Fernas and the others stopped their footsteps.
Herlous took off his helmet and said with a complicated expression, “Why? You found me before leaving because you wanted me to replace you to protect the race, but what you’re doing now is destroying the race’s belief…”
Fernas looked at him coldly, shook his head, and said, “If I don’t leave… how are you going to replace me?”
Anger appeared in Herlous’ eyes. “Because of such a boring reason?”
“I actually really despise you. You have such strong powers, but you’re fine with staying at the back lines. You are in no position to talk down to me.” Fernas’ expression was indifferent. “Now, you have displayed your strength and exposed your armor. The race will definitely search for you with all of their might—you cannot go back anymore.”
Herlous suddenly realized. “You used me for your plan…”
“Don’t think too highly of yourself!” Fernas’ eyes were firm as he said coldly, “Everyone has experienced a lot of things. Why would we change our mind because of a minor character like you? Leaving is for our own sake, just like the brothers who decided to stay. Even if us splitting up has made a negative impact, their foolish resolve to protect the race will not be shaken.
“I will say the same thing—only staying alive is important. I want the entire race to not have that extravagant wish of holding on. This meaningless struggle has to end—accept help from Godora willingly, and no one will have to bleed and fight anymore. All Sunils will gain a peaceful and stable life… This path is the true way to protect the race.”
Herlous opened his mouth, and Han Xiao’s face appeared in his mind again. He had once told Fernas about the future of accepting help, but Fernas held onto his opinion and was not shaken at all. He felt it was the wrong foresight.
With nothing else to say, the Independence Faction left.
Herlous hesitated for quite some time, then gradually made up his mind. He left the forest and took large steps toward the defense ring.
The army was still reeling in shock from the split up. When they noticed that this mysterious armored warrior had appeared, they only remembered the order from above after being stunned for quite a while. They arranged their emotions, suppressed the loss in their heart, and prioritized the order to surround him.
In front of countless soldiers, Herlous took off his helmet slowly, glanced around exhausted both physically and spiritually, and took a deep breath. “My name is Herlous…”
…
To the entire Sunil race, this Catastrophe was full of twists and turns. The guardians split up after the battle, but the legendary Commander Class armor appeared again when the hidden grade B Super called Herlous stood up to protect the race. After a few days in his new role, the media spread Herlous’ experience all over, building him up as a hero that stood out in the time of need. It was also reported that the research lab would receive more funding after receiving the Commander Class armor, hoping that the race would one day get back the technology of the Commander Class armor. Thus, they managed to use Herlous and their future plans to wash away the impact from the mass desertion.
With the army and the leaders working together to spread the word, Herlous’ name was known everywhere, gradually becoming a new role model for the race.
The Sunils settled the hiring reward, and the mercenaries left one after another. During the times of fighting alongside each other, Han Xiao had come to know quite many peers. They had quite pleasant conversations, and the other mercenaries had a very good impression on the Black Star Mercenary Group, which had suffered zero loss, showing their friendliness.
Mercenaries liked to know people in the same industry. After all, they might one day fight alongside each other one day.
The players returned, and the Sunil military expressed their thanks to the Black Star Mercenary Group before giving out the reward. Every player receiver 12,000 Enas, largely increasing their purchasing power. As the leader, Han Xiao received the same amount as well, and along with the job of Battlefield Repairs, the Great Mechanic Han made 16,000 Enas this time, about enough to buy more class advancement knowledge.
Chapter 351 - The Black Star Will Bless You
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Through battlefield repairs, Han Xiao had gotten a few new blueprints, including the Hovering Turner, High Caliber Defensive Machine Gun, and the Offensive, Defensive, and Scouting Enlistee Class armor. As he expected, the NCO Class armor required [Heavy Machinery Modification], so the progress was stuck.
The Great Mechanic Han was not one to return with nothing, so using his relationship with the military, he bought three different types of NCO Class armors with 2,000 or so Enas. When he returned to the Juberly Hub and learned [Heavy Machinery Modification], he would be able to get its blueprint. He would then build the different sets of armor and sell them to the players. The cost of buying the armor could easily be earned back.
Everyone received twelve thousand, so their purchasing power is largely increased.Han Xiao was exuberant. This kind of mass-produced armor sold very well, and its attributes could be increased just by him putting in some experience to level up the blueprint. Furthermore, he had the boost from Machinery Affinity, so the armor that he produced would be much better than the ones from assembly lines. After selling them, he could still earn from long-term repair fees.
The commission that he received from the hire could only buy about one class advancement knowledge, but through profiting from the players, that earning could be multiplied many times.
The Credibility Points of the Black Star Mercenary Group increased quite a bit, and they finally had their first combat mission experience. The Sunils detailed their missions, including them requesting for the most dangerous missions and completing it perfectly without any deaths. This new information was very valuable.
The relationship with the Sunil was unlocked, and it increased to 1,000 points immediately, reaching the ‘Friendly’ level.
On top of all that, their Renown increased five points as well, two points more than the original reward, so Black Star’s name started to spread around the mercenary industry. The most direct increase was the Faction single mission reward quota was increased by 10,000 experience, which meant that there was 260,000 more daily experience due to the twenty-six times multiplier.
After the rewards were given, the mercenaries left one after another, but Han Xiao stayed in Forest City. The players stayed for a few days and got a little impatient.
On this day, the players found Han Xiao, and Frenzied Sword asked, “Black Phantom, you…”
“Call me Black Star.” Han Xiao knocked on Frenzied Sword’s head.
Frenzied Sword then said, “Black Star, when are we going back? What are we staying here for?”
“Waiting for someone.”
The players thought that after the Catastrophe ended so did this hiring mission, but in Han Xiao’s eyes, it was just the beginning!
…
One day later, the Sunil Military sent someone to tell Han Xiao that Herlous wanted to meet him. Han Xiao narrowed his eyes and smiled.
“Finally.”
Following the soldiers to a base facility, he entered a private room, where Herlous was waiting. The man stood up, waved, and sent the soldiers away—he then closed the door, leaving the two of them alone in the room.
There were two glasses of alcohol on the table. Han Xiao glanced around and sat down directly. “I thought you’d find me sooner.”
“It was delayed by something. I had to fully cooperate with the military for publicity and lend the armor that my older brother left me to the research institution.” Herlous sighed. He had never expected to receive such treatment, but it was mainly caused by three reasons. Firstly, they needed to wash away the effect of the split up. Secondly, Herlous was strong, and strength signified position. There were only two known grade B Supers in the entire race—Fernas had left, and Herlous had appeared. T
hirdly, they now had a chance to resurrect the Commander Class armor.
“You seem to have many questions for me, but first let me ask you a question…” Han Xiao raised the glass up, swirled it gently, and purposely said in a very slow tone, “Do you believe I’m a foreseer?”
“Half.” Herlous’ eyes were sparkling. “Did you foresee the future of me protecting the race long ago, and that was why you came to contact me?”
“Of course, I didn’t know a bar owner is actually a hidden grade B Super, and I also didn’t know that he would wear a Commander Class armor called Shattered Light to fight the Catastrophe.” Han Xiao said mockingly.
Herlous smiled bitterly. No one knew his armor was called Shattered Light, so the foreseer identity was proved. Yet, that left him with another question. “How many things can you foresee? How far can you see into the future?”
“Hahaha, frankly, I can only foresee parts of the future, bits and pieces. I don’t know much. If I didn’t accidentally peek into Planet Sunil’s future, I wouldn’t have come,” Han Xiao said sincerely without even blinking.
“I see, although I don’t know much about the galaxy, I did hear that foresight usually has limitations.” Herlous understood, and he was glad that Han Xiao had seen Planet Sunil’s future instead of something else’s future. Maybe this was the long-awaited luck of his race.
Suddenly, Herlous’ eyes became sharp. He stared at Han Xiao and said in a low voice, “So, what is your real motive?”
The atmosphere suddenly became intense, and faint flames flickered around Herlous. He felt that Han Xiao definitely had a goal, or else he would not have exposed his foresight. This mysterious man definitely wanted something from the Sunil race.
Han Xiao put the glass down and said slowly, “Let me tell you a story…
“In a planet where its surface civilization lagged behind, there was a handsome man who was a test subject. One day, he went through an experiment, awakened the ability of foresight, and saw many pieces of the future. Relying on his foresight, he escaped successfully and gained freedom, then he destroyed the evil enemy of this planet, becoming a legend known throughout the entire planet. However, at this time, he saw a new future, a man-made disaster from the sky would fall on his mother planet. The people behind it hid in the depths of the universe, so he left the planet and stepped into a broader world, searching for ways to save his mother planet…”
Han Xiao adjudged his collar. “Naturally, I am that handsome man:”
Herlous suddenly could not keep a serious face, and his lips started twitching. He did not know if calling oneself like that was common in the galaxy, but it was shameless in the Sunil culture…
“We are from different races, so it’s normal to have aesthetic differences,” Han Xiao said.
“Okay…” After being momentarily stunned, Herlous suddenly remembered what they were discussing. “So, you’re saying that you entered the universe to save your mother planet. What does that have to do with Sunil?”
Han Xiao smiled. “My mother planet is located in the Garton Galaxy, soon to face a disaster. I think you Sunils are more than familiar with the name of the people behind it.”
Herlous blinked a few times, then his expression suddenly changed. “DarkStar‽”
He suddenly felt that everything made sense, and everything was connected!
DarkStar was their common enemy; therefore, he came to Sunil. This was the motive!
“The mercenaries under me are warriors from my planet as well,” Han Xiao added. “They know of this as well, and they followed me because they wanted to search for a way to save the planet. They can vouch for me anytime. I helped you not only because we will share the same tragic experience but also because I’m looking for an ally. Since you know why I came, you don’t have to worry anymore.”
Herlous’ expression softened, and he was immediately filled with respect for Han Xiao. “So, you’re the same as the guardians of Sunil, a hero wanting to protect his planet.”
Without any blushing, Han Xiao said with humility, “I’m not a hero. I just have responsibilities on my shoulders.”
The Great Mechanic Han felt like he had traveled back in time when he acted like he was brainwashed. Giving an Oscar-worthy performance, his actor’s soul was on fire.
This moment, Herlous felt that Han Xiao looked much taller and greater, and he felt a bit ashamed.
Han Xiao had the resolve to immediately look for ways to save his planet just because he foresaw parts of the future—he was a complete doer. He, however, even after his race went through a disaster, still escaped from reality for so many years. Just thinking about it made his face hot—he was ashamed and could not remain tough in front of Han Xiao anymore.
Chapter 352 - Dropping a Chess Piece in the Galaxy
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Upon understanding Han Xiao’s reasoning, Herlous’ expression softened. He paused before asking the question that he had been curious about. “What’s my future like?”
“You…” Han Xiao picked his ear, tutted, and said, “You sacrificed yourself during the Catastrophe, dying a horrible death.”
“Ho-how horrible?” Herlous’ face froze.
Han Xiao grabbed the glass, tightened his grip, and shattered it into pieces. Then he shrugged and said, “Something like that.”
With a doubtful expression, Herlous said, “Although I’m not one of those grade A Supers, the beasts on this planet are not strong enough to slaughter me.”
“From the parts I saw, the beast wave breached Forest City. You firmly defended the opening and fought till your last breath, using up all your energy. Alas, you were torn apart by the beast wave.”
Herlous was surprised. He knew himself too well, and protecting the race was taking on a supposed responsibility. However, he definitely did not have the strength to never retreat even in his last breath. If he met lethal danger, he would run away immediately. How could he become so firm?
“How far in the future is that?”
With a shrug, Han Xiao said, “Do you think I’m some Spirit Emperor who’s worshipped by the Ethereal Sect? I’m just a normal foreseer, not all-knowing.”
He knew that he could not be too ahead when playing a foreseer—it was for his own protection and to make Herlous guess.
Han Xiao knew Herlous’ growth path very well—he would become a selfless hero of the race in the future. As a main character that was growing, he was young, unlike Bennett who had completely matured.
Seeing Herlous’ frown, Han Xiao’s eyes sparkled, and he said, “What I saw were just the parts of the future from the existing scenario. If there are other factors at play, the future will change too. With Sunil’s current situation, the Catastrophe will become harder and harder for you people to deal with, but that future can be avoided.”
Hearing that made Herlous feel relieved. Han Xiao said that his foreseeing ability had limitations, which Herlous thought was more trustworthy. He would easily doubt those people who claimed to know everything.
“You said you have a solution?” Herlous asked sincerely.
“Sunil’s current situation is very bad. The Catastrophe is the most obvious danger, and the retreating route toward Godora is unsafe. Plus, DarkStar is hiding in the darkness. If you rise up again, you might face DarkStar’s attack…” Han Xiao gave a simple analysis, and Herlous’ expression gradually turned grimmer.
The Sunils faced danger from everywhere. Herlous could not figure out a solution, only feeling that the road ahead was filled with darkness. “That means Sunil has no way out…”
“Of course not, the way out has always been obvious, but you people subconsciously did not think in that direction.” Han Xiao smiled knowingly.
“Obvious?” Herlous was a little surprised. He frowned and thought for a while. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he exclaimed, “You’re saying… to destroy DarkStar?”
If DarkStar is destroyed, the largest threat will no longer e
xist, but we are incapable of that!
Herlous widened his eyes. He did not expect Han Xiao to be this ambitious. This idea was completely insane!
“DarkStar has destroyed the home of many civilizations,” Han Xiao said calmly. “They’re notorious in the Garton Galaxy, and even in the entire Colton Star Cluster, comparing them with you people is like comparing a giant to an ant. However, they’re not invincible, or they would not hide from Godora. You people have always ignored this possibility, and it’s because of nothing other than the fear toward DarkStar, which is now deep-rooted in your hearts. You don’t even dare to think about it; you feel it can never be done.”
“It really cannot be done. DarkStar is too large and mysterious. I vividly remember every scene back when DarkStar attacked us; countless battleships covered the sky as well as countless laser beams, the planet’s crust cracked, lava shot out…”
Han Xiao cut him off, shook his head, and said, “DarkStar has many enemies. There are potential allies everywhere. Other than this path, you can only join Godora. If you are willing to give up, you will not have to fight the Catastrophe. I didn’t say to fight DarkStar right now—this is just the final target. Before that, we need to hoard our resources and stay low profile.”
“You really are daring…” Herlous shook his head. “The hope is too little. I don’t think this is a good solution.”
As if he had expected such a response, Han Xiao smiled. He did not plan on convincing Herlous with such a large target—he just threw it out to broaden Herlous’ mindset. Thus, he changed the subject and said, “Let’s put DarkStar aside for now. Regardless of whether your race rises up in the future or not, the imminent problem has to be dealt with first. Sunil’s largest issue right now is exploring this planet and dealing with the Catastrophe. About this, I have a very direct solution.”
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