“Cough cough, back to our main topic…” Bennett rubbed his slightly numb face and said with a serious expression, “Do you have a way to resolve the Mutation Disaster?”
Han Xiao knocked on the table slowly, and looking at the expectant gazes of those around him, he smiled. “Yes.”
Chapter 513 - The Truth of the Mutation Disaster
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Bennett’s eyes lit up, and he was overjoyed.
“However, I will take time, and I need to invite others over. We can only take things slowly,” Han Xiao said. “I have investigated the truth of the virus and its theory.
“While you guys call it a virus, its official name is the Mutation Source. It is a special biological weapon and is extremely rare. The reason for it being on Planet Aquamarine is that someone intentionally placed the Mutation Source on the planet.”
As these words were said, Bennett was startled.
The Mutation Disaster was actually created by men!
It was unbelievable!
Just what kind of an organization would want to do such a thing to Planet Aquamarine? With such strength, they must definitely be a powerful organization in the galaxy, and Planet Aquamarine was no more than a backward planet to them. Why must they place such a biological weapon on the planet?
“I know what all your doubts are, and the reason behind it is pretty complicated. It’s impossible to explain the reason in a few sentences. You only need to know that Planet Aquamarine has become an innocent chess piece between the battle of two galactic organizations.”
Han Xiao then paused for a while and allowed Bennett and the others present to absorb that information fully before continuing.
“I know that the appearance of the mutation virus has led all of you to believe that the mutation source works in the minds of the individuals. All of you are completely wrong. The Mutation Source isn’t an ordinary virus—it has a consciousness. It can even be considered a special life form that has only one ability: to influence microorganisms.”
“Microorganisms?” Bennett was stunned for a moment. Han Xiao’s explanation of the mutation virus was truly out of his expectations. All of the infected individuals showed a change in their personalities and actions, but it was actually unrelated to their minds‽
Han Xiao pondered for a moment before asking, “When you want to eat, are you the one who wants to eat, or is it your body that wants to eat?”
“It should be my body. Why would I eat if it isn’t hungry?” Bennett then fell into a short daze and seemed to have understood something.
“This is the logic. Often, the source of your thoughts is actually the needs of your body, not what you want. It is the microorganisms in your body telling you what they want. The microorganisms in your body perform certain actions to send out hormones, and your brain receives the signal. This is where the desire to eat, breathe, and all other basic desires come from.
“You think that your thoughts are controlling your body but many times, it is the microorganisms in your body that is controlling your thoughts.
“Many physiology conflicts that happen in our body is due to the conflict between the needs of microorganisms and bacteria in our body. The health of one’s body is also dependent on the reaction of the bacteria in our body. If they are alright, then our bodies will be alright. However, microorganisms do not have any consciousness. Our actions will also influence the microorganisms. We can choose to suppress the desires of our body and end up being unhealthy. While we seem to be an individual, we are actually a complete system.
“The Mutation Source controls the microorganisms in our body, thus controlling our basic desires. It secretes dozens of times the normal amount of enzymes to give our brain an intense stimulus. It is completely unrelated to our thoughts and isn’t able to control our thoughts. However, it can influence us on a biological level by using the desire to destroy, sexual desire, hunger, grief, and many other emotions to direct our thoughts and cause a huge change in personality. You may even end up thinking that these thoughts belong to you as you are still your ordinary self during the outbreak of the virus.
“The reason that the virus can’t be detected from the infected individual is because the virus doesn’t exist! The so called ‘virus’ is the microorganisms that are necessary for one’s survival!”
Han Xiao understood the Mutation Source. After all, he had gone through this mission in his previous life and had a deep impression of the event. At his current level, his consciousness could already exist independently, but the organs that were used to control his consciousness would be affected. What if he wanted to be immune to the Mutation Source? Very simple. He just had to transfer his consciousness into a machine and give up his body and senses. With his consciousness being separated and living in the brain of a machine, it would be impossible for the machine to be affected by the Mutation Source.
Including Hila, those from Planet Aquamarine were shocked.
“So, this is theory behind the mutation virus,” Emerald Grass muttered. “What are its exact parameters? For example, how is it spread? What is the strength of its control? Also, what is special about the Rhodes Fan Leaf? Why is it immune to the mutation virus?”
Han Xiao snapped his fingers and called the Volga brothers over. “Show a picture of that leaf to them.”
Emerald Grass flashed a picture, and after taking a look at it, the eldest Volga brother replied with a calm tone, “Isn’t this the Serene Grass? This is a raw material for Focus Medicine.”
Emerald Grass was stunned. “What does he mean?”
“What he means is, this Rhodes Fan Leaf is an ingredient used by Mages. Only a Mage will be able to bring out the effects of this leaf. The effect of Focus Medicine is to let a Mage enter a special state of extreme calmness. All of their emotions will be suppressed, and the various parts of the brain relating to emotions will be temporarily cut off. This is the reason for its immunity. Regardless of how the mutation virus tries to send hormones, the brain will not feel any desire. That is the theory behind your suppressant.”
Everyone immediately came to a realization. After a while, Aurora suddenly asked in a strange tone, “Is there really magic in this world‽”
Han Xiao had a face full of helplessness but did not want to roll his eyes. This was considered an extremely ordinary piece of information in the galaxy. The ability for a technological civilization to accept new things was truly weak. Their view of the world was far too narrow, and they really needed to broaden their horizons.
After pausing for a moment, Han Xiao continued his explanation.
“In truth, the Mutation Source will not be spread. It has a main body and could be hiding anywhere on the planet. With the main body as the core, its consciousness will be able to cover a large region. In this region, it is able to detect any life forms and control their microorganisms. It is just like a wide-range Esper ability. Apart from the living beings on land, even the living beings in the ocean will be controlled by it. Also, Supers are resistant to its control and won’t be affected easily. However, its range and control strength will increase as the Mutation Source grows.
“The control region of the Mutation Source is actually a new living system. The entire control region is like a large body!
“It has only been a month or so since the first outbreak of the virus. The Mutation Source has only just entered its toddler stage from its infant stage. The messy violence in the entire world is only its subconscious action without any purpose or motive. When it matures, it will also become more intelligent, and its actions will gradually have a purpose. That will be the true calamity, and I will be helpless as well. Thus, time is tight.”
Han Xiao did not say another word. Those words had already allowed everyone to understand the seriousness of the problem. Bennett’s expression was solemn, and he said with a grave tone, “Then what should we… no, what are you planning to do?”
He knew that he would not be
able to solve the problem with his own organization, and the only choice would be to place his hopes in Black Phantom… ah, he should be called Black Star now.
“I have my own plans, but before I set my plan into motion, there is something that I have to do first. I will first bring my subordinates to the place where the materials of the suppressant are grown. Let the Mages under me replace all of you in growing the materials. They will be able to increase the yield greatly.” Han Xiao smiled. “We also have to deal with the refugees who were knocked unconscious. Furthermore, there may be more coming in the future. I understand you and know that it is impossible for you to ignore them.”
“I knew that you would understand me. We are the same kind after all.” Bennett smiled and felt a heavy rock being lifted from his heart. The familiar feeling of chemistry between the two had returned.
On the other side, as Han Xiao was explaining the Mutation Disaster to those in the Sanctuary, his return had been detected by the satellites of the Six Nations. All the images of his return were sent back without anything being missed out.
The upper echelons of the Six Nations were shaken!
They were thoroughly shocked!
Chapter 514 - Time to Harvest
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Because of the Germinal Organization incident, information relating to Black Phantom was of high importance, and everyone in the various intelligence organizations recognized Black Phantom. The very first intel officer who received the satellite image almost thought that he had seen incorrectly. Han Xiao, who had gone to the galaxy two years prior, had suddenly returned. Furthermore, he had returned in such a shocking manner. Just what was going on?
While over half of the Six Nations’ strength had been diminished by the calamity, they had maintained their intelligence networks. The intelligence was sent quickly, and not too long later, a complete recording was being played in the meeting between the upper echelons of the Six Nations. After seeing the recording, all of the upper echelons present remained silent with a heavy atmosphere in the place.
They had always thought that only Godora would come to their rescue. However, Han Xiao had actually brought a fleet and descended out of nowhere. Han Xiao had appeared without the Six Nations making any preparations. The upper echelons of the Six Nations were truly at a loss for words.
“Black Phantom is back, and he’s brought an entire fleet with him!”
After going to the galaxy two years ago, they had not heard any news about Black Phantom. However, they had never imagined that Han Xiao would still be alive and actually have such an amazing strength in his hands. The mercenaries under Han Xiao had truly shocked the upper echelons of the Six Nations. With their limited view of the world, they felt that the strength that Black Phantom had once displayed was already at the peak of the world. However, they had never imagined that Han Xiao would bring back a few hundred experts from outside the planet to refresh their understanding of the word ‘strength’. Furthermore, he had even brought more than ten spaceships with him!
With just this strength alone, it was more than enough to sweep their entire Six Nations away.
When Han Xiao went into the galaxy back then, they had already been stunned once. The Six Nations also wanted to enter the galaxy, but they did not have the technology to do so. They were not able to construct a spaceship, and Godora would ignore all of such requests. As such, they could only grit their teeth and watch with envy.
They did not know what Han Xiao had done in the galaxy. However, the upper echelons of the Six Nations were extremely clear on one point! Black Phantom’s realm had far exceeded theirs!
While the Six Nations had placed great importance on the past Black Phantom because of his contribution to the destruction of the Germinal Organization, they still felt that Black Phantom belonged to the same level as them. Using an analogy, it was like how they were all classmates in the same class. The Six Nations were like students who consistently scored above 90 marks, but Black Phantom was a top scorer who always scored full marks. However, they were still in the same class.
But now, Black Phantom had already become a little genius student who could skip grades. He was like a carp who leapt through the dragon’s gate and no longer belonged to the same level!
A few days ago, they had been hesitating over whether they should make a move against Sanctuary Three. Now, they no longer needed to contemplate over this matter. In truth, the upper echelons of the Six Nations heaved a sigh of relief instead.
Thankfully, this fellow had come back in time. If they had not been able to control their temptations and he returned, they would probably have been eradicated.
The upper echelons of the Six Nations no longer dared to have any thoughts about the suppressant, but another thought came into their minds. What if they sought Black Phantom’s aid?
Godora still had not arrived, but Black Phantom had returned with a fleet. In the eyes of the Six Nations, both Han Xiao and Godora were galactic organizations that were far superior to Planet Aquamarine. Furthermore, Planet Aquamarine was his hometown, and it was likely that he would help.
Since they could not rely on Godora, why not try Black Phantom?
…
At the same time, the players in the Sanctuary were excitedly sharing their recorded videos on the forums. The Planet Aquamarine board was refreshed rapidly with Black Star’s name being one of the most popular keywords.
There were many different versions of the recording, and they came from all different angles. When the other players who were not on Planet Aquamarine witnessed the majestic appearance of Han Xiao, they were immediately drawn into the video and experienced the feelings of the players in the Sanctuary.
The benefits that Han Xiao had brought in Version 1.0 were still fresh in their minds. With the new version being launched and Han Xiao returning from the galaxy, he would probably bring resources from the new version. This was something that they needed. What kind of new benefits would Black Star bring them? Just thinking about this made all the players excited.
The players who went online in the other regions immediately threw down the missions on hand and rushed toward the Sanctuary. All those who were already on the way to the Sanctuary sped up even faster.
As Frenzied Sword and the others who were travelling saw all the posts, they hated the fact that they could not return to Han Xiao’s side immediately and were extremely helpless.
We all followed Black Star from Version 1.0. We were supposed to be the first.
Bun-Hit-Dog’s videos were immediately shared rapidly throughout the forums, and the players from other novice planets also came to watch the show.
“His appearance truly makes my blood boil. I feel that there is a chance for this scene to be chosen for the advertisement of the new version.”
“The Galaxy Times report was right. There are more storylines for this character, and he has indeed appeared in Version 2.0.”
“I wonder if others are able to join the Black Star Mercenary Group like the professional players.”
As the players discussed the recent events on the forum, someone then made a guess.
“In Version 2.0, every novice planet will be connected to the galaxy. Could it be that Black Star is the NPC to guide us into the galaxy?”
A couple of people pondered over that possibility and realized that it was extremely likely.
The ten or so spaceships in the air would be the best transport to take plenty of them off the planet.
This guess immediately received great approval from many, many players, who thought that Han Xiao was the key character to take them into the galaxy.
…
In the core region of Sanctuary Three, Han Xiao got the mercenaries who knew magic to aid the growth of the suppressant’s raw materials. With their help, the production of the suppressant was greatly increased.
Currently, the Mutation Source was still young, and the effects of the suppressant were able to la
st for about three months. When the Mutation Source entered its next phase, a few servings of the suppressant would be required in order to achieve the same resistance. Thus, they greatly lacked resources.
Saving refugees would contribute toward the total mission progress, and Han Xiao’s mission also enjoyed the mission progress that the players accumulated. However, if they allowed too many people to stay in Sanctuary Three, not only would the place become crowded, the place would descend into a large mess the moment the suppressant lost its effect.
Han Xiao did not want to let too many refugees to stay in Sanctuary Three, but Bennett definitely would not be at ease. The way Han Xiao saw it, the Six Nations had a large territory and would definitely be able to take care of many refugees.
The Six Nations is definitely aware of my return. Since the Godorans have not arrived yet, it is very likely that they will contact me to seek my help. They should be contacting me over the next few days, Han Xiao guessed to himself.
Sharing the suppressant with the Six Nations was beneficial to the bigger picture. While he did not like the other five nations apart from Stardragon, there were benefits to him protecting the nations of Planet Aquamarine. In his previous life, there had only been a single Emerald Grass. With many subordinates under his charge being able to grow the raw materials of the suppressant, Han Xiao could allow them to aid the Six Nations in concocting the suppressant. This would prevent Sanctuary Three from standing out too much and ensure its safety.
Of course, he would only offer them aid if the Six Nations sought his help. It was too well beneath his status to approach them to help them, and it would lower the respect that the Six Nations had toward him. This was not in line with his plans, and he was confident that the Six Nations would try to approach him.
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