"The equipment restrictions are quite high. Generally, Mechanic Class players will find it difficult to reach 200 stamina points by level 90. Even if they do have 200 stamina points, they only have 8,000 HP. Wearing the equipment will reduce their HP by 3,000, which is almost half. The most Esper Class, which can penetrate armor, but that only reduces my HP by about one-fifth. I'm still very tanky. Exchanging 3,000 HP for 30,000 armor value is a huge profit."
Han Xiao nodded secretly.
The Void Dragon is the strongest combat suit he can currently create. He has used up all the materials and cannot replicate it. Whether it is durability or output, it is abnormal among those of the same level. Its two core innate skills are [Undying Toughness] and [Void Jet]. The former enhances resistance and has the ability to automatically repair itself, while the latter has terrifying burst power, which comes from the magic power deposited in the Void Dragon Bone. Although Han Xiao is Mechanic Class, due to the characteristics of the materials, the Void Dragon he created can be regarded as a half-magic and half-mechanical equipment.
If we want to achieve automatic repair through mechanical means, there are many possibilities. For example, there are Nano Repair robots, which require High-End Knowledge in the energy branch [Nanodynamics], or alloys with "memory" properties, which require High-End Material Technology.
"By the way, speaking of magic..."
Han Xiao's eyes lit up, and he called over the Volga Three Brothers. The three of them looked like they were made from the same mold, making them difficult to distinguish. Usually, the eldest brother spoke on behalf of the three.
"Commander, what do you want with us?"
"What kind of magic do you possess?" Han Xiao asked Volga's Eldest.
"I'm a specialist mage, proficient in water magic," Volga's Eldest, introduced himself. "The second brother excels at evocation spells and buff auras, and the third is a telekinetic. Actually, when we were kids, the three of us brothers applied to the Feir Mage Advanced Academy together, but only the youngest was rejected. I still remember the admissions instructor telling him—'Give up magic. Your talent isn't suited to this school. For you, magic is as unattainable as Mount Varisel '... Do you know Mount Varisel? That's the highest peak in our hometown..."
The eldest brother was a chatterbox, rambling on and on, and instantly veered off-topic. Han Xiao only paused for two seconds before the conversation shifted to how their first pet died when they were children.
"Stop..." Han Xiao hurriedly stopped Volga's Eldest, coughed, and said, "I called you over here to enchant the weapons."
As he spoke, he pointed to the machinery on the table.
The three men had no objection to the commander's request, but upon closer inspection, their faces fell. So many machines meant an enormous workload.
"I've written down the specific requirements on a piece of paper, it's on the table. You can take your time doing it when you're not on a task." Han Xiao waved his hand and strode away, leaving the three of them standing there looking at each other in bewilderment.
Volga Third Brother was in high spirits. He wasn't a magician, so this was none of his business. He glanced at his two older brothers with smug satisfaction and left triumphantly. The other two watched his swaggering the Sight of Father's Back and just wanted to give him a magic light blast.
In theory, enchanting can be applied to most inanimate objects, including machinery. Enchanting is also a profession that Mage Class players possess. In my past life, most mages also did enchanting as a side job to earn extra money. Water enchantments increase physical damage reduction, while evocation enchantments generally grant additional attack power.
Han Xiao used mechanical means to enhance his weapon, but he had temporarily reached his limit. He sought new ways to enhance it, and since there were mages in the team, he would try to make the most of them.
"I'm currently level 95, five levels away from the level 100 advancement threshold, but my main Mechanic Class class is stuck on the job change requirements, needing me to learn two High-End Knowledge... Sigh, I haven't even finished learning all the Advanced Knowledge yet..."
Shaking his head, Han Xiao felt somewhat helpless. His main profession had reached the fifth stage, occupying level 65. By the time a player had a main profession of this level, it would already be version 2.0. The next stage of job advancement would be completed in version 3.0, at which point they could access High-End Knowledge. Even in version 3.0, learning High-End Knowledge was extremely expensive, mostly requiring exchange in the faction shop. Players would have to grind for a long time to accumulate enough favorability and money.
The job change requirements he randomly received this time were quite difficult. The Advanced Knowledge alone took him a lot of effort, and High-End Knowledge was even harder to obtain. The regional exchange in the Garton Star System only had one High-End Knowledge for sale, and it was a relatively peripheral knowledge. Even so, the price was dozens or even hundreds of times higher than that of Advanced Knowledge. It was an exorbitant price. He had more than 100,000 Enas in his account, but he still couldn't afford it.
There are two difficulties in changing jobs: money and connections. The former requires time to earn money, while the latter requires slowly searching for sellers in various star systems of the Shattered Star Ring. Few mechanics are willing to share their knowledge, which is why Han Xiao felt that he could not change jobs in a short time, even with his identity as Dragon Calm.
"Once I reach level 100, there are further advancement requirements. I might as well find a new secondary profession, level it up to 100, and then check out the advancement requirements first. If it's convenient, I can complete them at the same time as the job change requirements."
Han Xiao pondered.
"The Whispering Bead triggered three major quests for me, all related to Goddora and DarkStar. I need to plan carefully and avoid making any rash moves before the next version... No, including the hidden quest on Aroshia, it should be four high-difficulty quests."
Aroshia is mysterious. She has awakened Energy Transformation superpower and seems to have developed a curiosity about it. Han Xiao instructed Melos to guide her in honing her strength, and sometimes he also personally guided her. He discovered that Aroshia is exceptionally talented and progresses Godspeed. She possesses extraordinary potential within her, like a dormant treasure. Her superpower draws nourishment from it and grows extremely quickly. Han Xiao estimates that she will officially reach Grade C in less than a month.
Opening the forum and browsing player activity as usual, I saw that someone from the Black Star Mercenary Group had posted the walkthrough and difficulties of a level 90 dungeon. This was the first time any player had seen a dungeon that exceeded the version's level cap, sparking a heated discussion.
Han Xiao read through the information and learned about the new dungeon. He calculated in his mind that, based on his experience, level 60 players should have a chance to successfully steal the dungeon and complete it with a very low success rate.
"Hey, Meat Bun posted a new video again?"
He exclaimed in surprise, noticing Meat Bun's new video; the latest episode was none other than the fourth episode of the Black Star series.
Han Xiao looked surprised, opened the video, and glanced at it briefly.
This episode continues the story from the previous one, covering the second half of the hiring incident. From the Floating Dragon Island to the Pursuit on DarkStar, and then to the Dragon Emperor's might, Meat Bun still couldn't clear the [Campaign: The Might of the Dragon Emperor]. He had given up and drew the scene himself. As a result, what the audience saw was a slideshow resembling a child's sketch, with colorful, kindergarten-level hand-drawn illustrations, accompanied by Meat Bun's vivid descriptions. It felt like a salesman holding up a salted fish and insisting it was an imperial edict.
"... Seeing the hostile intent of the approaching force, the DarkStar mothership shouted and fled in haste. Ames glared at her, yelling, 'Hey! You thief ship, don't run!' With that, she activated her power, unleashing a 'Mount Tai Press' attack, grabbing the nearby Floating Dragon Island and hurling it at the DarkStar mothership! In an instant, the wind and clouds surged, the sky and earth changed color, and the two collided like a stone hitting an egg. The mothership, like a kite with a broken string, plummeted to the ground..."
The Meat Bun, Roubao, spoke in a pretentious, over-the-top manner, as if he were on steroids, his tone more excited than DarkStar Mothership, and then an onomatopoeic word "Bang!" was drawn next to it, in bold red text.
"This guy is a real gem! I've struck gold!"
Han Xiao's lips twitched. As he expected, the density of comments in this segment was off the charts, and the audience's desire to complain was at its maximum.
Fortunately, after that, the scene switched back to a recording, ending with everyone returning to the Juberly Hub, bringing the incident to a close. The players only saw the surface of the matter; they were all kept in the dark about the conspiracy behind DarkStar, except for Han Xiao.
Besides emphasizing the "scene" of the Dragon Emperor's power, another focus of the Meat Bun is the new officer of the Black Star Mercenary Group, specifically Aroshia. Compared to her, the Volga Three Brothers are completely overshadowed. Following the widespread acclaim for Ames, Aroshia has sparked another frenzy. Her looks surpass Ames', with an almost perfect, exquisite appearance. Although she lacks Ames ' strength, status, and charisma, she possesses her own charm. Her amnesia makes her instantly endearing and mysterious. Most importantly... she has a large bust!
Unsurprisingly, the battle between those who favor flat chests and those who favor large breasts has reignited! How can one govern the world without flat chests, and how can one win people's hearts without large breasts!
"Although the Dragon Emperor is strong, beautiful, and has long legs, but... she's flat-chested!"
"Fair skin hides a hundred flaws, but flat skin ruins everything. I'm sorry, I've fallen for someone else."
"I'm not trying to be mean, but you guys are really terrible. All you have are brains, what's so great about big breasts?"
Big is beautiful!
This group of screen-licking monsters split into the Ames Party and the Aroshia Party, and they were tearing each other apart. Han Xiao was happy to see this. The more intense the fighting, the higher the topic's popularity. Anyway, no matter how much they fought, it wouldn't affect him, a male human.
After closing the forum, Han Xiao began to consider his next course of action.
"I've been through a lot of turmoil this time, getting involved in higher-level struggles and coming under the radar of DarkStar. It's best to keep a low profile for a while, accept employment steadily, consolidate my current position, and save money at the same time."
Having faced numerous dangers in his pursuit of Compression Technology, Han Xiao is not planning to take any more risks for the time being. He has already gained fame, ability, and connections, and his collaborators have offered him many lucrative assignments. He decides to complete these jobs one by one, accumulating experience step by step, without rushing.
Moreover, the player's fortunes are intertwined with the player's. This is only version 1.0, and the player's abilities are limited. When the player grows stronger in the next version, the benefits the player receives from the player will increase exponentially.
Back in the base lobby, all the players were there. When they saw Han Xiao appear, they all surrounded him.
"Black Star, when are we going to have our next mission?" Frenzied Saber asked.
These players were getting restless from playing dungeons every day and were practically impatient to get back to base.
"Pack your Tu Shu and leave today."
On his way here, Han Xiao accepted a job offer from a partner. It wasn't difficult and the pay was generous. Before the next version arrives, he only plans to take on these kinds of tasks to accumulate wealth, consolidate his position, and develop discreetly.
--After handling a major undertaking, it's time to focus on health.
Upon hearing this, the players perked up and quickly gathered their items. More than fifty armored warriors stood neatly in front of them.
Han Xiao glanced at it, turned around and strode out, with the players following closely behind.
"Set off!"
Han Xiao set his course of action, accepting employment invitations from collaborators and becoming active in various star systems of the Shattered Star Ring.
After the hype surrounding Dragon Calm subsided, the mercenary group gradually established its own status and reputation through various cooperative missions, and its resume became increasingly impressive.
The Black Star Mercenary Group was constantly on the move, busy with one mission after another, and time flew by.
Nine months passed in the blink of an eye.