Seeing this, Mornisa reluctantly gave up on the idea of trying to hack into Han Xiao’s army and focused on strengthening their defenses to not let Han Xiao break through.
Suddenly, the situation of the battle took a turn.
Under the focused fire of many Apostle Weapons and Hila, Tolaen could not hold on.
The damage output of the mechanical army around him was the main source of damage he received. After all, he was not immune to True Damage. His health plummeted under the focus fire of the mechanical army, and his teammates had no way of helping him.
Bang bang bang!
“Ahhh!”
Tolaen was flooded by bullets and cannons once again. This time, he was at his limit.
Not one area on his body was unharmed. His demon horns were broken, and his mind was fuzzy from the attacks of Hila and Mysterious Energy Host. He had lost the ability to fight.
Just as Hila was about to end him, Han Xiao’s Mechanical Deity stopped her.
“Don’t.”
“Why? They made you…” Hila clenched her teeth and dared not complete the sentence.
“He’s more valuable alive.”
Han Xiao shook his head and grabbed Tolaen, who had almost lost all his senses. He absorbed him into the Mechanical Deity and brought him to where his main body was.
Han Xiao took out the Spacetime Amber and sealed Tolaen right away.
Looking at the agony on this guy’s face that was now fixed, Han Xiao smiled with satisfaction like a farmer counting the harvest of an entire year.
“That’s one.”
…
“Tolaen’s been captured!”
Sagman was enraged. He looked at the Mechanical Deity, which had captured his teammate, and a sense of panic appeared in his mind.
He did not even have to think to know that Tolaen was definitely going to get a taste of the Spacetime Amber, and he felt bad for him.
Due to how uniquely tanky Black Star’s main body was, they could not deal with Black Star the same way one would deal with other Mechanics. There was only one path in front of them, which would take the most effort—to eliminate Black Star’s mechanical army.
However, Black Star was fighting on his own grounds. He had even burned his future potential. Given the unique combat style of Mechanics, he was extremely powerful at this point, which was due to three key components—his Mechanical Deity, his elite Apostle Weapons, and his enormous mechanical army.
The strength of Mechanics in the later stages depended on their ability to fight multiple battles at once, creating a numerical advantage in one or more battles through the suitable distribution of their troops. In this battle, the Mechanical Deity had fought Sierron on even ground, restraining a peak Beyond Grade A; the mechanical army had restrained the many Beyond Grade As; and the Apostle Weapons had focused their fire on one target at a time to defeat them one by one.
If this lasted any longer, he could not even estimate how many of them would be left there.
In the past, Black Star’s only strength was his regenerative ability. Now that his attack had become this strong, Sagman’s impression of him became someone who was on a completely different level that gave him nothing but despair!
“Your Excellency Kasuyi, what should we do now?”
Sagman looked at his captain.
In times like this, the person he trusted most was the leader of his team… but he did not know how much Kasuyi was holding back.
“Black Star only obtained this strength through burning his potential. It won’t last long. The operation has failed. There’s no point to continue fighting. We’re retreating,” Kasuyi said slowly.
“What about Tolaen?”
“Even you might not even be able to walk away. Why are you thinking about others?” Kasuyi shook his head.
Although he was the leader, he did not mind Black Star capturing some of them to vent his anger. The way he looked at it, since Black Star had burned his potential, the Universal Civilizations should give him some compensation. He was not the one paying for it anyway.
All these Beyond Grade As coming to kill Hila had already insulted Black Star. If he could not vent his emotions, it would not align with Kasuyi and the Mechanic Emperor’s plans.
Chapter 1054 - Retrea
While the Arcane Church was tempted to retreat, Sierron, who was fighting intensely with the Mechanical Deity, received the same suggestion from his side.
“Your Excellency Sierron, we should retreat now. The situation will only become worse for us. There’s no point in fighting Black Star here while he burns his potential.” Hades’ tone was hasty.
“That’s right. Although more than ten of us being forced to retreat by Black Star alone will damage our reputation, by analyzing the current situation, this is the best plan for now. Since he’s paid such a huge price, it’d be best if we don’t continue to fight with him.” Mornisa agreed as well.
Sierron and the Mechanical Deity’s attacks clashed a few more times before he backed away with a long face.
Although he was not willing to admit it, the explosive power Black Star was displaying now was more than enough to match up to him. They would not be able to do much to each other any time soon. The Mechanical Deity’s energy consumption was terrifying, so normal Mechanics would not be able to make it last this long, but Black Star could keep it running for a very long time. This meant that even if the battle between the two of them came to an end, it would take a very long time.
The church’s side seemingly intended to retreat as well, so if they remained there to fight Black Star, they would receive all the pressure.
Sierron was not afraid, but he could not fight in multiple areas like a Mechanic could, so he could not help his teammates.
The federation never planned to fight Black Star head-on. Since the plan to capture Hila alive had failed, continuing to fight would only be a waste of effort. Sierron made the decision instantly and said with a deep voice, “Retreat. Preheat the Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device.”
After he said that, he no longer continued fighting the Mechanical Deity and headed into the mechanical army. Using continuous Pugilist shockwaves, he created an empty area within the countless mechanical soldiers.
On the other side, Kasuyi stopped his act as well while helping his teammates to escape. His psychic energy swept all the mechanical army in his way to the side.
The escape routes of the two sides were different. The federation had brought their fleet along, so the Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device was their way out. The church had a small team, so only the Beyond Grade As had to escape themselves. As soon as they left the area affected by the spacetime stabilization device, they would be able to escape with teleportation scrolls.
Han Xiao instantly noticed the shift in the targets’ goals. Both sides were heading out of the mechanical army in two different directions.
The federation and the church both hoped that the other side would hold Black Star back, so of course, they would not be helping each other. There was also no way the church would take the federation’s Uber, or they would basically be leaving the wolf’s den just to enter the tiger’s cave.
“Their alliance is broken.”
Han Xiao’s eyes sparkled. He controlled the Mechanical Deity and chased after the federation’s people.
The mechanical army split in two, while the Apostle Weapons and Mysterious Energy Host left the church’s Beyond Grade As behind and focused on the federation.
Gathering all the combatants to focus on one side would have a better effect. One reason he chose to chase after the federation was due to Kasuyi’s favor, and another was because it would be too difficult to chase after the church.
If Kasuyi stopped acting, his ability to restrain him would be incomparable. If he headed to chase after the church’s people, he would most likely not be able to capture anyone at all. Kasuyi was just a doppelganger, so he could totally secure his teammates’ escape
without having to worry about his own safety, and his psychic energy would be more than enough to stop his entire army for some time.
Comparatively, Sierron was just a Pugilist who was powerful as an individual but had very limited AOE skills. He was not good at protecting his teammates and was there as his main body, so he could not miss his ride. With these factors all adding up, the federation was clearly easier to deal with.
Once the target was decided, Han Xiao locked onto a federation Beyond Grade A and threw out an ability without hesitation.
[Virtual Paramount]!
‘Lone Ranger’ Jackornitz was using all kinds of mechanical weapons to fight the Apostle Weapons when his body suddenly became stiff, and his soul was trapped in the virtual world by Han Xiao. He had lost control of his body.
In such dire situations, even the slightest carelessness would be fatal, not to mention being defenseless for more than ten seconds.
As a Mechanical Pugilist, the defense of his physical body could not match a true Pugilist, nor did he have any True Damage Immunity talents. When the mechanical army and the Apostle Weapons swarmed toward him, his health plummeted.
Han Xiao had chosen him because he was paper according to his data from the Meeting of the Gods.
Swoosh!
The Mechanical Deity extended its arm and grabbed Jackornitz. It then absorbed him into its body.
When Jackornitz escaped from the control effect of Virtual Paramount and returned to his body, he instantly felt a strong sense of weakness. What he came back to was a body that was heavily wounded and completely controlled by the traps inside the Mechanical Deity, unable to move.
“Impossible…”
Jackornitz could not believe how quickly he had been defeated.
He would be able to last longer even against the Mechanic Emperor’s army. He knew that Black Star was extremely tanky, but why was his damage output so high too‽
Han Xiao was not surprised. The damage output of his mechanical army was definitely not low.
Being a Molding Talent, [Legendary Battle Technique] could tear through any Beyond Grade As without a True Damage Immunity talent once his mechanical army could penetrate the shield and focus fire on the target. Even with how much health Beyond Grade As had, they would still not be able to handle this much damage.
Jackornitz was sent beside Han Xiao’s main body inside the Mechanical Deity. Han Xiao turned and glanced at him. “You won’t be able to run now that you’re inside here. If you don’t want to suffer more, don’t resist.”
As soon as his sentence ended, countless barrels extended from the interior walls of the Mechanical Deity and aimed at Jackornitz.
Under the mechanical helmet, Jackornitz could not help but smile bitterly.
Alright then, I couldn’t beat Black Star to begin with, and now he’s even sacrificing his potential for all this. I’d better accept my fate.
At the same time, the federation’s Beyond Grade As outside witnessed the entire process, seeing Black Star easily capture Jackornitz like catching a newborn chick.
“Your Excellency Sierron, this…” Womre could not help but say.
“Leave him. We can’t save him.” Sierron’s expression was gloomy. He was seething with anger.
Unlike Kasuyi, his main body was right there, so he could not afford to ignore his own safety. If he tried to save his teammate, he would not make it in time for the federation’s teleportation. And when the dynasty’s reinforcements arrived, he would probably be done for.
Therefore, no matter how furious he was, Sierron could only put up with it.
…
At the same time, the church’s members who were fleeing from the mechanical army in another direction also saw this.
Initially, when Tolaen was captured, Sagman and the others were all quite unhappy. So, when they saw that the federation was suffering just as much, they felt much better.
Like a great man once said, when something unlucky happens to someone, the best way to comfort him is not to pity him but to make him see others just as unlucky as him.
This was exactly how the church was feeling.
This time, Kasuyi’s eyes flickered slightly. He contemplated for a while but suddenly stopped and said, “You guys go first. I’m staying to do something.”
“What are you going to do?” Sagman was curious.
Kasuyi turned to look in the federation’s direction, smiled faintly, and said, “The federation has yet to return the Ten Thousand Deity Scepter. This is a good chance to teach them a lesson and take some interest from them.”
The others understood immediately. This was something only Kasuyi’s doppelganger could do.
What Kasuyi wanted to do was restrain the federation’s people and help Black Star capture even more Beyond Grade As of the federation.
He hoped that Black Star would capture more captives to vent his anger and get more compensation from the Universal Civilizations. Plus, it would be best for him not to sell out his teammates. Hence, the federation was the best target.
Furthermore, this was a very justifiable reason. He had been acting the whole time, but the church would still compliment him for doing a great job, while at the same time, it would cancel out the loss they suffered through failing the mission and having one of them be captured. It was killing multiple birds with one stone. This was clearly the move of an experienced actor.
Having thought of that, Kasuyi left Sagman and the others and headed right toward the federation’s people. At the same time, he privately communicated with Han Xiao.
“Still remember the deal I suggested earlier? How about we work together?”
Han Xiao was chasing after the federation’s people when he saw Kasuyi charging toward this battlefield. He was initially planning on trying to stop him, but when he heard this, even he was stunned and almost speechless. He had tons of things he could say, but he did not know what to say, so it all fused into one single sentence.
On behalf of the federation, I thank you!
With Kasuyi joining the battle, the situation changed instantly. Kasuyi’s psychic energy swept past the members of the federation one after another. Having been hit by such powerful mind attacks, many of them trembled all over, allowing the mechanical army to create an even tighter encirclement around them. The speed of them pushing through the mechanical army suddenly slowed down.
Seeing this, Sierron was furious.
Kasuyi!
When I invited you to work together with me to fight Black Star, didn’t you say you were out of energy, you piece of sh*t‽
You goddamn actor!
He did not expect the Arcane Church to play this dirty and help Black Star.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Kasuyi’s tone was calm. “During the Planet Lighthouse battle, you also stabbed us in the back. The situation back then was so similar to now. I’m simply doing the same thing you lot did.”
During the Planet Lighthouse battle, due to the federation, the church had been left in a passive situation. The federation had even killed one of their Beyond Grade As and taken the Ten Thousand Deity Scepter.
Hence, Kasuyi felt no guilt doing something like this.
Sierron’s expression was raging. With a furious roar, he headed back. Highly condensed Pugilist flames appeared all around his body as he forced open a path. No mechanical soldier could stop him.
He blew away countless mechanical soldiers and made his way to Crystal Soul. He then grabbed him and turned around to leave instantly, not caring about his other teammates.
Sierron clearly knew that with Kasuyi helping Black Star, the federation would undoubtedly suffer a huge loss, so he could only take damage control measures.
Crystal Soul was a Crystal Life, so he was tiny. Plus, he had a Universal Treasure, so he was prioritized. Sierron brought Crystal Soul along and escaped right away. As for the others, there was nothing he could do.
Mornisa saw this and stopped fleeing. She controlled her mechanical army
to secure the retreat instead. Although she could not match Han Xiao’s army at all, it still more or less slowed down Han Xiao’s mechanical army’s speed.
This way, those facing the most pressure became Hades and Womre, who were left behind.
“Damn it…”
Hades was bleeding from his every orifice. He was also a Psychic, but he was completely powerless in front of Kasuyi. He could no longer maintain his cool, and his face was filled with resentment.
At this time, the Mechanical Deity’s palm suddenly slammed down. Hades looked up. His vision was covered by this metal sky.
It had not been long since Hades became a Beyond Grade A, so he was not very clear about the strength levels of the Beyond Grade As. When he saw this, he only had one thought in his mind.
This is what true power looks like!
The next moment, he blacked out and lost all his senses as the mechanical palm landed on him.
“Third.”
Han Xiao absorbed the unconscious Hades into the Mechanical Deity, then looked at Womre.
At this point, all the Apostle Weapons were attacking just Womre.
This Pugilist’s style was different from Sierron and Gorutan. It did not look rough and powerful but very smooth and natural, like a martial arts master. Instead of melee combat, he seemed to be better at mid-ranged shockwave attacks. His Pugilist flames never stopped burning, as if they had no end.
The light-blue flames circled around him like a shield, continuously repelling the Apostle Weapons’ attacks. His movements were neither fast nor slow. Every move he made launched a shockwave. Even in such a dire situation, Womre did not look like he was being overpowered. However, with no chance of turning the tables, his defeat was just a matter of time.
Seeing that Sierron and Crystal Soul were escaping further while he had no way out, he decided not to escape and stay there to secure their way out with Mornisa.
The Mechanical Deity waved its hands, shattering tons of enemy mechanical soldiers and the unmanned fleet of the federation, quickly destroying Mornisa’s fragile Lord’s Avatar.
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