The headquarters of the Beyond Grade A Association, on Planet Fein.
Today is the first regular meeting after the Three Universal Civilizations made concessions. All the Beyond Grade A members arrived early, and everyone was curious about what agreement Black Star and the Three Universal Civilizations had reached, waiting for the president to give them an explanation.
"It was really sudden. Black Star completed peace talks with the Three Universal Civilizations without a word, and I didn't hear a thing," Kasuyi said resentfully.
"I wonder what kind of agreement the president reached with the Three Universal Civilizations in private? Given Black Star's personality, we shouldn't be the ones who suffer losses," Kant said uncertainly.
No one present believed the public statements from the Three Universal Civilizations; everyone knew that Black Star must have made insider deals, but no one had yet found out exactly what happened.
"By the way, Ames, you're getting so close to Black Star, has he told you anything?" Sisko asked, turning his head.
"He didn't tell me." Ames turned to Hila, a half-smile playing on her lips. "But Hila might know."
"... I don't know either, I haven't seen him recently." Hila pursed her lips and shook her head in reply.
After a few whispers among the crowd, Han Xiao's remote projection finally descended upon the main seat, looked around, and smiled.
"Everyone's here, so let's get straight to the point. The main reason I've gathered you all here is to convey the agreement I reached with the Three Universal Civilizations, as well as the Association's next steps."
Han Xiao glanced around and, seeing that everyone was listening attentively, continued:
"The Three Universal Civilizations agreed to several of my conditions. They decided to lift the blockade and sanctions, compensate us for the losses we suffered during this period, and provide additional substantial compensation. In addition, they will recognize the official status of the Beyond Grade A Association and grant us the same rights as advanced civilizations. This clause will be written into the Interstellar General Law. At the same time, we will receive a highly autonomous territory at the edge of the Explored Universe. That's roughly it."
After he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent; you could hear a pin drop.
The Beyond Grade A members present were shocked and stared at Han Xiao in disbelief.
It's not that the agreement is bad, but rather that it's too good. They never expected that Black Star could secure such exaggerated benefits, and that the Three Universal Civilizations would even be willing to accept them.
A normal ceasefire is understandable, but this isn't a concession from the Three Universal Civilizations; it's practically surrender! Only someone who's been forced to compromise to this extent would do that!
Originally, everyone thought it would be good enough if the Three Universal Civilizations were willing to offer some compensation, but they didn't expect such a pleasant surprise. As a result, most of the problems that had been troubling the association were solved, relieving them of many worries.
"How did you do that?" Kasuyi couldn't help but ask.
Han Xiao glanced discreetly at the Beyond Grade A beings from several super-clusters and said, "I know everyone is curious about the reasons for the concessions made by the Three Universal Civilizations, but this matter is rather complicated, and there's no definitive answer yet. Moreover, these benefits aren't given away for free; they're part of a deal. The price is that we have to help the Three Universal Civilizations at certain times."
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged bewildered glances.
Seeing this, Han Xiao shrugged. "Everyone is welcome to voice their opinions. Our association exists on the basis of respecting the attitudes of all members. If you feel something is inappropriate, we can discuss it further."
Baigel immediately coughed and stated, "I think it's excellent. After all, we Revived have died once. Not being able to enjoy the Sanctuary Revival and not having to risk war is certainly a good thing."
Upon hearing this, many of the Revived nodded in agreement. The Oathkeeper's deception had deeply resonated with them. In their minds, if they were to die again, they would only be able to go to the Netherland and live a low-desire, slacker life.
Dilron scoffed dismissively. "Tsk, what a disappointment. I thought I could unleash a massacre and teach the Three Universal Civilizations a lesson they'd never forget, repaying them for what they did to me. But centuries later, they've become a Three Universal Civilizations of cowards... Black Star, what's the point of negotiating? The Three Universal Civilizations chose to back down because they're in trouble. We should be kicking them while they're down! You didn't even seize such a good opportunity. I thought you were ruthless; I was so wrong about you!"
"Um?"
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow and made a nasal sound.
Dilron snorted, his tone unyielding:
"I never expected you to be the kind of person who would kick someone when they're down, but rather a wise man with a strong sense of justice, foresight, and reason. You deserve to be our leader."
"Hmm~" Han Xiao nodded in satisfaction, his nasal voice suddenly becoming lower.
Everyone immediately looked away in disgust, tacitly ignoring Dilron's voice.
Kasuyi stepped in to smooth things over, laughing, "These conditions are all pleasant surprises, and no one has any objections. But Black Star, the Three Universal Civilizations have only indicated a ceasefire and made peace; they haven't recognized our independent status yet. Are you sure they'll honor the agreement? I still don't think they'll compromise so easily."
"There shouldn't be any major problems, but we'll have to wait a while."
Han Xiao shook his head.
He has already arranged for Hyperion to meet with the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations, which has increased his persuasiveness. Once the Three Universal Civilizations have made some progress in their actual explorations, the treaty should be implemented.
Moreover, the matter has become a major scandal and is currently in the spotlight. The Three Universal Civilizations plan to handle it quietly for a while, and announce the matter again after the public outcry has subsided, in order to reduce the impact.
"I hope so." Kasuyi nodded, then asked curiously, "What are the association's next steps for development? Do you have any ideas?"
Han Xiao shook his head. "Everyone, first recover your strength and continue to build up your power. We'll discuss the future after the Three Universal Civilizations fulfill their agreement."
He recalled a previous idea: once political status was recognized and autonomous territory was secured, the association's prestige among superhumans would rise to a new level. Perhaps they could establish a nation exclusively for superhumans, absorbing free superhumans from across the universe, while the current association would transform into a ruling council to manage the nation.
On the one hand, considering future development, it is necessary to expand the organization's scale and recruit more people. As "seedlings" of Beyond Grade A, the more superhumans the better. On the other hand, it is also to ensure independence. Ordinary superhumans living under the jurisdiction of the Three Universal Civilizations would have many worries. If there is a new place to go, there will be room for choice, and there will always be people willing to become residents here.
Moreover, the pent-up tensions between ordinary people and the superpowered class are becoming increasingly acute, and they can't stand each other. Perhaps giving the superpowered individuals a chance to live separately would be a good thing for everyone.
Of course, the Three Universal Civilizations were certainly unhappy to see this, Han Xiao would not consider taking any action before the threat of the World Tree was unleashed.
'They accept anyone with superpowers, regardless of race... Hmm, this behavior seems vaguely familiar.'
Han Xiao scratched his head.
If I remember correctly, this idea is somewhat similar to a character from a still-running manga from my past life, the "Big Mom" who founded Totto Land.
So what am I, your grandpa?
Han Xiao banished the unrealistic thoughts from his mind and continued discussing serious matters with the others.
The meeting lasted for more than an hour before it ended, and everyone left with feelings of excitement and relief.
Han Xiao had just returned to his office after deactivating the remote projector when Phillip appeared.
"Master, you have a highly encrypted message from the Super Star Cluster Alliance."
"Oh dear, it seems they're losing their patience."
Han Xiao opened the message and glanced at it; it was an invitation from the Super Star Cluster Alliance to meet with him.
He wasn't surprised by this. The association had originally cooperated with the Super Star Cluster Alliance to fight against the Three Universal Civilizations, but now that the Three Universal Civilizations and the association had stopped targeting each other, the Super Star Cluster Alliance, the "third party," was suddenly left in a predicament.
Moreover, the Super Star Cluster Beyond Grade A who just attended the meeting must have relayed the agreement between the two sides back. The Super Star Cluster Alliance is definitely anxious, fearing that the Association will join forces with the Three Universal Civilizations again, so they are rushing to test their attitude.
Ten minutes later, in the conference room of the Super Star Cluster Alliance, all the leaders gathered together, sitting upright.
Han Xiao's remote projection appeared in the room, and he immediately felt everyone's gaze upon him.
The leader of the Star Arc Civilization spoke in a deep voice, "Black Star, we agreed to join forces against the Three Universal Civilizations, but what's going on now?"
Han Xiao shrugged. "The goal of the struggle is to seek peace. The association has already achieved its goal, so there's no need to continue fighting with the Three Universal Civilizations. This is beneficial to the association."
What about our alliance?
Han Xiao said unhurriedly, "Our previous alliance had four conditions. Apart from the first condition of confronting the Three Universal Civilizations, the other three conditions are about two-way resource sharing and cooperation. We can continue to cooperate in the future."
The leader of the Star Arc Civilization couldn't help but ask, "What if the Three Universal Civilizations have objections? You won't break the alliance over this?"
"Since the Three Universal Civilizations have acknowledged that the Association can keep the virtual virus technology on its own, it's tantamount to admitting that no one has the right to interfere in the Association's internal affairs. Which Interstellar General Law has my alliance with you violated? What can they do even if they have objections?" Han Xiao shrugged. "Perhaps we can change the first clause of the alliance, making the condition for jointly confronting the Three Universal Civilizations that the Association, apart from retaliatory measures, cannot take the initiative to attack the Supercluster Civilization. At the same time, the Sanctuary Revival quota I promised you will still be valid."
Hearing this, everyone was somewhat surprised. They had prepared themselves for Black Star to turn his back on them, but it seemed that Black Star was quite easy to talk to.
Han Xiao smiled and said, "To put it bluntly, we don't trust the Three Universal Civilizations, so we need to keep a backup plan. Therefore, we are willing to maintain a good relationship with the Super Star Cluster Alliance. When the Association was blocked, you extended a helping hand, and I personally feel that I am willing to continue cooperating. I still have that much credibility."
"I see..."
The leader of the Star Arc Civilization breathed a sigh of relief.
Although it felt like an affair, the outcome was barely acceptable, mainly because Black Star didn't intend to renege on his quota for the Sanctuary Revival, which was good enough.
So what if we're two-timing? At least we still have the right to be trampled on!
As long as it's comfortable, a spare tire or a backup plan is acceptable!
After the parties involved made their statements, even with various conspiracy theories rampant, the situation quickly calmed down, and interstellar citizens and major powers gradually returned to their normal lives.
With the ban lifted, the association's various channels gradually Restart and resumed normal operations. However, the plan to integrate the black market did not stop and was still being carried out by many players.
Major events happen every day, but ordinary people have to continue living their lives. The entanglements Three Universal Civilizations and the association have gradually become topics of conversation over tea and dinner, and are no longer something people talk about every day.
But beneath the surface of peace, undercurrents are surging. The Three Universal Civilizations are secretly preparing for war and are launching intensive explorations. The wormhole data left behind by the Sorokin has been named "World Tree Passage".
With Han Xiao's reminder, the Three Universal Civilizations are exploring with great caution and have not yet encountered any life forms from the World Tree Civilization.
Meanwhile, the Three Universal Civilizations heeded Han Xiao's advice and organized a joint Expeditionary Army, intending to enter the deeper layers of the Secondary Dimension to search for the so-called World Tree itself.
Secondary Dimension World, Imperial outpost.
A massive expeditionary fleet has assembled here, undergoing its final pre-departure checks. Soldiers from the Three Universal Civilizations are coming and going on the dock, their faces serious.
Han Xiao stood on the dock, watching this scene unfold.
Harrison stood to the side with his backpack, looking somewhat helpless, and spoke hesitantly.
"Lord Black Star, what exactly is this fleet looking for? Why do you insist on having me participate...?"
"Go find something that relates to the fate of the Explored Universe."
Han Xiao patted him on the shoulder.
"Do I really have to go...?" Harrison was almost in tears.
He is still young, not the old explorer he was in his previous life, and the World Tree War has not yet broken out. It hasn't reached the point where everyone is a soldier, so he can't disregard life and death.
Expeditions into deeper Secondary Dimension are no easy task. The journey involves traversing countless bizarre Secondary Dimension World, and who knows what situations might arise? A single misstep could result in heavy losses. Moreover, communication is inconvenient, making it like a lone army unable to maintain stable contact with its rear.
"What are you afraid of? Didn't I leave you plenty of equipment? If you encounter danger, it's enough to protect you. If all else fails, didn't you also bring a Dominion Avatar and a Throne? I can teleport over anytime."
Han Xiao patted his head.
"I'm afraid I'll be too late to call you, and I'll be dead," Harrison said dejectedly. "Besides, with so many people participating, what difference would it make if I were there too?"
Han Xiao was helpless and had no answer.
In his previous life, Harrison discovered the true form of the World Tree, but this time, who knows if Lady Luck will smile upon him?
Moreover, the World Tree itself is not without protection; countless familiars reside in the surrounding Secondary Dimension, making it extremely dangerous. The fleet's discovery of the enemy coincides with the World Tree's discovery of them.
However, if the World Tree itself cannot be found, the chances of victory are slim. Sending an expedition team ahead of time is already a step ahead.
Han Xiao is currently the only outsider who is cooperating with the Three Universal Civilizations to explore the World Tree. In addition to Harrison, he has also selected some trustworthy people to participate in the first Secondary Dimension Expedition Team, most of whom are mechanical lifeforms, with some Black Spirit Race mixed in.
After reassuring Harrison for a while, the expeditionary fleet was finally ready.
Harrison looked back every few steps, but in the end, he bravely boarded the spaceship as if he were going to his death.
Amidst the roar of the Secondary Dimension dedicated engines, the joint expeditionary fleet slowly set sail, transforming into streaks of Frenzied Sword Fried Rice that disappeared from sight, heading towards the unknown future.