"Thank you for your assistance, Lord Black Star. We will certainly report your help to Earth Ring Planet today to our superiors truthfully."
Inside the cabin, Han Xiao had just instructed his men to dispose of the bodies of the Soul-Switching Twins when he received a communication from the Earth Ring Planet Chief, who was very eager to help.
"It's nothing," Han Xiao waved his hand dismissively.
"No, no, no, it's all thanks to your help that the evil deeds of the Mechanic Emperor were stopped. On behalf of the Raiso Civilization, I thank you for your assistance. Please, please stay and be my guest!"
The Earth Ring Planet spoke in a warm and friendly tone.
Having witnessed the earth-shattering battle, Han Xiao's image in his mind was incredibly lofty. He dared not show any disrespect and at the same time hoped to take this opportunity to build a relationship with a big shot like Black Star. His attitude was respectful and enthusiastic.
Moreover, if the Mechanic Emperor came to cause trouble, it would affect his political achievements. Black Star's victory was a huge favor to him. It was a favor that the other party, being of high status, could disregard, but he couldn't accept it without a clear conscience.
"No need, I'll leave after I've cleaned up the battlefield." Han Xiao shook his head.
"Alright, then please let me know in advance if you're coming to Earth Ring Planet next time, and I'll definitely treat you well." The Earth Ring Planet Chief was extremely grateful.
"There is a chance."
Han Xiao chatted casually with him for a couple of minutes, then hung up the call and asked Phillip to save the other person's number to his address book, which contained the contact numbers of everyone he knew so far, forming a vast network of contacts.
Not only big shots, but he also has the numbers of many small figures in different industries. Each person has their own field, and they might be able to help out sometime.
Although the planet's quantum network is temporarily blocked, the entire planet's population is an eyewitness to what is happening here, and countless devices have recorded the footage. Once it gets out, it will surely boost his prestige to a new level.
In the wake of the Intelligence Plague, the Three Universal Civilizations have been promoting their record of fighting to a draw with the Mechanic Emperor. However, due to some exaggeration in their claims, while the effect was good, it was not entirely perfect.
And this time, the data showing the impact of his direct defeat of the Mechanic Emperor's clone is solid and powerful evidence!
Gaining prestige is secondary; the most important thing is that the Mechanic Emperor lost this time, which will cause it to lose a large number of followers of the Mechanic Faith!
Losing a few times is fine for me because I'm a rising star, but it's different when Manison, the well-known "number one in Mechanic Class," loses. It's a huge blow to his reputation. The higher you stand, the harder you fall.
The followers of the Mechanic Faith don't have the concept of die-hard fans; they're all opportunists, believing whoever is more powerful.
If Manison loses his title of "strongest," a large amount of faith will flow to him. As a result, Manison will become weaker, while he will gain nourishment and become stronger, thus undermining Manison's power!
... Speaking of cutting off the fuel supply, Han Xiao thought of the fact that the challenge mission for Manison had not yet been settled.
The mission format is the standard Beyond Grade A challenge mode. If you survive for a certain period of time, you can obtain character cards and ability draw rewards.
Since everyone was present, we could finally perform a complete "Panlong Mo Ding Rou Ni Suo Ha" process.
Han Xiao touched each of them one by one. Only Harrison, who had never seen anything like this before, trembled. The other three were used to it. Only then, under Hila's extremely strange gaze, did he open the panel to settle the task.
[[Beyond Grade A Challenge Mission - "Mechanic Emperor" Manison] Completed!]
[You have completed all task requirements and have gained 1080e experience.]
[You have obtained the [Character Summon Card - "Mechanic Emperor" Manison]]
[Character Summon Card - "Mechanic Emperor" Manison: [The Ancient Ones] - Your long life has given you rich experience, a precious spiritual asset. Intelligence +20%, Mysticism +10%, All Skill Levels +2, lasts 24 hours, maximum uses: 0/2]
"Another Ancient Ones?" Han Xiao's eyes widened.
If I remember correctly, this should be the third time I've drawn this ability from Old Manison. It's clearly a high-level feat with a good effect, so why is the drop rate so high?
Or is it that even fate wants me to be an elder with rich life experience?
Han Xiao's lips twitched as he looked behind him at the ability to extract information; this was the most important thing.
[You have received a reward: Draw one of Manison's abilities (skills/features)]
[Hint: Manison is a virtual mechanic, a perfect match for your class. You can acquire any of Manison's abilities. If you draw an overlapping class skill, that skill will receive a certain enhancement.]
[Randomly selecting... Selection complete!]
[Please choose one of the following five abilities as a reward]
[1. [Apostle Creation] - Skill: Exclusive ability for Mechanic Dominator. You can transform mechanical targets into "Apostle Weapon," granting them a massive boost in combat power and transforming them into BOSS -Grade SS units. There are 3 base slots, with one additional slot added for each level gained (You already possess this skill and can enhance it)]
[2. [Multiple Thinking Model] - Specialty: Modifies the way thinking is processed, improves the brain's data processing speed, Intelligence +1000, slightly improves casting speed, virtual technology and other abilities]
[3. [Machine Race Combat Tactics - Guerrilla] - Skill: One of the combat modes of mechanical units passed down by the Machine Race, mainly based on highly mobile ranged guerrilla warfare. It includes 744 different response plans. When this ability is activated, mechanical units will gain a 15% mobility bonus and an 8.8% ranged damage bonus when using guerrilla tactics, while their defense will decrease by 5%.]
[4. [Blueprint - Virtual Mutiny Virus (Incomplete)] - Skill: A replica created by Manison based on the characteristics of the Virtual Mutiny Virus. It has not yet been successfully researched, has incomplete functions, is extremely imperfect, and cannot be put into use.]
[5. [Virtual Technology Innovation - Manison] - Specialty: You have improved virtual technology and discovered new applications, gaining an additional 1.75x bonus to virtual technology-related abilities. Furthermore, the Virtual Technology Innovation has special effects.]
"Wow, yet another unique specialty!"
Han Xiao immediately laughed.
When he first met the Mechanic Emperor, he saw this exclusive ability on the panel. The bonus of [Virtual Technology Innovation - Manison] was quite considerable, and it seemed to be an important foundation for mastering the technology of Immortal Mechanical Soldier. Manison used this ability to modify intelligent life.
If we acquire this ability, we might actually be able to make some progress in researching the technology of Immortal Mechanical Soldier.
He glanced at the other four abilities; they weren't anything special. After all, luck wouldn't always be on his side like it was last time.
Perhaps there were too many lucky people present today, and Lady Luck couldn't handle it all by herself. It seems that while good fortune is great, one shouldn't overindulge.
However, since they've added another exclusive skill, it's not a bad deal.
[Apostle Creation] goes without saying, I have that too. [Multiple Thinking Model] is a decent specialty; the 1000-point Intelligence bonus is very powerful at lower levels, but it's just so-so at the current level.
[Machine Race Combat Tactics - Guerrilla] is a tactical ability of the mechanical legion. When mechanical troops fight, they do not rely solely on combat intelligence to adapt to changing circumstances. They have different combat modes, just like formations, with different styles and bonuses. The amplification is generally not high, but the base number is large.
The [Blueprint - Virtual Mutiny Virus (Incomplete)] option is even more useless. It's a replica that Manison hasn't finished researching yet, while I have the original Domino Virus technology. The biggest use of this option is that it reveals Manison's research progress.
The other four options were so-so, so Han Xiao naturally didn't hesitate and chose the fifth option.
[You have acquired a new specialization [Virtual Technology Innovation - Manison]!]
"Another exclusive specialty... At this rate, I'll really become the next Manison."
Han Xiao clicked his tongue.
After experiencing the new ability, he closed the panel and glanced out the window.
Meanwhile, their own troops were still cleaning up the battlefield, seizing large numbers of Manison's mechanized soldiers. For Enas, this was a huge fortune, a windfall.
Just then, a sensor came through the Quantum Network Vision: Resta was contacting him.
As his mind sank into the virtual realm, he saw Resta leading a large group of intelligent life forms before him.
"Black Star, I've spoken with my compatriots and explained the situation. They all trust you and, to avoid being captured by the Mechanic Emperor, they've all expressed their willingness to stay with you temporarily. They hope you'll take care of them," Resta said happily.
"Your compatriots have made a clear choice." Han Xiao said with satisfaction.
At this moment, an intelligent life form that seemed to be a representative stepped forward and said, "Lord Black Star, we all want to return to our original forms as soon as possible and no longer be bound, so we have all decided to fully cooperate with you to help you deduce the modification technology used on us by the Mechanic Emperor, hoping it will be of some help to you."
"Excellent!" Han Xiao laughed.
The development of the technology for the Immortal Mechanical Soldier would require the cooperation of these intelligent life forms, and now that they are willing to cooperate willingly, that's all the better.
"Furthermore, we are willing to reveal all the information we know about the Mechanic Emperor. Whatever you wish to know, we will certainly answer."
"This has been a huge help to me," Han Xiao nodded.
Having been used by Manison for many years, the Immortal Mechanical Soldier must know many valuable secrets that could provide them with significant assistance.
The reason these intelligent beings cooperated so readily is probably because they knew they were currently their only support and needed his power to save their fellow beings. Many intelligent beings were still in the hands of Manison, especially Finit, the ancestor of the AI Civilization.
beep beep...
Just then, a notification popped up on the panel, indicating that the [Restart] task had entered a new and final stage.
Han Xiao glanced at it, his eyes lighting up.
'The final step requires the complete liberation of AI Civilization... Wow, the reward is pretty good!'
The final reward is a milestone feat called [Friend of Intelligent Life], which is an enhanced version of [Intelligence Affinity] with a greater boost.
Han Xiao also saw the hidden reward inside: if he could save the entire AI Civilization, they could become his helpers and powerful allies in the virtual realm.
On the other hand, completing the [Restart] series of missions is also a good opportunity to weaken Manison's strength.
However, this time Manison learned his lesson and knew he wouldn't use those two trump cards on himself until he understood his own methods.
To save the other intelligent life forms, the only way is to infiltrate the Mechanic Emperor's stronghold and destroy the mainframe of the Immortal Mechanical Soldier technology.
Various thoughts flashed through his mind, and Han Xiao smiled slightly:
"Settle your people in peace. When we return to my territory, I will provide you with a planet to live on."
Thank you, Black Star.
Resta nodded solemnly.
Having exited the Quantum Network Vision, Han Xiao let out a breath, his heart filled with the joy of a bountiful harvest.
This was a truly rewarding experience!
Just then, a fragrant breeze wafted over, and Ames leaned closer, asking softly:
What are your plans for the future?
"We've got the stuff, and the perpetrator is dead. Next, we naturally have to deal with the mastermind behind it all."
"When are we going to make our move?" Ames asked impatiently. "You promised to take me with you this time."
"Hmm, no rush, let me think about it." Han Xiao narrowed his eyes.
Now that they know the Modo Civilization is the mastermind, there's no reason for them to let it go.
Now that we have a reason, we can use it as an excuse to do something big. It's time to give the Modo Civilization a good beating!