In the blink of an eye, several days have passed.
Everything at the training base remained the same, except that Black Star's temporary departure caused a stir among the staff.
Having weathered many storms, Black Star has become a pillar of stability in the eyes of the Beyond Grade A group. Under his influence, the common interests of the Super A Tier have continued to expand. Today, to a certain extent, everyone is able to unite under the banner of the "Beyond Grade A Association" because of Black Star's existence.
Therefore, although Han Xiao was going on official business and wouldn't be gone for long, everyone still felt that something was missing.
During this period, Kasuyi took charge of the overall situation, following Han Xiao's instructions and paying attention to the movements of many Revived. He originally thought it was just a routine matter, but unexpectedly, some unusual activity occurred.
A few days after Han Xiao left, Dilron and a group of war-avoiding Revived disappeared. Kasuyi, who had been monitoring the movements of the association members, soon discovered this anomaly.
As comrades who resolutely stepped forward to stand with the Association against the Three Universal Civilizations, the treatment of the first two batches of Revived Revived was naturally different from that of the third batch. The Association had to consider the thoughts of all its members and would not deprive those who avoided the war of their freedom just because some members were unwilling to participate. Therefore, Dilron and the others were not placed under house arrest like the third batch of Revived.
Surprised, Kasuyi immediately investigated and questioned the war-avoiding Revived who had not yet left. He finally learned that Dilron and the others had planned to leave under the guise of war. However, no one revealed their route, only that Dilron used magic to take some of his companions into Secondary Dimension to leave in this way.
Kasuyi tried to contact Dilron and his group, but they seemed determined to leave and he couldn't reach them at all. Helpless, he remembered the contact information for the Oathkeeper that Han Xiao had left him, and with a curious mind, he turned to this stranger for help.
In the offices of the training base and Tu Shu, Kasuyi leaned back in his chair. The communicator on the table emitted a cone-shaped beam of light, scanning a virtual screen in front of him and displaying a dialing screen.
The phone rang for a few seconds before being answered. The black communication interface suddenly changed, revealing a figure wearing a hooded black robe, who looked quite mysterious.
Kasuyi looked at the man curiously and said, "I am Kasuyi. You are the Oathkeeper that Black Star spoke of?"
"It's me."
The Oathkeeper responded calmly, and also raised his eyes to scrutinize Kasuyi.
The two sized each other up, and for a moment the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
After a few seconds, Kasuyi asked with interest:
"Before Black Star left, he gave me your contact information, saying that if the Revived made any moves, I could contact you for help?"
"He also informed me," the Oathkeeper nodded.
"... So what's your relationship with Black Star? I've never heard of anyone like you."
"It's normal that you don't know me; I have a much closer connection with Black Star," the Oathkeeper said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Kasuyi narrowed his eyes, and various guesses flashed through his mind.
The existence of the Sanctum has always been a secret, never revealed by the many Revived have emerged from the mountains, so naturally he was unaware of it either.
In a flash, Kasuyi tentatively asked:
"Could it be... that you are Black Star's secret subordinate?"
The Oathkeeper's eyes immediately sharpened, and he said in a deep voice:
"You're overthinking it. I'm just an important collaborator of his, never his subordinate."
Really? I don't believe it...
Kasuyi secretly scoffed. Many association members were just like that, trying to make themselves look good. They all claimed they weren't Black Star's subordinates, but they still obeyed his orders. He was used to this kind of thing.
After mentally grumbling for a moment, Kasuyi composed herself and asked curiously, "I don't quite understand, what's your relationship with those Revived? Why did Black Star ask me to ask you for help?"
"It's a secret. Black Star didn't tell you, and I can't reveal it either. Just know that I can help, and don't ask any more questions."
The Oathkeeper spoke calmly, unaware that Kasuyi was also an insider of the truth about the Sanctuary Revival, and naturally kept it to himself.
Among all of Han Xiao's collaborators, the Sanctum is a particularly important one. As an "outsider," Kasuyi certainly cannot be involved in core secrets. Therefore, when the Oathkeeper makes his statement, it is easy for people to misunderstand that he is superior.
Seeing this, Kasuyi secretly curled his lip.
Tsk, so you say you're not Black Star's secret subordinate? Otherwise, if you're keeping Black Star's secrets, why do you have this faint sense of superiority...?
Seeing that the Oathkeeper had no intention of exchanging further information, Kasuyi temporarily abandoned his plan to gather intelligence and recounted the events involving Dilron and the others.
After listening, the Oathkeeper's eyes flickered slightly, and he slowly said, "Dilron... as expected. I will talk to him."
"He has blocked all outside communication. How can you contact him?" Kasuyi asked in surprise.
"I have my own methods, no need to ask any more questions, just leave it to me."
The Oathkeeper waved his hand, said nothing more, and hung up the call immediately.
Seeing the communication screen go black, Kasuyi muttered to himself, his expression strange.
"So mysterious, I've never even heard of him... When did Black Star get to know this guy?"
Somewhere in Secondary Dimension World, Dilron and his companions were traveling in a golem-like vehicle crafted by the elves.
The room was silent; no one spoke, and they glanced every now and then at the radar-like magic compass, fearing that someone was pursuing them.
"Everything is going smoothly so far. We have entered the Secondary Dimension World. As long as we avoid the control zones of the Three Universal Civilizations, we don't need to worry about being discovered."
The vehicle possesses magical consciousness and is reporting the situation. So far, the operation has proceeded smoothly without encountering much resistance.
"Black Star won't be back for at least another month. That's plenty of time for us to completely disappear. War is no longer a concern for us," a companion chuckled softly.
Upon hearing this, the other war-avoiding Revived who had left with Dilron couldn't help but smile with relief. Dilron, however, was not particularly happy and remained expressionless in his seat.
call--
Just then, clusters of black flames suddenly appeared out of thin air, forming a mental projection of the Oathkeeper, and appeared before Dilron, instantly silencing the laughter in the room.
"You really did come."
Dilron was not surprised at all.
The Oathkeeper stared at him, not angry, and calmly said, "Leaving without saying goodbye, isn't that inappropriate?"
"Nobody knows if the world will explode tomorrow. Anytime could be the last time we see each other, so there's no point in being particular," Dilron said, arms crossed, his tone indifferent.
"Black Star will be very unhappy if you do this," the Oathkeeper said calmly.
"Why should I care if he's happy or not?" Dilron scoffed. "If you're just here for a chat, I'm happy to oblige. But if you're trying to persuade me, forget it. You know I would never help the Three Universal Civilizations."
The Oathkeeper shook his head. "I understand your hatred for the Three Universal Civilizations, and I won't advise you to let it go, but leaving the main universe is nothing more than an act of escapism."
"Out of consideration for the favors I owe you, I won't seek revenge against the Three Universal Civilizations. What else can I do but stay? Or are you trying to persuade me not to run away, but to stay and make the Three Universal Civilizations pay a bloody price?"
Dilron's tone was sarcastic.
The Oathkeeper didn't seem to care and slowly said:
"It's normal for you to have grievances, but you have to look forward. We are fighting for the Three Universal Civilizations now only to protect our home, the interstellar society. The current alliance is just a temporary measure. Even if we ultimately win, the Three Universal Civilizations will still have many irreconcilable conflicts with us... Black Star's leniency towards you stems not only from sympathy for your plight but also from his foresight of many future conflicts with the Three Universal Civilizations. He has never asked you to let go of your hatred, so why not wait a little longer?"
"Hmph, I don't doubt Black Star's foresight, but I'm not one to easily change my mind. In any case, I'm unwilling to serve the Three Universal Civilizations. If you want me to go back, wait until you're hostile to the Three Universal Civilizations again."
Dilron straightened his back and pursed his lips.
The Oathkeeper said calmly, "Now that you're deserting your post and refusing to fight alongside the association, even if you return in the future, we won't welcome you."
"Then I won't come back." Dilron pointed at the Oathkeeper and said coldly, "Also, watch your words. I'm not your soldier, and the Association isn't an army. Don't use words like 'escape'."
The Oathkeeper nodded and said calmly, "It's your choice to leave, and since that's the case, I won't try to persuade you anymore. The association doesn't need you. Just don't regret it later."
After saying that, the Oathkeeper turned to look at the other Revived and casually said:
"As for you, when Black Star returns from the Sanctuary, I will tell you some valuable information: whether you choose to leave with Dilron completely or return to fight with us, the decision will be yours."
As soon as the words fell, the Oathkeeper's psychological projection cracked, turning into clusters of black sparks, which then vanished.
Given his status, he could have stood up to emphasize the truth about the Sanctuary Revival and corroborate Han Xiao's statement, but the Oathkeeper does not intend to do so now, firstly due to his personal wishes, and secondly because of Han Xiao's instructions before entering the Sanctuary.
If some of the Revived want to take the opportunity to leave, let them be. There is no need to rush to let others enjoy the benefits of the Sanctuary Revival that lead to eternal life.
The Oathkeeper knew that all he had to do was use the communication function of the Soul Flame to show the departing group the scene of Black Star's Sanctuary Revival soon. Those who wanted to come back could come back on their own, and those who wanted to leave could leave. At that time, it was uncertain who would beg whom. Don't think that he and Black Star would try to keep them again and again. This world doesn't lack a few measly things and it will keep turning.
Seeing the Oathkeeper disappear, everyone present breathed a sigh of relief, their eyes flickering thoughtfully.
Dilron, however, let out a cold laugh.
Regret? That word has never been in my dictionary!
Under Kasuyi's control, the departure of Dilron and the others did not cause much of a stir, but it was inevitable that other members of the association would feel uneasy.
Most of them participated in the war, fighting to the death on the front lines, while some of their comrades in the rear stayed away from the war and went to enjoy themselves in Secondary Dimension, which made some association members feel that it was unfair.
However, as Beyond Grade A, once a choice is made, it is not easily changed. Although there was some wavering and dissatisfaction, no one followed Dilron's example and took action. They simply hid their emotions in their hearts and silently buried themselves in training.
Soon, more than a month had passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, Sanctuary passage appeared in the cosmos somewhere in the Ancient Star Desert, and a figure emerged from it.
"Phew, I'm back..."
Han Xiao shook his head, feeling that the symptoms were milder this time than before, and he regained his normal senses faster. The numerous technologies he had retrieved from the First Sanctum were quickly stabilized in his memory palace.
He composed himself for a moment, took out his communicator, glanced at the time, and immediately a smile appeared on his lips.
"This time, after only ten days of using Sihe-Tu-Shu, the permissions have been upgraded by one level, and the time flow rate has been reduced. At this rate, it might be available in just a few days in the future."
Han Xiao was in a cheerful mood and flipped through the information bar again.
In the short time he had been gone, nothing major had happened except for reports from Kasuyi and the Oathkeeper regarding Dilron's departure.
"He slipped away while I was away... Tsk, I'll settle the score with him later."
Han Xiao pursed his lips, but considering Dilron's character, he wasn't too surprised.
However, for now, this guy's problem isn't important; the priority is to digest what we've gained from this trip.
Han Xiao looked down at the back of his hand; the new Sanctuary Revival Mark was emitting Glimmer, and he couldn't help but smile.
"This time, the Beyond Grade A group's determination to participate in the war can finally be firmly established... Hopefully, the Three Universal Hooligans can calm down."