The Legendary Mechanic c1-1385

by Chocolion, 齐佩甲

  “From how things are looking, it seems Black Star is going to be the main NPC in Version 3.0 once again. All the main storylines in the past three versions were related to him,” Bun-Hit-Dog said while rubbing his chin.

  “It’s more than three versions…” Frenzied Sword said with an excited expression. “I saw him even during the closed beta, but back then, I never guessed he would become this strong.”

  Bun-Hit-Dog’s eyes sparkled. “Black Star is making so many appearances. I don’t think the other Star Fields have an NPC similar to him at all. Black Star is the only NPC that has appeared in every version for the past three versions. I feel like Black Star might be the protagonist of the entire Shattered Star Ring… That’s right, this sounds like an amazing topic to talk about. The next episode of my video will definitely explode!”

  Han Xiao was now extremely popular among the Chinese players. Plus, the video earlier showed his achievements in the past ten years, so this was the time when the players were most interested in him. Therefore, Bun-Hit-Dog felt like he could make use of that and use the topic of ‘Shattered Star Ring’s protagonist’ to make the next episode of his video series. He believed that it would definitely become very popular.

  In the past two versions, the players had experienced many interesting storylines in Galaxy and witnessed all kinds of NPCs. Quite a number of those NPCs were also widely liked by the players, but Black Star was the only one that the players had the deepest impression of. Even the players in the other Star Fields knew his name. Currently, Han Xiao was the most famous NPC and also the NPC that the players wanted to see the most.

  In the eyes of many players, creating articles, videos, or anything related to Black Star was a business opportunity.

  ‘Black Star Series’ was the video series that had made Bun-Hit-Dog famous. It was one of the must-watch videos for the new players, and it was still ongoing.

  Due to the fame brought by this series, Bun-Hit-Dog was most passionate about building Han Xiao’s image. However, due to how famous Black Star was, there were also other video creators that did the same and made videos about the Black Star Army.

  Nonetheless, Bun-Hit-Dog had captured the market as early as back in Version 1.0, so he was the most ‘authentic’ in the eyes of the players.

  It could be said that Bun-Hit-Dog’s videos contributed greatly to how much the players liked the Black Star Army. As members of the Black Star Army, seeing that the faction was growing under their influence and hard work, and that it was made into a kind of drama series, it gave them a very strong immersive experience.

  Video creators such as Bun-Hit-Dog used NPCs’ fame to benefit themselves, but they did not know that Han Xiao was also using them.

  The group chatted for a while and returned to the main topic of the main storyline of the new version—this was what the professional players were interested in.

  “By the way, with our strength, we shouldn’t be able to influence the result of this galactic war, right?” Frenzied Sword said.

  Maple Moon nodded and said seriously, “Hmm. I just checked. The representatives of the secret war are the Bloodshed Land and Section Zero, which the Black Star Army is a part of. The leader of the Bloodshed Land is called Heber, one of the Beyond Grade As in the Shattered Star Ring. As for Section Zero, their organization is also extremely large. With both sides being so strong, the people involved in the war are most likely in the billions. Even if all the players take part, I don’t think the result of the war will be affected much, if at

  all…”

  Hao Tian pondered and analyzed, “If that’s the case, the secret war is just the major background of the new version. The main areas we will be acting in should be the smaller battlefields within the war.”

  “I hope they aren’t just more cut scenes…” Twinkle Fried Rice smiled bitterly.

  “That might not be the case…” Seeing that the others turned to look at him, Frenzied Sword continued to explain. “Think about it, for the past three versions, our level limit has been increasing. The scale of the storyline has been increasing too, from a planet, to a Star System, to a Star Cluster. However, the combat capability standard in the Galaxy has a stable system. For example, Grade Cs are basic galactic warriors, so Grade Bs are the mid-tier combatants. This system will not change because of the version updates, while our Grades will keep increasing. This means that our position in the Galaxy and our influence on the storyline will keep growing as the version keeps updating!

  “Now that the level limit is 120, the first batch of players should all be able to reach Grade B. According to this theory, our importance in the new version will definitely exceed the previous two versions. Hence, I think that we will be able to take part in the storyline of Galaxy more actively in Version 3.0, and there will definitely be new ways of playing this game.”

  The others contemplated for a while. Damn, this guy does kind of make sense.

  Bun-Hit-Dog’s eyes sparkled. “Can I cop… quote what you just said?”

  “Please, act like a human being.” Twinkle Fried Rice was speechless.

  “By the way, although we triggered the main storyline, how are we going to take part in the war? Do we listen to the army’s arrangements or take on missions on our own?”

  At this point, Frenzied Sword and the others suddenly realized that the Black Star Army members around all suddenly gathered in the same direction. Their communicators also vibrated. It was a notification from Phillip to tell all the members in the headquarters to head to the square—there was going to be an announcement.

  Frenzied Sword and the others went to the square with the crowd. The place was now filled with people. The other players had arrived as well and were waiting with the other Black Star Army members.

  The floor in front of the crowd curved up and turned into a stage. Projections appeared above the square and displayed the image of the stage so that the people far away could see.

  More than twenty high-level army officers appeared on the stage. Many were familiar faces to the players.

  “It’s been ten years, but the officers from Version 2.0 are all still here. That’s nice.”

  “There seem to be quite a few new officers as well.”

  “Oh, is that beauty Sylvia?”

  “Oh no, is this excitement I feel?”

  “Humph, so what if that’s a beauty? I’m an educated person. Us Dragon Emperor Lickers will never betray our faith!”

  Seeing the familiar NPCs from the last version, many players felt nostalgic. Out of habit, they threw detections at the officers. Other than getting to know the names of these officers, the rest of the information was all question marks, and every one of the officers was shown as ‘Fatally Dangerous’.

  Now, the players finally had a clearer image of how strong the Black Star Army was.

  Hum!

  The space in the middle of the stage rippled. A person appeared out of thin air and walked out of the void. It was Han Xiao.

  More than a hundred thousand players finally saw what Han Xiao looked like after ten years. He was still wearing the familiar clothing but taller and more level-headed.

  Frenzied Sword and the others realized that admiration appeared on the faces of many of the Black Star Army members around.

  From this detail, they were clearer on Han Xiao’s position in the hearts of his subordinates. Bun-Hit-Dog quickly started recording to collect materials.

  Including the players, countless people in the square were staring at Han Xiao. He cleared his throat, and his voice spread across the entire square through machines.

  “In half a month, we will work with the large group of Section Zero to launch a large-scale counterattack against the Bloodshed Land. Many people will be recruited to take part. Other than the warriors that have already been enlisted, the army will be accepting the enlistment requests of the rest of the members as well. Other than the returns paid by the Purple Crystal Civilization, the army will provide additional subsidies for
those who take part in the war according to their position. The details are on the announcement board of the internal army system…”

  As a mercenary group, the members would just split the reward given by the employer. Now that the Black Star Army had completed its transition into a private armed force, it had to pay salaries to the official members like the military. Taking part in a war was extremely risky, so additional subsidies were required as well.

  Luckily, Black Star Army was more than able to afford those expenses even with its current size.

  “So that’s how we’re going to take part in the war. We’ll have to request it in the army,” Frenzied Sword said.

  “The Rating of the main storyline mission can only be increased by taking part in the war, but we can choose not to. So, this isn’t a compulsory storyline mission.”

  The players started to discuss the topic, and the square became noisy.

  This time, Han Xiao looked around, chuckled in his mind, and continued.

  “All those who are taking part in the war will enjoy fifty percent off when purchasing the various products of the army. In half a month’s time, all those taking part shall gather in the headquarters and board the fleet to head to the battlefield. If you have any questions, you can ask the artificial intelligence program of the army.”

  The crowd was stunned.

  Fifty percent off?

  Fifty percent for all the faction products

  What?

  That’s amazing!

  Chapter 720 - Players, I’m Gonna Earn Till I Explode!

  The players were ecstatic and could not wait to open the faction store interface.

  Compared to Version 2.0, the faction store’s product categories had increased by hundreds of times, and various equipment, materials, and items were all available. Because the Black Star Army had collaborated with many different financial groups, Han Xiao had managed to negotiate with the leaders of the various financial groups to open their purchase channels to his faction members.

  In this manner, as long as an object was not too rare, the faction store would definitely be selling it. This led to a significant increase in the logistics capabilities of the Black Star Army.

  Han Xiao had also collected a huge number of blueprint drawings in the past few years and vigorously developed the backend logistics division. With the support of his strong economic strength, he had established countless factories and assembly lines for the logistics department and even trained up a group of professionals. Currently, the capability of the Black Star Army to produce independently was very strong, already having stored tens of thousands of machines and equipment, including rare high-end equipment such as orange and pink equipment.

  All the materials and equipment would be supplied to the members of the faction. As long as they had money, they would be able to arm themselves to the teeth.

  The standard issued armor of the Black Star Army had also undergone many changes through the past seven years. It had integrated a variety of intermediate-level armor technology, further strengthening it to be better armor. It had been mass produced for the middle to lower ranked members, named ‘Black Star Army’s Mark 7 Individual Soldier Armor’. It could transform into specialized modes for attack, defense, reconnaissance, and more.

  The armor of the majority of players had fallen behind in times. Compared to the current Mark 7 armor, it looked more like a trinket than actual armor.

  Looking at the list of items the faction store offered, the desires of the players started to burn. This was especially true for Frenzied Sword, Hao Tian, and the other professional players who did not lack money.

  If they participated in the battle, all the good items, including orange equipment, would be on fifty percent off!

  This opportunity, once gone, would never come back!

  The players had amassed a large sum during Version 2.0, and having come across this sale with great difficulty, where they would finally upgrade their equipment, the idea of diligently saving up was simply thrown out the window.

  What was the purpose of saving? To be able to spend it all when the opportune time came!

  When one could bear it no longer, there was no need to endure!

  Without hesitation, the players on scene immediately applied for the military operation through Phillip.

  With the fast processing speed of Phillip, it quickly completed the request of all the players present, sending out the mission that Han Xiao had long prepared to them.

  (Faction War Mission: Black Star’s Counterattack]

  Mission Introduction: Section Zero has prepared a large-scale counterattack military operation. As a glorious Black Star Warrior, you have chosen to participate in this campaign.

  Mission Requirements: Follow the Black Star Army’s fleet, and obey orders to participate in the battle.

  Reward: +500 Black Star Army Favorability, activate the follow-up mission of the secret war.

  The players present only took a glance at the interface notification before turning their attention back to the Faction store. Indeed, everything present was reduced by half.

  The players were all overjoyed and could not wait to dance around merrily.

  Han Xiao had released this mission in order to guide the players as he had no control over the activation of main storylines. Thus, he used the reward section to let players understand that they would start the following mission of the secret war main storyline. This was to give players peace of mind, allowing them to improve their participation during the battle and reducing the number of slackers.

  In the past, Section Zero had also assigned players to participate in the battle. This time, he had taken in so many players, so the labor had to be done by himself.

  This large-scale military operation had not been proposed suddenly as Han Xiao knew that the players would return during this time. Two months prior, he had already begun preparations for this large-scale counterattack operation. He had waited until now to bring players with him to join in this secret war together.

  While the players had accumulated a lot of experience and money in Version 2.0, Han Xiao’s upgrades now required a sky-high price. The experience they had saved up was just not enough, and he had to fatten them up once more, or else the Mission Completion Cards he had saved up would be useless.

  As soon as this version opened, Han Xiao could not wait to guide the players over to the war missions. This was to allow them to accumulate as much experience as possible; only by increasing the players’ spending power and letting them become rich could he then earn even more. He had always been an advocate for mutual benefits and being well-off comprehensively.

  Putting it in another way, the leeks that he had planted were not ripe yet. He still had to give it his all to fertilize them.

  Han Xiao also knew well that with every new version, raising their levels to the upper limit would be the players’ first choice. As such, their desire to spend would be lowered. Han Xiao needed to stimulate demand and make players willing to take out their wallets for consumption.

  The fifty percent discount for the war participants was just one of his measures to stimulate the demand in the players.

  The large number of players formed a turbulent human wave as they left the square, going straight toward the logistics department. Meanwhile, every one of them was browsing the store, looking for their favorite equipment or items.

  “One set of the standard issued armor, and I’ll take the skin for it as well!”

  “Jackpot, jackpot! This time, we hit the motherload!”

  “Never expected this sort of benefit from the beginning of the version. This is to improve our combat capability, allowing us to protect ourselves in the war mission. The head really loves us!”

  The hundred thousand or so players nearly burst the logistics department at the seams when they all rushed in to order equipment.

  In addition to the single players wantonly buying, a few of the guilds began to organize their manpower, callin
g friends to crowdfund their items.

  “Such opportunities are rare. Hurry and get more money. We can buy better things with these!”

  The Guild of Gods Head Jupiter showed an expression of glee, prepared to utilize the funds of his guild to buy a few sets of mining spaceships and equipment. In the future, Guild of Gods would be able to mine their own resources, receiving a steady stream of profits.

  Professional players like Frenzied Sword, however, preferred the high quality equipment and went to find their respective club’s guild to raise money, buying orange equipment crazily.

  The players present looked as though they had all consumed aphrodisiacs, their desire for consumption skyrocketing to extreme levels. Wave after wave of purchases were made, and on their hands were big and small bags, all containing new equipment. Although their wallets were emptied, everybody had a smile on their face.

  Having saved fifty percent of what they were supposed to pay, they were so happy!

  At the same time, Han Xiao returned to his office, checking the revenue data of the army.

  “In just half an hour, I’ve earned 2.7 billion Enas,” Han Xiao murmured to himself. Even with the current huge assets of the Black Star Army, this sum was no small amount. If averaged out, an individual player had spent close to 20,000 Enas. While all the goods were on a fifty percent sale, his total profit after deducting the costs was still hundreds of millions of Enas.

  With the current productivity and warehouse capacity of the Black Star Army, meeting the demands of all the players was simply a piece of cake.

  Han Xiao did not play his strategy of raising the price first before slashing it; he indeed placed all his goods at a fifty percent discount this time. However, because he had already mastered the Technology specialization, the profits after discount was still immensely high!

  The players were also not stupid and would definitely remember the prices of goods in the previous version. Furthermore, what Han Xiao was lacking now was not money, so he had no need to destroy the goodwill between him and the players for just this paltry sum. It would be better to allow the players to feel some substantial benefits.