Just as he rashly asked his question, the gazes of Urranrell, Bader, and the leader of the Arcane Sect fell upon him, their eyes filled with meaningful meaning.
The reporter's nameplate read "Botas," and he worked for a large news media channel in the Ancient Star Desert. He held a high position, otherwise he wouldn't be representing his own media outlet to be specifically responsible for interviews on the Three Universal Civilizations. He had also participated in various press conferences of the Three Universal Civilizations many times, and his performance had always been normal. His sudden outburst today was obviously orchestrated by someone behind the scenes.
Han Xiao's thoughts raced; he initially suspected the Mechanic Emperor, but quickly dismissed the idea.
Old Manison now trying to play the ostrich, keeping as low-key as possible. This act of hiring someone to question him seems like he's standing up for himself, but he's actually stirring up trouble... Manison isn't as witty and humorous as me, and he lacks a wicked sense of humor. Although he has a motive, the possibility is very low.
Therefore, the most suspicious party is the Super Star Cluster Alliance, whose conflicts are almost public. They want to sow discord and cause trouble for the Three Universal Civilizations in public, and at a very low cost.
If someone were to produce an astronomical sum of Enas, reporters would naturally be tempted. In such a high-profile setting, the negative impact of an inappropriate question would be amplified.
The journalist's identity is a protective shield, and prosecuting someone for their speech would only add fuel to the fire. The Three Universal Civilizations naturally do not want to escalate the impact, so they will not arrest the person who asked the question, nor will they threaten them afterward. As rulers, even if they are thuggish, they still have to maintain a certain level of dignity. If they are to settle scores, they will be directed at the mastermind behind the scenes.
The surrounding reporters looked at their colleague Botas with surprise, and a commotion arose.
"Are you crazy?!"
"Apologize quickly and sit down."
"You don't want to work in this industry anymore?!"
Many of his colleagues who knew him lowered their voices and tried to pull him down, but Botas stood still, staring straight at Han Xiao, with a spirit of relentless questioning.
Han Xiao placed his hands on the podium and said slowly, "My friend from the press, it seems I haven't called on you to ask a question."
So are you avoiding the question?
Botas ignored him, his gaze sharp and aggressive.
Wow, he's got that Western journalist vibe.
"You guys are always thinking about making a big splash," Han Xiao said with a half-smile. "I believe the interstellar society has reached a consensus on the actions of the Mechanic Emperor, but judging from your expression, it seems you want to stand up for them?"
"I'm just asking questions that the Volkswagen might be curious about, based on a journalist's professional ethics." Botas straightened his back, adopting a dutiful posture.
"Alright, this is a sensitive question. Although I didn't call on you, I can answer this one more time, just this once." Han Xiao tapped his fingers on the podium, his tone casual. "Manison did make a contribution, that's undeniable, but your statement is incorrect. In fact, Manison discovered the core problem of the virus earlier than I did. This medal should have belonged to him, but because of his own selfish motives, he deliberately withheld information. If I hadn't pointed it out on the spot, he would never have revealed this crucial information. As a result, the Three Universal Civilizations would have remained in the dark, and the universe would still be shrouded in the shadow of the Intelligence Plague."
"So you admit that His Excellency of the Mechanic Emperor should share the Galaxy Medal with you? You also feel it's unfair that he didn't receive the medal?" Botas pressed on.
"I only acknowledge that he made some contributions, not that he deserves the Medal of Honor. Don't misinterpret my meaning. Besides, Manison's final Choice is enough to make us all re-examine his motives."
"Lord Black Star, please don't digress. We won't discuss His Choice of the Mechanic Emperor's choice, but only his objectively existing achievements." Botas was very adept at avoiding the main point.
"No, these two things cannot be separated. Part of my credit comes from stopping the Mechanic Emperor's plan. Since they didn't cause trouble, my contribution is actually limited. If you think he should share half of the Galaxy Medal based on this logic, well, that's certainly not wrong... Seriously though, if we award him the medal, people who don't know the situation might think he did a good deed, which would be unfair to all the contributors, including myself. I believe the Three Universal Civilizations must have given this decision a lot of thought."
"But the machinery..."
"The questions have all been answered. You may sit down now. Others are planning to ask questions, so please do not repeatedly break the rules. Otherwise, please leave the venue immediately."
Han Xiao interrupted Botas calmly.
The other party's goal is to cause trouble; whatever you say, they'll argue. Your explanation should be concise and to the point; never try to silence them. As long as you demonstrate a clear stance, most viewers will naturally listen. Continuing to argue is not only pointless but will also damage your image.
Seeing the guards nearby staring at him unfriendly, Botas could only sit down sullenly.
Despite the disdain, disgust, and complicated looks from his colleagues, Botas suppressed his inner fear, tried his best to appear calm, controlled his trembling hands and feet, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
--Phew, finally the requirement is met.
The editor-in-chief, who's probably watching the live stream right now, is furious. Luckily, it's none of my business anymore. I'll resign as soon as I get back. I don't care if the news station gets suppressed; what's the point of working if I'm getting paid...?
Botas dreamed of the future, feeling that a wonderful life was beckoning him.
The scene in his memory is still very clear. Not long ago, some Mysterious Person contacted him, intending to offer him a large sum of money to cause trouble on this occasion.
He knew that once he did this, his career would be over. Even if the higher-ups of the Three Universal Civilizations were too lazy to deal with a nobody like him, their subordinates would take action on their own and demand that the media blacklist him.
He was mentally prepared for this, not only because the amount offered by the employer was tempting enough, but also because the other party was very influential. Since they had approached him, he, a small reporter, had no choice but to accept the offer. Refusing would not have a good outcome either, so he didn't have much of a room for maneuver.
Although today's actions will invite industry blackouts and investigations, the employer not only paid him but also promised to arrange an escape route, allowing him to change his identity and move to their territory to avoid the influence of the Three Universal Civilizations.
To live the rest of his life as a wealthy man, enjoying this fortune that he could never spend in a lifetime... that was Botas's wish.
Seeing that Black Star's answer was reasonable, the atmosphere quickly returned to normal, and many reporters continued to ask questions enthusiastically, pretending that the little incident had not happened.
Throughout the entire process, the expressions of Urranrell and the other two remained unchanged. Manison, in particular, remained completely silent, showing no intention of interrupting, as if he were lost in thought, contemplating what to eat for dinner.
With no one causing further trouble, Han Xiao answered a few friendly questions before returning to his seat. The Three Universal Civilizations then exchanged pleasantries, and the award ceremony came to a successful conclusion.
After many guests gave speeches and the event concluded, the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations left the scene under the escort of guards. Han Xiao exchanged a few pleasantries with many Beyond Grade A guests and also left through the VIP passage.
As soon as he stepped out of the venue, he received a message from Sylvia.
"Commander, I watched the live stream. How should we deal with that reporter Botas?" Sylvia asked directly.
What are your plans?
"Kill him?"
"No need. Killing him would only vent our anger and give the Super Star Cluster Alliance something to criticize. It's unnecessary. The Three Universal Civilizations will make it impossible for him to stay in the world. That's enough."
So we don't have to do anything?
"Let me think..." Han Xiao pondered for a few seconds, his expression gradually turning playful. "Monitor the flow of funds in all his accounts. The Super Star Cluster Alliance will definitely try to launder the money and transfer the rewards to his account. As soon as we discover a large amount of income, we'll hack his account and donate all the dirty money he received, along with his normal savings."
"Make him do all that work for free? Heh, that's wicked, I like that plan."
Sylvia's eyes lit up, and she hung up the call.
Han Xiao distanced himself from the Quantum Network Vision and didn't take Botas to heart; he wasn't about to argue too much with a tool that had been used.
He quickly put the matter out of his mind, and at the same time reached out to take off the Galaxy Medal from his chest, holding it up to his eyes to examine it closely.
The item description on the panel shows that this medal grants a new Universe Legend Points [Galaxy Medal Recipient], and also has the additional effect that the basic relationship between the Three Universal Civilizations and their vassal factions is fixed at [Respect], which is equivalent to starting the calculation from 3000 contribution points.
"The number of factions receiving the bonus is sufficient; at the very least, it grants some Legend Points."
Han Xiao nodded in satisfaction. He didn't have much hope for this kind of medal of honor; any extra gain would be a pleasant surprise. Anyway, he wasn't picky.
Just then, two Imperial officers emerged from around the corner ahead and blocked the way, seemingly there to greet them.
"Lord Black Star, the three leaders request an audience with you."
Han Xiao paused, then nodded.
"Lead the way."
Meanwhile, in the temporary territory of the Shattered World Super Star Cluster Alliance, the envoys of each ally secretly met in a round table conference room via remote projection.
A virtual screen floated in the center of the round table, broadcasting the awards ceremony live, which caught everyone's eye.
After watching the live stream, many envoys from the Supercluster Civilization shook their heads.
"The effect was so-so, not achieving the expected impact."
"This is all an average journalist can do; I told you not to have too high expectations."
"Even a little effect will suffice. The prestige of the Three Universal Civilizations has been consolidated, and any blows we strike at them will only accumulate gradually."
"These are ultimately minor details; strength is the most important principle."
"That's right, so let's put that aside for now and get back to what's really important... Where were we?"
"It's time for the various proxies that are being funded and supported to act collectively. For example, those organizations that Immortals. This time, we must strike first; we can't wait for the Three Universal Civilizations to make their move before we retaliate."
"The stowaways we sent out during the first phase of exploration can now be officially put into use. The Three Universal Civilizations control the gateway to the Shattered World, and we are alone. If we want to obtain a continuous supply of resources and reinforcements, we must rely on these pawns planted in the first phase."
"The first batch of targets has been selected. Our regular army will remain inactive; everything will be handled by the proxy forces first. Before the Three Universal Civilizations formally intervene militarily, we will try our best to seize territory in the Free Competition Zone."
What did the Beyond Grade A Development Federation say?
"They generally maintain neutrality, but Black Star claims to have a personal grudge against Modo, so their stance is currently unclear."
"Troublesome fellows... Hey, Modo's messengers, once the conflict officially breaks out, we might not have the energy to deal with you. Figure it out yourselves then. If all else fails, you might as well sacrifice yourselves to hold off Black Star. The bigger picture is more important."
"All right..."
"Gentlemen, the success or failure of this operation will determine the future of our respective civilizations—whether we gain the opportunity for further progress or remain forever as the ruled... We must succeed at all costs, failure is not an option!"