by <unknown>
After crossing through a long, desolate space belt, a bright region appeared from within the dark region of space. That was the new Star Cluster that the Federation of Light had found.
From smallest to largest, the regions of the galaxy were classified as planet, Star Zone, Star System, Star Cluster, and finally Star Field.
The Crimson Empire wanted to obtain this new Star Cluster not just to expand their territory but because it formed the bridgehead for any future exploration. The Crimson Empire would then be able to make use of this new territory of theirs as the starting point of their exploration and continue to expand their territory. All the new regions that they discovered after this would belong to the new Star Field, which was part of the Crimson Empire.
The Federation of Light controlled the Shattered Star Ring, and the Crimson Empire wanted to obtain another neighboring Star Field. They were not willing to share this exploration path with the Federation of Light.
As Zoel analyzed the pros and cons of supporting him, Austin and Ames listened silently by the side.
As for Han Xiao, his attention was drawn to the star map that Zoel showed.
No matter how he looked at it, he felt the position of the Star Cluster to be extremely familiar.
After taking a closer look at it, something clicked in his head, and Han Xiao was filled with agitation.
My goodness, isn’t that part of the Flickering World‽
The [Flickering World] was the Main Storyline of a later version, and it was a completely new Star Field. Billions of stars shone brightly to light up the dark universe.
Pioneering the discovery of a Star Field would definitely bring about plenty of benefits.
The players of the entire galaxy would all participate in this Main Storyline mission to pioneer the discovery of a new Star Field. There were also countless races and civilizations that entered the Flickering World. This became an event that caused a huge reshuffle in power among all the organizations and battles to break out everywhere.
The new Star Cluster that Zoel had shown was a part of the Flickering World. It was the tip of the iceberg.
Who would have thought the events of the later versions were already beginning to unfold?
Only a small corner of the region has been discovered. To explore the new region fully, many years will be required. It is still a long way from the current version…
In the past, the players had performed missions for the various organizations, but this time, they might have the opportunity to be the ones in control. Just as the emissary had said, a new territory represented new opportunities. Perhaps this was the best chance for him to move up the food chain.
While the Black Star Army was not powerful enough and was still a great distance away from large organizations such as Bloodshed Land, Han Xiao had a huge advantage. He knew how things would develop.
If he wanted to have the rights to be in control, he needed to have a more powerful organization. They stronger he was, the more benefits he could obtain. His present self was far from sufficient. Thankfully, there were a few more versions to go.
Han Xiao could not help but grow anxious as he pondered silently.
The birth of the Flickering World meant one thing. The Crimson Empire succeeded in the end and managed to snatch the new Star Cluster from the Federation of Light and transform it into a new Star Field.
When he was deep in thought, Zoel had finished explaining his conditions. In summary, the Crimson Empire would provide them with aid in secret.
The support of a Universal Civilization was a very tempting condition. While the Federation of Light was in control of the Shattered Star Ring, they rarely interacted with the various organizations of the Shattered Star Ring and appeared to be high above.
Austin frowned and had a serious look on his face. However, when coupled together with his childish appearance, it looked extremely comical and adorable.
“I am not too interested in such a matter and would rather study curses at home. So, I apologize, but I would like to remain neutral. I can only promise you that I will not help the Federation of Light.”
After considering for a while, Austin gave his response. He wanted to stay out of this matter and remain neutral.
“I understand.” Zoel was not too surprised. They were all beyond Grade As, so he could not force the other party. The outcome of the other party remaining neutral was not too bad. Zoel had only managed to persuade Heber to help him after putting in a great deal of effort. The main purpose of the meeting today was to inform them of their empire’s stand and reduce the number of helpers for the Federation of Light.
“What about you, Ames?” Heber asked.
Ames was not interested in such a matter and was about to follow Austin and reject the proposition. However, she paused for a moment and looked at Han Xiao.
“Black Star, what do you think?”
“Hmm?”
Han Xiao was currently deep in thought, and upon being called, he was stunned for a moment.
Seeing everyone’s gaze on him, Han Xiao pondered for a moment before nodding. “The Crimson Empire can naturally be trusted with their reputation. The esteemed emissary is correct in saying that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity with great benefits hidden within it. I personally feel that the Crimson Empire has a sixty percent chance of succeeding at the very least.”
Zoel’s eyes lit up, and he revealed a smile. While wondering when he had successfully converted this fellow, he nodded at Han Xiao and said, “Good eyesight.”
Han Xiao also nodded back in response. “Thus, I feel that you shouldn’t be in a hurry to reject. This isn’t a bad thing.”
Upon hearing that, Ames thought for a moment and did not reject Zoel directly but said, “Let me think about this.”
The expressions of both Austin and Heber immediately changed.
Both of them had known Ames for years and knew that Ames had actually intended to reject the proposition. However, she had immediately changed her mind after listening to Han Xiao’s advice.
Black Star’s importance to the Dragon Emperor had far exceeded their expectations.
Not just a hired thug but an advisor? Austin stroked his chin and fell into deep thought. That’s right, with Ames’ personality, she will need a reliable strategist if she wants to expand, and Black Star seems pretty capable.
“Black Star, I heard from Malekith that he tried to poach you but was rejected,” Heber said.
Han Xiao’s eyes gleamed, and he slowly nodded.
“I rarely try a second time, but I would like to ask you again personally.”
Heber raised his arm out to Han Xiao and said in a solemn tone, “Black Star, join me.”
Boom!
Ames’ aura exploded, and an immense pressure was exuded.
Her tone was chilly.
“Trying to poach one of my men before me, do you not respect me at all‽”
The frightening pressure assaulted Heber from all directions, but it seemed as though he could not feel it. He ignored Ames and fixed his gaze on Han Xiao. “Do you agree or not?”
Han Xiao’s face began contorting.
Oh my goodness, poaching someone so openly, he is truly tyrannical.
He had never expected Heber to personally make an invitation at this moment. This fellow truly did not care about what the occasion was and only about how hard his fists are!
“My apologies, but my answer is the same.” Han Xiao shook his head helplessly.
Heber nodded and was not angered by the rejection. It was as though he had never brought up this topic at all.
He liked talents but was not willing to force someone who did not want to submit.
The force field was still growing in strength, and Heber turned around to look at Ames. “Aren’t you going to stop your force field? Do you want to fight?”
Ames remained expressionless as her aura continued to grow. She almost wanted to completely ignore the advice that Aesop had given her.
> Austin could only interfere helplessly lest they ended up fighting. With a snap of his fingers, he cast a calming spell on Ames.
“Alright, alright, this isn’t the first day you’ve known her. Don’t act so rashly.”
Chapter 611. The Battle |
After dozens of layers of buffs were cast on Ames, her fury was finally dampened. She snorted and deactivated her Esper ability.
Heber did not mind it; it was not the first time he had confronted Ames. He turned and nodded at Zoel.
“So, I shall leave. I look forward to the result of your consideration.” Zoel got the gesture, gave his contact details to Ames, smiled, and was about to turn around and walk out of the room.
Looking at the envoy’s retreating back, Han Xiao was suddenly hesitant. Should I plant a mark on Zoel? It seems quite rewarding.
He did not forget that this was a private meeting before the party officially started. When the party started the next day, only then would Heber introduce Zoel to all the guests. That would be the time that things started to escalate.
The Crimson Empire would not snatch the territory themselves because once they did, the Federation of Light would act, and the conflict would grow into a much bigger issue. Since this was not yet the stage to have such a large-scale conflict, the Crimson Empire was trying to bond with the Shattered Star Ring’s organizations, drawing more chess pieces to their side of the universe chessboard.
Throwing an Observer’s Mark would allow him to see what the Crimson Empire was doing backstage and how many organizations joined the Crimson Empire. This was very precious intelligence.
However, although Observer’s Mark left close to zero trails and even Ames could not notice it, there were two more Beyond Grade As present, so there was a chance that he might get noticed. Plus, the Crimson Empire’s people might have special techniques to prevent things like that.
Hmm, I’ll give it a try. Even if I get noticed, it’s not too serious a problem. He wants us to be on his side, and we’re not enemies.
A tiny tint of gray light flashed through his eyes, and an Observer’s Mark was planted on Zoel.
Ames and Heber did not notice at all.
Neither did Zoel. He left the room, and the gate covered his figure.
This time, Han Xiao suddenly realized that someone was looking at him. He turned around and saw that Austin was staring right at him.
He noticed? Han Xiao’s heart skipped a beat.
Everyone’s abilities were different. Ames and Heber could not notice, but Austin was a Mage, so he was sensitive to all kinds of energy. Despite the ripples of Void Energy being miniscule, they did not escape his senses.
However, Austin did not say anything. He just gave Han Xiao a friendly smile and looked elsewhere.
Han Xiao did not get what he meant. Anyway, not being exposed was a good thing.
“If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving.” Ames was annoyed by the sight of Heber and did not want to stay there.
“Wait.” This time, Heber spoke.
“What else?” Ames frowned.
“I heard you’ve been expanding your forces recently. We can work together,” Heber slowly said.
“Work together?” Ames gave a faint smile. “Do you think we have a very good relationship?”
“I can forget about that nonsense when you fought your way onto Planet Heber,” Heber said.
“Then keep remembering.” Ames could not be bothered to argue. She stood up from the throne, turned away, and left.
Han Xiao took along Hila and Aurora and followed her out of the room.
Austin laughed loudly. “Hahaha, Heber, she just dislikes you more and more.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Heber was not bothered.
“I thought you were going to make the marriage proposal again.”
“Forget it, she probably won’t agree this time too.” Heber shook his head.
“Seriously, you both have very tough personalities. If you want to get her, you have to tone it down,” Austin said jokingly. His personality was very casual, and he had a good relationship with both of them. He knew the history of Heber chasing Ames.
“I won’t change for any woman.” Heber waved his hands.
He was not too determined about Ames. In the entire Shattered Star Ring, Heber thought only Ames who was Beyond Grade A like him could match him, only she was strong enough to be his partner. It had no element of love or emotion.
If he could get Ames, his organization would have two Beyond Grade As, which would be a tremendous increase.
Heber disdained deception and did not bother wasting time; he had always been straight forward and did not avoid speaking of his real goal of chasing Ames.
Austin still remembered back then when Heber first proposed to Ames and how furious Ames had been. He wanted to laugh every time he thought of it.
…
When Han Xiao and the others reached the gate of the palace, Carroll just happened to be on the way in, and they met.
“You people again.”
Carroll did not have any intention of taunting this time and did not glue his eyes to Ames, unlike last time. His expression was calm as if Han Xiao and the others were just passersby.
Ames glanced at him. Although she was unhappy, she could not do anything in Tyrant’s territory, so she ignored Carroll.
Just as they were about to pass each other by, Han Xiao suddenly pressed onto Carroll’s shoulder and grabbed him tightly like an iron claw.
Puzzled, Carroll turned around and asked, “What are you doing?”
“I remember that you said before I’m just your replacement?” Han Xiao squinted. “Since you call yourself my senior, give me some guidance then.”
Carroll’s expression changed. He had thought that the previous taunting incident was over, but Han Xiao’s sudden action after a few days was unexpected to him.
Ames stopped, also surprised.
“What do you mean? Do you want to fight here? This is Planet Heber!” Carroll said in a slightly threatening manner.
“Don’t worry, I just want to spar with you. I want to see how strong the traitor is.” Han Xiao chuckled. “The Tyrant’s subordinate wouldn’t not dare accept a challenge, right?”
“I got it. This is Ames’ orders, isn’t it?” Carroll felt that he had guessed correctly. It had to be because Ames was unhappy about the outcome of what had happened earlier, so she had ordered Black Star to challenge him. If it was just a spar between officers, Heber would not say anything.
Hehe, is she this confident in this new officer of hers?
Carroll’s face turned cold and said, “Okay, I accept your challenge. Hope you don’t lose too fast.”
Bloodshed Land was his stage; he could use countless machines. Even if Black Star’s name had been loud recently, he did not step back.
Carroll had heard about Ames’ new officer. He also wanted to gauge Han Xiao’s full strength. He wanted to see what kind of person Ames had found to replace him.
Furthermore, his position was sensitive. He now represented the Tyrant. Since Ames had ordered Black Star to challenge him, he could not back down. Even though Heber could protect him, considering the Tyrant’s personality, things would not go well for him if he was afraid of the challenge.
Bloodshed Land despised cowards the most. Someone that was not a battle maniac had no chance of obtaining a high position under the Tyrant.
Han Xiao curled his lips and suddenly said, “We’re both Mechanics, just sparring isn’t fun. How about a bet?”
“On what?”
“Let’s bet… five sets of machinery blueprints, what do you say? The loser has to give whatever blueprint the winner requests.” Han Xiao smiled wickedly.
Betting blueprints… Carroll frowned heavily. Blueprints were the lifeline of a Mechanic, so Mechanics betting blueprints on was not uncommon.
“Okay.” Carroll nodded.
Han Xiao’s eyes sparkled.
There were many factors that
had made him suddenly challenge Carroll.
Ames could not battle, but he could. Being high profile to a certain extent and showcasing his abilities was beneficial to increasing his position in this circle. Plus, it could help Ames relieve some anger.
If the Tyrant interfered in a spar between officers, it would be utterly embarrassing.
Secondly, he had been peeking on Carroll for the past few days and roughly knew his strength. Knowing the enemy guaranteed him an edge in the battle. Furthermore, he had noticed that Carroll had a few rather good machines, so he had proposed a bet to win some machinery blueprints.
He would never fight a battle without benefits.
The third and the most important reason was that a new faction mission had appeared on his interface.
_____________
[Ames’ Fury]
Mission Introduction: The traitor’s provocation and the Tyrant’s disrespect have made Ames enraged. As a member of Floating Dragon, you know what you need to do.
Mission Requirements: Defeat Carroll publicly.
Reward: 15,000,000 Experience. +2500 Floating Dragon Faction Favorability, +30 Ames Favorability, +2 Heber Favorability, +15 Renown.
Failure Punishment: -20 Ames Favorability, -5 Heber Favorability.
Remarks: Different mission results will result in different effects.
Chapter 612. Resource Battle? |
“Here will do.” Carroll brought the others to Bloodshed Land’s Open Air Combat Training Ground No. 30 and stood opposite Han Xiao. He then moved a long distance away till Han Xiao became a small dot in his eyes.
Han Xiao looked around. This training ground was empty and unobstructed. Around its edges were tall mechanical towers connected by dozens of blue, high-temperature electromagnetic wires. It looked like a futuristic baseball field but many times larger.
The floor was made of gray metal plates. Burn marks left by explosions and slash marks could be seen all around the place, some pits too. Clearly, this training ground was often used.
“In my territory, you have to follow my rules.” Carroll’s voice came from afar. “First, the battle area is limited to this training ground. If you cause destruction outside of this, you’ll bear the consequences. Second, causing severe damage to the opponent is not allowed. So, don’t worry, your life won’t be in danger.”