One day later, in the territory of the Black Star Army, on the Mechanical Life Civilization, on Planet Apostle.
Han Xiao and Aurora entered the interstellar research institute, stopped in front of SWY-001, and looked up at the huge machine.
Are you sure you want to wake this big guy up today?
Aurora turned to look at Han Xiao.
"Mm." Han Xiao nodded.
Aurora curiously, "Why did you suddenly change your mind?"
"I've finished my research; there's nothing else of value on it. It's time to wake it up and see if we can communicate."
Han Xiao made up an excuse on the spot.
"Alright, whatever makes you happy." Aurora rubbed her hands together, eager to try, and said, "Shall I start now?"
Han Xiao responded and snapped his fingers. Mechanical Force flowed out, and one after another mechanical soldiers emerged, raising their weapons and standing ready for battle. At the same time, the various devices that restrained SWY-001 also started operating at full power.
Seeing this, Aurora her palm upwards, releasing bursts of life energy that poured into SWY-001. In her perception, the nearly dormant life activity of SWY-001 began to rapidly increase.
Although Han Xiao did not have the ability to sense life, he could feel a powerful energy fluctuation gradually awakening. In his vision, SWY-001's cells began to generate Mechanical Force, and the numerous mechanical modules in his body that were almost paralyzed slowly began to operate.
The damaged machine regenerated at a visible speed, and the mechanical device Han Xiao used to restrain him showed signs of disintegration, as if it was about to be broken down into raw materials, becoming the material for SWY-001 to repair its own mechanical structure.
Karakara--
A series of dense mechanical sounds emanated from within SWY-001, the core reactor hummed and activated, and its vocal cords vibrated, emitting a heavy, eerie groan, like the groan of a beast waking up.
Aurora cautiously stepped back a short distance, while Han Xiao stepped forward, blocking her way and staring intently at the changes in various parameters of the SWY-001 mecha during its awakening process.
Suddenly, a violent Mechanical Force exploded on the machine, instantly flowing through its entire body. SWY-001's eyelids twitched, and it slowly opened its eyes. Its eyes were lifeless, as if it had been sleeping for too long and its consciousness was blurred, trying to recall its identity.
After remaining stiff for a while, it seemed to recalibrate its consciousness and begin to move its body. SWY-001 blankly scanned its surroundings, then lowered its head and looked at Han Xiao, who also exuded great power. It opened its mouth and emitted a deafening sound wave with many strange syllables, as if it were speaking.
"What is he saying?" Aurora didn't understand and poked Han Xiao in the lower back.
"This is the common language of his civilization; he's questioning who we are and where we are."
Han Xiao didn't turn his head and casually explained that he had obtained a lot of information from the memory files of SWY-00. com1, which naturally included various languages of the Kama Republic Alliance.
Han Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, SWY-001's consciousness hadn't dissipated; otherwise, all he would have gotten was a shell, and the wake-up service wouldn't have been able to continue. He might have had to go to the Sanctuary to retrieve her.
Just as he was about to speak to SWY-001, a sudden change occurred.
Bang!
With a powerful burst of Mechanical Force, the restraint device instantly disintegrated and was devoured by SWY-001. Then, it twisted its body, and the massive machine, like a giant beast, crashed through the wall of the research institute and retreated away. At the same time, the shattered parts quickly transformed into various weapon modules, which clung to the surface of the machine and fired at Han Xiao with a thunderous roar.
Beams of light shot towards him, but Han Xiao didn't move. The mechanical units around him automatically summoned shields to block the attacks.
"Oh no, he's running away."
"The stress response after just waking up is normal, and he can't run away."
Han Xiao said casually.
SWY-001's last memory is of being defeated by the World Tree Civilization. She probably doesn't understand the situation and still thinks she's been captured by the World Tree.
Having anticipated this possibility, Han Xiao had already dismantled the redundant weapon modules of SWY-001 and summoned the forces of the Mechanical Life Civilization to deploy heavy troops around it.
The two flew into space through the hole created by SWY-001 and immediately saw that an endless mechanical civilization army had surrounded the area. SWY-001 was trapped in the middle and was about to break out.
Just then, dozens of Apostle Weapon suddenly emerged from the ranks of the troops. Han Xiao's Mechanical Force covered a distance and landed on them. This group of Apostle Weapon engaged SWY-001 in close combat and quickly gained the upper hand.
After the battle with the Three Universal Civilizations, Han Xiao ordered the Dimensional Factory to work day and night to repair the damaged war machines, prioritizing the repair of the paralyzed Apostle Weapon. Now, the Apostle Weapon have been basically restored.
Han Xiao's muscles bulged, and his blood energy burst forth, weaving into strips of flesh and blood. The mechanical soldiers beside him surged over, and the advanced Mechanical Deity immediately descended.
He showed no mercy, suddenly stepping forward and unleashing a brutal beating on SWY-001, like two mechanical behemoths battling in space.
Han Xiao had the advantage in all aspects of performance, while SWY-001's modules were disassembled into pieces, its condition was far from its peak, and it was completely suppressed and had basically no power to fight back.
Compared to his combat strength during the recent battle against the direct descendants of the Three Universal Civilizations, Han Xiao has already settled the challenge missions from that time, receiving a reward of 520 billion experience points, eight character cards, and six new abilities.
Two of these are common feats, two are advanced feats, one is a rare skill, and one is a template feat. The template feat comes from Urnos and is called [Divinity Enhancement]. Its effect is to increase a certain amount of ability strength and greatly enhance the bonus effects of each level of Divine Transformation, while also strengthening the bonus of faith-based feats. [Key to the Mechanic Faith] is applicable to this.
These missions also earned him three Universe Legend Points labels: [Number One Beyond Grade A], [Creator of the Greatest Battle Record in History], and [Source of the Three Universal Civilizations' Fear].
In addition, by forcing back the Three Universal Civilizations forces, completing Manison's requested mission, and extracting one of his abilities, Fording's good fortune seemed to be concentrated on this one move. He also obtained one of Old Manison's exclusive specialties, called [Mechanical Force Profound Art - Manison]. Mechanical Force itself was strengthened, greatly increasing Mechanical Affinity and Mechanical Force strength, as well as significantly enhancing Mechanical Force attributes and increasing the upper limit of energy.
Although my specialization is good, I've already collected three of Manison's exclusive specializations so far, and I feel like I'm becoming more and more of Mechanic Emperor. Maybe one day I'll replace that nickname.
These abilities increased his energy level by a total of 2740 Ona. At his current level, such a significant increase in energy level at once has a substantial boost to his combat power. Compared to when they were in a standoff, his strength has increased by more than one point. The tit-for-tat battle Three Universal Civilizations has instead become nourishment for his robust growth.
At his peak, Han Xiao faced off against the crippled SWY-001. The outcome of the battle was not in doubt. The best way to persuade someone is always through force. After a series of reasoned arguments, SWY-001 was finally forced to calm down.
While subduing SWY-001, Han Xiao sent a private message explaining the current situation.
"Stop resisting. This isn't the World Tree Civilization. We're another advanced civilization. You fell into our territory through a wormhole and I found you..."
After repeated explanations and the added intimidation of fists, SWY-001 finally stopped struggling and began to communicate with some skepticism.
Within the Quantum Network Vision, the data exchange between the two was completed in the blink of an eye. SWY-001 knew that Han Xiao had examined his memory components and also seen some information about the interstellar society. He basically believed the story, but then became anxious.
"I cannot stay here; my civilization awaits me..."
His voice was like countless voices overlapping, giving it a strangely ethereal and eerie feel. His memory was still stuck when he was defeated and unconscious, and he hadn't seen the moment when the Kama Republic Alliance was completely destroyed.
Han Xiao shook his head. "I've checked your age. You've been drifting in space for a very long time. According to our timeline, that was over six hundred years ago. I'm afraid your civilization has long since been destroyed."
SWY-001 froze, as if lost in confusion.
To protect civilization at all costs—this was the primary logic written into his being from the very beginning, and it is also the meaning of his existence in this form.
"I need to confirm," SWY-001 responded with a buzzing sound.
"If you're willing to provide the cosmic coordinates, we can help you explore... but we also need your help, in an equal exchange."
"Help?"
"We are also experiencing the same threat. You are the only known survivor, so we need your assistance... Your civilization has been destroyed. If you want Revenge, you can't do it alone. We can join forces..."
Han Xiao explained it again.
"... If that's true, I promise you."
SWY-001 analyzed the situation for a while and finally nodded. After all, they couldn't beat them and didn't have many other options.
Moreover, the underlying logic already contains a principle of Revenge: if a civilization is destroyed, it should seek Revenge against the World Tree while preserving itself. If its own civilization is truly destroyed, it will have nowhere to go, and uniting with other civilizations here to fight against the World Tree would also align with its goals.
"Then I'll arrange a meeting between you and the rulers of this territory in a while. I need you to persuade them about some things and help them recognize the danger posed by the World Tree Civilization."
After a pause, Han Xiao continued:
"I've given you a number, but I doubt you like it. You're a aggregate consciousness entity. What would you like me to call you?"
"... Just call me Hyperion, that's the name of my Beyond Grade A main body."
The two communicated very quickly and efficiently. Hyperion stopped resisting and allowed the numerous Apostle Weapon to take him away. There was still a lot of interstellar information that he needed to learn, but he would not be allowed to freely access the network. Han Xiao had already taken precautions using virtual technology to block the network function.
Seeing this, Han Xiao deactivated his Mechanical Deity state and relaxed.
"It went more smoothly than I expected... Hmm, I guess my fists did most of the work."
If Hyperion can't be controlled, he'll definitely run away to gather intelligence and find answers on his own. It wouldn't be so easy for anyone else. But with formidable combat power, this problem is easily solved. The method is simple, brutal, but effective. If you can't defeat him, he won't be so easily persuaded.
Han Xiao opened the panel and glanced at it. The mission [Visitor from Afar] was completed. The evaluation criterion was the degree of mechanical repair, which reached a very high level. Although a lot of mechanical structures were dismantled, Aurora's healing effect was amazing, which boosted the evaluation.
The reward for this task itself is not high; the most useful thing is a Hyperion character card. The key point of the task notes is the unknown impact of awakening Hyperion on the situation.
As Han Xiao was calculating the rewards, Aurora slowly flew to his side, her face full of curiosity. She didn't know the content of Han Xiao's conversation with Hyperion, nor did she know the other party's origins.
"What did you just say to him? And what's with this big guy?"
"He comes from a lost civilization, a wanderer who has lost his home. I'll keep the details confidential for now; I have other plans for him."
"Tch, fine, don't tell me then."
Aurora sensed that Han Xiao didn't want her to delve into the matter, so she couldn't help but pout and huff.
After a pause, Aurora continued:
"By the way, what about those Netherland Heroes I resurrected? They're still on standby. Should I dismantle their physical forms?"
"No need to disband them, keep them all as a secret mobile force; they'll come in handy eventually."
"Is it to guard against the Three Universal Civilizations?" Aurora probed. Right now, the outside world doesn't know what the Association and the Three Universal Civilizations are all about.
"That's a factor, but not the main point." Han Xiao shook his head. "I've already spoken with the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, both sides should temporarily cease hostilities and reach a truce."
Aurora exclaimed in surprise, "What agreement did you reach? The Three Universal Civilizations are actually willing to concede!"
"The reason is confidential for now and I can't tell you yet... However, I will explain the specific terms at a regular meeting in a while, and you will know then."
More than half a month passed quickly. Under the intense scrutiny of the interstellar community, the Three Universal Civilizations and the Beyond Grade A Association seemed to have truly ceased their friction, each keeping to their own business.
Just as various speculations were becoming increasingly rampant, the Three Universal Civilizations, who had remained silent for more than half a month, finally issued a joint statement, causing an earthquake throughout the entire interstellar society.
The Three Universal Civilizations claimed that when the situation was about to spiral out of control, they took the initiative to compromise, partly out of consideration for the safety of interstellar society. After careful consideration, they ultimately chose to settle the matter peacefully and avoid plunging interstellar society into war.
On the other hand, they indicated that they had reached a consensus with the association and had a reasonable way to deal with the virus technology... but they didn't say a word about what that way of dealing with it was.
The Beyond Grade A Association, on the other hand, was very accommodating and did not expose the statements of the Three Universal Civilizations, indicating that this was indeed the case and there was no conspiracy theory involved.
At least on the surface, the official reason given for this large-scale military operation by the Three Universal Civilizations is the Virtual Mutiny Virus technology. As long as this problem is "solved," it's plausible that they can withdraw their troops. Even if the explanation is ambiguous, they can use secrecy as a reason, and the interstellar citizens can't do anything about it.
However, what caused an uproar among the interstellar population was the second half of the statement from the Three Universal Civilizations, which boldly announced the suspension of the blockade and ban on the Association and the lifting of previous sanctions!
All the major powers were shocked. Not long ago, they were in a cold war, and now they're talking about reconciliation? What happened?!
Have the Three Universal Civilizations given up on solving the problem of the imbalance of individual great power? What agreement did the two sides reach, or have the Three Universal Civilizations become so wary that they dare not take action?
Many people subconsciously recalled the scene during the standoff where Black Star single-handedly overwhelmed all the powerful figures from the Three Universal Civilizations. Although they knew it was unlikely that the Three Universal Civilizations would back down simply because of Black Star's overwhelming personal strength, they couldn't help but speculate and fantasize in that direction... Could it be that the Three Universal Civilizations were truly afraid?
Watching the Three Universal Civilizations and the Beyond Grade A Association quickly go from confrontation to peace, countless onlookers felt a mix of emotions, some even feeling somewhat dejected, as if their voices were insignificant.
Rulers and the strong change the times, whether for better or worse, and it seems they have no choice but to accept it.
However, although both sides expressed their intention to cease hostilities and make peace, the fact that the Three Universal Civilizations had initially come with great force makes this outcome seem like the Beyond Grade A Association had won a battle in this conflict.
This is one of the few instances where a non-governmental organization forced the Three Universal Civilizations to make concessions. The reputation of the Beyond Grade A Association, which had been suppressed, suddenly rebounded, and for a time, it seemed to become the most dazzling star in interstellar society, with its popularity soaring to new heights.
While the voices criticizing the superpowered class never disappeared, they were drowned out by a sea of praise. Many people were slapped in the face by this result, dared not contradict the current mainstream opinion, and quietly went silent.
On the other hand, the most bewildered were the Super Star Cluster Alliance.
So they've made up? They're not breaking up again?
If you guys don't argue, how can we get closer to the association?
Am I, the third party, going to be used and then abandoned again?
This anxious feeling of being a backup option... it's so bitter!