Meanwhile, somewhere on Planet Aquamarine.
This is a land with extremely high concentrations of nuclear radiation. The environment is desolate and decaying, with a thick gray color seemingly filling every inch of space. The blue sky is shrouded in gloom, and the ground is covered with a thick layer of white ash. There is not a single patch of green to be seen, and the place is devoid of any life.
Meanwhile, dozens of narrow, shuttle-shaped spaceships were quietly parked there, and a group of hybrid Goddora people dressed in interstellar combat suits were fiddling with strange instruments.
This vanguard team consisted of ordinary DarkStar warriors, with only the commanding officer reaching Grade B. Their mission was to infiltrate and not to engage in combat. These ships maintained Stealth and shielded themselves from all detection devices. Han Xiao's fleet had searched the entire globe but failed to find this team. DarkStar had invested most of its skill points in stealth technology; otherwise, they would have been wiped out long ago.
DarkStar deployed infiltrative squads on all the planets where the Mutation Source were deployed. Their mission was to monitor the disaster at close range. Through special instruments, they could detect certain radiation parameters emitted by the Mutation Source, thereby understanding the Prototypes' growth stages. This set of instruments was provided free of charge by the manufacturer of the Mutation Source, making them truly conscientious interstellar arms dealers.
However, the team did not know the exact location of the Mutation Source, nor did they intend to search for it; their orders were not to interfere.
In fact, this DarkStar team had already infiltrated Planet Aquamarine a month ago without showing their faces. They connected to the satellites of the Six Nations through more advanced virtual technology, sharing the vision of these "eyes." They witnessed the destruction of the planet by the Mutation Disaster, but none of it was intelligence they were concerned with. It wasn't until the appearance of Black Star that the team took it seriously and relayed the information to headquarters.
The DarkStar executives and the Book of Books, who were staying at headquarters, were closely monitoring the progress of the plan. Black Star had caused them to lose an elder and was already considered an enemy. This news surprised the executives, but after some discussion, they all concluded that Black Star's appearance on Planet Aquamarine was not for them.
"We've investigated. Planet Aquamarine is the home planet of Black Star. We just happened to choose this planet because the natives of Planet Aquamarine likely had a way to contact Black Star. After the disaster, they sought help from Black Star, which led to the current situation. The reason for Black Star's arrival has nothing to do with us; it's a coincidence."
"Indeed, that's the most reasonable explanation. We're hiding in the shadows, and so far no one knows that these disasters are part of our plan."
"The people of Goddora will soon be heading to these planets for disaster relief. Adding another Black Star will just mean adding another rescue team. Planet Aquamarine is just one of the planets; it won't affect our plans."
Although they were hostile to Han Xiao, they didn't want to alert him at this crucial juncture in their plan. Moreover, their investigation revealed that Black Star actually possessed a high-end Blacklight Stealth, which allowed him to escape at will, thus dispelling DarkStar's idea.
In their eyes, Han Xiao's appearance was just a coincidence and had little impact on the overall situation. There was no need to be too nervous. At this moment, the mission should be the priority, and they should not expose themselves.
The Mutation Disaster is the core of DarkStar's plan, but the next move is even more crucial; they are waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
In the following days, the news in the Garton Star System intensified, and advanced civilizations in other star systems watched from the sidelines, but no one wanted to help. These unfortunate planets were located in Goddora's territory, and according to the diplomatic rules of civilization, Goddora should handle them.
No one criticizes other advanced civilizations for not intervening, but if Goddora doesn't help its allied civilizations within its territory, then the situation becomes much more serious.
Of course, disaster relief is not mandatory, but it will affect Goddora's reputation and status in the Shattered Star Ring. Other allied civilizations will reassess their relationship with Godora as a result. As a member of the Order faction, certain rules must be followed. In order to consolidate its dominance in the Garton Star System, quell the internal and external public opinion storm, and out of humanitarian considerations, Goddora will naturally not stand idly by.
Spaceships departed from various military space stations in Goddora, heading to planets in different star sectors for disaster relief. The Six Nations, who had been eagerly awaiting news, finally received word that the fleet was about to arrive on Planet Aquamarine.
The high-ranking officials of the Six Nations were almost moved to tears. After more than a month of persuasion, Goddora finally remembered that she was the father and was finally coming.
They believed that while Planet Aquamarine's technology couldn't pinpoint the root cause of the Mutation Disaster, Goddora certainly could. With Goddora's help, the disaster should be resolved quickly.
Although the Six Nations compromised with Han Xiao, Goddora's long-established position would not be easily weakened. Black Star promised them the future, but there was no solution to the root cause of the disaster, so it could not solve the immediate problem. Therefore, the Six Nations still trusted the Goddora Civilization more in dealing with the problem of Mutation Disaster.
On the arrival day notified by Goddora, the leaders of the Six Nations, along with some high-ranking officials, arrived early at the landing site to wait for Godora, and they provided Goddora with the landing coordinates.
"This is the first large-scale visit by the Goddora Civilization, and we must greet them with the highest level of courtesy."
Meeting the Goddora fleet was a major event for the entire civilization. Even though the Six Nations Six Nations were in dire straits at the time and had only managed to restore some order with Han Xiao's help, they dared not treat the interstellar visitors and saviors lightly and still prepared a welcoming ceremony.
However, the leaders of the Six Nations were also uneasy. This was the first time they had seen an alien fleet. They were unfamiliar with Goddora's culture and the situation in interstellar space, and they were afraid that they might do something that would cause the aliens to misunderstand them.
On this day, the astronomical institutions of the Six Nations kept a close watch on the sky, their mission to detect the whereabouts of the Goddora fleet as soon as possible.
At midday, when the sun was at its most dazzling, a fleet entered the atmosphere of Planet Aquamarine. Golden spaceships emerged from the clouds and flew slowly above Planet Aquamarine. This satellite image was immediately known to the Six Nations.
The leaders of the Six Nations were all on high alert, preparing to welcome Goddora at the landing site, their hearts pounding with tension.
At this moment, the observers urgently reported, "No, the Goddora people have changed their route; they didn't come here!"
"What?!"
Officials stationed at the landing site were alarmed and hurriedly shared satellite images, which showed that the Goddora fleet had not landed at the designated location, but had changed course midway and headed towards the Sanctuary.
The leaders of the Six Nations were immediately taken aback.
The exchange between civilizations should be led by the Six Nations, and besides, it was they who requested the aid, yet Goddora left the Six Nations aside and went to Black Star instead.
They are the true regime on this planet!
They had hoped to personally meet the Goddora people and showcase the etiquette of the Planet Aquamarine civilization, but the reality was far from what they had imagined. The carefully prepared welcoming ceremony was a waste, leaving the high-ranking officials from the Six Nations present utterly frustrated. At the same time, an idea arose in their minds:
--Is it true that, to Goddora, the entire civilization of Planet Aquamarine is less important than Black Star?!
The leaders of the Six Nations felt a surge of shame and couldn't help but think of Han Xiao's words: if they wanted an equal dialogue, they had to at least step out of the level of the natives.
A golden fleet hovered outside the Sanctuary, drawing crowds of players who rushed out to watch in awe.
Bennett knew that the Six Nations had requested aid from Goddora, but he didn't expect the fleet to come to him, so he hurriedly went out to greet them.
Buzz--
The bottoms of all the spaceships opened, shooting out yellow gravity beams that pulled out Goddora one by one, like laying eggs.
The rescue team landed slowly, led by Commander Nagokin.
Many new residential areas were opened up outside the walls of the Sanctuary. The guards and refugees there all saw this scene, their mouths agape and their faces blank. It was the first time they had seen the Goddora people. They were both surprised and nervous, staring intently at these aliens.
Bennett had seen the Goddora people captured by Han Xiao before, so he composed himself, remained calm, and stepped forward to meet them.
"Dear Goddora friends, I am Bennett, currently managing this Sanctuary. On behalf of Planet Aquamarine, I welcome you all and thank you for your generous assistance. This planet needs your help."
Nagokin noncommittal, pointed to the spaceships above the Sanctuary, and spoke through the translator, his face serious and authoritative, "What's the deal with those spaceships?"
Planet Aquamarine was just an indigenous planet, Goddora soldiers present all wore expressions of superiority, looking down on the natives. However, the presence of an interstellar fleet here aroused their curiosity.
The reason why Goddora's fleet came to the Sanctuary was not because they knew Han Xiao was there, but because they discovered Han Xiao's fleet. So Nagokin ordered his troops to change course and not land at the coordinates provided by the Six Nations, but to come here to investigate.
Nagokin possessed Calamity Grade strength, and the aura he inadvertently exuded caused Bennett's heart to clench. He instinctively sensed danger and was so terrified that he forgot to speak for a moment.
Just then, Han Xiao stepped forward from the crowd, chuckling, "Nagokin, we do indeed meet again."
"It's you!" Nagokin's eyes widened suddenly, his serious expression vanished instantly, replaced by surprise and delight. He burst into laughter, quickly stepped forward, and gave Han Xiao a warm hug.
Nagokin was deeply impressed by their previous battle together; he couldn't forget Han Xiao and recognized him at a glance.
"Black Star?! Hahaha, I didn't expect to see you here too!"
Compared to his condescending attitude towards the natives of Planet Aquamarine, Nagokin's attitude towards Han Xiao was completely different. He hugged and patted Han Xiao on the shoulder, treating him like an old friend with boundless enthusiasm—a clear case of differential treatment.
Upon hearing this, a commotion broke out among the troops behind Nagokin.
"It's Black Star!"
"That mercenary who fought alongside Commander Nagokin to kill a DarkStar Calamity Grade powerhouse!"
The people of Goddora dropped their arrogance, their faces filled with astonishment, and began to whisper amongst themselves.
Looking at the two of them, Bennett was shocked and exclaimed in disbelief, "You... you know each other?!"
"Didn't I tell you? I have many friends in interstellar space," Han Xiao said with a smile, releasing Nagokin.
Bennett nodded blankly. He had indeed heard Han Xiao mention it, but he didn't know the specifics. Now, seeing Han Xiao acting like a brother to the commander of the Goddora fleet, he finally had a clear understanding of Han Xiao's status in interstellar space.
"You're probably doing better than I thought," Bennett sighed, a mix of emotions swirling within him.
Once upon a time, Han Xiao had also extended an invitation to him, but he chose to stay on Planet Aquamarine. Now, the gap between them had widened so much. He was even intimidated by the imposing aura of this Goddora commander, while the other party was extremely enthusiastic towards Han Xiao...
Bennett was only disappointed for a moment, but quickly recovered and was secretly happy for Han Xiao.
In the distance, the players were whispering among themselves.
"I never expected the Goddora people to come to our planet."
"The officer opposite seems to be an acquaintance of the regimental commander."
"I remember in Meat Bun's video, the leader and Goddora had a good relationship. He must have specifically called Goddora over to help."
"Wow, the commander has impressive credentials."
"You're so ignorant. Do you think the Black Star Connections are just a name?"
Since Han Xiao started recruiting players, his title among the players gradually changed. He was no longer called Black Star, but Guild Leader. Even players who hadn't joined the mercenary group yet liked to call him that, which made the players feel closer to him. Before long, this title became popular on the forum, and "Guild Leader" became his new nickname.
Because Meat Bun's videos documented many of the Black Star Mercenary Group's exploits, players learned that Han Xiao not only had a background with Dragon Calm, but also had cooperative relationships with various mercenary groups and good relations with many Order Civilizations. Some jokingly referred to him as the "Black Star Connection Group," which many found amusing. Those who watched the videos resonated with the sentiment, and it quickly became a meme.
Players had limited information and were unaware that the Mutation Disaster was a power struggle between Goddora and DarkStar, nor did they know that the Six Nations had requested aid from Goddora... Essentially, they knew nothing. Therefore, at this point, players still believed that the Goddora fleet had been summoned by Han Xiao.
As expected of the Black Star network.
Nagokin for a moment, then remembered his duty and asked in confusion, "By the way, why are you here?"
Han Xiao remained expressionless and said, "This planet is my home. My goal is the same as yours—to stop the disaster. We need Goddora help now. Let's go inside and talk."