After a long interstellar voyage, the Imperial expedition team finally arrived at the Black Star Palace and was received by Han Xiao in the reception room.
"Greetings, Lord Black Star. We are the envoys on this inspection tour of the Kunde Race."
A group of imperial cadres entered the room in unison, and the head of the inspection team, speaking respectfully, extended his hand.
Han Xiao shook hands with him and invited everyone to sit down. The man briefly introduced himself, then took out some documents and got straight to the point.
"Currently, the Kunde Race inhabits 113 planets with a population of over one trillion. This time, the Imperial Colonial Review Department has granted us a quota of 25 planets for lifting the ban. This is the upper limit, not a fixed number. If we fail the assessment, we can choose not to lift the ban."
"I understand that we can lift the restrictions on more than a quarter of the population." Han Xiao nodded.
Each planet of the Kunde Race is isolated and cannot communicate with each other, so the cultural transformation process varies from planet to planet. The task of the expedition team is to select planets that are more receptive to transformation.
Although the Empire has other objectives and the inspection team is likely just going through the motions, there still need to be some hard standards. If the results of the transformation are not optimistic, then the ban will not be lifted, and the Empire does not want to release too many unsettling factors.
After exchanging a few words, Han Xiao summoned the patrol team from the legion and asked both sides to discuss the details on their own before leaving the room.
Given his rank, simply expressing his stance is sufficient; he naturally doesn't need to be responsible for the specific tasks.
Han Xiao returned to his office and soon received a message from Phillip, saying that the Imperial inspection team and the Legion patrol team had reached a consensus and had already left the Black Star Palace by spaceship to begin their work.
"Check the current status of the various planets of the Kunde Race," Han Xiao instructed Phillip to retrieve the relevant intelligence.
He didn't have time to keep a close eye on the progress of the Kunde Race's transformation. Now that the inspection team had arrived, he planned to take a closer look at the current state of each Kunde Race planet and see how effective his advance notice had been, so he could have a clear understanding of the situation.
On the virtual screen floating in front of him, data on the Kunde Race planets flashed by rapidly, and Phillip's voice rang out at the opportune moment:
"Master, according to statistics, after the press release announcing the arrival of the expedition team, the landscape of the Kunde Race planets has changed significantly. The prevalence of anti-imperial sentiment has decreased by an average of 46%, and the average percentage of enemies has dropped from 32% to 7%. However, the level of social order on some planets has declined, with frequent murders and some enemies dying from internal strife..."
"Infighting... It seems the notification of the inspection team's arrival gave them hope. More than twenty years of isolation have made them realize that lifting the ban is the only way out for their people. Some cherish this opportunity, so they have begun to purge the die-hards. Is that right?"
"Yes, buzz~"
"Quite rational, it's a pack of wolves trying to wipe them out... but this kind of behavior might backfire."
Han Xiao scratched his chin.
Sacrificing a small number of people to purge the internal diehards and demonstrate obedience—at first glance, this behavior seems noble, done for the greater good of the race.
But the Empire viewed the issue differently—an excessive desire to lift the ban implied a strong sense of purpose, leading to infighting and the establishment of new, hostile relationships. By normal censorship standards, this was a sign that cultural transformation had not yet penetrated deeply enough, requiring continued censorship until the target group's character was worn down.
However, since the Empire had conducted its investigation years in advance, it naturally understood that such a situation would occur. Han Xiao estimated that the standards would be set very low, and this behavior might have a positive effect.
Over the next few months, the Imperial expedition team Earth Movement one Kunde Race planet after another, and their assessment records became more and more abundant each day.
Interrogation Room, Sigea City Prison, Kunde Race's 77th Inhabited Planet.
A double-sided mirrored wall divides the room into two spaces: an interrogation room for the prisoners and a monitoring room on the other.
At this moment, the Imperial expedition team stood in the monitoring room. The team leader held a file, glancing occasionally at a Kunde Race in the interrogation room who was completely shackled, and slowly read the contents of the file.
"Barton, age 22, Mechanic Class superhuman, graduated from the West Gaia City First Super Academy. He is exceptionally talented and has excellent grades. He was promoted to Grade C during last year's test. Reason for imprisonment... He instigated others to commit murder. A total of 126 people died indirectly on his orders, and he personally killed seven people, including his relatives."
The deceased were all individuals identified as haters in the census records. He claimed his actions were to eliminate stubborn elements... When law enforcement arrived, he stopped his accomplices from resisting, surrendered, and took full responsibility for all the crimes.
"That's ruthless." The leader of the Black Star Army's patrol team clicked his tongue.
After reading the report, the head of the Imperial expedition team cleared his throat before opening the communication system and speaking to Barton:
"Barton, you instigated murder and committed heinous acts in order to pass the Empire's inspection?"
Barton closed his eyes and remained silent.
Seeing this, the head of the Imperial investigation team continued, "Let's just assume that's what you think. You can't possibly be unaware that once you commit a crime, the law enforcement officers who monitor everything will inevitably come knocking. In order to eliminate the so-called stubborn elements, you're willing to go to jail and take the blame for some of your accomplices, risking your life for it. Is it worth it?"
Barton calmly shook his head and said in a low voice:
"What's the difference between here and outside? On this planet, no one's life has any value. If it can bring even a sliver of hope, then of course it's worth it."
"You think you're so great?" The head of the inspection team said expressionlessly. "I am an imperial inspector. To tell you the truth, I dislike your extreme behavior. Your ulterior motives are too obvious. Do you think you can impress the empire by doing this? Young man, aren't you underestimating us?"
Barton's skin tone changed slightly, but quickly returned to its calm state. He said in a low voice, "In my life, I may only have this one chance to be tested. I just did what I thought was right at the right time. Regardless of the outcome, I have reduced the source of hatred, and there will be fewer future enemies. Even if it doesn't work now, the chances of passing the test later will be increased. At least my efforts have been meaningful."
The head of the imperial expedition team remained unmoved. He had seen countless examples of defeated races undergoing cultural transformation; it was commonplace, and his emotions remained unaffected.
He thought for a moment, then changed the subject, asking, "If the planet were unsealed, what do you think should be done to quickly revive the race through Tu Shu?"
"Join the Black Star Army."
Barton's answer this time was without hesitation.
The head of the imperial expedition team narrowed his eyes. "Why?"
Even if the ban is lifted, the Kunde Race will still live in the Black Star Army's territory. In the short term, the Kunde Race will still need the Black Star Army's protection. Our civilization is still too weak.
"If someone can become a cadre in the Black Star Army, the Kunde Race will receive corresponding assistance, allowing superhumans to serve the Black Star and giving back to the group through individual contributions. This is currently the best way out."
"Barton said in a deep voice."
Upon hearing this, the leader of the Imperial inspection team couldn't help but glance at the Black Star Army patrol group and snorted:
"It seems your publicity efforts have been very effective."
"Thank you for the compliment. It's all thanks to the Legion Commander's excellent leadership and strong personal charisma." The Legion Inspection Team Leader chuckled.
The head of the imperial inspection team withdrew his gaze, lowered his head and thought for a while before writing a note on the review form and putting a few checkmarks on it.
Han Xiao only received the final assessment results after the expedition team had visited all the Kunde Race planets.
"A total of seventeen planets have met the criteria for lifting the ban; the review standards were lower than I expected."
Han Xiao pursed his lips, glanced at the list of those released from restrictions, and found that the resident planet No. 77 was among them.
After thinking for a moment, he summoned Phillip and gave him instructions:
"Hmm, no problem. Let's proceed according to this list. Have the garrison troops on these seventeen planets guide the residents to familiarize themselves with interstellar society and issue recruitment notices. Although the Kunde Race has been unbanned, they have nowhere to go, and a large number of them will choose to join my ranks..."
Furthermore, the process of lifting the restrictions on the seventeen planets should be broadcast live to other planets to encourage them to accept the reformation and regain their freedom as soon as possible.
Han Xiao issued the order, then reviewed the details of the investigation process and discovered the transcript of the conversation between the head of the Imperial Expedition Team and Barton.
"Oh, this kid's interesting."
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, pulled up Barton's file and looked at it, then said:
"Phillip, notify the prison authorities on Planet 77 to release this kid and let him join the Legion."
Given Han Xiao's current status and level, he can no longer be easily swayed by a few words. On one hand, he felt that Barton was ambitious and not a lazy bum, and on the other hand, he felt that Barton was worth cultivating. After all, the Kunde Race did not have a superpower system before, and Barton was one of the first to come into contact with it. He became Grade C superpowered person at a young age, so he should have good potential.
However, Han Xiao had no intention of meeting him. He simply picked out a good-looking leek from the vegetable garden as a matter of habit, without any special cultivation. If Barton hadn't made a name for himself in the Black Star Army, Han Xiao wouldn't have remembered him.
A few days later, the assessment results were approved by the Empire, and the Black Star Army immediately took action to lift the blockade on the seventeen planets, liberating hundreds of billions of Kunde Race.
On the day the lockdown was lifted, countless people cheered wildly. After more than 20 years of hardship, they finally saw the light of day again. Whether old or young, everyone was moved to tears.
While many still harbored prejudices against the Empire, the vast majority felt deep gratitude towards the Black Star Army. They were thankful not only for the Black Star Army's advance notice but also for Black Star's devastating Revenge to the Modo, avenging the Kunde Race, and for the decades of protection he had provided.
Within the Kunde Race, the Legion's prestige was unparalleled, and their relationship had firmly reached the level of reverence.
At the same time, on Planet 77, in Sigea City Prison.
Barton walked out of the prison gates, the blinding sunlight made it almost impossible for him to open his eyes. The streets were filled with revelers, and noisy cheers came from all directions, some near and some far, frequently erupting.
The city, which he remembered as lifeless, seemed to come alive all at once. Barton stood there, stunned, feeling as if he had never been in another world.
"You're out of prison now, go on."
The warden spoke from behind; he had received instructions from Black Star, so he dared not neglect the task and personally escorted Barton out of prison.
"My case is pretty serious, why did you let me go?" Barton turned around, both shocked and confused.
Do you think I wanted this...?
The warden muttered to himself, but forced a stiff smile. "No need to thank me. The legion commander personally requested your release. He must have taken a liking to your abilities. Work hard and don't let the legion commander down."
Barton was jolted, his face showing disbelief.
The news reports about Black Star's power every day. It would be a lie to say that he didn't admire someone of that level of strength. It's just that Barton had always kept his admiration to himself.
He had originally intended to sacrifice himself, but unexpectedly he was released, and it was even at the behest of the legendary Black Star. Doesn't this mean Black Star knew about him?
In an instant, Barton felt a surge of scalding heat sweep through his body, making him dizzy, as if he were drunk and his carapace rapidly turned an excited crimson, as if it had been cooked.
"Since Black Star... no, since the Legion Commander thinks so highly of me, I will certainly live up to his expectations!"
At that moment, Barton made his decision.
He must grow into a high-ranking officer in the legion and prove that Black Star was right about him!
He hopes that one day he can stand before Black Star and express his heartfelt gratitude in person.
"Lord Black Star, our assessment is complete, and we will take our leave now."
In the legion commander's office at the Black Star Palace, the Imperial inspection team respectfully saluted Han Xiao to bid him farewell and express their intention to leave.
Han Xiao smiled and nodded. "Thank you all for your hard work. Please give my regards to your superiors when you get back."
Everyone responded and then filed out, leaving Han Xiao alone in the room soon.
Han Xiao opened the panel and glanced at the task list. The first requirement of [Kunde Leader's Wishes], "Provide shelter during the Kunde Race cultural transformation," had finally turned into a golden completed status.
"Only the first batch of planets have been unsealed; many more people are still undergoing cultural transformation. However, once the first Kunde Race enter interstellar society, they will naturally take care of their compatriots still under lockdown. I won't be the only one protecting them."
Han Xiao smiled slightly. This was already considered fulfilling his promise; he had done everything he could.
"After sheltering you for so long, it's finally time for me to collect some interest."
Han Xiao exhaled and selected to settle the task in the panel.
A barrage of notifications suddenly appeared like a waterfall!
[Grade S quest [The Kunde Leader's Last Wish] has been completed!]
[You have completed task requirement I]
[You gain 60e experience, 10,000 Kunde Race favorability points, 2 random rewards, and 4 Political Asset (Kunde Race)]
[The Kunde Race has entered the [Awakening Era], with a Super Awakening Rate of +10%]
[You have completed task requirement II]
[You have gained 120e experience, 15000 Kunde Race favorability, and 1 Specified Blank Character Card.]
[You have gained a new specialization, [Oath of Vengeance]!]
[You have acquired a new specialization [Proof of Leadership]!]
[You have gained a new skill, [Kunde's Wrath]!]