Looking at Hila's unfriendly back as she walked away, Han Xiao facepalmed and swallowed his words.
It was a good opportunity for Hila to go out and gain more experience, and this should help her stimulate her potential, allowing her to reach Beyond Grade A faster.
He just did not expect Ames to also go out and train. He had heard that Ames had thrown herself into training two years ago after losing to him, but it seemed that she wished to take it further.
With Ames by her side, Hila would naturally be safe. However, to be on the safe side, Han Xiao equipped their spaceship with some mechanical troops and hosts for insurance.
Since they had already started working, he could not sit idly by…
Han Xiao entered the quantum network, summoning Phillip.
"How goes the collection of the Energy Training Techniques?"
"Master, hum… I've screened out the more valuable options for you. Please check the results, hum…"
A list appeared in front of him, all of which were exquisite Energy Training Techniques that could be bought on various galactic markets. They came from different civilizations and races, with all sorts of flowery names.
Sweeping over them with a glance, Han Xiao quickly came to a decision.
"Buy them all."
Chapter 926 - First Phase of Development
The ability of having Enas might not be the strongest, but it was definitely the best to use. The joy of having a lot of money was something unimaginable.
After buying a lot of Energy Training Techniques, Han Xiao slowly inserted the experience, increasing his energy.
Time is money, and the life span of a Beyond Grade A was long. This long lifespan gave them plenty of time to learn more knowledge and skills, so each Beyond Grade A had a ridiculous number of Energy Training Techniques. While Han Xiao required less time compared to the other Beyond Grade As to raise his energy, it was still a chore for him.
The next day, Han Xiao brought Aurora to the restricted dock to send off Hila.
A black, reflective spaceship was parked there. This was an advanced spaceship that Han Xiao had given to Hila. Under the gangway where the cabin door was, Hila stood without her uniform.
Hila still maintained her cold expression, with her long red hair spread out around her, only loosely tied at the ends, hanging around her waist level. With bangs covering her forehead, her temperament appeared a lot more refreshing than her usual cold self.
She wore a lightweight and tough soft alloy jacket, similar to a windbreaker, coupled with black tights that were made by Han Xiao for defense. A small rucksack was on her shoulder/. She looked like a traveler.
“Sis, when are you coming back?” Aurora had a look of reluctance. Over the past few years, both sisters had stayed together, and now that they were separating, she was a little unused to it.
“When I reach Beyond Grade A.” The corners of Hila’s mouth curled up slightly as she glanced at Han Xiao.
Aurora let out a despondent “Ah…”
“How long would that be…”
“You’re my motivation. In order to return home to see you, I’ll be quick.” Hila ruffled Aurora’s hair.
Aurora helplessly grabbed at her hair before sighing. “After so many years, you still treat me like a kid.”
In my heart, you’ll always be the kid that needs protecting… Hila gently squeezed Aurora’s cheeks, a touch of love in her eyes.
By the side, Han Xiao coughed and interrupted them. “I’ve equipped the spaceship with a nano-maintenance robot as well as some good mechanical equipment. There are also two mechanical hosts and some mechanical soldiers within the warehouse. If necessary, let me know and I’ll activate them.”
“Ok.” Hila was different from her past self. While she enjoyed solitude, she no longer rejected the help of others.
“While Ames will be travelling with you, it is training, and she will not purposefully protect you. Furthermore, she’s a Beyond Grade A, so some dangers that might seem like nothing to her could be lethal to you. You have to be careful,” Han Xiao advised.
While those of the Calamity Grade could already walk unhindered in the universe, if one wished to train, they would have to deliberately wander around the danger zones. There were still many such places in the universe, where dangers abound. It could be experimental planets undergoing biochemical experiments or places filled with viruses, huge beasts, aberrations, and many more. Otherwise, they could attempt to hunt some powerful galactic beings. Even if they could not find such areas, wandering around to challenge people would also serve as a form of practice.
Hila nodded, expressing her understanding, but she did not think this way.
Only at the border of life and death could one explode with all their potential. Staying in the army has no life-and-death fight, so her progress was stalling. Her threshold to breakthrough into a Beyond Grade A was still far, and while Ames might be whimsical and take this trip as an adventure, Hila herself treated this as real life or death training.
Han Xiao was one of the few people she trusted, so only by handing Aurora over to Han Xiao would her mind be at ease.
After turning back to glance at them one last time, Hila turned around to board to spaceship.
The next moment, the spaceship shuddered, and the thrusters jetted out orange flames that quickly turned blue.
Whoosh!
The spaceship sped up and rushed out of the port. In the blink of an eye, it entered hyperdrive and vanished from sight.
“Sigh… I don’t even know how many years Sis will need before she can achieve Beyond Grade A and return… It’s the Beyond Grade A realm, how could it be so easy?”
Aurora’s spirits were low, and she tugged at Han Xiao’s sleeve.
“Er… actually, I think it’s pretty easy.” Han Xiao’s lips curled up teasingly.
“My fault, I shouldn’t have asked you.” Aurora rolled her eyes, tiptoeing to pat on Han Xiao’s shoulder, acting like the elder as she sighed. “Both Teacher and Sis are now gone. Old Uncle, it’s just you and me now.”
“The Shattered Star Ring and Flickering World doesn’t really need me to be here personally. Because of some reason, I have to go over to the dynasty for a period of time. You should follow me over too. It’ll be safer for you.”
Aurora hesitated. “You mean this place will be exposed to danger?”
“That’s… I’m not sure, but there will definitely be turmoil.”
“Alright, whatever the case, I’ll follow you around… Oh yes, can I try being part of the Black Star Guards?”
“You’re too green, better not.”
“Humph. Rude!”
Han Xiao shook his head, turning to gaze at the river of stars in the universe.
How long will Hila take before she returns?
The day she returns, I’ll have yet another trustworthy ally.
…
A few days later, in the Crimson Dynasty’s ruler’s office, the virtual projections of many of the dynasty’s upper echelons gathered together and stood neatly in the room. Tarrokov, as Commander-in-Chief of the Exploration army, was among them. A document adorned with the dynasty’s logo was spread out on the table in front of Urranrell, the written content densely packed.
Urranrell read the document quickly and, upon turning to the last page, paused before picking up the pen and signing her name at the end of the document.
The table shimmered, and a digitally projected head appeared, intoning in a synthetic voice.
“The authority of the dynasty’s ruler is confirmed. The decree ‘Flickering World Construction Charter’ has been signed and is legally binding, effective immediately.”
Every advanced civilization had to use artificial intelligence, and the three Universal Civilizations had their own versions of master artificial intelligences. With generations of Mechanics and scientists perfecting it, the master artificial intelligence would record the backup of each Dynasty Ruler as well as the elites of the civi
lization, merging them into an elite consciousness. It was codenamed [Heroic Soul].
Urranrell placed the pen down, handing the document to the secretary beside her as she announced, “In three days, announce to the world that the first phase of the Flickering World was a success… Long live the dynasty.”
“Long Live the dynasty!” the rest of the upper echelons echoed.
“Notify the allies involved in the development that it is time to divide the lands and formally begin the construction of the three Star Clusters in the first phase of development,” Urranrell solemnly said. “Until the construction is completed, the second phase will not begin.”
…
In the logistics department, Han Xiao was supervising Nero’s learning when he received a communication request from Tarrokov. He had a hunch as to why Tarrokov was calling.
Switching it on, Tarrokov’s old face emerged on the screen.
“Black Star, Ruler Urranrell has already signed a decree and will soon announce to the entire universe that the first phase of the Flickering World has been completed. Let me specifically inform you that the dynasty’s decision to allocate land to the allies has also been finalized.”
Finally, it’s here. I’ve been waiting for a long time… Han Xiao’s attention was completely focused.
“I’m listening. Please continue.”
“Territory will be issued according to the merits of exploration. Most of the allies that joined later will only take a few Star Zones, at most no more than one Star System. As the earliest ally to participate, the dynasty will naturally give you more territory.”
The three Star Clusters that were explored during the first phase were located at the gateway to the Flickering World and basically fell under the control of the dynasty and its allies.
A single Star Cluster contained dozens of Star Systems, and while each Star System seemed tiny in comparison, they were still large in scale. After all, the territory of a Star System level civilization encompassed the entire star system, with some not even reaching that scope.
Han Xiao nodded and asked, “So, how much are we being given?”
“Bloodshed Land will obtain about two Star Systems’ worth, and because of the deal we made regarding the secret war, Klent will obtain about four Star Systems. Their territories will be based in the Renault Star Cluster.”
“And me?” Han Xiao was curious.
“The Black Star Army’s exploration was the most well done. In addition, you had racked up huge merits. The Ruler favors you, so the dynasty has decided to give you…” Tarrokov paused and smiled. “A whole seven Star Systems!”
Han Xiao’s eyes sparkled.
Seven star systems was equivalent to about ten to twenty percent of the total territory in the Garu Star Cluster!
Furthermore, this was only the first phase!
Just based on this, this starting point had exceeded all the Star System civilizations by a few times.
“Furthermore…” Tarrokov’s grin got wider. “Urranrell did not forget her promise to you. The territory for the others has basically been allocated, but for your seven Star Systems, you may choose them yourself.”
All my work paid off… Han Xiao was jubilant.
So far, the Black Star Army had no proper base. Their headquarters and branches were actually located in the territories of others, as the universe currently had already been fully explored. There were not many vacancies left, and even the desolate universe belt had owners. Only now did they finally obtain their autonomous territory.
Part of the Star Cluster was to be distributed to their allies, while part of it would be under the direct control of the dynasty. The last part would be considered an open territory, for other organizations to compete over. With so many partitions, it was impressive that Han Xiao had obtained nearly a fifth of the entire Star Cluster.
According to Han Xiao’s prediction, he would obtain about three to four Star Systems, which would already make it extremely profitable.
However, to think that the dynasty valued him so much to give him seven Star Systems immediately, a total of over 100 Star Zones, and he could even choose the location!
The dynasty was really generous!
Chapter 927 - Flickering World First Chain Mission Completed
927 Flickering World First Chain Mission Completed
The 3D map, displayed in a vibrant blue color, was suspended in front of Han Xiao, showing the overview of the Garu Star Cluster. Most of the areas were marked in green, representing the available Star Systems.
Han Xiao gazed with a thoughtful look at the star map, and the light from the map was reflected on his face.
Beside him, Tarrokov's long distance projection was also smiling while gazing at the star map.
"Have you decided?"
"I have, but before that, I have a question. After the first phase of exploration, the dynasty has now figured out the resource distribution for each Star System. While you allow me to choose, will your attitudes change if I do not pick the ones that the dynasty wants me to pick?" Han Xiao eyed him.
"Haha, I know what you're referring to. You're worried that if you pick all the resource rich areas, the dynasty will have something to say, right?" Tarrokov laughed. "Relax, since the dynasty is willing to give you something, that means they are not worried no matter how big your appetite is. The dynasty is not so petty."
"That's good." Han Xiao nodded.
"However, the Ruler has asked me to warn you…" Tarrokov's eyes flashed at this moment, carrying a hidden meaning. "She advises you put some thought into choosing the Star Systems."
"Because I'm in the Ruler's faction?" Han Xiao got interested.
"Well, this could be one of the reasons… How about this? Let me share some inside information with you. In fact, not everyone within the dynasty agreed to give you seven Star Systems. Some of them thought that the important areas should be controlled by the dynasty and should not be distributed to any allies. However, Urranrell and her heads of state stood in the way and took out what they had within the Garu Star Cluster for you to choose. Based on her words, since the dynasty had made a commitment, they should not go back on their word, or it would only cause their allies to lose trust."
"Seems like the Ruler is really looking out for me." Han Xiao smiled and nodded.
"The Ruler thus recommends that you hold onto some strategic locations," Tarrokov said. "The implied meaning is that you use this to obtain a louder voice within the dynasty. That way, she can suppress the unharmonious voices within the dynasty… I think you know what's going on."
Hearing this, Han Xiao understood that it was the matter of the Evolution Cube.
Every time a Beyond Grade A ally appeared with a strategic level Universal Treasure, this sort of contradiction would occur. In the past, Psyker often had to bear the pressure of the Arcane Church as well.
Some people within the dynasty would hope for him to take the initiative to turn in the Evolution Cube. It was not that Han Xiao had not heard of it, but their voices were currently very weak when faced against the rules of how Universal Civilizations should treat their allies.
It was impossible to force their allies to turn in any Universal Treasures. However, the desire of some people for the Evolution Cube within the dynasty had yet to vanish.
Urranrell wanted Han Xiao to increase his voice, but the other party of the faction coveting the Evolution Cube did not wish for him to do so, which would make it harder to suppress him. From another perspective, this was an internal factional competition.
With this in mind, Han Xiao felt helpless. He originally did not wish to be involved in the political struggles within the dynasty, but it seemed like he did not have a choice. Anything of value in the eyes of these dynasty factions would be used as a chip, and their Beyond Grade A allies were no exception.
"No matter how they think, I just need to develop myself." Han Xiao shook his head, stretching out his hand to tap on seven points on the map. "I'll take t
hese seven Star Systems."
Tarrokov took a look, and his eyes flashed before he laughed out loud. "You're really not polite."
"You were the one who told me not to be." Han Xiao shrugged.
He had chosen all the important Star Systems of the Garu Star Cluster. Two of them were Star Systems that served as gateways to the other two Star Clusters, which were strategic choke points, and two other Star Systems chosen were to be important transit points within the Garu Star Cluster. The last three were in the central location of the Star Cluster, where the resources were the richest, with extremely high developmental value.
"Alright, I'll report back to the Ruler, and construction will soon begin. You should prepare well in advance." Tarrokov then switched off his communicator, and his projection vanished.
Han Xiao turned back to face the seven lighted spots in the star map, slowly letting out a breath.
"Seven Star Systems… This is my future territory."
…
Several days later, the Crimson Dynasty announced to the universe that the first phase of the Flickering World exploration was a complete success, announcing the exploration results to the world.
There were countless gazes observing the development process of the Flickering World all along. The new Star Field was both the territory of the Crimson Dynasty as well as the wealth of an entire universe, and if successfully opened, the reputation of the Crimson Dynasty would also be raised.
This news inspired the spirits of many organizations, especially the financial groups. Even as early as during its exploration, the dynasty had already released the rumors that the follow-up construction would allow the financial groups to inject capital to participate. Even though there were more people than benefits provided, only the larger financial groups would be able to compete for the rights to construct, so it was still a profitable trade.
Every ally of the dynasty would be a good target to invest in. The dynasty's announcement also listed the ownership of territories for each ally. Among them, the Black Star Army stood at the very top with seven Star Systems, far exceeding Klent in second place with four Star Systems.
The Legendary Mechanic c1-1385 Page 625