On the homeworld of the Modo Civilization, the supreme leaders, the Three Kings of Modo, and numerous high-ranking military officials are holding a meeting.
"News from the front lines indicates that Iso has begun operations, and the plan is progressing smoothly so far."
"The first option is to get Iso out of the Shattered Star Ring and involved in the conflicts between civilizations in other star systems. That way, after Iso's death, Black Star will have to go to other star systems to deal with the matter, taking his troops far away from the main base..."
"While Iso's prophetic abilities are useful, Black Star has been operating in the Shattered Star Ring for many years. He might not be able to escape on his own, so we need to help him evade scrutiny."
"Well, if we really can't escape, then we'll have to choose a civilization in the Shattered Star Ring as a target to frame."
The high-ranking officials present were engaged in heated discussion.
Just then, the Three Kings of Modo received a secret message. Their eyes flickered, and they suddenly spoke:
"Meeting adjourned for now. Half an hour break."
Everyone was taken aback for a moment, but no one objected. They got up and filed out of the conference room.
After everyone left, only the Three Kings of Modo remained in the room. At that moment, a virtual communication screen appeared on the table, accompanied by an old man's soft laughter.
"Haha, nice to meet you all."
"Mechanic Emperor!"
The Three Kings of Modo looked grim.
Just now, the Mechanic Emperor contacted the Modo Civilization, specifically requesting to discuss a cooperation with the Three Kings. So their secretary came over to ask for their opinion, and the Three Kings of Modo ultimately decided to listen to what the Mechanic Emperor had to say.
The entire universe knows that the Mechanic Emperor is currently in an extremely awkward situation. Many Supercluster civilizations have seen an opportunity to win them over and are secretly trying to cooperate with Mechanic Emperor. However, Manison has neither budged nor explicitly refused. Precisely because of the Mechanic Emperor's current special predicament, the leaders of the Supercluster civilizations are now paying close attention to the Mechanic Emperor's attitude.
"Your Excellencies, I know you are very busy, so I won't stand on ceremony... I have considered your previous suggestions, and now I intend to cooperate with the Modo Civilization," Manison said calmly.
What kind of cooperation?
"What do you think about us secretly joining forces to deal with the Black Star Army?"
The Three Kings of Modo exchanged glances, not immediately agreeing, but instead asking, "So many supercluster civilizations want to cooperate with you, why choose us Modo?"
"Heh, it's simple. I have no interest in getting involved in the conflict between the Three Universal Civilizations and you. My only target is Black Star, and you are the most suitable partners. He is our common enemy, and I can reasonably intervene."
"Be specific."
"The united front requires Beyond Grade A members to remain neutral; participation in the war is condemned. However, Black Star, as the vice president, used personal grudges as a pretext to wage war against the Modo Civilization. As the president, I can follow suit and use my feud with Black Star as an excuse to unite with you against the Black Star Army. That way, even if they find out, they won't have anything to say."
Manison's nonchalant tone implied, "He does the first day of the month, I'll do the fifteenth."
The Three Kings of Modo thought for a moment and nodded in acceptance of this statement.
Although they hoped the Mechanic Emperor would join the Super Star Cluster Alliance and turn their attention to the Three Universal Civilizations, such hope was slim. Now that they've stated they're only targeting Black Star, the Modo Civilization can accept that. Black Star has put them in a terrible situation, so getting rid of this trouble wouldn't be bad.
"So you're planning to send troops to help us fight against the Black Star Army?"
"That's not it." Manison shook his head slightly. "My influence in the Shattered World is inferior to that of Black Star, and engaging in direct warfare with the Black Star Army would violate the founding principles of the Development Federation..."
"If you're not sending troops, how are you going to attack Black Star?"
Manison spoke calmly and slowly:
"There are many places I can attack, such as Black Star's reputation... The Three Universal Civilizations are using me as a negative example to promote themselves, which has already affected my position in the Cult of Mechanic Faith and damaged my interests. I have to find a way to undermine Black Star's reputation, which is why I decided to cooperate with you."
All I can do is provide covert assistance, such as having my forces planted in the Shattered World and the Shattered Star Ring do something quietly. After all, your troops are being closely monitored, while my people can operate freely in the shadows.
Upon hearing this, the Three Kings of Modo frowned.
If the Mechanic Emperor is unwilling to formally participate in the war, then its role will be limited.
However, putting themselves in each other's shoes, the two sides didn't have much of a relationship to begin with, and the Mechanic Emperor is currently in a difficult situation, so it can only keep a low profile and naturally wouldn't let its own troops fight for the Supercluster Civilization.
Moreover, the Mechanic Emperor is not wrong. The Supercluster Civilization's forces are being closely monitored, making it inconvenient for them to move around. On the other hand, the Mechanic Emperor has placed a large number of affiliated forces in various star systems, forming an intelligence network and a resource network, which can still be of great help.
"Okay, we'd love to work with you. We can discuss the specifics later."
"Yes, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."
Manison gave a half-smile and cut off the communication.
Seeing this, the Three Kings of Modo relaxed, looked at each other, and understood each other's thoughts from their eyes.
--If we let the people of Manison help transport Iso out of the Shattered Star Ring, the success rate would be far higher than if we did it ourselves.
Although the three hadn't decided whether to involve the Mechanic Emperor in the plan, having an extra layer of insurance was always a good thing. If they couldn't get Iso out of the Shattered Star Ring, it wouldn't be too late to have the Mechanic Emperor take over.
Moreover, if Iso were to die at the hands of the Mechanic Emperor, the objective would be achieved in the same way, or even better!
However, the three kings were unaware that Manison's motives for proposing cooperation were not pure; although he also wanted to strike at Black Star, it was not his primary objective.
Intelligence indicates that the Modo Civilization has deployed the Soul-Switching Device, undoubtedly to deal with humans, most likely Black Star. Therefore, Manison intends to use Black Star as a pretext to cooperate with Modo, attempting to intervene in related operations, obtain more information, and help them find the Soul-Switching Device's whereabouts.
His true intention was to take advantage of the chaos and seize the Soul-Switching Device!
Anyway, there's no harm in losing anything, so it's worth a try whether it works or not.
Inside the cabin, two shadowy bodies lay on the ground, one large and one small, motionless as if in a vegetative state— the Soul-Switching Twins.
Standing to the side were two normal-sized extraterrestrial humans, a man and a woman, stretching their limbs, with the dark crystal-like Soul-Switching Device floating beside them.
"This body belongs to a martial artist, with a strong physique. I feel pretty good; it's been a long time since I've felt this healthy." The man rubbed his neck, looking quite content.
"Stop dawdling! This is just a temporary shell. Quickly put our true bodies away," the woman snapped.
This man and woman are the Soul-Switching Twins whose bodies have been altered: the Gor, Jill Emerson, and the younger brother, Lotaire Emerson.
The Soul-Switching Device also works on them, allowing them to transfer their souls into other people's bodies, performing a "possession"-like act.
After changing bodies, their superpowers will not be transferred along with them. They can only exert the original abilities and combat power of the body. For example, if they are transferred to a Grade D superhuman, their combat power will also become Grade D... However, their soul strength will not be affected and will remain at the original Grade B- level, which will not prevent them from using the Soul-Switching Device.
The two individuals' eligibility to use the Soul-Switching Device stems from soul verification, and has nothing to do with the physical body they use; they could use it even if their body were replaced with that of a dog.
This ability was one of the reasons the two were able to escape; by constantly changing their bodies, they could remain highly concealed.
"Brother, although we are free now, that hidden danger has not been eliminated..." Lotaire pointed to his head.
"Yes, that mental trap is a problem, but fortunately, the Modo Civilization probably thinks we won't be able to detect it."
Gor pursed her lips dismissively.
The mental trap set by Beyond Grade A mage from the Modo Civilization has been implanted into the souls of the two individuals and will not disappear due to soul transfer.
Logically speaking, given that the two of them are only at the Grade B, they shouldn't even be able to detect this mental trap, let alone remove it. They should have been kept in the dark... However, the Soul-Switching Device has an auxiliary function to Detection the state of the soul.
Cosmic Wonder- level treasures generally possess a certain degree of "absoluteness." Not to mention the mental traps set by ordinary Beyond Grade A beings, even the mental spells of Peak Beyond Grade A beings cannot escape the Detection of the Soul-Switching Device as long as they act on the soul... This is similar to the "absoluteness" of the Space-Time Amber. As long as the principle is not broken, even the combined attack of ten Peak Beyond Grade A beings cannot damage the Space-Time Amber in the slightest.
Beyond Grade A mental trap is impossible to break with just the two of them's meager strength. But with a Cosmic Wonder added, things are different. Even though the two of them are limited by their own strength, and the power and range of the Soul-Switching Device are not at their upper limit, there are still ways to deal with this hidden danger in an emergency.
The Soul-Switching Device doesn't actually "purify souls," but the two intend to absorb a large number of souls, fusing them into a spiritual power far exceeding their own, to continuously wear down the magical restrictions in their minds...
This plan would consume a large number of souls and inevitably harm many living beings, but the two of them clearly had no choice and did not care.
"Brother, what are our plans for the future?"
"Of course, we'll escape to a place where nobody knows us, hide away, seize a body with immense potential, and then slowly hone our strength. Once we grow to the Calamity Grade or even Beyond Grade A, we can roam this universe with impunity!"
Gor understood the principle that "survival of the fittest is the only way to succeed," and a flame of ambition flickered in her eyes.
In his heart, becoming the only suitable candidate for the Soul-Switching Device was both a blessing and a curse.
Fortunately, the Soul-Switching Device only recognized the two of them as users, like the chosen ones.
Unfortunately, the two were imprisoned by the Modo Civilization for many years and subjected to countless inhumane experiments, gradually driving them to madness.
But the unfortunate dark years are over, and the future is full of hope. The Soul-Switching Device has brought them endless possibilities... From now on, the sea is wide enough for fish to leap and the sky is high enough for birds to fly!
Floating Dragon Island.
Steaming water vapor filled the magnificent palace, creating a misty atmosphere as far as the eye could see, with the occasional sound of rushing water echoing from the depths of the obscured vapor.
call--
The thick mist was stirred up, and a tall, imposing figure suddenly appeared beside the clothes rack in the palace. The Sovereign Mecha covering his body automatically detached, and with a flash of light, he disappeared back, leaving only Han Xiao, dressed in black, Stay Where You Are.
The sound of water in the room paused for a moment, and a green force field carrying water vapor attacked like a cannonball. Han Xiao ignored it, letting it hit his chest with a muffled thud, but his body remained motionless.
"You startled me. Next time you teleport, give me a heads-up first." Ames's helpless voice came from the mist.
Han Xiao's gaze pierced through the mist, revealing a magnificent black crystal bathtub in the center of the room. Ames had her hair tied up with a white cloth, her back to him, sitting in the bathtub. He could only see her fair and slender neck and her smooth, rounded shoulders, her skin as delicate as jade, flawless and delicate.
"Taking a shower?" Han Xiao snapped his fingers. "Hurry up and finish, I need to talk to you."
"What did you say?" Ames tilted her head slightly, revealing her delicate profile. Her long eyelashes were glistening with water droplets as she blinked gently.
"As for Iso, he's lost."
"... Wait me a moment."
Ames didn't shy away from Han Xiao. She stood up and directly heated her body. White steam hissed and flowed out, instantly drying her skin.
She stepped out of the bathtub, casually used her force field to hook the black dress hanging beside her, twirled it slightly, and put it on. Only then did she remove her headscarf and let her hair fall down.
Beyond Grade A body won't get dirty. Bathing is mainly for enjoyment. Just adjust your body temperature to a normal level, and you can feel the sensation of soaking in a hot spring again. This way, you don't need to specifically look for lava.
"Let's go outside and talk."
The two walked out of the palace and into the garden. Ames sat down on a chaise lounge, blinking as she stared at Han Xiao with a slightly strange expression.
"I allowed Iso to help you, but you let him get away. That's not very responsible of you... You didn't let him go on purpose, did you? That's terrible."
"Ahem, you're overthinking it." Han Xiao coughed awkwardly, but his expression remained unchanged. "I came to inform you as soon as possible, didn't I?"
Ames rested her chin on her hand and teased, "It seems even the renowned Black Star can fall into the hands of a prophet."
"He's one of our own, after all. I can't really put him under house arrest."
Han Xiao smiled dismissively, then suddenly his expression turned serious, and he said solemnly:
"Stop joking. My gut feeling tells me there's something fishy going on. Iso might not have left voluntarily."
"Oh?" Ames frowned, her smile vanishing, and asked in surprise, "Could someone have kidnapped him?"
"No, I've arranged for him to be well-protected. If it were a physical kidnapping, it would definitely alert me."
"So someone is mind-manipulating him?"
"That's the problem. I equipped Iso's guards with various mental protection devices, mental fluctuation detection devices, and energy fluctuation detectors. If someone uses telekinesis, soul magic, or psychic abilities on him, it should trigger an alarm. Even Beyond Grade A would leave a trace, but none of these devices reacted... So I suspect that Iso might be being controlled by some unknown method."
Although the soul and spirit are not areas where mechanical technology excels, they are not entirely devoid of research, just far less proficient than in magical technology. After all, each has its own area of expertise.
"In what way?" Ames pressed.
"I'm not sure either. We'll have to find Iso to examine him before we know," Han Xiao shook his head.
In fact, if the conspiracy theory is correct, he is very Iso about how Aesop fell for it, so silently and without warning, and what methods were used.
"I'll search with you." Ames narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint in them, her expression fierce. "Dare to lay a hand on my people? Do you think I'm dead?!"
"Don't get so worked up. This is just my guess. We can talk about it after we find out more," Han Xiao reassured Ames.
He came over today to give Ames a heads-up, to offer a little conspiracy theory, to prepare her mentally and prevent her from losing control of her emotions like she did in her previous life.
Han Xiao knew Ames's personality quite well. Don't be fooled by her usual nonchalant and carefree attitude. Her family and friends, such as Iso, Jenny, Hila, Aurora, are her Achilles' heel. Once threatened, she will transform into an enraged tigress, throwing all rules to the wind and charging headlong into any enemy, regardless of the consequences.
At this moment, Han Xiao had Phillip send a message. A few seconds later, the Sovereign Mecha teleported to his side again, its helmet opening to reveal Fording inside.
"Commander, I've arrived."
Han Xiao nodded, then turned to Ames and explained:
"Iso's prophetic abilities are well-suited to hiding and evading, making him difficult to catch using conventional methods, so we'll need an element of luck."
He not only brought Fording with him on this trip, but also planned to bring Lodi along. He would use the Sovereign Mecha to teleport the three of them over, thus saving travel time. As for manpower, he would directly call upon the Black Star Army in the Shattered Star Ring.
"I'll lend you all of Dragon Calm's men; don't worry about anything else, I only want Iso."
Without a word, Ames handed over command to Han Xiao, then stood up expressionlessly, not wanting to waste a second, her tone leaving no room for doubt:
"Let's go now!"