Notifications popped up one after another on the interface.
_____________
Grade S mission [Kunde Race Leader’s Last Wish] completed!
You have completed Mission Requirement I.
You have received 6 billion EXP, 10,000 Kunde Race Favorability, 2 Random Rewards, 4 Political Assets (Kunde Race).
Kunde Race will enter into the [Awakening Era], +10% chance of becoming a Super.
You have completed Mission Requirement II.
You have received 12 billion EXP, 15,000 Kunde Race Favorability, 1 Specific Blank Character Summon Card.
You have received the talent [The Enemy]!
You have received the talent [Proof of Leadership]!
You have received the ability [Kunde Rage]!
Chapter 1239: Sorokin“s Senses |
“Finally!” Han Xiao’s eyes sparkled.
He had been eyeing these three abilities for a very long time. Now, he had finally acquired them after almost a full version.
Both [The Enemy] and [Kunde Rage] consumed health. The former was a passive talent, giving him more damage with health lost during the battle, up to twenty-five percent. The latter was an ability, increasing his Psychological Resistance tremendously for forty seconds at most, as well as immunity to almost all negative psychological states.
Among these three, the strongest was [Proof of Leadership].
This was considered a ‘Semi-Molding Talent’ to players, meaning even the players could obtain it. The way it worked was that when the user was the leader of a faction, they would receive comprehensive bonuses. The bonuses increased with the size and level of the faction. The most incredible trait of this talent was that it had no upper limit.
No matter how strong the players’ organizations were, they could not reach the Beyond Grade A organization level and would not be able to gain enough bonuses from this talent. However, Han Xiao was different.
The Black Star Army’s position was unique and irreplaceable in the universe. After an entire mission, it was already much stronger than when he triggered this mission. He could benefit a ton from this talent.
The bonuses of [Proof of Leadership] were very comprehensive. It included but was not limited to basic attributes, health, stamina, energy, ability strength, class affinity, all kinds of resistances, attack damage, ability level, and so on.
Han Xiao looked at the talent and realized that it did not only include one faction he was in. Other than the bonuses brought by the Black Star Army, the talent showed that the Beyond Grade A Association provided some bonuses too. His vice president identity was also considered in [Proof of Leadership], only it was not complete. He would only gain the complete bonuses if he was the president.
All in all, [Proof of Leadership] gave him a huge boost. This single talent increased his Energy Rank by an outrageous 5,400 Ona!
With the increase of Energy Rank, the strength difference between every point increased too. His Energy Rank was more than 100,000; 5400 Ona was an enormous boost to his combat capability at this level.
Feeling the overflowing energy in his body, Han Xiao took a deep breath and was delighted.
“This talent really suits me very well. I’m a huge step closer to the higher territory.”
Han Xiao looked through the effects of [Proof of Leadership] several times with a huge grin on his face. He loved this talent.
Having finally achieved his dream of so many years, he was relieved.
The Kundes had to join the army of their own volition, and the dynasty freeing them in advance would decrease the number of Kundes willing to join the army, but it led to him acquiring the biggest benefit in advance.
As for the future developments of the Kunde Race, as long as nothing huge happened, Han Xiao did not plan to interfere frequently.
Anyway, the Kunde Race was now living in his territory. If they recovered to a normal civilization, they would even have to pay taxes to him instead, like a protection fee. If the Kunde Race wanted to expand in his territory, they would have to rent or purchase planets from the army.
Controlling one area was indeed an amazing way of making profit. By providing all kinds of services such as renting and selling land, he could harvest the labor of the Kunde Race as a whole and take a bite out of their produce. He had the right to decide the prices of the planets in his territory, so he dictated how quickly he wanted to harvest. He could choose to dry the pool for the fish in it, or he could choose to slowly fish over the long term. Of course, Han Xiao liked the latter more.
“Hmm, in this case, I can attract the Kunde Race Supers into the army using special benefits. For example, all Kunde Race members of the army with relatively high positions can purchase resources for the Kunde Race at a discount…”
The dynasty had definitely thought of this too and did not want to see it happen. Only, they could not easily tear away the agreement they had signed in the past.
Therefore, when the Kunde Race was freed to a certain stage, the dynasty would find a way to make the Kunde Race request to migrate. The fighting happening behind the curtains was complicated and troublesome. Han Xiao could already guest what methods the dynasty would use.
However, in his position, he did not have to attend to every little thing personally; people below him would deal with it. Furthermore, this would almost certainly not happen in the next few decades, so he did not have to worry yet.
…
A few days later, the Black Star Army announced a system to the Kunde Race, stating that in respect of the Kunde Race civilization, the army would not give them benefits for free out of pity but instead provide the Kunde Race tons of job opportunities.
The Black Star Army claimed that one reason for this was to guide the Kunde Race to blend into galactic society, and another was to give the Kunde Race a channel to acquire resources. Through working, all Kundes could earn contribution points that would be put under the entire race. The Kunde Race could then use this special currency to purchase all kinds of services to speed up the rebuilding of their civilization.
As soon as the system was announced, it received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Kunde Race. Putting aside Han Xiao’s reputation, although these trillions of Kundes gained freedom, they were also lost. Many of them did not know how to blend into the galactic society.
Now, the Black Star Army provided them with a clear direction, and the results of that were countless responses.
Han Xiao was already extremely experienced at harvesting leeks. This was the exact method he used to harvest the Planet Aquamarine players during Version 2.0 back then, turning his faction into the guiding faction. It was effective on the Kunde Race too.
Tons of quality Kunde Race laborers swarmed into the Black Star Army. The number of base-level Supers rocketed.
Currently, the Black Star Army was focusing on growing the subdivisions in other Star Fields, and the manpower from the Kunde Race came just at the right time.
The HR department arranged to have the Kundes travel far away from their home to different Star Fields to work in the subdivisions. They would work ‘overseas’ to accumulate contribution points for the race. This would prevent them from sticking only to other Kundes and not blending in with the galactic society well enough.
The Crimson Dynasty announced a similar policy too. However, the duration of the transformation was too short, so only an extremely few were willing to work for the dynasty, far fewer than the number of Kundes the army recruited.
However, more Kundes decided to stay among their race to rebuild the civilization and not work for other organizations, so the dynasty’s plan worked to a certain extent.
While the Black Star Army was digesting the Kunde Race’s laborers, Sorokin started to move.
…
“I’m finally done with the backup plans. I can act anytime…”
Inside the office at the Limitless Financial Group headquarters, Sorokin sensed the movements of his various manifestations and looked relieved.
In the past few months, he had returned to the Limitless Financial Group headquarters in the Sea of Star Spirits and prepared backup plans, placing secret warehouses in many Star Fields and some secondary dimensions that stored large amounts of resources.
Sorokin knew the strength of Virtual Mechanics, so he left no traces in the database. This was all done by his manifestations.
As for the movements of the funds, he disguised them as normal business transactions.
However, the consortium was his to begin with. Its business was growing better by the day and had no difficulties, so there was absolutely no need for the boss to take the money and run. This was like him stealing his own things, so not many people would realize the issue.
At the same time, using several methods, Sorokin left many hidden problems for the Limitless Financial Group’s cash flow. If he was fine, he could easily solve them afterward.
If something happened to him, the credibility of the Limitless Financial Group would plummet. Once the partners came to tell the Limitless Financial Group to pay up, the Limitless Financial Group would be tremendously damaged. By then, the other large consortiums would definitely try to eat up the businesses of the Limitless Financial Group and dissect its corpse. This way, what was left to the shareholders of the group would be a huge mess. Even if they wanted to continue the Limitless Financial Group, they would have to pay a hefty price to fill up this hole.
This was one of Sorokin’s backup plans—he would rather destroy his hard work over many years than give it to someone else, especially when Black Star was one of the shareholders.
“I can use those Universal Treasures I’ve collected anytime, but the most useful thing for this mission is still Soul Flame…”
Sorokin’s eyes flickered.
