Melos looked incredulous and was about to say something when Han Xiao spoke first, saying calmly:
"Don't rush to conclusions (https://m. hetushu. com). You didn't believe I was a prophet before. If you hadn't changed your mind, we wouldn't be meeting now. I don't need you to believe me immediately. Think carefully, why would I lie to you? The Sunil people haven't given me any benefits. Even if I'm lying, you haven't lost anything."
"... Indeed." Melos nodded, agreeing with this statement. Even if Han Xiao was exaggerating, the tribe would only maintain the status quo. On the contrary, Melos preferred to believe that what Han Xiao said was true. As long as there was fresh troops to help, the tribe's losses in fighting the Calamity would be greatly reduced, and it would be able to develop.
Despite the potential threat from DarkStar, the Sunil Race is nothing more than a small fry to DarkStar. As long as they keep a low profile, they can find a niche to grow in the perilous environment.
With this in mind, Melos's expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice, "If you can truly help the tribe overcome this difficulty, Sunil will become your strongest ally. I cannot make decisions for the tribe, but I believe the leadership will do so. Please have faith in the determination and character of the Sunil people."
"Of course, I've never doubted either of those points." Han Xiao delivered a flattering compliment, making Melos feel quite pleased.
"I will immediately report your attitude to higher-ups..."
Han Xiao waved his hand and said, "I advise you not to say anything yet. A pleasant surprise is better than agonizing waiting. Besides, based solely on your word, your clan's higher-ups may not believe that I am a prophet."
Melos paused for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "That makes sense..."
"If I'm not mistaken, you should be heading to space as a mercenary, just like other superhumans."
"Yes, I've stayed with the clan for too long. It's time for me to go out and make some contributions. I'll set off in two days." Melos nodded. Although he was very powerful, he had never ventured into interstellar space alone before.
Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he laughed.
"Now that we've reached an agreement, why don't you join my mercenary group and become my partner?"
At this moment, Master Han seemed to be possessed by the spirit of Tu Shu Luffy. If you added an upward angle, backlighting, and an outstretched hand, along with a high-energy background music, he felt he could trigger a super-powerful buff: [Recruitment Success Rate +100%].
"Join your Black Star Mercenary Group..." Melos was immediately tempted. Since he was going to be a mercenary anyway, working together would not only give them more strength, but also allow him to have long-term contact with Han Xiao, witness his actions, and verify whether what he said was true.
If Han Xiao truly helps Sunil, he will have a chance to repay him by helping Han Xiao save their home planet. They can also discuss how to deal with DarkStar together, talk all night, and refine their plan. It would be so convenient.
Moreover, Han Xiao is very important to Sunil, and he can't let anything happen to him. If they are together, he can protect him. After all, in Melos's eyes, Han Xiao's strength is only average, not strong at all.
'His strength is a rank lower than mine. Being a mercenary is dangerous. I'm going with him to prevent him from dying unexpectedly.'
After careful consideration, Melos found the proposal very constructive and immediately responded positively, "Okay, I'll join your mercenary group."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao calmly nodded, but inwardly he was beaming with joy.
--My five-step hairpin-bending, continuous persuasion was worth it; I finally managed to seduce this main character!!
Besides serving as a contact for Sunil, Melos can also enrich the mercenary group's NPC officers, making him a high-end combatant!
This job was incredibly profitable!
The content of the exchange between the two sides was not reported to the higher-ups. Just as Han Xiao suggested, Sunil was kept in the dark for the time being, and only Melos knew the truth.
Two days later, the summoned interstellar travel group arrived on Planet Sunil. The group of players followed Han Xiao, eagerly waiting to board the ship. Suddenly, they saw a tall Sunil man walking over. Having stayed in Forest City for so long and seen the military propaganda, they immediately recognized the newcomer as Melos, a figure being portrayed as a hero.
Melos was dressed in simple casual clothes. Han Xiao glanced at him and asked, "Where's your armor?"
"It's been lent to the research institute. I can only get it back to use once they've derived the blueprints, so I can only bring this weapon with me..."
Melos turned to the side, revealing a silver metal rectangular block strapped to his back. This was the folded state of his mechanical ship-slaying sword, the only piece of equipment he carried.
"I see..." Han Xiao was a little disappointed. General-Grade Armor was a good thing, but he hadn't even met the prerequisites for Non-Commissioned Officer-Grade Armor yet, let alone general-class armor. Anyway, there was a chance in the future, so there was no need to rush.
Han Xiao turned to the group of expert players and introduced, "This is Melos, a Grade B superhuman. From today onwards, he is our partner and a new member of the mercenary group."
Good heavens! Everyone's jaws nearly dropped to the floor; they were completely dumbfounded.
Oh my god! A hero of our race has been kidnapped by the guild leader!!
Why did you join us?
What do you do for a living?
"Did you and Black Star make some kind of deal?"
Everyone was very curious about this new companion, chattering away. Melos, surrounded by his "teammates'" enthusiasm, felt quite uncomfortable and forced a smile.
The players' Detection results were full of question marks. They were very curious about how Han Xiao had managed to hook up with a Grade B superhuman. This was a top-tier expert in the advanced map, probably even stronger than Black Phantom, and likely the strongest fighter in the entire mercenary group.
The addition of a stronger player to the team has greatly excited the players.
After a while, the spaceship slowly descended. Melos shook off the players, walked to Han Xiao's side, looked up at the spaceship, and his face was somewhat stiff.
Han Xiao turned his head and glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "You seem a little nervous. Have you never been to interstellar space before?"
"Yes, this is my first time." Melos rubbed his hands together, wiping away the sweat, and whispered, "Actually, I'm a little afraid of heights..."
"... You're a disgrace to martial arts." Han Xiao was speechless.
The group boarded the spaceship, which slowly ascended into the outer space. Forest City gradually shrank in their sight. This mercenary mission had finally come to an end. They left with one more member than when they arrived. The Sunil Race's Calamity had greatly benefited everyone, especially Han Xiao, who had made a fortune.
"This trip to Sunil has planted a seed, which can be considered as connecting with the DarkStar's storyline... The plan has finally taken its first step." Han Xiao crossed his arms, looking thoughtful.
The spaceship's destination is the Juberly Hub. Before embarking on the next mission, Han Xiao needs to return to rest and regroup the team, and to digest the gains from this trip.
In Forest City, a military base has been opened as a recruitment center.
After the Calamity, it was time for new recruits to enlist. Eligible young people participated in mandatory military service and received military training. One by one, young people arrived at the conscription office accompanied by their parents.
Lana arrived early and was only allowed to enter the conscription office by the guards after handing over his identification. Other unrelated persons were not allowed to enter, and his parents were kept outside.
Lana turned around and saw her parents waving from outside, their smiles as kind as ever.
He took a deep look before following the group into the military base.
After waiting in line for a long time, it was finally Lana's turn to complete the formalities. The officer sitting behind the table didn't even look up and casually said, "Give me your name, then take a number and go for a medical examination."
Lana took a deep breath and said seriously, "Sir, I would like to apply for formal enlistment."
The officer glanced up and asked, "Do your parents know?"
"Have no idea."
"Young man, your parents must have warned you not to apply for formal military service, right?"
"Yes, sir, but I believe my decision was correct."
The officer said coldly, "Once your enlistment application is approved, you will be fully responsible for your decision. There is no going back. Do you understand?"
"I see."
A slight smile appeared on the officer's indifferent face. He opened a drawer containing a thick stack of formal enlistment applications, took one out, and handed it to Lana.
Lana was about to take it when he noticed the officer was gripping the application form tightly, and he couldn't pull it out. At that moment, the officer said calmly, "This is your last chance to back out."
Lana, with a determined look, snatched the application form.
"Good, the official enlistment area is over there, so don't block the way for the people behind you."
Lana followed the officer's finger and saw an empty warehouse next to him, which was also the official recruitment office. The warehouse was filled with young men holding recruitment application forms and waiting to fill them out.