[You have triggered the mission [Escape with Your Life]!]
[Mission Brief: Your companion, Rotel, has successfully assassinated the leader of the Modo Civilization but is now under massive Pursuit and desperately trying to escape the Modo Civilization's borders. He needs your help now.]
[Mission Requirements: Help Rotel escape the Modo Civilization]
[Rewards: 80e EXP, 2 random rewards, 1 chance to draw Rotel's ability, Milestone [Civilization Leader Assassin]]
[Note: If you accept this mission, your favorability with the Modo Civilization will decrease by 3000.]
"Huh, the mission is only starting now?"
Meanwhile, Han Xiao, who was at the Black Star Palace, suddenly noticed a movement on his control panel, which surprised and puzzled him.
After glancing at the mission description, Han Xiao accepted it without hesitation. The goodwill towards the Modo Civilization had already plummeted to the Earth's core, leaving no room for further decline.
Saving Rotel was something he was destined to do, and an extra reward was naturally a good thing. He was just wondering why the quest didn't pop up when he was chatting with Rotel, but only triggered after he had made all the arrangements.
"Everything that needs to be done has been arranged, but I don't know if we can rescue Rotel."
Han Xiao shook his head.
He wasn't 100% sure either; pessimistically speaking, the success rate was probably only 95%...
Since becoming an advisor to the Three Universal Civilizations, the Black Star Army has enjoyed many conveniences in establishing its branches. It also has branches in the Ancient Star Desert. Although it cannot establish an intelligence network among the supercluster civilizations in that star field, its armed forces are not lacking. Han Xiao has also left behind a number of mechanical soldiers there, and even a Sovereign Mecha as a safety net.
Upon receiving Rotel's message, he immediately ordered his troops to infiltrate Modo with the Sovereign to meet Rotel. Once they made contact, Rotel could use the Sovereign to escape danger. The rest of the Assassins Mutual Aid Society would have to rely on themselves, but they were not the primary target and were unaware that the mastermind was Black Star, so they could only leak limited information.
The Sovereign Mecha is the Universal Treasure and equipment that Han Xiao has crafted the most times. Although it is expensive to make, since he obtained [Billions of Mechanic Emperor - Manison], the success rate of making gold equipment has greatly increased, saving a lot of costs... It has to be said that the Mechanic Emperor's exclusive ability is really useful.
... But the main reason is simply that they have money.
Back when we first entered the universe, we'd split a single Enas in half to make a living. Now, we wouldn't even bother looking at a business worth less than 50 million Enas.
'Perhaps this is what growing up is all about...'
Han Xiao thought to himself.
Rescuing Rotel was important, but he didn't plan to go there personally. The journey was too far, and it would be enough to have the local branch's mechanical forces take the Dominion's clone. Everything that needed to be arranged had been done, and there was nothing else he could do to help in this matter.
At this very moment, Han Xiao was sitting cross-legged on the rooftop of the Black Star Palace's inner ring main base, five meters above the ground.
Dozens of large and small circular mechanical devices floated around him. From Han Xiao's perspective, each ring contained one to hundreds of stars. A hazy light, like a veil, rose within the rings, acting as an energy filter that sifted out specks of light from the void, which fell onto Han Xiao's body, melted, and were absorbed by his skin.
He created this scene while practicing the [Dragon Emperor Stellar Energy Absorption Method] that Ames had taught him. The circular device next to him was a training aid he had tinkered with, called the Stellar Energy Aggregator, which could enhance the effect of a single training session.
Exhaling a breath imbued with starlight, Han Xiao felt the surge of energy within his body. As his cells exhaled and exhaled, it seemed as if they were enveloped in a hazy starlight. He couldn't help but smack his lips in admiration.
"Tsk tsk, this Energy Training Method is even more effective than Heber's Stellar Furnace Training Method. Ames's creativity is quite impressive; she's truly given me a pleasant surprise."
No superhuman would ever complain about having too much strength. Even a Beyond Grade A with Infinite mana regeneration would never stop honing their strength. Every bit higher their limit is a step towards expanding their own. Han Xiao is no exception; he has always paid great attention to this aspect and frequently searches for various Energy Training Method.
Originally, among all the Energy Training Method, the [Heber's Stellar Furnace Training Method] was the most effective, increasing the maximum strength by a total of 16,750 points. However, its position has now been replaced by the [Dragon Emperor Stellar Energy Absorption Method].
This set of Energy Training Method increases strength by 800 points at the base, and can be practiced a maximum of 800 times. The maximum effect of a single training session is an increase of 30 points of strength. Under ideal conditions, it can increase the maximum strength by nearly 25,000 points.
With such excellent results, one's Qi and Strength realm can be raised to another level, gaining a new layer of attribute bonuses with a huge increase!
Even with the [Radiant Energy Absorption] ability that grants power through idle gameplay, the accumulated increase in strength over nearly thirty years is only around 16,000 points, not exceeding that of the [Dragon Emperor Stellar Energy Absorption Method].
However, the increase in basic attributes is significant. To date, [Radiant Energy Absorption] has accumulated a large amount of Strength, Agility, and Endurance attributes, resulting in extremely considerable bonuses.
Old Manison once said that a mechanic's strength comes from their foundation; the longer they live, the stronger they become. This innate ability is the perfect interpretation of this statement.
The training session was over. Han Xiao put away the Stellar Energy Aggregator and, as he walked downstairs back to his office, glanced at the forum.
With some time still to go before the agreed-upon date for the battle, almost all guild alliances have responded, and the impact is significant. The Legion faction shop's sales have skyrocketed, and a bunch of Legion players have finally stopped saving money and are going on a buying spree to strengthen their forces. Han Xiao's experience gain has increased dramatically in the past few days.
On the other hand, preparations for the fourth professional league have already begun and are attracting much attention, indirectly boosting players' spending desires and giving themselves a boost before the version ends.
"At this rate, by the end of version 4.0, I will not only have enough experience to advance to level 340, but I will also have plenty to spare."
Han Xiao was quite satisfied.
Just then, a blond figure emerged from around the corner. When he saw Han Xiao, he froze for a second, then sprinted from a jog to a dash, dribbling the ball into Han Xiao's arms like a swallow returning to its nest.
"Uncle~"
Aurora nestled her head into Han Xiao's arms.
"How old are you? Still acting like a child in front of me?" Han Xiao ruffled Aurora's hair, pressed her forehead, and pushed her away.
"In your presence, I'll always be a child." Aurora chuckled.
She certainly has the right to say that; her abundant life energy keeps her looking youthful and radiant.
Han Xiao covered her head with his large hand and asked, "How's your strength progressing?"
"I think it's pretty fast." Aurora her hand and released a ball of life energy, the light of which seemed to shine even brighter.
Let me check it.
Nanoparticles surged from Han Xiao's fingertips, condensing into a metal needle, which he inserted into Aurora's arm, displaying combat information and revealing her attribute panel.
After glancing at it, Han Xiao nodded in satisfaction.
Since Aurora became the host of the Holy Light Particle, Han Xiao has hired a large number of employees to cultivate Holy Light Seed for Aurora to absorb and enhance her strength, with remarkable results.
Aurora's unique life ability allows Aurora to progress without bottlenecks. With sufficient accumulation, she can advance naturally. Therefore, the method of "harvesting leeks" using Holy Light Particle is extremely suitable for her, allowing her to progress at Godspeed, far exceeding the efficiency of natural growth. At her current rate of growth, Aurora's advancement to Beyond Grade A will not take hundreds or thousands of years; this timeframe can be shortened by approximately 70% to 90%.
"Not bad, not bad, I'm very satisfied with the progress. Keep up the good work, now go have some fun," Han Xiao said with a smile.
"Hmph, I do all serious things in the Legion, not just playing around. Don't always treat me like a child!" Aurora turned and ran away.
Han Xiao: "???"
You just said you'll always be a child, and then you turn around and blame me for treating you like a child. What kind of behavior is that...?
Women's hearts are so fickle, even more unpredictable than Old Manison's Convict techniques.
Han Xiao shook his head, too lazy to chase after them, and turned back to his office.
As soon as I entered the door, my communicator started beeping. When I opened it, I saw that it was a call from Kasuyi.
Han Xiao casually sat back on the Throne, leaned back lazily, and answered a call.
"Hey, Old Ke, you rarely contact me. What brings you here today?"
"Just wondering, do you have some free time lately?"
"What, are you asking me out?"
"I guess so. I'm planning to explore a special Secondary Dimension and am looking for a mechanic to team up with. It would be best if you were available."
Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he sat up a little straighter, asking, "Why don't you go find Manison? I remember you two were on pretty good terms, weren't you?"
"He's not in a good position lately, so it's not convenient to contact him. In comparison, you are my first choice and more suitable for this operation."
"Oh? Why am I more suitable?"
"Because that place is dangerous, I need some human shields to carry the load, so... you know." Kasuyi coughed lightly.
Han Xiao couldn't help but click his tongue.
No wonder they contacted me; they were after my size.
There's no need to hide it; just say you're lusting after my body.
How dangerous is that Secondary Dimension?
"I haven't explored it in person, so I don't know the specifics, but I can assure you it's extremely dangerous. Even Beyond Grade A would be in mortal danger."
Who else is going?
"Just you and me. I don't want too many people involved in this operation."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao narrowed his eyes.
He felt that this trip to Kasuyi was definitely not as simple as exploration, and he wondered what secret objective it might have.
"That's about it, Black Star. When are you free?"
"Hmm... in a few months, you know about what happened between me and Modo, so I don't have time to do anything else right now. Are you in a hurry?"
"I'm not in a hurry, I can wait for you, but don't keep me waiting too long."
"That's easy. You can help me deal with the Modo, then I'll have more free time sooner," Han Xiao joked.
"Heh, you should try fooling others instead." Kasuyi smiled knowingly, implying that everyone was clever enough not to be so sly.
At this moment, Han Xiao changed the subject, saying, "I have no problem going with you, but you should at least offer something in return."
"What kind of reward do you want? As long as it's not an unreasonable request, I can agree to it," Kasuyi asked.
"Now that you've brought it up so suddenly, I really don't know what I want... Could you make a few more requests?"
"No, just one." Kasuyi said without changing his expression.
"I haven't decided yet."
Han Xiao shrugged. This was a favor from Kasuyi, and he didn't want to waste it by asking for something so casually.
"There's still plenty of time, so take your time thinking about it. Just let me know when the time comes."
After reaching an agreement, Kasuyi didn't linger and hung up after exchanging a few words.
Han Xiao put down the communicator and pondered silently.
"Incredible! Even Kasuyi needs teammates to share the risks. What exactly is that Secondary Dimension like? Is it really that dangerous?"
Unfortunately, the mission hasn't been triggered yet, and I don't have any additional clues at the moment.
After thinking about it for a while, he still had no clue, so he kept the matter to himself.
Over the next ten days, the Modo Civilization launched a massive search for Rotel, but progress was slow and unexpected events occurred frequently. The forces of the Crimson Dynasty left in Modo territory kept causing trouble, obstructing the search operation both openly and covertly, but they also lost many of their own people, who were captured and interrogated by Modo Civilization.
Under these circumstances, all the assassins in Modo spontaneously ceased their operations and went into hiding, fearing they would be Implicated. They all marveled at how audacious their colleague who had attempted to assassinate the leader of Modo was.
Under heavy pursuit, Rotel's experience proved invaluable, allowing him to constantly Stealth and evade wave after wave of pursuers.
He possessed exceptional stealth abilities and was further enhanced by Intermediate Lucky Halo. He navigated the journey without incident or battle, eventually making contact with Han Xiao's mechanical forces that had infiltrated Modo territory.
The mechanical troops successfully delivered the Sovereign to Rotel. With the help of this golden equipment, he teleported away, thus escaping danger and ensuring that he would never be found by Modo again.
But the Modo Civilization was unaware of all this and continued its relentless pursuit. However, just a few days later, the once peaceful leadership underwent another anomaly.
Because of the death of a leader of the Modo, one of the Three Kings was missing. The clan that held this position was very dissatisfied and did not want this situation to continue. So, through the efforts of all parties, a candidate was quickly put in charge to fill the vacancy, temporarily restoring the system to the Three Kings.
However, this newly appointed leader seems to have different political views from the old two kings; he does not approve of continuing to wage war against the Shattered World.
On the other hand, due to various political factors and interests, the opposition seems to have grown stronger. Meanwhile, Maruko's former opposition leaders, who had been thoroughly investigated and cleared of suspicion, were released. Under the protection of some political force, they not only escaped being purged, but also became even more determined to oppose continuing to participate in the Shattered World Battle.
The upper echelons of the Modo Civilization have once again begun to experience dramatic changes, but this time it is different from public impeachments. Instead, undercurrents are swirling, and the public is unaware of the truth, only noticing that the transfer of officials has become extremely frequent during this period.
Outsiders have no idea what kind of political infighting and compromises took place at the top of the Modo leadership. All they know is that more than half a month after the assassination, the Modo Civilization publicly released its current investigation report.
The report made no mention of the Three Universal Civilizations or the Black Star Army, only stating that many suspects had been captured and that some progress had been made and that a full investigation was underway, but it did not elaborate on the specifics of that progress.
At the end of the report, Modo Civilization abruptly changed its tone, stating that it would punish all foreign terrorist forces claiming responsibility for the assassination, saying that these forces were provoking Modo's reputation and were highly suspicious.
Through the machinations of the Modo Civilization, domestic public opinion was directed at these foreign terrorist forces, and hatred was diverted to them.
Meanwhile, Han Xiao's spies and mechanized units left in the territory of the Modo Expeditionary Army discovered the enemy's unusual movements. One after another, Expeditionary Army fleets set sail and disappeared within the territory.
Soon, not only the Black Star Army, but also the Three Universal Civilizations and the Super Star Cluster Alliance discovered this situation.
Although it wasn't explicitly stated, everyone could guess what had happened to the Modo Civilization — the Modo Expeditionary Army was retreating!
The opposition's pressure, domestic instability, and the various traps behind the assassination attempt ultimately gave them the upper hand. They forced the Two Kings of Modo and other advocates to compromise, ordering the withdrawal of the Expeditionary Army and deciding to abandon their participation in the Shattered World Battle.
Another, simpler way to put it can summarize this result:
--The Modo Civilization has been eliminated by Black Star!