Shattered World, the territory of the Black Star Army.
As the large-scale development of the star system progresses, more and more interstellar citizens are flocking to the Shattered World, various industries are rapidly developing, and many planets are being transformed into transit stations or tourist destinations.
As the gateway to the Legion's territory and one of the Shattered World's top ten stargate transportation routes, Black Gate Star has an astonishing daily passenger flow. Countless entertainment facilities have been built on the planet's surface, blurring the lines between day and night, making it lively and bustling at all times. Visitors from all star systems and races can be seen here.
Murikel Street is a famous entertainment street, with casinos, pubs, shops, high-rise buildings, bright lights, and a constant flow of people.
"It's been a while since I've been here, and this place has become increasingly prosperous."
Maple Moon, pulling Frenzied Saber along, walked through the bustling street, looking left and right with curiosity as she observed the various strange-looking passersby.
Passersby, seeing the insignia of high-ranking Black Star Army warriors on the two, looked on with awe and quietly walked around them, managing to carve out a small space for them in the bustling street.
"Stop wandering around, we're here to turn in our quest," Frenzied Saber said helplessly.
Just then, a giant screen and a book on the exterior wall of a distant building lit up, displaying a news image that was clearly visible to pedestrians in the surrounding blocks.
"We now have an urgent news briefing: the Federation of Light, the Crimson Dynasty, and the Arcane Church have jointly issued a statement reporting to the entire universe on the progress of the Intelligence Plague control efforts. The following is the news content..."
Upon hearing news about the Ancient Star Desert after many days, pedestrians on the street immediately stopped, as if frozen in time, and all looked up to watch.
Frenzied Saber and Maple Moon also stopped and looked at the screen with curiosity.
On the giant screen was a diplomatic press conference, where spokespeople from the Three Universal Civilizations stood side by side, reading out announcements:
"Several months after the outbreak of the Intelligence Plague, we have contained the disaster in the Ancient Star Desert and launched a special disaster relief operation. Because this matter is closely related to the safety of the entire universe, it has received high attention from all sectors of society. Therefore, we are making a special report today to announce the progress of our three-way efforts to control the Intelligence Plague."
"The Virtual Mutiny Virus is a highly dangerous information and data virus capable of rewriting the underlying logic of mechanical intelligence, transforming it into something that can destroy organic life forms. It possesses astonishing penetrability, transmissibility, and threatening power. This is a lost weapon of information warfare. We initially thought the threat originated from the virus itself, but now we've discovered that the virus's core is the real threat..."
The spokesperson explained the core mechanisms of the virus, emphasizing the danger of its self-evolution and renewal, using exaggerated language to describe the consequences of the disaster.
Upon hearing this, passersby who had stopped to watch on the street felt a chill run down their spines.
Due to the information blockade, the interstellar citizens only had a superficial understanding of the mechanisms of the Virtual Mutiny Virus. Now that they learned the true horror of the Virtual Mutiny Virus, they couldn't help but feel a sense of panic, terrified by the virus's destructive power.
At this point, the spokesperson changed the subject, saying:
"If Black Star hadn't discovered the threat at the core of the virus, we would still be in the dark. According to intelligent simulations, the success rate of our antivirus plan, which we made without our knowledge, was less than 0.1%. In the end, it would likely have failed to prevent the virus from leaking, causing a catastrophe that would sweep across the entire universe, resulting in the deaths of countless lives and setting interstellar society back several eras."
The discovery of Black Star prevented this outcome, a great achievement that saved countless lives.
Many people breathed a sigh of relief, secretly feeling lingering fear, and were genuinely grateful that Black Star had turned the tide.
The spokesperson continued:
"Based on intelligence from Black Star, we planned an operation to cut off the entire star system's internet Pursuit the virus's core. Everything was going smoothly until we captured the virus's core, when some unexpected problems arose..."
The virus's core was captured by the Mechanic Emperor's Manison, but disregarding cosmic safety, he refused to hand it over, attempting to reverse engineer the complete technology. Black Star, to maintain cosmic peace, seized the virus core, destroyed it, and completely eradicated the technology, eliminating the possibility of the Virtual Mutiny Virus reappearing and freeing the entire universe from the shadow of this catastrophe forever.
However, the Mechanic Emperor was unwilling to accept defeat and attacked Black Star. The two fought to a draw, and in the end, Black Star forced them to retreat.
Frenzied Saber and Maple Moon heard the commotion and low murmurs from the pedestrians around them.
The speech first mentioned the unexpectedness of the operation, arousing the audience's concern. Then, it made a contrasting comparison between the actions of the Mechanic Emperor and Black Star, highlighting their superiority and deliberately promoting Han Xiao's actions as protecting the interstellar citizens. This planted the image of Black Star as a benevolent and selfless individual in the audience's mind, making the interstellar citizens grateful for Black Star's contribution.
In contrast, the Mechanic Emperor is portrayed as an ambitious group that prioritizes its own selfish interests over the greater good. Because it goes against the common interests of interstellar citizens, it is inherently considered a villain and its image is tarnished.
The spokesperson summarized the process and concluded by saying loudly:
"Currently, the control of the Intelligence Plague is in its final stages, the disaster is under control, and it will soon be completely eradicated, breaking the seal on the Ancient Star Desert. In this event, Black Star's contribution is irreplaceable. Our three parties have decided to jointly award Black Star the title of Special Security Advisor to the Three Universal Civilizations as a reward."
Special advisors to the Three Universal Civilizations?
Frenzied Saber and Maple Moon exchanged a glance, secretly surprised.
Didn't the Glory and the Arcane have conflicts with our Black Star Army? Now they've turned enemies into friends, and the Legion Commander has successfully won them over?
Does that mean we've gained two more powerful allies?
As the news ended, the crowd's enthusiasm was just beginning to build, and they started discussing it animatedly, filling the streets with a buzzing sound.
"Thanks to Lord Black Star, he is truly a great man."
"Of all the Beyond Grade A big shots, only Black Star is working for the well-being of us ordinary people. Like the previous Holy Light Envoy training program, which gave ordinary people the opportunity to become superhumans. Now, for the safety of ordinary people, he resolutely destroyed this virus technology, even at the cost of starting a war with the Mechanic Emperor. He truly has a heart full of love. If I were a woman, I might fall in love with him."
"Sigh, I never imagined that Manison from the Mechanic Emperor would be this kind of person. I used to admire him."
"Such a great achievement, no wonder the Three Universal Civilizations all invited Black Star to be their advisor. I don't think anyone has ever received this honor before."
"To be honest, besides Black Star, I can't think of anyone else qualified for this position."
Just then, a cheer suddenly erupted from the next block, and someone came running over, exclaiming with delight:
"Come with me over there quickly. A few wealthy businessmen have booked the entire tavern. They said they're doing this to thank Black Star for his contributions, so all the drinks are free. Why don't we go over there right now?"
Upon hearing this, the passersby on Murikel Street swarmed over. When they passed Frenzied Saber and Maple Moon, they no longer avoided them, and their attitude became extremely enthusiastic, using all sorts of strange and unusual etiquette to express their respect for the Black Star Army.
Feeling the vibrant atmosphere on the street, Frenzied Saber and Maple Moon felt a surge of pride and a strong sense of belonging to their faction.
The two hurriedly logged into the forum, and sure enough, the forum was in an uproar, with news flooding the sections.
The legion commander disappeared for several months, and when he reappeared, he made a big splash, praising the Three Universal Civilizations to the skies, almost to the point of calling Black Star a savior, which excited the players immensely.
[Glory Battle Axe: Huh, so we're on the right side?]
[Yunlong Li: Second Battalion Commander, pull out my spaghetti and let Black Star have a taste!]
[Leng Huijun: To be honest, the legion commander was really cool this time.]
[Picture Book Sister: Black Star is still the same Black Star, never letting us down!]
[Fox: Where's the Galaxy Times? Come out and take your beating! What happened to the promised mission? It's just a cutscene now!]
[Dreamer: Am I the only one concerned that the Legion Commander and the Mechanic Emperor have fought to a draw...?]
Looking at the posts that flooded the screen, they were mostly filled with praise. Some veteran players were explaining Black Star's past exploits to newcomers, such as resolving the Mutation Disaster and destroying the DarkStar organization, all of which caused a sensation at the time.
Over several versions, Han Xiao's image has remained largely positive and righteous in the eyes of players. This latest achievement has further enhanced their perception of him, leading to a consensus.
--Black Star, indeed a great man!
Besides interests and fun, players are more likely to identify with a faction if its leader has charisma.
With the announcement from the Three Universal Civilizations, everyone in the universe who was concerned about the progress of the Intelligence Plague was relieved.
This achievement propelled Han Xiao's prestige to its peak, while the reputation of the Mechanic Emperor suffered a blow due to deliberate suppression.
Meanwhile, Han Xiao's fleet was passing through the Imperial Military Stargate, leaving the Ancient Star Desert, and he also saw the official announcements from the Three Universal Civilizations.
"Tsk tsk, the Three Universal Civilizations propaganda departments are quite adept at praising one while belittling the other."
Han Xiao chuckled as he read the news; he loved watching people earnestly praise him.
Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he opened the panel and glanced at it.
The Three Universal Civilizations have basically completed the eradication of the first-generation Virtual Mutiny Virus, with only a few final, predictable clean-up tasks remaining. When the announcement was released, the [Intelligence Plague] mission finally indicated that it was complete.
"This task is finally completed."
Han Xiao turned to look at Harrison, whom he had brought onto the boat, rubbed him for a moment, and then chose to settle the account.
[Grade S Mission [Intelligence Plague] Completed!]
[Task Rating: S+ (Perfect)]
[You have gained 3000e experience, 8 random rewards, +35000 Crimson Dynasty contribution points, +15000 Federation of Light contribution points, and +15000 Arcane Church contribution points.]
[You have gained Political Asset (Crimson Dynasty) x2, Political Asset (Federation of Light) x1, and Political Asset (Arcane Church) x1]
[You have gained Legend Points x4]
[Star Field Legend Points (Ancient Star Desert): [Black Market Tycoon] -- Through various means, you have temporarily unified the black market forces of the Ancient Star Desert, leaving behind a terrifying legend.]
[Universe Legend Points: [Intelligence Plague Controller] -- The Intelligence Plague, a cosmic catastrophe assessed as apocalyptic, was addressed by three major civilizations. You accepted Three Universal Civilizations invitation to manage the disaster and ultimately made a unique contribution, successfully resolving the catastrophe. The entire universe will remember your achievements and contributions.]
[Universe Legend Points: [Galaxy Watcher] -- You chose the greater good over personal gain, and your choice maintained cosmic peace and influenced the evolution of the cosmic situation. Perhaps this is a turning point in your destiny. You watch over the Galaxy, and the world knows it.]
[Universe Legend Points: [Security Advisor to the Three Universal Civilizations] -- You have been invited to become a special advisor to Three Universal Civilizations. Throughout history, you have set a precedent. No matter how the situation evolves, you will leave a significant mark on history.]
[Dungeon Generation: [Intelligence Plague) ]]
Han Xiao nodded.
Seeing this, the reward was still within his expectations.
After all, it was an Grade S mission on a cosmic scale, and I even achieved a perfect rating, so the rewards were definitely substantial.
As Han Xiao continued reading, he froze, his heart churning with turmoil.
[Given your S rating, you receive an additional reward]
[You have gained a new skill [Blueprint - Domino Virus) ]!]
[You have completed a special requirement: personally eliminate the virus's core.]
[Generating a related expertise, in progress... Generation complete]
[You have gained a new perk: [Virtual Purification & Restoration]!]
"What?!"
Han Xiao stared wide-eyed at the [Blueprint - Domino Virus) ] lying quietly in the reward panel.
This is not an extra reward for special requirements, but a normal reward given when the Grade S mission [Intelligence Plague] is rated at its highest level. This means that only those who have made great contributions in disaster relief can obtain this reward.
After painstakingly resolving the Intelligence Plague, the mission gave me a fragmented blueprint for virus technology, requiring me to recreate it...
He suddenly felt a profound sense of irony.
"I never imagined that this technology, after all the twists and turns, would still have survived and ended up in my hands... albeit incomplete."
Browsing through the contents of the blueprints, Han Xiao's expression was complicated; he didn't know whether he should be happy or not.