"This task..."
Han Xiao was shocked. It was an S-rank hidden quest, and a chain quest at that. The experience reward for the first stage alone was equivalent to that of Old Manison. The overall difficulty was probably off the charts.
In the absence of intelligence, mission guidelines are one of the few reliable sources of information, especially since the mission's name is quite intriguing.
"Regardless, this Mysterious Person contacted me first, and seems to possess some special intelligence. I definitely need to meet them. As for the pursuit team mentioned in the mission prompt..."
Han Xiao's eyes flickered slightly.
While chatting online, he discovered the wanted posters issued by the Federation of All Stars Superpower Security Department, offering a reward of 300 million units of universal currency for the capture of two individuals, whose names were different from "Enas" in the main universe.
I've been keeping a low profile these past few days, avoiding any alarms or detection devices, and quietly establishing my base on this desolate planet. Logically, it should be difficult for others to discover my location. However, the mission prompts and the Mysterious Person's message seem to indicate that the pursuers are certain to find me.
Considering the strange concealment device left behind by the Mysterious Person, Han Xiao guessed that the pursuers might possess a precise long-range positioning method, including but not limited to prophecy, technological means, or Universal Treasure...
"The Mysterious Person sent this blueprint, but didn't explain in detail what methods the pursuers would use; it feels more like a test..."
Han Xiao stroked his chin, lost in thought.
This technology definitely needs to be studied, but he doesn't plan to use it immediately. He wants to test whether he'll definitely be found by his pursuers. If it's confirmed to be true, then he'll use the device himself to verify whether it truly has a targeted concealment effect... As a mechanic, he trusts the experimental results more.
On the other hand, Han Xiao also wanted to make contact with the pursuers and obtain more information from them... Of course, although he was confident in his own strength and the book, he would still take precautions to ensure stability amidst the chaos.
Currently, the two are unregistered, without even an account at an interstellar bank, let alone the common currency here. They have fallen from being cosmic millionaires to being destitute. Han Xiao can only gather resources on his own, and he hasn't yet collected enough materials to build a new set of Sovereign Mecha, so he has to use the spare Sovereign Mechs he carries with him. One part of the "Throne" has already been placed at different coordinates in the main universe, serving as a fixed-point teleporter, while the other part of the spare Sovereign Mecha is complete and is used as a tool for location tracking at any time.
Having spent so many years navigating the universe, and with Old Manison his "role model," Han Xiao was well aware of the principle of having multiple escape routes. Several days ago, he had a group of mechanical troops disperse with different "Throne" to find suitable locations for positioning and to leave an escape route.
The biggest problem is not personal safety, but the mechanical army. Because the Secondary Dimension Army Box are frozen, he can only transport troops using traditional methods, which severely affects portability. If he teleports away, the mechanical army will Stay Where You Are and cannot be retrieved.
Logically, since there are no Secondary Dimension World here, all mechanics should be the same. However, he discovered online that although there are five superpower systems here, due to the lack of Secondary Dimension, some of their professional skills seem to have subtle differences from those in the main universe.
For example, the Beyond Grade A mechanic here still has the ability to summon a large-scale mechanical army, but since they haven't fought against each other and can't see the combat information, Han Xiao doesn't know the principle behind it yet.
"These technologies alone are worth the price of admission."
Han Xiao was overjoyed.
In his view, this place is a vast resource library, containing countless new technologies and various development directions for professional skills, all of which are extremely valuable resources.
In his previous life, Manison came here and probably learned a lot of new skills, further enhancing his foundation.
But now, we've snatched away this rare learning opportunity.
"Rest in peace, Old Manison. I will study hard for you."
Han Xiao looked very serious.
At this moment, Kasuyi finally recovered from Han Xiao's "comforting blow." Seeing this, Han Xiao explained the situation and his plan.
Kasuyi looked surprised, and upon hearing the last part, couldn't help but ask, "You mean... we're now waiting for the pursuers to come to us for negotiations, and we might end up fighting them?"
"That's right, this is to gather more intelligence. Don't be intimidated by the number of Beyond Grade A here. I've reviewed past cases of the Super Security Department, and most of the time it's just a small team of three to five Beyond Grade A. They don't send dozens or hundreds of people all at once. They're responsible for a large area, and their manpower is limited. Besides, I've already arranged an escape route."
Han Xiao said.
Old Ke is currently his only companion; they are practically inseparable and can only advance and retreat together. Although he no longer has Infinite mana, he is still Peak Beyond Grade A, a powerful ally.
"Alright, then don't bother me for a while. I'm going to prepare a trump card, hoping to severely injure one of their Peak Beyond Grade A opponents in our first encounter," Kasuyi said seriously.
Han Xiao was taken aback, looked him up and down, and clicked his tongue in amazement, saying, "I didn't know you had such abilities?"
Kasuyi rolled his eyes.
Who do you think you are? At our level, who doesn't have a few secret tricks up their sleeve? When I was roaming the universe, your great-grandfather wasn't even born yet!
In the pitch-black universe, a spatial wormhole suddenly opened, from which three beams of warp light shot out. These were three special spaceships belonging to the Super Security Department, special pursuit teams led by three "Supreme Grade" directors.
"The headquarters' Positioning Star Map shows that the two targets have remained on the target planet and have not left in the past few days."
"We still don't know what these two are planning, so we must remain vigilant."
Milton stood by the porthole, listening to the voice on the communication channel, his expression serious and unsmiling, exuding a solemn and dignified aura.
He is the director of the Fifth Division of the Super Security Department and the temporary captain of the special pursuit team.
A division consists of one Supreme Grade Division Chief, four Holy Body Grade Deputy Division Chiefs, and a large number of mid-level staff. Milton brought two Deputy Division Chiefs with him this time, and the other two Division Chiefs were of the same caliber, so the team had three Supreme Division Chiefs and six Holy Body Level staff, for a total of nine people.
Because of the lack of data on the target's strength, in order to achieve a quick victory, the Super Security Department equipped the nine members with standardized special combat suits, which included four types of equipment: mechs, melee weapons, ranged weapons, and restraint devices, all of which were of gold quality. Relying on these specially made equipment, the Super Security Department's operators had an innate advantage among strong opponents of the same level.
With only two Supreme Grade opponents and nine on his side, plus the added advantage of better equipment, Milton felt this operation was a sure thing.
He stared at the wanted posters of Han Xiao and Kasuyi on the virtual screen and muttered to himself:
"What era are we living in? There are still people who dare to openly violate the Federation of All Stars's cosmic-level prohibition, attempting to do whatever they want with their power. Do they still think it's the old days? Those good times are long gone..."
Time flies, and about three days have passed in the blink of an eye.
Han Xiao had been in seclusion studying the blueprints provided by the Mysterious Person. The production difficulty was not high, but the principle was quite puzzling. There were some parts he didn't understand, and he didn't know what effect the combination would produce.
After several days of research without much progress, Han Xiao felt that he might be lacking in key theoretical knowledge or specialized skills, so he simply stopped his research and tried to manufacture the device by following the blueprints. The result was quite smooth; not understanding the principles did not prevent him from using his error-free mechanical manufacturing skills to replicate the procedures in the blueprints.
Ten palm-sized green-gold metal sheets lay quietly on the workbench. They looked quite smooth, but when Han Xiao ran his finger over them, he could feel the dense patterns and countless nanoscale energy circuits engraved on the surface.
Han Xiao picked up a piece of metal and examined it closely. Wisps of electricity crackled as he used his senses to penetrate the metal and feel its internal structure.
"The instruction manual states that activating the stealth function will allow objects within a certain range to escape tracking; the more energy input, the larger the range will become..."
Han Xiao had some doubts. He knew the blueprints for various concealment devices, but he couldn't figure out how this thing worked.
Even the control panel didn't provide a detailed description, only referring to it as a "special Stealth device" and stating that it would only take effect under specific conditions, without specifying what those conditions were.
Just as he was about to investigate further, his expression suddenly changed, sensing an unexpected situation.
In recent days, some space probe buoys deployed around this planet have been destroyed, indicating that the enemy is approaching.
"They actually found us..."
Han Xiao paused, narrowed his eyes, put away the ten concealment devices, and led the mechanical troops away from the base to the surface.
whoosh--
Not long after, three spaceships appeared in outer space, and nine figures descended from the sky, landing on the wasteland not far in front of Han Xiao, forming a fan-shaped encirclement, none of them concealing their energy fluctuations.
Upon seeing this, Han Xiao's eyes flashed, revealing an expression of surprise.
Nine Beyond Grade A, three of whom are at the Peak Beyond Grade A...
This is quite a force to be reckoned with; their overall combat strength is even higher than that of the Hila Rescue Battle. Moreover, these people won't hold back like they did with Kasuyi back then, so they won't have any advantages in a real fight.
He also noticed that the group's equipment seemed unusual, unlike ordinary items.
The two sides stood facing each other from a distance, sizing each other up, but neither made a move immediately.
Milton glanced around and casually asked, "Where are your accomplices?"
"Since you've come all this way, how could you not know where he is?" Han Xiao stood with his arms crossed.
In the past few days, he specifically set aside a little time to learn the common interstellar language here online, and now communication is no longer a problem.
Milton glanced down at his feet, nodded, and said in a businesslike tone:
"I advise you not to have any thoughts of resistance. Obediently put on the Source Force Restraint Devices, come with us, clearly explain your origins, abilities, and reasons for violating the ban, make a public apology, and serve five to ten years in prison. After completing these tasks, you can regain your freedom. The current punishment is still very light; you don't need to worsen your crimes."
Han Xiao remained noncommittal, then suddenly asked, "May I ask what your identities are?"
"You don't recognize us?" Milton frowned. "I am Milton, the Fifth Division under the Super Security Department, and these two are my assistants..."
He briefly introduced the identities of the nine people, and then asked about Han Xiao's identity.
What are your names?
"You can call me Black Star, and as for my companion, you can call him Kekezi..."
Call me the Void Venerable!
No sooner had he finished speaking than Kasuyi appeared in a flash beside Han Xiao, correcting his choice of words with displeasure.
"Call it whatever you want." Milton said dismissively, taking out two collar-like mechanical devices and tossing them in front of the two men. "Hurry up and put on these Source Force Restraint Devices and come back with us to report."
Han Xiao pondered for a moment, then said:
"I think we have a better option. My friend and I have been in seclusion and are unaware of the so-called ban. We didn't intentionally cause trouble, so perhaps there's room for negotiation? For example, we'd like to join the Super Security Department. Could you inform your superiors about that...?"
In his view, he and Kasuyi hadn't actually committed any major offenses, and given their combined strength, they should be able to enjoy this level of treatment.
However, Milton was unmoved and shouted in a deep voice:
"I'm informing you now, not negotiating! What you have to say, come back with us! And regardless of whether what you're saying is true or not, don't think you can escape punishment. Even if you're willing to join us, you'll still have to serve your sentence. Even if you're Supreme Grade expert, as long as your stain hasn't been removed, we won't accept you!"
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao's brow twitched slightly.
He wasn't just making excuses; he didn't intend to let the mission limit his thinking. Cooperating with the Federation of All Stars was a viable option, and Kasuyi's mission was like finding a needle in a haystack. If he could get help from the Federation of All Stars, it would be much easier, and he would also have the opportunity to access some secrets.
There are two ways to cooperate: one is to reveal one's identity as an outsider, and the other is to pretend to be a local... Obviously, Han Xiao cannot choose the former. Before things become clear, he will never reveal any information about the Three Universal Civilizations, otherwise it would be terrible to arouse their covetousness, which would be no different from being a traitor.
Therefore, Han Xiao had no choice but to pretend to be a local and seek refuge with the Super Security Department. He originally thought that with his and Kasuyi's strength, there was no reason for them not to accept them, and that the minor matter of violating the ban could be wiped clean. However, the strong people here didn't seem to have much prestige. Two Peak Beyond Grade A offered themselves up, but they were rejected.
This shouldn't be the case. There are nearly ten thousand Beyond Grade A individuals here, which is an extremely powerful force. Yet, this advanced civilization doesn't seem to have any intention of stabilizing them. True fairness means that the strong should enjoy higher privileges and better treatment, but now it feels like everyone is being treated equally. Aren't they afraid of escalating the conflict?!
Han Xiao couldn't possibly wear the Source Force Restraint Device to the Super Security Department's headquarters; that would be tantamount to handing over the power of life and death to them. He frowned and patiently asked:
"No room for negotiation?"
Milton pointed to the two sets of Source Force Binding Devices on the ground. Although he didn't say anything, his meaning couldn't be clearer.
Boom!!
Just then, an extremely condensed and Berserk psychic power suddenly shot out from the side, which was the trump card that Kasuyi had been holding back for several days!
Bang!
Milton was suddenly Heavy Strike; his eyeballs bulged out, blood splattered from his mouth and nose, and he was blasted away, turning into a shooting star that disappeared into the distance, skimming the horizon.
Han Xiao turned his head and saw that Kasuyi's psychic power was surging and he had already rushed out. He glanced back at him with annoyance.
"Stop talking nonsense and get to work!"