Han Xiao's eyes lit up when he saw the last option.
"Oh my, the shipment has been completed!"
Of this round of random selections, only the last one is valuable, which is one of Gaud's template specialties. The first four are not very good and were all used as bait.
These specializations all provide basic bonuses with very significant increases. In his opinion, the three most useful bonuses for him are 90% base energy resistance, 30% base energy attack, and 20% maximum stamina.
His Undying Body is mainly characterized by an astonishing regeneration rate, and his resistance is not exaggerated. However, this feat has increased his resistance to energy attacks by nearly double!
As their strength increased, the combined firepower of the mechanical legion grew stronger, and the threat posed by the "Heaven and Earth Share the Same Lifespan" technique also increased. The last time they used this move against the Federation of All Stars, they almost killed themselves.
If one obtains this ability, one can experience the same battle again without mortal danger, and thus go further and further down the path of becoming a mech tank.
--If it weren't for this ability, Gaud would have been tortured to the point of unconsciousness long ago.
Strengthening the basic energy attack power only increases the output of the main body for Gaud, but it is very powerful in the hands of the Mechanic. It can enhance the power of all energy-type weapons. The most direct manifestation is that the power of the Legion's long-range artillery will rise again. A 30% base increase is already very high.
So far, Han Xiao has extracted so many abilities and discovered a characteristic: when other professions' template specializations are placed on a Mechanic, their effects are greatly amplified. This is the advantage of having a large number of players in a Legion build.
The final stamina cap will be increased by 20%. No need to even think about it, just build it!
My current maximum energy is over 290,000. With the Tu Shu, I can instantly gain nearly 50,000 energy, which is more than enough to get a new energy bonus, and even two bonuses are not impossible!
In the later stages, strength bonuses and racial advancements become one of the main sources of attribute points, often amounting to several thousand points, which is incomparable to simply leveling up.
At his current level of strength, the attribute bonuses from each level up are astonishing. Now, with each level up, his total attributes can increase by six or seven thousand, distributed across different aspects based on his class and race.
The mechanism of the Qi boost is that the attribute bonus drops layer by layer as the mana is consumed. Superhumans with Infinite mana or the ability to exchange health for mana have a huge advantage and can maintain their Qi boost at the peak level. Han Xiao, Kasuyi, and Oulu are all of this type of Beyond Grade A.
[You have gained a new perk: [Perfect Energy Affinity Physique]!]
There was nothing to hesitate about, so Han Xiao naturally chose the last option without any hesitation.
The next moment, a sharp pain erupted within him, but fortunately, his nerves were strong enough to regain control of his body instantly.
This specialty involves changes in physical constitution; all the cells in the body undergo transformation. After quite some time, the pain gradually subsided, and the perception of the outside world changed, giving a feeling of complete rejuvenation.
Han Xiao experienced it for a moment and found that he could directly sense the omnipresent free energy of the universe without using any abilities. It was as if his long-term nearsightedness had been cured, allowing him to observe the outside world more clearly and with a clearer understanding of its Vein.
Moreover, his body was automatically drawing in free energy, which unconsciously gathered around him, rubbing against his body from all angles, like a pet wanting to get close to its owner.
"In the hands of an ordinary person, this physique would be considered a natural prodigy. Training would be twice as effective, and the growth rate would be extremely fast. Gaud's ability to quickly step into the Beyond Grade A should be attributed to this specialty."
Han Xiao Quan energy. He glanced at his attribute panel. This wave of enhancement had already pushed his energy level past the 100,000 mark. He truly lived up to his template specialty.
However, there are no additional prompts on the panel, so it's unclear whether the 100,000 energy level is a significant hurdle.
He didn't care much about it. Based on experience, the benefits of breaking through energy level barriers usually only become apparent when advancing to a higher level. The phased progress at energy level 52,000 and energy level 78,000 followed this mechanism. Therefore, a low level and high energy level meant amazing potential.
As for the effects of the character cards, Han Xiao hasn't tested them yet, but based on the basic mechanics of character cards, the [Energy Analysis] effect is definitely not permanent. He has two guesses about this.
One is to master the chosen energy during the duration of the character card; once the time is up, the ability disappears. The other is similar to Jess's [Mechanic Class Insight] character card; although the ability is gone after the character card's time expires, the knowledge results from the analysis are still remembered, which helps in subsequent independent research on this type of energy.
However, since he doesn't possess the [Energy Manipulation] gene chain, he can't convert energy on his own like Gaud. He can only simulate it using mechanical means, which is much more difficult. The gene chain is like a foolproof production machine. Users don't need to understand the principles to produce products directly. But others can't replicate this kind of production machine. They can only use other methods to analyze the products and find another type of production method.
It's like having superpowered individuals only needing to understand that one plus one equals two, while others have to prove why one plus one equals two—the difficulty levels are worlds apart.
If the special energy generated by superpowers were so easy to analyze, advanced civilizations would have mass-produced it long ago, and [Energy Manipulation] wouldn't be considered an abnormal ability by the Empire.
"At least you get four chances to use it, so there's some cost of trial and error."
Han Xiao nodded; he did have a strong research spirit.
--Although I can fight big musclemen hand-to-hand, I know I'm a good scientist.
After browsing the attribute changes for a while, Han Xiao closed the panel and then entered the Quantum Vision.
During this time, he didn't plan to go anywhere; he just wanted to stay home, monitor the interstellar network, and wait for the storm to come.
"Gaud and the escort fleet have all lost contact?!"
Inside the Crimson Dynasty's leader's office, Urranrell, who had just received an urgent report, suddenly stood up, his expression changing drastically.
Before her was a remote projection of Marshal Tarrokov of the Exploration Force, his expression extremely serious as he said in a deep voice, "Yes, just a short while ago, the remote link between Gaud's escort fleet and the Lighthouse Star's intelligent hub was suddenly lost. We tried to repair the network, but all attempts failed. Now we can't contact Gaud or anyone in the fleet!"
The intelligence of the Imperial fleet in the Shattered World is monitored by the Lighthouse Star Command. Once communication is lost, Lighthouse Star can find out which unit has gone missing and where, thus forming a rapid response military system covering most of the Shattered World.
"Where did they lose contact?" Urranrell frowned.
"Just on the edge of the Emerald Star Cluster in Shattered World, near the stargate entrance to the third phase of exploration, we've delineated the approximate area of the lost contact zone using the nearest space buoy as the endpoint. I've already dispatched nearby troops to conduct an on-site inspection."
Upon hearing this, Urranrell could only wait patiently and asked seriously, "What do you think is the reason for the loss of contact?"
"There aren't enough clues to draw a conclusion at the moment." Tarrokov hesitated for a moment before saying, "But my personal guess is that the fleet was most likely attacked, and someone wanted to intercept and kill Gaud."
Urranrell sat down again, placing his hands on the tip of his nose, his eyes shifting between light and shadow.
Not long after, Tarrokov received a report from his subordinates. His expression changed slightly, and he said, "Your Excellency, the frontline troops have reported that they have not found any trace of the fleet, nor any unusual signs in the area. The nearby Luffy also reported no abnormalities. It's as if Gaud's fleet vanished into thin air..."
Upon hearing this, Urranrell did not hesitate any longer and immediately contacted the Secretary-General, his tone resolute:
"Issue an emergency mobilization order, instructing all senior executives to immediately drop everything and attend this meeting!"
A dozen minutes later, remote projections from the Empire's high command appeared one after another in the conference room. The heads of various departments gathered together, whispering among themselves, wondering what had happened that warranted Urranrell's grand summons.
Soon, Urranrell entered the room, his face cold and stern. He scanned the numerous high-ranking officials present and went straight to the point:
"Emergency situation! The Imperial's direct descendant, Beyond Grade A Gaud, has been suspected of being attacked and has been confirmed missing!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell silent.
Every senior executive wore a look of astonishment and surprise, never expecting to hear such a sudden piece of news.
At this point, Tarrokov arrived and gave a brief report on the incident in the most concise language.
Upon learning of the current situation, many of the high-ranking officials present were furious!
"How dare they attack the Empire's direct descendants! This is a trampling of the Empire's dignity!"
Investigate! Investigate thoroughly!
"The Empire will not tolerate provocation! Whoever did it must pay the price!"
Everyone was completely unanimously furious.
They are one of the ruling civilizations, yet someone dared to attack their core members, stifle their talent, and completely disregard the empire...
This kind of arrogant and ignorant behavior can be summed up in one word in the eyes of the public.
--court death!!
A high- Intelligence Department official spoke in a deep voice, "The fleet's disappearance can be considered a success for the enemy. Our first priority is to confirm Gaud's fate. If Gaud is still alive, our primary focus should be on rescuing him."
"That's right. Gaud is an important direct subordinate of Beyond Grade A. We must do everything we can to save his life, no matter how small the chance!" Another high-ranking military official agreed.
"Gaud is at least Beyond Grade A. The enemy must have deployed a large force to take him down in such a short time. There are clues to this. I suggest we check the nearby space buoys immediately; there should be reports of large-scale fleet sightings!"
"Don't get your hopes up too high. Since the enemy can easily sever the fleet's long-range connections, they must have the ability to tamper with the monitoring records of the space buoys. Since they dare to attack the Empire, they must have made thorough preparations and won't leave any obvious loopholes."
"The enemy was able to make our fleet disappear without a trace; there's a high probability that Beyond Grade A mechanic was involved!"
"That's right. The enemy may have left clues in the quantum network field. I suggest we have the Quantum Magic Spirit Judith search for them. If all else fails, we can ask Black Star for assistance. Black Star is a top-tier virtual mechanic; there aren't many people in the universe who can escape his notice!"
After brainstorming and discussing the matter intensely for a while, the topic turned back to the suspect.
An officer said thoughtfully, "Some time ago, an unknown force spread information about Gaud's true abilities online. This might be the trigger. Someone is trying to stifle our talent, or they covet this extremely dangerous ability."
"There aren't many forces with the capability and motive to do such a thing. The Glory and the Arcane have always been our competitors, and they don't want us to acquire someone like Gaud, so they might take action... Especially the Federation of Light, they have High-Dimensional Apocalypse Teleporter, which could intercept and kill Gaud without anyone noticing!"
"No, this is the Great Development Period of the Shattered World, and we're still at war. The Glory and the Arcane won't risk such a small matter by breaking our temporary cooperation agreement. The Supercluster is the most suspicious. They probably feel the war is beyond saving, so they want to eliminate a future threat before they're defeated!"
"I've heard that Black Star has been criticizing Manison's Convict technology, and the Mechanic Emperor is also a suspect! Don't forget that Ninja of the Arcane Church was suspected of being intercepted and killed by Manison, causing the Arcane's Scepter of All Gods to fall into the hands of the Glory... This guy has a criminal record!"
Almost everyone present held one of these three guesses: these three factions possessed both the capability and the motive, and apart from them, no other force would dare to provoke the empire's core faction by attacking it.
Seeing the crowd's fervent emotions, Bekorodi's expression changed slightly, as if he had suddenly thought of something.
No... there's one more person who had a motive.
I had instructed Gaud to analyze the Evolution Energy. If Black Star had discovered Gaud's actions, Black Star would have had a reason to take action and would also be a suspect!
But... he can't say it right now!
The plan to analyze the Evolution Cube had long been halted by Urranrell. However, after receiving a hint from the next leader, Bekorodi secretly approached Gaud to revive the plan, without Urranrell's knowledge. Such matters cannot be discussed openly!
Regardless of whether Black Star was responsible or not, once his actions are exposed, he will not only face consequences but also implicate the next leader.
If Black Star really did it, he bears some responsibility, but his responsibility is greater. He disobeyed orders, putting the Empire in the wrong first, and ended up losing more than he gained.
Various calculations flashed through his mind. Bekorodi opened his mouth, but in the end, he chose to remain silent and keep the matter to himself.
Even if Black Star really did it, he wouldn't say anything now.
Bekorodi understood perfectly. He was implying that the next head of state was behind the plan, and both sides tacitly agreed that once Urranrell stepped down, the new head of state would solve the case, thereby increasing his influence and prestige and winning the favor of the empire's loyalists.
However, although Bekorodi had such plans, what actually made him choose to remain silent was that he didn't believe Black Star was the True Culprit.
Given Black Star's status, even if he discovered Gaud's tampering, there's no reason for him to make a big deal out of it. While he might have a motive, it's too weak.
Moreover, in Bekorodi's view, the titles of Pillar of the Nation and Advisor to the Three Universal Civilizations are enough to tie Black Star's hands and feet. Once Black Star has tasted the benefits, he will worry about losing this halo, so he will not act recklessly.
While Bekorodi was lost in thought, the group quickly came up with a plan.
Seeing this, Urranrell's gaze sharpened like a knife, and he made a decisive decision.
"Immediately draft a proclamation in the name of the Empire, announcing the news of Gaud's disappearance and informing the entire universe that the Empire will spare no effort to track down the killer!!"
Splash--
All the high-ranking officials present stood up in unison and nodded solemnly.
"Clear!"
Shattered World, Emerald Star Cluster, Border Stargate Transfer Station.
A figure dressed in the uniform of the Infinite Financial Group stood in the observation deck area, looking out at the starry sky through the porthole. Not far away was the transit stargate, from which streaks of light composed of the exhaust flames of spaceships extended from the blue spatial vortex, all of which were spaceships queuing to enter and exit.
"Judging by the time, the fleet escorting Gaud should arrive in at most one day..."
The Infinite Financial Group employee muttered to himself.
At this moment, the body is not controlled by the original owner, but by Sorokin's possessing consciousness.
Based on the Imperial fleet's route, they should be leaving the Shattered World through the Black Star Army's territory. So Sorokin possessed this person a few days ago and waited at this stargate station early on, wanting to observe the size of Gaud's fleet up close. Only by knowing oneself and one's enemy can one formulate a meticulous plan.
However, although he was making preliminary preparations, he was still hesitant about whether to take action, after all, the matter was of great importance.
"If we're going to take action, it's best to do it on the Black Star Army territory, as that would be ideal for framing someone... Even if it fails, if something happens to Gaud on Black Star's territory, he'll also be held responsible."
Sorokin calculated.
"Beep beep beep..."
At that moment, the communicator suddenly vibrated.
Sorokin took it out and glanced at it casually, discovering it was an administrative notice issued by the Empire on the wide-area channel, forcing every communication terminal to automatically pop up a reminder.
According to the "Quantum Network General Communications Law," only civilizations that control a region are qualified to do this; other forces do not have this authority, and in particular, private corporations are not allowed to use this function to promote their businesses.
"Tsk, if only we could use that for advertising..."
Sorokin muttered to himself and opened the message.
He only glanced at it, and his expression froze on his face; he stood there, stunned.
"Gaud has been attacked and is missing?!"
Sorokin was dumbfounded, his mind filled with questions.
No, I haven't even started yet!
Who was this incredibly brave and righteous person who did my job?!
Wow, that's amazing!
I'm so grateful to his whole family!
The sudden turn of events nearly threw out Sorokin's back; he was completely stunned.
Not only him, but the Crimson Dynasty's furious announcement caused a huge uproar, shocking the entire interstellar society!
The incident happened so suddenly that no one was prepared, and Sorokin was far from the only one who was stunned!