"Phillip, destroy the computational traces and lab reports."
"Understood."
The lab report disappeared from the screen. Han Xiao waved his hand, put away the virtual screen, turned around and looked at Aurora and Fording behind Fording, and said in a deep voice:
"This matter is currently only known to the two of you. Don't tell anyone else for now, or there will be trouble, understand?"
"... You mean someone like the Germinal Leader will appear?"
Aurora pursed her lips, painful memories of the past flashing through her mind, a hint of fear appearing on her face, but it was quickly replaced by determination.
Things are different now. She believes that with Han Xiao and her sister by her side, she will not repeat the same mistakes.
"Yes, if this gets out, it will attract the interest of many cosmic behemoths, and you will be in danger." Han Xiao nodded.
Hila's shortened lifespan makes Beyond Grade A beings wary, while Aurora's abilities can drive Beyond Grade A beings mad. Possessing unparalleled power in the universe, most Beyond Grade A beings are trying to extend their lifespan, even those of longevity. For example, the former Sorokin, if he still existed, would certainly spare no expense to seize Aurora's abilities, prioritizing them far more than the Evolution Totem.
Not only Beyond Grade A, but also some advanced civilizations would be tempted. Aurora has entered the Calamity Grade, and her daily life energy production efficiency is very high, so she can safely heal people. Civilizations will not treat her like Germinal, but at least they will keep her under house arrest and let her continue to produce life potions.
In this way, he would also be in the eye of the storm, facing the covetousness of many Beyond Grade A. He would need to have even stronger strength than he does now to suppress the evil intentions of others. Aurora's ability is a double-edged sword, so Han Xiao does not plan to reveal Aurora's information or use her ability to curry favor with others before he reaches a higher level.
Fording nodded and echoed, "Don't worry, I've always considered Aurora my sister, and I won't let the news leak out."
Han Xiao gave the two a few more instructions and then asked them to leave the room, leaving him alone to ponder.
Aurora advanced to the level of the Calamity Grade, her connection with Hila became even closer, and in his view, it seemed that a symbiotic relationship was forming.
Aurora just advanced and still needs to familiarize herself with her abilities. Once she awakens her new ability to heal Hila remotely, the boost to Hila will be terrifying.
In her past life, Hila lost Aurora early on. Without her symbiotic partner, she could only roam wildly alone in the cold universe. Now, Hila has not embarked on the path of endless killing, and her growth rate is much slower than in her past life. In a one-on-one fight, she would definitely not be a match for her past self. However, with Aurora, the super-sized milk bottle that ignores distance, Hila's combat power will far surpass that of her past self.
"I'm afraid Hila will catch up with me in terms of 'skin' in the future..." Han Xiao sighed helplessly. Hila possessed an Aurora character card with Infinite uses.
The two sisters possess incredibly powerful, high-risk abilities, and their ability to coordinate perfectly and resonate with each other's souls is truly terrifying. Only their mental and spatial abilities can somewhat restrain their shared life connection.
Han Xiao thought for a moment, then opened the communication channel and sent a message to Ames, briefly informing her that Aurora had entered Calamity Grade.
Above the Planet Aquamarine, on the Floating Dragon Island.
Ames did not participate in the competition for the Shattered World, but remained in the Shattered Star Ring, simply letting Dragon Calm develop quietly, not chasing trends and opportunities, showing her true nature as a laid-back person.
Although she didn't participate in the bustling trends of the era, Ames was very knowledgeable about the situation in the Shattered World. Han Xiao knew that Ames liked fun things, so he shared first-hand information with her every day, telling her what interesting things happened in the Shattered World to satisfy her curiosity. Ames watched it with great interest at home, treating it as an essential daily pastime, and checking Han Xiao's messages regularly had become a habit.
In the palace bedroom, Ames leaned against the headboard, using her force field to create a small ball, teasing a giant white bear lying on the ground like she was playing with a cat toy. Despite being a fierce bear, it was incredibly docile in her presence, rolling around on the floor playfully.
After Ames moved to Planet Aquamarine, Aurora left her pets on the planet with Dragon Calm, asking her teacher to take care of them as a form of entertainment.
There was another person in the room, Jenny, standing at the door, reporting on the business situation of Dragon Calm. Even though Ames wasn't paying attention, she read the report carefully.
"... Recent opinion polls show that 39% of Dragon Calm warriors are dissatisfied with the current situation, an increase of 7% compared to the last survey. Many warriors came for the Beyond Grade A title, hoping to make a name for themselves and achieve great things under your command. However, for a long time, we have lacked opportunities for combat, leading to instability among our ranks. In particular, our lack of participation in the Shattered World competition has further fueled discontent among many of our subordinates, resulting in the loss of a number of warriors..."
Ames ignored her and continued to pet the bear with her force field.
Jenny coughed and continued, "Ignoring the trends of the times is not a wise move. We should change our decisions and set foot on the Shattered World..."
Ames glanced up at him and smiled gently. "Didn't you dislike working? This is the 22nd time you've tried to persuade me to enter the Shattered World. Why are you so enthusiastic now?"
"... Isn't this what you wanted to do to expand your influence?" Jenny touched her hairline, feeling helpless in the face of this hands-off manager.
She hated the demanding work, but Dragon Calm had gradually developed over the years, and she was reluctant to give it up. She couldn't just be lazy and deliberately interfere with Dragon Calm's normal operations.
"As my subordinates, they should be adapting to me, not the other way around," Ames said dismissively, then sighed. "If Black Star were still under my command, I wouldn't have to worry about anything."
Jenny: "..."
My heart aches here!
Ignoring Jenny's contorted expression, Ames waved her hand and said, "Anyway, you don't need to persuade me anymore. I'm not going to the Shattered World; I have no interest in it."
Jenny was about to say something when, just then, Ames's communicator rang. She took it out and her eyes lit up slightly.
"Black Star messaged me again, Jenny. Why don't you wait outside for a bit?"
Seeing this, Jenny could only swallow her words, turn around and walk out of the room, feeling a pang of sadness.
I haven't even finished getting to the point, and just because Black Star sent a routine message, you don't even want to listen to my important report anymore...
I was here first...
Ignoring Jenny, Ames carefully read through the message Han Xiao sent. In addition to the updates he shared today and his words of concern, there was also a message that cheered her up.
"Aurora has finally Calamity Grade! My student is truly amazing." Ames was quite pleased.
At the end of the letter, Han Xiao also extended an invitation for her to visit the Black Star Palace and meet Aurora.
"Go Shattered World..."
Ames hesitated for a moment.
If Black Star invites me, going to the Shattered World isn't out of the question...
It smells so good.
With this in mind, Ames called Jenny in.
"Prepare the spaceship, I'm going to the Shattered World."
"You've finally figured it out? I'll organize the troops right away!" Jenny exclaimed in delight.
"What need is there for a military unit? I can go alone." Ames waved her communicator and smiled faintly. "Black Star invited me to come over."
Jenny's expression instantly turned blank.
Oh, all my talking was useless. You just go when Black Star calls you.
So this is what it feels like to have your heart changed...
At this moment, only one song can perfectly encapsulate Jenny's feelings:
--In this world, who lives a life that isn't like purgatory...?
Shattered World, Free Competition Zone.
A dozen or so general-purpose spaceships were slowly flying through space, carrying guild players from several well-known Southeast Asian clubs, including Red Bay, Titan, and Archipelago.
"Everyone, our next move is crucial; it will determine whether we can quickly establish a foothold in the Shattered World."
In the conference room, Captain Viper of Red Bay tapped on the table, his tone serious.
"Ah Snake is right." [Anaconda], a veteran player from Red Bay, agreed. He was once the captain of Red Bay, but due to his age, he voluntarily gave up his position to cultivate new talents. Viper took over as the new captain last season.
"Right now Huaxia players have a significant advantage. We should stick together and avoid provoking players from other countries before they arrive; we must develop discreetly," Titan Captain [Bangkok Big Buddha] analyzed. "However, the Huaxia players' approach is very forward-thinking. Perhaps we can emulate their strategy and communicate with NPC factions."
Huaxia Club has an unparalleled leading advantage in the Free Competition Zone and has received help from a large number of NPC forces. Naturally, these newcomers from Southeast Asia do not dare to touch them and only want to gain a foothold and develop first.
Because of the legion system, Huaxia learned the efficient gameplay of version 4.0 ahead of time, and clubs from other countries naturally studied it. Therefore, these Southeast Asian clubs also wanted to copy this gameplay.
"But it's not that easy," someone hesitated. "Huaxia players can become formal affiliated organizations because of the Black Star Army's system, but our faction doesn't have that system, doesn't have the qualifications to be independent, and can't become a formal organization."
These large clubs' guilds haven't switched sides yet; they belong to the faction that previously served in the Black Hole Edge.
Other factions don't have a legion system; if they want to become a formal organization, they can only break away from the faction and become independent, which they obviously dare not do now.
Moreover, these individuals are not free agents; they have been recruited by their respective factions. Before reporting to their faction's stronghold, these guilds have very limited time to move freely, which is incomparable to the freedom enjoyed by Legion players.
"The faction's main questline has been released, and we don't have much time left to roam the Free Competition Zone. We need to find an opportunity quickly," Viper said.
After discussing their options, the group decided to adopt a broad-based approach.
Soon, they encountered numerous setbacks. As an unofficial organization, they could only borrow the name of the faction behind them and pretend to be a special team. Most of the organizations they contacted rejected them outright—"You are also outsiders, not local powers like the Black Star Army. We are all competitors; there's no need to risk inviting trouble."
The remaining forces were willing to listen to their demands because of their considerable strength. Although these Southeast Asian guilds were not as large as major countries like Huaxia or the United States, they could still gather several thousand to tens of thousands of people when united.
Because clubs and guilds like Red Bay and Archipelago are not independent organizations, they do not accept hires. Instead, they follow the agreement of the Huaxia Guild and propose cooperation, as this is the only way to establish a foothold.
Upon hearing their demands, the faction that had initially shown some interest immediately hung up the communication, ignoring them completely.
Viper and the others were quite surprised, feeling that this was not what they had expected. The Huaxia players had made things much easier, so why were they finding it so difficult to communicate with the NPC forces?
After studying it for a long time, I finally figured out what was going on: these forces looked down on them because they weren't qualified to be partners.
Players from guilds like Red Bay and Archipelago belong to factions that are at most Star Cluster-level civilizations. However, in today's Shattered World, there are many more Star Cluster-level civilizations, so they are not significant enough.
The reason why Huaxia players were able to communicate smoothly with various smaller factions was because their identities allowed them to share the influence of the Black Star Army. Many factions were willing to share planets and cooperate with the Huaxia in order to get close to the local Black Star Army, stabilize their own strongholds, and prevent outside forces from vying for them.
Other star cluster-level civilizations, which are also external forces, naturally do not possess such prestige.
This group is frustrated because their faction isn't supportive, making it difficult to replicate the strategies of Legion players, which explains why they keep running into obstacles.
The more they learned about the Black Star Army's power, the more they envied the Huaxia players.
After a great deal of effort, these Southeast Asian clubs barely managed to establish a few small strongholds, which were nowhere near comparable to the numerous legion players. Then, these Southeast Asian professional guild players hurriedly responded to the faction's call and worked hard for the faction, temporarily unable to move freely.
Even top-tier guilds in Southeast Asia like Red Bay and Archipelago had such a difficult start, let alone other Black Hole Edge players who hadn't joined the Black Star Army. They didn't have the resources to imitate the Legion players' playstyle and could only start with a hardcore approach, just like in the early days of version 4.0 in the previous game, falling far behind.
The first group of players from the Black Hole Edge arrived, followed by players from more star regions, quickly complicating the situation and gradually forming a global server.
Meanwhile, Han Xiao had already arrived in the Emerald Star Cluster and hidden himself away.
Han Xiao's extensive planning for the legion has allowed the "leek field" to expand smoothly, making him a ruthless, fully automated harvesting machine.
As more and more fresh, new recruits joined the Black Star Army, his efficiency in gaining experience increased many times over in a short period of time.
When the Black Star Army's player base expanded to nearly 8 million warriors, I finally had enough experience to reach level 320!