It was no secret that the Three Universal Civilizations were resisting the first wave of alien invasion within the interception zone; this was made known to the interstellar community when the various regional armies and armed forces were mobilized. Because this operation was not broadcast live, no intelligence was transmitted back. After several days of this situation, countless interstellar citizens who Explored Universe lived in constant fear, dreading the news of the Three Universal Civilizations' defeat the next day.
Amidst the atmosphere of unease throughout interstellar society, the foreign affairs departments of the Three Universal Civilizations, which had been silent for many days, finally broadcast the results of the front-line battle to interstellar society, announcing this great victory.
The Three Universal Civilizations claimed that the enemy's offensive had been repelled and released a relatively detailed battle report, disclosing the casualty ratios of multiple units. The most eye-catching result was the victory at the high-level combat force level, where a mere six people killed hundreds of enemy Beyond Grade A. This achievement impressed and surprised countless people.
It should be noted that although the Three Universal Civilizations achieved victory in the battle, they also lost fleets numbering in the tens of billions. Even so, it was still a commendable victory, with losses far lower than the enemy's. Moreover, the casualty ratio of the Beyond Grade A- level units was several times better, making them the units with the lowest loss rate, standing out from the crowd.
The successful annihilation of the enemy Expeditionary Army greatly boosted morale. The vast majority of the anxious interstellar people breathed a sigh of relief, and the panic and fear that had been lingering in their hearts gradually faded away, replaced by excitement and jubilation.
The public opinion, which was originally filled with various worries and panics, has changed in unison and turned into a trend of praising the Three Universal Civilizations, as if overnight there were loyal and die-hard supporters everywhere.
The astonishing achievements of the Beyond Grade A group naturally became a hot topic of discussion among ordinary people, receiving almost unanimous praise. Many interstellar citizens praised the individual strength of their side as quite reliable, as if they had forgotten their past hateful remarks against the association. The association seemed to have transformed from an "opposing class that abuses its privileges at will" into a "trustworthy Protector of interstellar society," undergoing a complete 180-degree change in image.
During internal strife, many interstellar citizens harbored resentment towards the Beyond Grade A group and never stopped finding fault with them. However, when they achieved a great victory against an external enemy, the interstellar citizens felt proud of the excellence of their own high-level combat forces. The long-standing resentment and hatred seemed to be selectively forgotten, and their attitude changed very smoothly.
Of course, there are also groups with deep-seated resentment, but for now they have all cowered, not daring to express their usual opinions, shrinking back, and accepting protection with a clear conscience. With the external enemy still at large, they dare not put down their chopsticks and curse.
However, for most interstellar citizens, when danger comes, they will cheer for whoever protects them from invasion, and the sentiment of uniting against external threats temporarily suppresses internal class contradictions.
"A resounding victory...?"
Dilron disagreed.
A huge virtual screen displayed news reports from the Three Universal Civilizations, and the room was filled with Revived had joined the association, each with a different expression.
Due to previous disagreements, many of the Revived did not respond to the call to participate in this battle, remaining in the Explored Universe and unaware of the intensity of the battle on the front lines, only able to watch the battle reports through the news.
"Six men sacrificed themselves, resulting in over a hundred casualties. This is something that shouldn't happen normally. It seems that Aurora has managed to reduce the losses to a very, very low level." Baigel nodded.
"Even if the casualties are low, the six people who died in battle are still dead. Among them were association members. They lost their lives because they believed Black Star's nonsense. They deserved it!" Dilron scoffed.
Everyone shook their heads, speechless.
In a war of this intensity, how could people not die? Even the sacrifice of Beyond Grade A soldier was unavoidable, but emotionally speaking, everyone still felt regret.
"Don't say that. They sacrificed themselves fighting against foreign enemies, and with the Black Star Sanctuary Revival, they can be reborn," Baigel sighed.
"Hmph, so what if the Sanctuary Revival? They only had one chance, and they foolishly wasted it. Once they come back to life, they'll eventually think the same way we do," Dilron said dismissively.
Baigel couldn't refute it, and shook his head helplessly, saying, "Isn't there still the Netherland as a last resort?"
"Tch, do you really enjoy losing your freedom? I even suspect that Black Star instigated us to join the war with another goal in mind: to have us die in battle and enter the Netherland, indirectly bolstering his forces. Hmph, what a villain!" Dilron clicked his tongue.
"Black Star shouldn't be that kind of person." Baigel shook his head.
"Are you that close to him? Can you guarantee what he's thinking?" Dilron said impatiently. "Whose side are you on anyway? You like speaking up for Black Star so much, why don't you just stick behind him and obediently take whatever shit he poops?"
"What kind of talk is that? Besides, Black Star doesn't need to poop..."
Baigel's lips twitched, but he wasn't angry; he was already used to Dilron's foul mouth.
Dilron withdrew his gaze and snorted, "This is only the first wave of the attack. The enemy will invade again, and more Beyond Grade A will die in battle. If we join the war, we'll end up like this sooner or later... Having finally gained a new life, I'm not willing to risk my life for the Three Universal Civilizations."
"Are you determined to sit idly by and watch foreign enemies invade?" Baigel frowned.
"Hmph, I'm not getting involved in this mess. If the Three Universal Civilizations can win, I'll stay. If they can't, there's nowhere in the universe I can't go. My Elven Holy Kingdom is gone, and my queens have been divided up. What do I have to miss?" Dilron picked his nose.
"Okay, okay, you're amazing."
Baigel was speechless. He shook his head and walked out of the room. After hesitating for a moment, he took out his communicator and dialed the number of the Oathkeeper.
Within seconds, the communication was connected, and the face of the Oathkeeper appeared on the screen.
"What's up?"
Baigel hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Regarding Black Star's call to action, I'd like to ask for your opinion."
He was actually somewhat confused, after all, Dilron wasn't entirely unreasonable, and for the Revived, staying out of trouble was a viable option. But Baigel was still undecided, so he wanted to ask the Oathkeeper for his opinion. The Oathkeeper's persistence over the years had earned him the respect of all the Revived, after all, he was a like-minded companion and an old friend of many years, and he held a great place in his heart, far more trustworthy than Black Star.
The Oathkeeper also knew that the Revived were not responding to Han Xiao's call, so he immediately understood what Baigel was asking. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said:
"I recommend that you join the war, and give it your all."
"..."
Seeing that Baigel remained silent, the Oathkeeper continued, "I know you're worried about the risks, but Black Star has his own plans. He's not using you as sacrifices. The Netherland isn't his only trump card; he's prepared other escape routes for you... Moreover, you have a misconception: the compromise of the Three Universal Civilizations doesn't mean the end of the struggle for the Super A Tier. Black Star is still working towards this goal. The external enemy is just an opportunity."
"I don't really understand," Baigel frowned.
"I can't explain this too clearly right now. If you're willing to trust me, I'll give you a piece of advice: don't be afraid of death. Black Star will always find a way to make you open your eyes again." The Oathkeeper shook his head.
Without Black Star's approval, he couldn't reveal the truth about the Infinite Sanctuary Revival, and besides, saying it would raise suspicions; facts speak louder than words.
The Oathkeeper, having heard Han Xiao explain the plan, knew that Black Star needed a Revived willing to die in battle as a "role model." If none of the Revived participated in the war, Black Star would lack "material" to demonstrate the truth of the Sanctuary Revival.
However, it's not appropriate to directly tell the Revived to go to their deaths. After all, even if the Sanctuary Revival, their strength will decline after being reborn, and few people would be willing to do so. People's hearts are always fickle, so they can only urge them to participate in the war. Anyway, as long as they get to the front line, the Oathkeeper believe that Black Star's operations will definitely be able to kill the Revived.
"... I'll think about it."
After hanging up the communication, Baigel pondered the Oathkeeper's hint and hesitated for a long time before finally making up his mind.
--The Oathkeeper's suggestion must have a reason. It would be better to go to the front lines and take a look. Even if we participate in the fighting, Aurora be there to oversee the battlefield, so the danger shouldn't be that high.
In the large conference room of the interception circle's main base, numerous Beyond Grade A warriors who participated in the battle gathered together. On the conference stage sat Simon and other commanders, as well as remote projections of the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations.
After several days of fighting, this World Tree Expeditionary Force was defeated, and the Three Universal Civilizations were left with only the cleanup work. The three leaders then descended to reward these Beyond Grade A heroes for their contributions.
The direct descendants of Beyond Grade A receive additional internal rewards, while the rewards for the majority of association members are different, mostly direct material rewards. This is an agreement that Han Xiao had reached with the Three Universal Civilizations long ago; the association will not provide high-level combat power free of charge.
"... Everyone's contributions have been recorded. According to the agreement reached between Lord Black Star and us, we will pay sufficient compensation. This is the list of resources to be secured..."
Mabrus brought up a virtual screen, opened a list interface displaying a variety of exchangeable items, and presented it to everyone present.
Han Xiao glanced at it and nodded slightly. Many of these projects were strategic resources that were not normally open to the public, but this time all of them had their exchange channels open and were not being kept secret.
This method is almost identical to the behavior of players exchanging faction contribution points for equipment, except that many Beyond Grade A items do not have a panel displaying contribution points.
At this moment, Louis pondered for a moment and then said, "To show our sincerity, you can choose different Universal Treasure from our inventory as rewards according to your respective contributions, and this will continue in the future."
Upon hearing this, many Beyond Grade A students' eyes lit up, a hint of joy flashing across their faces.
Many people don't even own a single Universal Treasure, but now they have a way to exchange for them, which makes them quite happy. Even those who already possess Universal Treasure don't mind having as much equipment as possible.
"Wow, they've really gone all out."
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.
Each participating Beyond Grade A warrior receives at least one item, which is no small amount. Moreover, they will be eligible to exchange for items in every subsequent battle. Even if the Three Universal Civilizations have a large stockpile of Universal Treasure, they cannot afford such extravagance. After all, Beyond Grade A warriors can choose for themselves, and they will definitely start with the best items.
However, upon further reflection, Han Xiao understood the Three Universal Civilizations ' ulterior motives. Since they had to distribute Universal Treasure to the participants in every battle anyway, they might as well give away the ownership. This would also motivate the fighting spirit of the Beyond Grade A warriors. After all, if the Beyond Grade A warriors were gone, there would be no point in keeping some individual-specific Universal Treasure.
The other Three Universal Civilizations might have another ulterior motive: to lure the Association's Revived into the war with hefty rewards. Han Xiao could tell what kind of mess they were trying to make just by looking at it.
But there's no need to stop it. Han Xiao is happy to see the Three Universal Civilizations bleed money. It's impossible to ask other Beyond Grade A who have made contributions to refuse this reward; that would be too unpopular.
Everyone was eager to participate, selecting their favorite Universal Treasure from the list.
However, a few Beyond Grade A individuals made a different choice, surrounding Aurora and showing friendly smiles:
"We owe you a favor this time. Do you have any Universal Treasure you'd like to choose from? I can help you pick one."
"Huh?" Aurora was taken aback, then waved her hands repeatedly, "There's no need for that."
"No need to be modest, this is what you deserve."
Milizaus's magical avatar revealed a benevolent smile. As a gigantic live target, he was highly effective against both enemies and his own healers. He was the one who was happiest this time being healed by Aurora.
"Ah, I really don't have any needs," Aurora helplessly.
That's the truth. With a treasure as extraordinary as the Netherland, and a boss who wholesales Universal Treasure, what more could she ask for? She really doesn't need the Universal Treasure of the Three Universal Civilizations.
The surrounding Beyond Grade A glanced at him with envy, but could understand his actions.
After all, this battle has proven that a healer is the most important factor for survival on the battlefield. Some Beyond Grade A heroes are even willing to give up the opportunity to obtain Universal Treasure in order to please Aurora.
Moreover, this wet nurse's milk production is limited. If you don't get along well with her, the amount of milk you receive after the battle might not be as good as others.
Han Xiao glanced at Aurora, and his lips twitched:
"Tsk, so this is what it means to be opportunistic..."
After mentally scoffing at the list, Han Xiao looked away, glanced at it casually, and showed no particular reaction.
He is now deeply entrenched in knowledge and resources, and is not too concerned about the Universal Treasure offered by the Three Universal Civilizations; his mind has already wandered far away.
The main storyline side quests of this campaign have been completed. Although it was a drop in the ocean for him, by player standards, the experience rewards were very generous. Countless legion players gained a huge wave of experience, which was the biggest benefit for him.
Players who reach the maximum level sooner can spend more experience on other things and increase their experience gain speed.
Han Xiao's eyes flickered as he pondered inwardly:
"We've repelled the enemy this time, but a large number of high-level combatants need time to revive. With me here, I doubt the World Tree will dare send any foreign powerhouses, so their next wave of attacks won't arrive so soon... Should we take this opportunity to go to the Sanctuary?"
The time flow in the Sanctuary is different from that in the main universe. It took three months to enter the Third Sanctum last time. Even though I have higher authority in the First Sanctum, it will probably still take a lot of time. Taking advantage of the fact that the World Tree is not launching an invasion, this is a chance to enter the Sanctuary. I probably won't miss anything.
Han Xiao's plan to enter the Sanctuary this time was not only to resurrect the six victims. There were also many Beyond Grade A waiting to be resurrected in history, such as the direct descendants of the Three Universal Civilizations and the Super Star Cluster Alliance. This was all part of the agreed-upon deal—when the World Tree resurrected high-level combat units, his side also needed to expand the scale of its powerful forces.
"It's a pity the Revived didn't participate in this war, otherwise we could have revealed the truth about the Sanctuary Revival... But it's fine not to expose it now. The war is still in its early stages. Exposing it too early might give the Three Universal Civilizations other ideas. Perhaps the best time to expose it will be when the two sides are too busy fighting to spare any attention..."
Han Xiao's thoughts shifted.
However, we still need to use the Child of Destiny to monitor the situation first and confirm that the World Tree will not take any further action in the short term before we can safely enter the Sanctuary.
On the other side, within the territory of the World Tree Civilization, lies the Tree King's Palace.
"Four high-level combatants have been captured alive. The Psychic Network has been severed. Although the World Tree Connection still exists, their status can no longer be monitored..."
Executive Officer Futaba, expressionless, reported on the situation of the four World Tree powerhouses who were sealed by Amber.
The Heart Tree King narrowed his eyes, a hint of interest in his expression.
"Interesting. Does this enemy possess such advanced methods of capturing survivors? Not simple. Perhaps it's a special artifact, Cosmic Wonder... Can it track location?"
"Alright, the Mother Tree's connecting power is still transmitting to the individuals, but it's blocked by something unknown, unable to penetrate and thus unable to sense the situation of those four. Following the interrupted Information State trajectory, we can confirm that the coordinates of those four are near the battlefield of this Expeditionary Army."
"Hmm, next time try to take them back and see what captured them alive, then put them into the Mother Tree for analysis." The Heart Tree King waved his hand.
"When will the next step begin?" the executive officer asked.
"No rush. The enemy's healing-type ability user is troublesome, which made this exchange less effective. But even with fewer gains, it's still an exchange. The enemy has permanently lost several high-level combatants, so we still have the advantage."
Heart Tree King stroked the armrest, paused, and continued:
"Let's wait for our high-level combatants to recover. Right now, let's plan how to eliminate that healing-type ability user. If we don't kill him, our tactics will be greatly weakened... If this tactic doesn't work, then let's stop stalling and launch a full-scale attack. Once we're in their territory, the Mother Tree can feast to its heart's content!"