Han Xiao's eyes lit up.
Although this Secondary Dimension may just be a vanished illusion, he sees it as a treasure trove, containing not only new professional abilities but also a wealth of advanced techniques and encyclopedic arts different from those Explored Universe. For a mechanic, this is an immeasurable fortune!
Han Xiao had originally planned to acquire some technical skills, and now that a teacher was willing to systematically impart knowledge, his efficiency would surely be twice as high.
Moreover, this Mysterious Person cycled through many times. Even though his physical condition would constantly reset, rendering the training meaningless, his memories remained. This meant that the techniques he learned were always in his mind, indicating a terrifying foundation and that he must possess many valuable items.
"And what about me?" Kasuyi, staring blankly from the side.
The Mysterious Person glanced at him, shook his head, and said, "You're not a mechanic, so I have nothing to teach you."
"Hey, isn't that inappropriate?"
Kasuyi felt a little wronged.
I was here first! Whether it was forming a team or leading the way, without me, Black Star, you wouldn't have had the chance to come to this Secondary Dimension. But now the benefits are falling on your shoulders. Why did it turn out like this...?
The Mysterious Person thought for a moment, then pondered and said:
"If you really want the technical data, there is a way. Once the cycle is broken, all the illusions here will disappear. No matter what tangible object I give you, it will all be annihilated. Only information can be passed on. According to the principle of Information State, only information transformed by external sources can be preserved. Since you can't learn the knowledge, you can use machines brought from the outside to store this technical data..."
Upon hearing this, Kasuyi's expression softened considerably, and he felt that this was more like it.
Even if he wasn't a mechanic, he understood the value of these technologies. Even if he couldn't use them himself, giving them to his subordinates could strengthen his power, and they were also an amazing bargaining chip. Even if he couldn't use them himself, he could still exchange them for many things from the Arcane Church.
Just then, Han Xiao's eyes darted around, and he suddenly spoke earnestly:
"Don't forget that your goal here is the opportunity for Divine Transformation. You shouldn't get bogged down in these trivialities. Leave this distraction to me. If I don't go to hell, who will?"
"You're being shameless again?" Kasuyi's expression changed. "Trying to take it all for yourself?"
Han Xiao glared at him. "When you asked me to team up with you, you said you owed me a favor. I haven't even asked you for payment yet. Consider this my sole payment. Besides, you're not a mechanic, what skills do you need? At most, I'll give you a share of the profits after we're done. Do you have a problem with that?"
"Of course we have objections! Let's keep things separate; these technologies are not within the scope of our agreement."
Kasuyi was naturally unwilling to give up this treasure easily.
Han Xiao stroked his chin, saying meaningfully, "Are you sure you really want to fight for this? Don't forget, you're in your original form now..."
Upon hearing this, Kasuyi's expression changed slightly.
"And... if the plan to break the cycle fails, how do you plan to leave here?" Han Xiao asked with a smile.
Kasuyi was speechless, and waved his hand helplessly, "Fine, I admit defeat, I don't want these techniques anymore."
Although he coveted these precious technologies, his life was the most important thing. He had arrived in his original form, and if he angered Black Star, his escape route would be cut off. After thinking it over, he realized that he had no choice but to compromise.
However, although Kasuyi had given up the fight for the technical data, he did not intend to give up. He looked at the Mysterious Person and snorted:
"My partner has a special device that allows him to teleport Infinite. This Secondary Dimension can't hold him; he can escape at any time. So I suggest you only teach him a portion of the technology, and send him the rest when we're about to complete the mission."
"Oh? Is that so?" The Mysterious Person turned to look at Han Xiao.
Han Xiao glanced at Kasuyi, not surprised at all, and nodded frankly, "That's right, I do have that ability, and I approve of this method of transaction."
He knew exactly what Kasuyi was thinking; he was worried that after obtaining the technical data, Ksue would simply run away, leaving him stranded in this Secondary Dimension.
Han Xiao didn't think there was anything wrong with what Kasuyi did; if it were him, he would probably have taken the same measures.
The two were only temporary teammates. Although they had some acquaintance, in this situation, that acquaintance was not enough to bring about unreserved trust. People of their caliber would not place their hopes on others.
At their level, unless they are close friends or relatives, no one will easily give in to their own interests.
Although Han Xiao was quite shocked to learn about the secrets of the universe, he would not immediately change his principles. After all, the Universe Iteration is too far away, and even if he knew about it, he could not help in the short term. In the end, he still had to live in the present.
No matter how lofty the banner may be, when it comes to specific issues, the methods of handling them must still be considered from a practical perspective. The value of these technologies is astonishing. Since he has the initiative, there is no reason for him to let Kasuyi easily get a share of the pie... Regardless of whether he will cooperate with advanced civilizations in the future, he must at least find a way to gain the initiative first.
Especially as a mechanic, Han Xiao understood the importance of keeping his skills from leaking out, so he didn't hesitate to confront Kasuyi head-on and threaten him... If the other party didn't compromise, even though they had gotten along quite well recently, he wouldn't mind turning on him on the spot.
As for Kasuyi's underhanded tactics, Han Xiao didn't care at all. He never intended to get something for nothing; it was a transaction. Since he had obtained the technology, he would fulfill the agreement and help break the cycle. He still had that much integrity, and this was also the insurance that Kasuyi needed.
Although sacrificing technical details might offend the other party, if you compromise one step and I compromise one step, the relationship can still continue.
They are all people of status and position, with only a very few being stubborn and inflexible. Negotiation of interests is the norm, and even if they have grudges, they don't want to really fall out.
The Mysterious Person, seemingly unsurprised and noncommittal, said:
"Alright then, I'll teach you some techniques first, and while we're at it, we can plan our operation. Also, the resources of the Eye of Insight are completely open to you; you can expand your mechanical forces and replenish your manpower here..."
He didn't know if Han Xiao's teleportation ability was real or fake. He himself was Information State phantom existing based on this Secondary Dimension. If Black Star could teleport him away, he would immediately perish as soon as he left, and be freed even faster.
But having lived this long, the Mysterious Person knew perfectly well that making this proposal was tantamount to abandoning Kasuyi, which would never agree to. Therefore, a private transaction was the only option. However, information about the Universe Iteration was of great importance, and whether Black Star wanted to eliminate another witness was still unknown.
He actually preferred that Black Star use the teleportation ability to fetch reinforcements from the outside world, as this would be most advantageous to him. However, this would not be agreed to. If Black Star were to teleport out to fetch reinforcements himself, Kasuyi would definitely strongly oppose it. On the other hand, Black Star himself would not agree to fetch reinforcements in the first place, otherwise why would he want to monopolize the technology?
With each party holding its own position, it's difficult to reach the best decision in such a situation, and the final result is often a compromise that everyone can accept.
The Mysterious Person understood their concerns, and he also knew that even if the two believed his cosmic secrets, their methods wouldn't change. Since he could foresee this development, he didn't intend to change his initial plan and didn't bother asking about the teleportation device.
"After all that, what's your name?" Kasuyi asked, turning his head.
You can call me Jess.
"By the way, how exactly are you able to retain your memories?"
"I don't know. I wasn't like this from the beginning. I only awakened thousands of times before that. My memories before that were just repeated resets, just like everyone else's."
Just then, a notification popped up on Han Xiao's screen.
[The first Relay Across Iterations is complete!]
[You have gained 1000e experience]
[Second Ring Opens!]
[Second Ring Mission Requirements: Destroy the dimensional consciousness, break the spacetime loop, bring liberation to Jess, and acquire his technology]
[Quest Rewards: 1500e EXP, 1 random reward, 1 character card, unlocks the next quest stage]
Han Xiao glanced at it and nodded secretly.
'The second quest has begun, and the rewards are even higher... but Jess's skills are the biggest reward. I guess I'll have to stay in this Secondary Dimension for a while longer...'
With a thought in mind, Han Xiao opened the forum and glanced at it. The fourth professional league was about to start in about half a month, and he figured he wouldn't have time to pay attention to it this time.
After reaching an agreement, Han Xiao didn't stand on ceremony and immediately asked Jess to teach him some Mechanic Class professional abilities that he didn't have, while also kicking out the snorting Kasuyi.
Soon, the sound of knowledge being shared filled the room.
[Jess (Lv367) has taught you [Mechanical Force - Nest], current progress: 0.0001%]
[Jess (Lv367) has taught you [Compression Ball Innovation - Body Technique], current progress: 0.0001%]
[Jess...]
Numerous notifications flooded the panel. Han Xiao glanced at them, pleased, and nodded secretly.
The Explored Universe, somewhere in the Ancient Star Desert.
"We finally succeeded!"
In the secret machine factory, Manison looked at the mass of virtual data in front of him and couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.
Since the end of the Intelligence Plague, he has spent most of his day in the workshop, constantly trying to replicate the Virtual Mutiny Virus.
After working on this for so long, we've finally made some progress today, creating a prototype virus!
Although some functions are still missing and the strength is far less than the original, Manison believes that this means his research is on the right track. As long as he continues to work hard to overcome technical difficulties, he will be able to restore the complete Virtual Mutiny Virus sooner or later.
"Black Star, you destroyed the unique core of the virus, thinking you could thwart my plan. But you didn't expect that I could restore this technology! Ha, you're still too green when it comes to technological development!"
A slight smile appeared at the corner of Manison's mouth, but it quickly disappeared.
He carefully stored away the prototype virus and encrypted the experimental data multiple times, deciding to use this technology as a hidden trump card and a killer weapon.
However, in a flash, he remembered the strange methods Black Star had used to take away two of the Convict not long ago, and his eyes narrowed again.
"Our current technology isn't enough. We must find a way to crack Black Star's bizarre virtual abilities, otherwise I'll be at a disadvantage..."
Manison opened his packed research schedule, reviewed it for a while, deleted a few less important items, and then added the new research objective of cracking Han Xiao's purification ability.
After finishing this task, Manison took out his communicator, glanced at the date, and sent an announcement in the Beyond Grade A Association's group chat about the time of the next regular meeting.
"Speaking of which, Black Star and Kasuyi have missed two regular meetings already, and we can't get in touch with them. We don't know what they've been up to..."
The Manison Passage.
Every time there was a meeting, that jerk Black Star would argue with him. But in the last two meetings, without Black Star's annoying voice, Manison felt relaxed and had a good appetite, regaining his calm demeanor.
Moreover, without Black Star taking the lead, his faction members all behaved themselves and no one jumped out to cause trouble. The last two regular meetings went very smoothly. It had been a long time since Manison, had felt so comfortable. I finally felt the joy of having power in my hands once again.
Although he didn't know what Black Star had been busy with lately, Manison hoped that Black Star would delay this matter for as long as possible, as long as he didn't come to the meeting.