"You want me to seize that infamous Chaos Mysterious Energy for the Empire?"
At an Imperial ally's stronghold in the Free Competition Zone of the Shattered World, Ravenlaude received a message from the Imperial high command, leaving him utterly surprised.
As a member of the "elderly group," Ravenlaude, nicknamed "Arcane Fox," holds considerable weight among the Empire's Beyond Grade A allies. His status surpasses that of his younger brothers, such as Kohler and Beoni, who are at the bottom of the food chain. He is considered a mid-level fighter among the allies. Although he doesn't get along well with Black Star, the two sides have no animosity and are considered casual acquaintances, living in relative peace.
--Of course, Ravenlaude was unaware that Han Xiao had taken the Space-Time Amber that originally belonged to him beforehand; otherwise, he would probably be joining the Imperial Black Star Alliance now, which only has Heber as a member.
It was normal for the Empire to ask him for help, but what surprised Ravenlaude was the news of the emergence of Chaos Mysterious Energy, which he was only learning about today.
"Chaos Mysterious Energy..." Ravenlaude's eyes flickered.
To be honest, he was somewhat tempted.
Such Primordial Esper Ability Entity, listed on the ultra-high-risk superpower list, are extremely rare and hard to come by. If one could acquire them, it would be enough to train a powerful deputy, or to use sealing magic to seal the Chaos Mysterious Energy into a special magical puppet, thereby utilizing its abilities. Its power might even reach the standard of Universal Treasure, turning it into a powerful magical artifact.
But these desires only lingered in his mind for a few seconds before Ravenlaude extinguished them.
His power lies within the Constellation Corridor, deeply influenced by the Empire. For the sake of a Chaos Mysterious Energy, there's no need for him to defy the Empire's will.
The Empire told him this intelligence in exchange for his help. If he were to be tempted by it, he would offend the Empire, which would be a loss for him and there was no need to do so.
"But Universal Treasure..."
Ravenlaude felt a pang of reluctance. It wasn't that he lacked the magnanimity to relinquish the Chaos Mysterious Energy, but rather that ever since he witnessed Han Xiao's Space-Time Amber, he had felt an emptiness in his heart, a sense of loss as if he had missed something, and had developed an obsession with Universal Treasure.
This mentality is like a little kid seeing another child with a nice toy and wanting to have one too.
In short, I'm jealous!
"Since the Chaos Mysterious Energy has a value comparable to Universal Treasure, it's a good time to make some demands on the Empire."
Ravenlaude had an idea and reported his request to the Empire—if they wanted his help, the Empire had to offer up Universal Treasure from its treasury in exchange.
Not long after the request was made, the Empire replied, granting Ravenlaude's request, but with additional conditions.
If the Chaos Mysterious Energy were to appear in other locations, Ravenlaude would only receive some resource support as compensation, which would be considered as having done his part even if he didn't achieve anything.
If the Chaos Mysterious Energy were to emerge from the Emerald Star Cluster, and Ravenlaude were to retrieve it, he could choose a Universal Treasure from the Empire's treasury.
Along with the reply came a list of Universal Treasure that the Empire allowed Ravenlaude to exchange for, mostly combat equipment—the very same list he had previously used to exchange for Evolution Cube with Han Xiao.
Ravenlaude carefully reviewed the document and nodded in satisfaction.
Han Xiao looked down on these things, but Ravenlaude valued them highly... There was no way around it; Han Xiao, as a wealthy man who possessed the Evolution Cube and the Space-Time Amber, was like a well-fed man who didn't know the hunger of a starving man. He didn't care about ordinary Universal Treasure.
With the reward in hand, Ravenlaude became more motivated for the mission. He carefully reviewed the list of rival factions provided by the Empire and smiled confidently.
How difficult can it be to snatch something from a bunch of small fry?
Somewhere in the unexplored region of the Emerald Star Cluster, a fleet is rapidly jumping between different areas. The ships' external armor is unmarked, making it impossible to discern the origin of this force.
Inside the main ship, a tall figure clad in a purple robe stood before the command platform, exuding an aura of a powerful figure who kept strangers at bay. He silently stared at the star map, where red dots marked the coordinates of the emergence of Chaos Mysterious Energy.
Beside him, a merfolk-like creature bound by magical ropes looked tense and said in a trembling voice:
"Your Secret Master, I swear this information is true; it is absolutely the legacy of the Sorokin, not a fabricated rumor!"
"That would be for the best, otherwise you know how it will turn out."
A detached voice rang out, and the purple figure turned to look at him. His exposed skin was covered with intricate and ornate magical runes, shimmering with a fluorescent light. There wasn't a single clean patch on his body, making him look like a hardcore, addicted tattoo enthusiast.
Like "Beast Ancestor" Gorutan, this person is also a protector of the Interstellar Black Market. He is the "Secret Master" who enjoys a high reputation in the magic world and has amazing attainments in runic magic, alchemical modification, and mysticism. Especially in mysticism, he has such a nickname because it is rumored that he possesses a kind of magic that manipulates "luck" and is good at divination and prophecy.
The tattoos on his body were all forbidden-level personal rune enchantments that provided powerful enhancements to his body. The faction to which the Secret Master belonged was characterized by extremely advanced runic magic technology, as could be seen from his subordinates, each of whom wore exquisite runic magic armor, and their exposed skin was also covered with intricate magical runes.
The Secret Master turned to look at the star map, a slight tremor appearing in his indifferent gaze.
"Chaos Mysterious Energy..."
Not long ago, he suddenly foresaw that something big would happen in the Emerald Star Cluster that might benefit him. So he used the black market's abilities to investigate in depth. With the help of his Great Luck, he discovered a small force that had once stolen the legacy of the Sorokin. They happened to have the coordinates of the Chaos Mysterious Energy. After capturing and interrogating them, the Secret Master also became interested in the Chaos Mysterious Energy.
He's the kind of guy who doesn't mind using all sorts of external means to improve his strength, as evidenced by the numerous enchanted runes covering his body. He also possesses a large number of high-quality magical items and has an obsessive-compulsive collecting habit for rare items. Naturally, he wants to get involved in something as rare as Chaos Mysterious Energy.
Because of the distance, he sent his officers to stake out the other coordinates, but he personally went to the Emerald Star Cluster coordinates, which were the most likely.
"I wonder what forces will try to seize it..."
The question flashed through the mind of the Secret Master, but he quickly dismissed it, having great confidence in his own power.
No matter what forces come, just beat them up. How many can defeat a Beyond Grade A fighter like me?
Another location in the Emerald Star Cluster, a stronghold of the Modo Civilization.
An elite team of Calamity Grade superhumans assembled at the secret dock. Commander Roddick and Inspector Lagos of the Modo Civilization Expeditionary Fleet stood at the front, inspecting the team.
"I'll leave the Chaos Mysterious Energy Operation to you all." Roddick nodded solemnly to the group.
Some advanced civilizations also possess information about the legacy of the Sorokin, and the Modo Civilization is one of the knowledgeers of the Chaos Mysterious Energy. The Modo Civilization has no reason to let go of such a valuable resource.
Other locations were handled by others, while the coordinates of the Emerald Star Cluster were the responsibility of the Expeditionary Fleet led by Roddick.
Since the Expeditionary Fleet was attacked by a "mysterious force" last time, Roddick has been under pressure from his superiors and has become much more vigilant, being very careful in mobilizing subsequent supplies.
However, it was to no avail. The support troops transferred from the Shattered Star Ring were frequently attacked by "unknown forces" on the way, which wasted a lot of time.
Fortunately, after arriving in the Free Competition Zone, their Supercluster civilization allies, who shared the same views on the Shattered World issue, provided them with some assistance, which improved the situation of the Modo Civilization expeditionary force. Furthermore, a large number of bodyguards were assembled, and Roddick's forces were no longer attacked in the Emerald Star Cluster.
So he freed up his resources and mobilized elite troops to prepare for the task assigned by the higher-ups: to send people to capture the Chaos Mysterious Energy.
Supercluster-level civilizations possess vast territories and abundant resources, with a rich reserve of advanced combat forces, including tens of thousands of Calamity Grade combatants—far surpassing the capabilities of star system-level civilizations with only a dozen or twenty Calamity Grade- level forces.
The Modo Civilization places great importance on its expeditionary force, and has mobilized over a hundred Calamity Grade combatants for this purpose. This elite team, which went to capture the Chaos Mysterious Energy, includes about 40% of the Calamity Grade officers of the Expeditionary Fleet, totaling around 40 to 50 people. This is a powerful armed force that can easily dominate anything below Beyond Grade A.
The Modo Civilization did not notify its other supercluster allies of this operation, intending to monopolize it... after all, there's only one Chaos Mysterious Energy, not enough to go around.
Perhaps other civilizations also possess this information, but the Modo Civilization clearly wouldn't proactively share it with others.
Watching the fleet enter stealth mode and quietly depart, Lagos approached Roddick and asked with concern:
"Sending so many people out is too risky. What if something goes wrong? We'll lose a large number of elite talents. You know, every Calamity Grade is extremely difficult to train..."
"I warned them to be careful. If Beyond Grade A intervenes, they should proceed cautiously. If not, they can completely crush the other competing forces," Roddick said in a deep voice.
"But if we send them out, our outposts will be vulnerable. Aren't you afraid that... some mysterious force might attack us?" Lagos's eyes gleamed.
"Hmph, our Super Star Cluster Alliance's strongholds are mutually supportive, and we've even hired several Beyond Grade A. These people are more reliable than Garoze. So what if Black Star is powerful? He wouldn't dare to touch us."
Roddick scoffed, his tone quite confident.
Now is not the time to rush. Back then, they were isolated and helpless, and there was nothing they could do if attacked. But now their teammates have all gathered, and their defenses are impregnable. If Black Star comes to cause trouble, he will be facing the entire Super Star Cluster Alliance, which is united in its hatred of the enemy. He doesn't think Black Star would dare to do that.
Meanwhile, in the Free Competition Zone, the Star Pupil Protoss's stronghold.
After the Shattered World opened, Sisko naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity and followed the Arcane Church to develop, establishing a stronghold in the Free Competition Zone.
Because the Three Universal Civilizations coexisted peacefully here, Sisko was not targeted during this period and lived a comfortable life. He was very pleased to see the exploration fleet's work progressing well.
"Let's observe the situation first. If we can stabilize our territory in the Shattered World, we can relocate a portion of our people here to continue our lineage as a branch."
At the top of the base, Sisko looked up at the sky, contemplating his relocation plan.
Just then, an official hurried up.
"Leader, the base's radar has detected two fleets approaching, seemingly engaged in battle. One side has only three warships left and is on the verge of collapse. Judging from their movements, they will soon spread the fighting to our stronghold. What should we do?"
Sisko glanced at the seven radar screens and calmly ordered, "Get them out of here. Make sure they don't fight near my territory."
The order was given, and the subordinates quickly complied. However, a while later, the cadre rushed over again.
"Leader, the enemy has been driven away, but the group we rescued doesn't want to leave. Among them is a Calamity Grade superhuman who believes you saved them and wants to lead his troops to join us."
"Come and join me?" Sisko was slightly taken aback, feeling a mix of emotions.
He suddenly remembered that since being relentlessly targeted by Black Star, no talent had come to him for a long time, and he had almost forgotten what the prestige of Beyond Grade A was like.
This long-lost feeling is so good...
"Please bring him here, I want to see him." Sisko was relieved, his attitude softened considerably, and he prepared to personally summon him to show his importance.
After a while, the Calamity Grade who had sought refuge was brought before Sisko. He was badly injured, clearly having been through a fierce battle.
"Greetings, Star Pupil Tong." The man, filled with gratitude and disregarding his physical pain, bowed respectfully. "You saved my life; I am willing to serve under you."
"Well, it was nothing." Sisko's expression remained calm on the surface, but he was actually quite pleased. This person's respectful attitude made him feel like Beyond Grade A again.
"To express my gratitude for your kindness, I would like to offer you a small gift—a valuable piece of intelligence."
"What intelligence?" Sisko asked curiously.
"A clue to that legendary, extremely dangerous superpower— the Chaos Mysterious Energy!"
Upon hearing this, Sisko paused, and all seven of his eyes flashed with interest.
At the same time, at the Black Star Palace.
"What?! He invited me over, but then went out himself?!"
Ames squinted, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop by a hundred degrees in an instant. A powerful force field surged and rolled, and the high-strength alloy floor and walls around her trembled incessantly, making a tearing sound that made her teeth ache, and quickly showed obvious twisting and cracks.
Aurora's legs went weak, and she lowered her head guiltily.
An angry teacher... so scary.
She could sense Ames's anger just from that powerful and intense force field.
You excitedly accept an invitation, travel all the way here, only to find yourself stood up. Anyone would be angry in that situation...
No, it's not just standing her up; he called her over even though he wasn't home. It's practically a deliberate prank.
Even a carefree and easygoing person like Ames couldn't help but feel annoyed at being played.
Aurora hard and said cautiously, "Teacher, why don't you stay here for a while? Uncle will definitely come back."
Ames gave her a cold look and instinctively retorted:
Do you think I have nothing better to do?
Upon hearing this, both of them fell silent.
Aurora.
Don't you know whether it's salty or not?
The two stared at each other, and the atmosphere gradually became awkward.
After a long silence and staring at each other, Ames suddenly withdrew her raging force field, her expression unchanged, and deliberately adopted a nonchalant tone:
"It's good if I stay for a while. I mainly came to see you. I don't care whether Black Star is here or not. Seeing him annoys me. It's best if he's not here."
Aurora: "..."
Under the influence of the first law of self-belief, she felt she had come to believe it.