The current Shattered World situation is tense, like a Volcano about to erupt.
Since the attack on Gaud, the Empire's search operation has attracted the attention of the entire interstellar society. Nearly a month has passed, and despite the Empire's massive efforts, there have been no results. Doubts are beginning to emerge from the outside world.
As rumors intensified, the Empire, which had garnered immense attention from countless interstellar citizens, finally released a new statement, presenting a complete chain of evidence directly targeting the Super Star Cluster Alliance. The statement was strongly worded and sparked heated debate.
This official announcement claims that after rigorous evidence collection, three supercluster civilizations have been found to be indisputably guilty of plotting the attack on Gaud. Therefore, the Empire, in a stern tone, demands that these three supercluster civilizations open their databases and unconditionally cooperate with the investigation, or face further action.
The Super Star Cluster Alliance initially intended to pin the blame on Manison, but their methods against Manison were repeatedly thwarted by a mysterious force, ultimately allowing the Empire to act faster. Faced with this blatant attempt to sow discord, the Super Star Cluster Alliance vehemently denied the allegations and refused to cooperate with the investigation. They also issued a statement defending themselves, claiming that the Crimson Dynasty was merely using the issue as a pretext. Since they had already broken off all pretense, they went ahead and detailed the unjust suppression of the Supercluster by the Three Universal Civilizations over the years, attempting to seize the moral high ground.
The Glory and the Arcane also joined in the fun, lending their support to the Empire.
The fierce battle between the two sides has sparked a frenzy in interstellar society. Most people believe in the Three Universal Civilizations, while a few see through the Empire's tactics. However, even if they know there's something fishy going on, they can't influence the overall situation.
No matter how much is said, in the end, force will prevail. After several days of fermentation, the Empire took further action, claiming that since the Super Star Cluster Alliance had already taken action against Beyond Grade A, the original agreement was null and void. The Empire announced that it would mobilize its own Beyond Grade A to participate in the Shattered World Battle, and Glory and Arcane followed suit with their statements.
The Beyond Grade A Association, which had already communicated with the Three Universal Civilizations, expressed its support, claiming that the Super Star Cluster Alliance had broken the rules first.
Soon, the direct descendants of the Three Universal Civilizations, all of whom were at the Beyond Grade A, set off one after another to the front lines.
With the addition of Beyond Grade A, the intensity of the war escalated rapidly. The Three Universal Civilizations swept through one stronghold after another, and the Super Star Cluster Alliance suffered defeats and lost territory at an even faster pace.
The outside world initially thought that the Super Star Cluster Alliance would also send its own forces to fight, but things did not develop that way. The Super Star Cluster Alliance only relied on its existing forces to resist the Beyond Grade A forces of the Three Universal Civilizations. Even though they were suffering repeated defeats, they did not bring out any hidden Beyond Grade A powerhouses.
The relevant questions circulated on the quantum network at the opportune moment, subtly arousing the curiosity of more interstellar citizens. Only after the issue attracted widespread attention did Mysterious Person release so-called "insider information" to explain the reason.
Intelligence indicates that members of the Super Star Cluster Alliance may be hiding within the Beyond Grade A Association, and that they committed the crime of attacking Gaud. The Empire originally intended to conduct a thorough investigation of all neutral Beyond Grade A members, but after Black Star learned of this, he risked offending the Empire by arguing with the Führer, determined to protect the interests of the members and claiming that other association members should not Implicated unless concrete evidence was found.
After several days and nights of negotiations, the Empire was finally persuaded by Black Star to abandon the idea. Thanks to Black Star's efforts, the Beyond Grade A Association was spared from a forced search. Many speculated that the Super Star Cluster Alliance's pawn had thus been able to remain hidden, and therefore the Super Star Alliance preferred to suffer a beating rather than expose its pawn.
This news astonished countless forces. Faced with the Empire's furious search warrant, almost everyone obediently cooperated, but Black Star dared to refuse. Moreover, the Empire knew that the murderer might be hiding within the Association, yet it still agreed to Black Star's request. What kind of power is this?!
The many interstellar citizens were deeply shocked.
He truly deserves to be the first advisor to Three Universal Civilizations in history; even an enraged empire had to give him face!
Super Star Cluster Alliance, Remote Conference Room.
The leaders of numerous civilizations gathered together, but the atmosphere was gloomy and somber.
"We were right, the Three Universal Civilizations did indeed target us... It was all just like a pre-planned scheme!"
The leader of the Star Arc Civilization clenched his fists, filled with anger and unable to calm his emotions.
Originally, Manison alone wouldn't have been able to stop so many supercluster civilizations from shifting the blame, but they discovered that a mysterious force was sabotaging the scapegoating plan and constantly supporting Manison, causing their actions to be several steps slower.
The Mystical Power secretly aiding Manison could only be Three Universal Civilizations!
"The Three Universal Civilizations had planned to make us take the blame long ago, so after discovering our intentions, they secretly sabotaged us to prevent us from escaping punishment and to force us to accept their targeting!" one leader said resentfully.
The Supercluster guessed the plans of the Three Universal Civilizations and, fearing being blamed, framed Manison; Manison guessed the Supercluster's plans and retaliated to protect himself; the Three Universal Civilizations went a step further, guessing that the Supercluster had guessed their plans, so they helped Manison, with their ultimate goal still being the Supercluster—in their view, the relationships of interest were like a nested doll.
The crowd was filled with intense anger and a profound sense of powerlessness, feeling as if the Three Universal Civilizations had woven a vast net, leaving them nowhere to escape and no way to struggle.
"What do we do now? The Three Universal Civilizations have sent their elite forces, the intensity of the war has escalated, and our fleet reinforcements are limited. If we don't deploy our elite forces, we will undoubtedly be defeated." Someone said worriedly.
The group exchanged bewildered glances, all showing signs of confusion.
"Forget it, can't everyone see the situation clearly? Even if we bring out our core members, we have no chance to turn the tide; we'll only expose our weaknesses for nothing."
One person sighed, expressing what everyone was thinking.
"Rather than that, it would be better to let our core members continue to hide their identities and lie low... The situation is different now. Black Star is protecting the Beyond Grade A Association, and as long as our people don't get exposed, they won't be Implicated."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Without the Beyond Grade A Association, the Three Universal Civilizations would have thoroughly investigated the vast majority of neutral Beyond Grade A, and no one would have dared to interfere. The result would most likely have been another Tragedy of the Pinnacle "better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free," wiping out the hidden personnel of the Super Star Cluster Alliance.
Now that the Beyond Grade A Association has been established, the Three Universal Civilizations can no longer act arbitrarily. Because of the existence of Black Star, the Empire cannot take arbitrary actions against neutral Beyond Grade A. In this way, their Super Star Cluster's agents are also protected.
"Black Star..."
Many cultural leaders wore complex expressions.
They didn't like this guy, but Black Star's actions indirectly protected their people, that's an undeniable fact.
The leader of the Star Arc Civilization sighed inwardly, utterly exhausted, and said helplessly:
"The tide has turned. Don't make any irrational moves. The Three Universal Civilizations are forcing us to reveal our core members. Once we fall into their trap, they'll have a reason to investigate thoroughly... Don't waste the safety that Black Star indirectly secured for us. Let them continue to lie low within the association."
The headquarters of the Beyond Grade A Association, on Planet Fein.
"We were all thanks to Black Star this time, otherwise we would have all been Implicated."
The atmosphere in the large round table conference room was cheerful and festive, with many ordinary Beyond Grade A members wearing relieved and relaxed smiles.
Since the incident, many neutral Beyond Grade A have been worried that they would be Implicated. Now that things have finally settled down, they would not have known that Black Star had argued with the Empire and successfully protected their interests if the intelligence had not been leaked.
This truly moved many Beyond Grade A. A good leader is one who works for the benefit of his subordinates. Although they were not in a superior-subordinate relationship, it was precisely because of this that they respected Han Xiao even more and felt a greater sense of belonging to the association.
Faced with the crowd's enthusiasm, Han Xiao waved his hand, sporting his signature Sorokin smile.
"I'm the vice president, after all. I just did what I was supposed to do. You don't need to be so polite with me."
"No, I must thank you properly!" Lu Qi stood up abruptly, bowed respectfully to Han Xiao, and said gratefully, "If it weren't for you, I don't know when I would regain my freedom. Don't be so modest."
Because he was discovered tracking Gaud, the Empire arrested him. Lu Qi felt guilty and lived in fear for many days before being released not long ago.
Having gone through this experience, Lu Qi knew better than anyone that without Black Star's machinations and the Association's protection, he would most likely have died at the hands of the Empire and would never have regained his freedom. So, although he was a spy for the Supercluster, his gratitude at this moment was not feigned; he was still filled with lingering fear.
Lu Qi's words resonated with everyone. Everyone has their own judgment, and a simple comparison of the roles of the president and vice president reveals that the benefits Black Star brings to the association far outweigh those of the Mechanic Emperor.
Putting aside the slogans, everyone joins the association for self-preservation and personal gain; whoever can bring the most benefits is the one they are willing to have as their representative.
In this incident, not only did President Manison play no role, but he also dragged the association into suspicion. The contrast was too obvious, and everyone's gaze towards him became increasingly subtle.
"Alright, alright, everyone, don't get too excited. It's good that you weren't Implicated. At least Manison has been cleared of suspicion. Let's not target him today; we'll talk about it tomorrow."
Han Xiao coughed and couldn't help but interject.
Although it was an attempt to boost reputation, he figured he'd gone too far. The members were getting too excited, and he worried that if it continued, they might end up posing as emperors.
Upon hearing this, the crowd and the book publisher immediately wore expressions of utter disbelief.
Black Star actually spoke up for Manison?!
Our youth has come to an end!
Everyone held their heads in disbelief, while Manison glanced at Han Xiao with a complicated expression, though less hostile.
Others might not know, but how could he not? After the Super Star Cluster took the blame, he guessed that the Mystical Power secretly helping him most likely came from Black Star.
'He probably did this for the greater good.'
Manison sighed.
He helped Black Star during the Battle of Hila, and now Black Star is helping him in return.
The two had been rivals for many years, and at this moment, Manison couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions.
Han Xiao also noticed Manison's gaze, turned his head and glanced at him, "What are you looking at?"
"... nothing."
Manison withdrew his gaze, closed his eyes to rest, and concealed his emotions.
Han Xiao ignored him and looked over to Sorokin on the other side.
Sorokin wasn't sporting his signature fake smile today; instead, he looked preoccupied and frequently spaced out.
'Judging by his sinister appearance, the Empire has probably taken some covert action.'
Han Xiao chuckled inwardly.
The Super Star Cluster taking the blame was just a temporary measure; his mission wasn't marked as complete, but he didn't really care.
With the matter settled, the controversy surrounding the quiet takedown of Gaud Maps has finally come to an end. Overall, he is quite satisfied with the current situation; the hidden dangers have been eliminated, and he has not been Implicated, which is a very good result.
After everyone had discussed for a while, Han Xiao suddenly became serious and said loudly:
"Everyone, we can't be too happy yet. The situation is clear now. The Three Universal Civilizations will surely win. The Super Star Cluster Alliance won't last long. Once defeated, they will have to lie low for at least several decades or even centuries. Once the Three Universal Civilizations are free to act, our next target will be us!"
Don't forget, the Three Universal Civilizations originally had this plan, but it was delayed by the Shattered World Battle. Our smooth development these past years is because the real difficulties haven't arrived yet. Everyone should be mentally prepared... The suppression from the Three Universal Civilizations is not far off."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned serious, and they all nodded.
The entry of the Three Universal Civilizations into the war was like the last straw that broke the camel's back, and the battle situation quickly turned from a tense stalemate into a one-sided and devastating defeat.
Most people originally predicted that the war would last another two or three years, but due to the impact of the Gaud Incident, this process was greatly shortened.
In just eleven months, the Three Universal Civilizations wiped out the Super Star Cluster Alliance's army in the fourth phase of the Shattered World and reclaimed all the occupied territories.
The Shattered World Battle ended in a crushing defeat for the Super Star Cluster Alliance. Despite investing countless resources, they suffered heavy losses and ultimately could not defy fate, leaving them only to silently lick their wounds.
The Crimson Dynasty redistributed the territory in the fourth phase of the region. Those who participated in the war were allowed to keep the territory they had captured. The remaining territory was either developed by themselves or rented, sold, or given as a reward to other meritorious forces. This time, however, all Beyond Grade A allies did not receive any territory rewards.
Han Xiao successfully purchased Planet Milton, the site of the player nation war, and had his legion move in. He made some minor repairs but did not carry out large-scale modifications, thus preserving the terrain left by the players' battles.
With the war over, the Shattered World temporarily returned to peace. The Three Universal Civilizations began to deal with the aftermath of the war, restore order and security in various regions, and allow them to recuperate.
However, the impact of the Gaud Incident did not disappear with the defeat of the Super Star Cluster Alliance; it simply settled down and fermented in places unseen by everyone.
As time passed and stars shifted, more than half a year went by across the entire starry sky.
On this day, the Crimson Dynasty finally ushered in a major event that it had been preparing for for a long time.
Urranrell has stepped down; a new head of state has been appointed!