After obtaining the secrets of the World Tree, the Three Universal Civilizations adopted Han Xiao's suggestion, adjusted their strategies, stopped deploying probes into the territory of the World Tree Civilization to reduce the possibility of information exchange between the two sides, and instead increased their investment in the Secondary Dimension Expedition Team.
After resting for a while, Han Xiao used the High-Dimensional Apocalypse Teleporter to travel to the territory of the World Tree Civilization again. Because he had an intelligence advantage this time, he carefully avoided contact and successfully completed the territory-claiming mission without any major incidents, obtaining rewards such as [Deep into Enemy Territory].
After that, Han Xiao did not continue to infiltrate the territory of the World Tree Civilization to harass the enemy, and he also reduced his contact with the World Tree Civilization. He stayed in the Explored Universe to build machines every day, and occasionally went to the Sanctum Organization to check the surveillance of the Child of Destiny. On the surface, he returned to a normal life.
In the short term, he doesn't plan to roam the World Tree Civilization's territory again. The enemy is now prepared, and he's afraid of making a mistake. Besides, he already has enough intelligence, so Han Xiao doesn't intend to provoke the enemy anymore and focuses on expanding his military strength.
Unaware of the situation, interstellar society continued with its daily routine. As time passed, the fervor surrounding the Three Universal Civilizations' recognition of the Beyond Grade A Association's independent status gradually cooled, but it did not disappear. The dissatisfaction of many interstellar citizens with the Three Universal Civilizations settled in their hearts.
After political status was enshrined in Interstellar General Law, all Beyond Grade A powers enjoyed a much more comfortable life. Regardless of the complex feelings that civilizations in various star systems had about this, they still acknowledged it and adopted the same attitude towards civilizations they had towards the Beyond Grade A Association in diplomacy, increasing cooperation.
All parties initially thought the Beyond Grade A Association would take action, but the association continued to develop as usual, maintaining a low profile, as if they weren't the ones recently in the spotlight.
Whether the Galaxy is in chaos or not is up to the big shots. Since the top powers aren't causing any trouble, life in interstellar society is gradually returning to a superficial calm, and time is slowly slipping away in this atmosphere.
Shattered World, Black Star Army Territory, Kunde Race Settlement Star 77.
A dozen or so small warships bearing the legion's insignia led three massive transport ships as they slowly landed on the planet's ground landing platform. Wind pressure continuously swirled out, blowing away fine dust from the ground. Landing gears popped out from the bottoms of the ships, engaging with the platform's magnetic parking locks and coming to a steady stop.
With a series of swishes, the ship's cabins opened, and groups of Kunde Race dressed in the Black Star Army standard armor stepped off the spaceship. Leading them was a tall Kunde Race wearing special Logistics Department uniform, none other than Barton, who had been imprisoned and then pardoned by Han Xiao.
Groups of people were already waiting on the ground and took the initiative to greet them, exchanging pleasantries with each other.
Barton, used to this, waved his hand and said:
"This batch of supplies has arrived. Please help unload them."
He was highly respected here, and when people heard his words, they all started working, unloading batches of goods from the transport ship, loading them onto trucks, and sending them to different cities.
Barton stood to the side, hands on his hips, watching. Just then, a Kunde Race in a robe walked up to him and laughed:
How long are you planning to stay this time?
"... At most half a day. The Legion's Logistics Department has a lot of tasks lately, and I can't delay. I'll leave after delivering this batch of supplies."
Barton glanced back; the speaker was an acquaintance of his, the head of this inhabited planet, akin to a lord.
Over the decades, the Kunde Race planets have been gradually unsealed, but due to some interference, no unified government has emerged. Each planet has a lord who is only responsible for the affairs of that planet, and they form a loose alliance, much like a confederation.
After decades of adaptation, the Kunde Race have gradually integrated into interstellar society and become accustomed to its various systems and rules. However, they remain very weak and struggle to develop. Their industrial system is underdeveloped, so relying on superhumans for support remains their primary means of obtaining various resources.
In recent years, a large number of Kunde Race have chosen to join the Black Star Army, exchanging their service for various resources. Because the allocation of subsidies to each planet is determined by these superhumans, they hold a privileged position, and each Kunde Race lord needs to win the support of the Kunde Race superhuman community, thus forming a dependency relationship.
"Oh, the Legion's work is indeed more important. It's a pity I wanted to treat you better. Since you don't have time, let's do it next time," the person in charge said.
"We're acquaintances, no need to make a fuss about me." Barton shook his head.
"That won't do. After all, you're a celebrity from our planet. Our Settlement 77 is doing quite well, all thanks to your care," the person in charge said warmly.
"Alright, you won't be shortchanged on supplies next time."
Barton sighed, fully understanding what the other person meant.
Decades ago, after being pardoned by Han Xiao, he joined the legion without hesitation, firmly committed to the path of giving back to his clan, starting from the bottom and slowly climbing up the ranks.
Because he was a mechanic, Barton joined the Logistics Department after passing the internal assessment. He started as a junior researcher and later successfully advanced to Grade B superhuman, which led to his promotion to a mid-level cadre in the Logistics Department. He is one of the highest-ranking Kunde Race superhumans in the legion.
Because of his position, he received discounts on procurement, which made Barton a very important and prestigious figure within the Kunde Race. Every lord of every planet wanted to curry favor with him, and he had become accustomed to it.
"What's the current state of thought within the community?" Barton changed the subject.
Upon hearing this, the person in charge turned to look at the tribespeople who were working and smiled, "We have been conducting ideological education, and there are fewer and fewer radicals now. Most people now yearn for peace."
"That's good."
Barton nodded, glancing at the energetic Kunde Race in the arena, and couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
The Crimson Dynasty harbored a deep hatred for them, having destroyed their homeland, but the disparity between the two sides was too great. Barton had been using his position to demand that the lords of various planets strengthen ideological education so that future generations would not be swayed by hatred.
After years of effort, the Kunde Race has finally embarked on a path of positive development. However, radicals are a destabilizing factor, and who knows what trouble they might cause driven by hatred? Barton does not want the tribe to be Implicated by a small group of radicals, lest the hard-won peace be destroyed.
Fortunately, decades of change have altered the mindset of most people. Fewer and fewer radicals are seeking Revenge, and most Kunde Race are quite satisfied with their current lives, which are vibrant and fulfilling, and they have hope for the future.
"If only peace could continue like this forever."
Barton sighed inwardly.
Planet Aquamarine, Bennett's Mansion.
The courtyard was like a transparent greenhouse, filled with rows of plants. Bennett, with his temples streaked with gray, walked among the plants, slowly watering them with a watering can. He was dressed in casual clothes, like an ordinary elderly man at home, and it was hard to tell that he was the head of a civilization.
"Father, we've come to see you."
The sound grew louder as it approached. Nero pushed open the door with one hand and took Mia's hand with the other, and the two walked into the courtyard.
Bennett put down the kettle, turned around, and a kind smile spread across his wrinkled face. He waved and said, "You've come. It's rare that you have the time to visit this old man who's halfway to the grave."
"Don't mention it. You're in good health and will live a long life. Today is your birthday, don't say such things."
Nero led Mia to Bennett and pretended to complain.
"Hello..."
Mia greeted him shyly. This ruthless, Calamity Grade superhuman was now flustered and nervous.
"You're here too. Don't just stand there. Let's have dinner together today and see how my cooking is." Bennett looked at Mia with the same satisfaction he would show when appraising a daughter-in-law.
Nero had already introduced Mia to his parents, and Bennett knew that Mia and Nero were dating. He didn't interfere much with his son's choice, and he was quite satisfied with Mia.
Bennett led the two to the restaurant next to the courtyard, then went back to the courtyard to pick some fresh plants, personally went to the kitchen to cook a table of dishes, and cheerfully invited the two to eat.
A leader of a civilization, two superhumans with Calamity Grade abilities, the three of them are eating at a table, talking about everyday matters, just like ordinary people at home.
After chatting for a while, Nero took out a vial of potion from his pocket and said with a smile, "This is a birthday gift that my godfather asked me to bring. It's a life potion personally made by Aurora, which can extend lifespan and maintain youth."
"Please thank Black Star for me."
Bennett smiled and accepted the medicine.
"My godfather anticipated you would say that. He asked me to tell you that, given your relationship, you don't need to thank him."
"Well, that's typical of him."
Bennett chuckled and shook his head, then turned to look at Mia and smiled:
"And what about you? Do you have any plans to have children?"
Mia blushed instantly, her voice barely audible, "Um... I don't have that idea yet..."
Nero scratched his head, embarrassed, and said, "The main problem is that individuals at higher life levels are less likely to have offspring. Mia and I have tried many times, tried every position imaginable, but unfortunately we couldn't..."
Bang!
Before he could finish speaking, a sharp elbow struck his ribs, nearly suffocating Nero and interrupting his words.
"Don't, don't talk nonsense!"
Mia, enraged and embarrassed, instinctively gave Nero a loving elbow, but immediately remembered Bennett was opposite her, so she quickly resumed her ladylike sitting posture, looking shy and harmless.
"... Youth is wonderful." Bennett wiped away the cold sweat. The Calamity Grade elbow strike he had just received had sent chills down his spine, and he couldn't help but glance at Nero.
Good son, you've worked hard.
"No... it's nothing, I just like this kind of playful banter..."
Seeing Bennett's complicated expression, Nero hurriedly defended Mia, grimacing and rubbing his ribs for a while before he could barely recover, experiencing both pain and pleasure.
After coughing twice, Nero changed the subject, suddenly becoming serious, "By the way, my godfather also asked me to tell you something important."
"What's up?"
"My godfather said that in a while, he might relocate everyone on Planet Aquamarine."
"Move the entire Planet Aquamarine?" Bennett exclaimed in surprise. "To where?"
"I didn't say, I just wanted to prepare you mentally."
Nero answered.
Upon hearing this, Bennett's smile faded, his expression turned serious, and he stroked his chin, deep in thought as he tried to decipher Han Xiao's meaning.
The sudden decision to relocate to Planet Aquamarine —could it be to the territory promised to the Beyond Grade A Association by the Three Universal Civilizations? Or is it an emergency refuge?
If they're seeking refuge, does that mean some battle is about to break out? But things have been peaceful lately...
"I have a feeling this isn't going to be anything good..."
Various thoughts flashed through his mind, Bennett felt a little worried.
Meanwhile, on a desolate wasteland on Planet Aquamarine, Hila and Aurora were walking slowly.
Not far away is a huge crater, scattered with a large number of building ruins, jutting out diagonally into the ground, like fragments thrown by a violent explosion, resembling a wasteland. This is the site of the Germinal Ruins, now protected as a historical relic.
The two had originally come to visit Ames, but were turned away because they arrived at the wrong time. Suddenly, they felt like revisiting the place and wandered around the Germinal Ruins.
"Do you remember? I used to be locked up here. Back then, I thought I'd never get out."
Aurora crouched down, picked up a piece of metal, and played with it in her hand, her tone wistful.
Hila looked around at her surroundings, her past memories coming back vividly, and she became unusually talkative. She said softly, "Yes, I did so much dirty work for Germinal, saying it was to save you, but actually I was just as lost, sinking deeper and deeper like a walking corpse. If I hadn't met Black Star, I probably wouldn't have survived."
Having gone through so much, the two are now able to face their painful memories with equanimity. Looking back now, it all seems like a dream.
Aurora suddenly chuckled, "Speaking of which, Black Star was so naive back then, nothing like he is now."
"People always have to grow up."
Upon hearing this, Hila's lips curled into a slight smile. She recalled the experience of tormenting Han Xiao for half a year back then, and then thought of the now infamous Black Star. She felt a kind of pleasure, like "I've seen a big shot wet the bed when he was a child." Although they weren't true childhood sweethearts, they were still the earliest people she had known. In fact, there wasn't much difference.
However, Hila quickly stopped smiling and sighed softly, her expression filled with complex emotions.
Seeing this, Aurora turned to look at her sister.
Why are you sighing?
"... I was thinking, if I had chosen to go with him when he entered interstellar travel, maybe now... I wouldn't be so late."
Hila's tone was complicated, and her expression was one of disappointment.
Outer space of Planet Aquamarine, Floating Dragon Island.
Are you leaving?
"Yes, when I arrived, the machine was only half-finished; I have to go back and finish it."
Han Xiao put on his clothes, buttoned them up to cover his strong chest muscles, and prepared to go out.
At that moment, two slender white fingers pinched the hem of his shirt and tugged at it gently.
Stay with me a little longer.
"... All right."
Not long after.
On the other side of Floating Dragon Island, at Iso's residence.
The bowls and plates on the table were shaking slightly, and some of the sauce had spilled onto the surface.
Iso, holding his cutlery, looked helplessly at the corner of the ceiling. He saw the wall trembling slightly, and dust falling in clumps.
"Sigh, the shaking has started again..."