"Phew... finally caught this guy."
Sealed within the Space-Time Amber, the wounded Gorutan resembled a specimen.
Seeing the stubborn expression frozen on his face, Han Xiao finally relaxed his tense nerves.
Peak Beyond Grade A a life-or-death struggle, with one trump card after another. If it weren't for the Space-Time Amber, the Sovereign Mecha, the Dual Mechanical Sense, and the powerful Silver Shadow mount, they might not have been able to suppress this top-tier muscle giant.
Unlike when dealing with the Sorokin, this time there was no targeted trump card like Superpower Silence. All we could do was use all means to fight head-on. Therefore, losses of our own mechanical troops were inevitable, and a large number of mechanical soldiers needed to be sent back to the factory for remanufacturing.
Both sides are top-tier tanks, so there's no chance of a decisive blow. The battle can be summarized as a back-and-forth grind, repeating the same pattern over and over again, until one side wears the other down completely.
Without the support of imperial allies, it would have inevitably turned into a chase, which would have lasted for who knows how long, and the enemy might have even escaped... But now the outcome is ideal: Gorutan has been captured, and the matter is finally settled.
"This time, the objective has been achieved. We protected Hila, demonstrated the power of Sovereign, which is enough to dispel any other thoughts about Hila. We also captured Gorutan. The outcome of this event has been very beneficial to me."
Coming to confront Gorutan head-on was partly to vent their anger, but mainly to demonstrate a resolute attitude and establish their authority.
Because of his deeply ingrained "friends" image and his low profile over the past two decades, people have recently been trying to test him, assuming he has no temper.
This time, without relying too much on the Empire's power, he essentially established his authority on his own. Now that he has achieved such a result, other forces will inevitably have to reconsider the consequences before provoking him, and consider whether it is worth it to mess with such a Peak Beyond Grade A.
The only problem is that the results of this operation were too frightening, almost unbelievable.
Although the Glory and the Arcane weren't fighting to the death, and various factors prevented them from performing at their full potential, allowing him to exploit an opening, the outside world wouldn't care about the intricacies of the situation; they would only see the 1v12 record. Compared to this record, his achievement of taking down another Peak Beyond Grade A in Gorutan was merely an extra.
Such an astonishing feat is enough to place it on the list of the most shocking Beyond Grade A achievements in history!
However, everything in excess is harmful. Having such a record when one's true combat strength hasn't reached that level isn't entirely a good thing. What Han Xiao about is that Seraon has described his outburst as "burning potential."
In this way, all the major powers, including the Three Universal Civilizations, can accept such a record, and other Beyond Grade A will also believe this explanation.
With this explanation, and considering the Beyond Grade A united front, Manison shouldn't come to test him after seeing his amazing performance, thus eliminating a major problem.
At the same time, the claim of "burning potential" will not diminish the effect of his attempt to establish authority.
As for why, this burst form is a common feature of many character cards, some of which can only be used once...
But nobody knows this is a one-time use item!
Han Xiao understood the thoughts of those high-level forces: they wanted to create the illusion that he could regain such combat power simply by being willing to pay the price of burning his potential again!
Even if I explain, no one will believe me!
Therefore, following this line of thought, all factions can reach the conclusion that...
Don't push Black Star too far!
The ultimate consequences of this are self-evident.
Han Xiao pondered this in his heart, a smile involuntarily appearing on his face.
"It achieved its goal of establishing authority while maintaining stable development—a huge win..."
At that moment, he had only one thought:
Seraon is truly a good comrade!
Suppressing his inner joy, Han Xiao ordered Phillip to direct the troops to clean up the battlefield and collect the Gorutan amber specimen.
Only after the battle was over did the imperial allies and others gather around.
"You've done something truly remarkable this time. If word gets out, it'll definitely have a huge impact."
Kant lamented, "Indeed, youth is about showing off one's talents. When I was making a name for myself in the universe, I was also very young. Now, I have to weigh the gains and losses and consequences before I do anything. Where do I find that kind of boldness?"
"You're being modest," Han Xiao smiled.
"Enough with the small talk. Defeating Gorutan is a minor matter. The real question is, what are you going to do with him?"
Kant wasn't surprised by the result. Black Star was in its explosive form, the battlefield environment was favorable, and it was also Peak Beyond Grade A, not a weakling. So, defeating another peak Beyond Grade A at this time was normal in his eyes, far less shocking than its achievement of repelling the twelve Beyond Grade A of Glory and Arcane.
"Hmm, Gorutan has no backing, no one will come to ransom him. I'll keep him as a keepsake."
The Beast Ancestor is one of the protectors of the Interstellar Black Market. Without a backer of the level of the Three Universal Civilizations, there is naturally no need to hand over people. This is also one of the methods used by the Three Universal Civilizations to attract Beyond Grade A beings. No one dares to say that they are invincible forever. Only a cosmic-level civilization as a backer can make people feel at ease.
Kant nodded and said:
"This incident happened so suddenly that we weren't able to help much, but fortunately the outcome wasn't too bad. The Empire will handle the aftermath for you, and we expect the Imperial high command to come and negotiate with you soon."
"I know."
Just then, Silver Shadow dismounted and returned to its original state, immediately attracting everyone's attention.
Han Xiao nodded to him in greeting:
"Thanks for your help this time. Please come back with me later and visit me at my place. I'll keep my promise."
"I should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, I don't know when I would have discovered this new ability."
Although Silver Shadow was seriously injured, he had developed a new position, which put him in a very good mood.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Kohler asked, "Silver Shadow, what kind of ability was that just now? Can you demonstrate it again?"
"That's a special form that Black Star helped me discover..."
Silver Shadow chatted enthusiastically with everyone, and Han Xiao nodded secretly as he watched this scene.
Under my influence, I reckon this guy's happy life on the bus is about to begin ahead of schedule...
However, I owe him a debt of gratitude for his guidance, so the difficulty of privatizing public buses should be reduced considerably.
At this moment, Han Xiao turned to look at Ravenlaude, who had been silent all along. Seeing that he seemed hesitant to speak, he took the initiative to start a conversation:
"How are you? Is your injury healed?"
"That's about it..." Ravenlaude recalled the beating he had received not long ago, his expression somewhat resentful.
"Haha, thank you so much for putting aside past grievances and coming to help this time." Han Xiao smiled.
"Actually, I wasn't much of a help."
"You can't say that. Without your teleportation, the imperial reinforcements wouldn't have been able to arrive here so quickly. Consider it a favor I owe you."
Upon hearing this, Ravenlaude finally smiled, feeling much better.
Well, although Black Star can be annoying at times, overall he's a pretty good person.
--Sorry, Little Tyrant, I probably won't be able to go to the Anti-Black Alliance. You'll have to keep going on your own!
Suddenly, everyone sensed something and turned to look, only to see the Beast Ancestor's fleet, which had been watching for a long time, begin to retreat rapidly.
"They actually stood by and watched their leader perish. What a bunch of opportunistic subordinates," Kohler said sarcastically, shaking his head.
"With Gorutan gone, his power will probably be divided up soon." Beoni sneered. "But it's a good thing, I've never liked what he did. If he hadn't been buying up so many females of various species from the Interstellar Black Market, how could he have produced so many offspring? Destroying his power will at least reduce the black market's human trafficking business."
"Among those present, you seem to be the least qualified to criticize others..."
Han Xiao vaguely remembered that Beoni also had a large harem.
"How can that be the same? I selected people from my own clan, I didn't force anyone, and I wouldn't be so desperate as to sow my seeds all over the universe."
Beoni was quite proud, feeling that he occupied the moral high ground.
Among the Beyond Grade A- class, there were actually quite a few people who disapproved of Gorutan's " every cause has its effect" and "you are my father" approach, but due to his strength, no one dared to cause trouble. At this moment, the Imperial allies present were all delighted to see Gorutan fall into Han Xiao's hands.
Han Xiao secretly curled his lip, ignored him, and silently opened the task panel to take a look.
Including Gorutan, he had captured a total of five Beyond Grade A, which had long since met the requirements for the extra mission. At this moment, the mission was marked as "completed".
"You must make the most of these five chances to draw abilities."
Han Xiao was secretly excited.
This time, I must at least burn incense, fast, wash my hands, and touch my body before settling the mission rewards; otherwise, I'd be at a loss if I drew some useless abilities.
beep beep...
His communicator suddenly rang. He glanced at it and saw it was a message from Urranrell.
Han Xiao answered the call and replied, "Your Excellency."
"I know everything. The Empire will negotiate with the Glory and the Arcane. Tell me the details of what happened first."
"Okay, it's like this..." Han Xiao recounted the events, omitting some details.
"Hila actually has such an ability...?"
After listening to Han Xiao's story, Urranrell pondered for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject, "And what about you? What price did you pay? Did you truly unleash your potential?"
"Yes." Han Xiao replied without changing his expression.
"How much damage exactly?"
"I don't know either."
"Well..."
Urranrell said with some regret, "You acted impulsively. You could have simply used the Space-Time Amber to encase Hila, and then our empire could have redeemed her. This whole thing could have been avoided... You are the most promising superhuman in history. To take such an unwise action just to vent your anger is not worth it."
"No, no, if I did that, it would be tantamount to helping the enemy dismantle Hila's ability to resist. And the uncertainty of ransom is too high. The Arcane might not be willing to trade and might keep Hila hidden forever, while the Glory would demand that I unseal the Scepter of All Gods... Besides, Hila is not an ally of the Empire, so the Empire's involvement in ransom is not justifiable."
Upon hearing this, Urranrell frowned slightly.
"You mean, even after all this, you still don't want Hila to join the Empire?"
"Hila has her own wishes. You're making it sound like I can force her," Han Xiao chuckled.
"Joining the Empire can prevent similar incidents from happening again. You should try to persuade her; she probably doesn't want to see you burn your potential for her a second time," Urranrell said.
"... I understand." Han Xiao's eyes flashed.
If the Empire were to use this reason to persuade Hila, given Hila's personality, she might actually agree. Urranrell's words have given him a hint.
Han Xiao shook his head and had just hung up the call when a new communication request came in.
He glanced at it; this time, it was sent from headquarters.
The scene showed the command center of the Black Star Palace. Hila stood at the front, with Ames and Aurora beside her, and many legion officers around her, all looking at Han Xiao on the screen with concern.
Black Star, are you alright?
"I'm fine. The matter is resolved. I've captured Gorutan. Hila, he's the one who leaked the information and wanted revenge on you. You don't need to worry about him anymore." Han Xiao smiled slightly.
Hila pursed her lips, her expression complex.
Black Star protected her at all costs and even took care of the culprit. Looking at Han Xiao's seemingly relaxed face and imagining the arduous battle he had gone through, Hila's gratitude choked in her throat, and she couldn't express it.
Words are too light and inadequate to express the emotions she felt at that moment.
Seeing this, Han Xiao couldn't help but tease, "Just say what you have to say. This hesitant look doesn't seem like the Hila I remember."
Hila took a deep breath, stared into Han Xiao's eyes, and spoke slowly and deliberately:
"You will always be my... Legion Commander."
The absence of words of thanks felt more like a statement, a declaration, a promise.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao stopped smiling, looked intently at Hila, and slowly nodded.
"Good."
At this moment, Ames spoke up, whispering, "I heard from Hila that you unleashed your potential?"
"Don't worry, it's all fake. I didn't lose anything."
Ames nodded slightly. In her opinion, this was clearly a white Lie that Han Xiao told to comfort them.
She didn't expose Han Xiao's "good intentions," but simply kept them in mind.
"By the way, where did the Traveler go?" Han Xiao remembered something.
"He got away, but we injured him too," Hila interjected. "Before he left, he said our Black Star Army didn't follow the rules, actually ganging up on those who came to challenge us. Is he really involved in this?"
"Hmph, this guy's quite the drama queen... Let's ignore him for now. He's just a troublemaker. We don't have time to deal with him right now; we'll deal with him later."
Han Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, "I'll head back first; we're probably going to be quite busy from now on..."
The entire universe is watching the situation in the Shattered World. This big news suddenly broke out, breaking through the limitations of distance and spreading wildly from all channels, like a wildfire that swept across the land.
Everyone who saw the news was stunned.
Radiance and Void Spirit gathered twelve Super A-levels in an attempt to kill the second-in-command of the Black Star Legion, but were repelled by Black Star himself, who even captured several prisoners. Not only that, even the Beast Ancestor Gorutan of the interstellar black market was held accountable by Black Star for his involvement in the matter and was directly brought to his door and captured alive.
It means... Black Star fought against more than a dozen Beyond Grade A opponents all by himself and won?!
Holy crap, are you kidding me?!
All the news that has happened since the opening of Shattered World combined probably can't compare to this bombshell!
The entire universe was horrified!