Three thrones floated, each occupied by one of the three Beyond Grade A, forming a tripartite balance that surrounded the Crimson Dynasty's special envoy, Suy.
"What will we get in return if we help you?"
After thinking for a while, Austin was the first to speak.
Everyone here is a respectable person; even a special envoy from the Crimson Dynasty cannot make empty promises.
Demanding their help with Beyond Grade A sentence without offering any conditions in return is just being unreasonable.
"New territory represents opportunity; a blank canvas is easier to paint on. If we can use the newly discovered star cluster as a starting point for a new star region, then all areas explored and expanded outwards will be incorporated into the map of the new star region. At that time, the new star region may become a star region of equal size to the Shattered Star Ring, with potentially enormous benefits."
Suy spoke eloquently, then with a wave of her hand, a miniature communicator on her wrist projected a virtual star map, marking the location of the new area.
Beyond the edge of the Shattered Star Ring lies the Unexplored Universe, marked in dark.
Crossing a long, Desolate Universe Belt, a new bright area appeared in the dark region—the location of the new star cluster identified by the Federation of Light explorer.
The Galaxy region, from smallest to largest, is roughly divided into planets, star sectors, galaxies, star clusters, and finally, the largest star field.
The Crimson Dynasty's pursuit of the New Star Cluster was not merely about seizing territory, but about transforming it into a bridgehead for outward exploration. It aimed to define it as a new frontier star region and incorporate it into the Crimson Dynasty's territory. In this way, the Crimson Dynasty could use it as a starting point to explore outward and continuously expand the territory of the New Star Region. Any areas discovered later would belong to the New Star Region, which in turn would belong to the Crimson Dynasty.
The Federation of Light controls the Shattered Star Ring, while the Crimson Dynasty desires another adjacent frontier star system and is unwilling to allow the Federation of Light to monopolize the Unexplored Universe in that direction.
Suy was explaining the stakes, and Ames and Austin were listening.
Han Xiao's attention, however, was drawn to the Nova Group.
No matter how he looked at it, the location of the Nova Cluster star map seemed somewhat familiar.
After carefully examining it for a while, Han Xiao suddenly had a flash of inspiration, and his heart was filled with turmoil.
"Damn it, isn't this part of the Shattered World?!"
[Shattered World] is the main storyline of the later version, a brand new star field where trillions of stars shine brightly, illuminating the dark universe.
Unexplored star fields are incredibly rich in resources.
Players across the entire Galaxy will generally accept main quests from various regions, gather in the Shattered World to explore, and countless races and civilizations will migrate from the known universe to the Shattered World, resulting in a major reshuffling of power and widespread chaos and turmoil.
The new cluster of stars that Suy showcased was just the tip of the iceberg of the Shattered World in Han Xiao's memory.
Unexpectedly, the later versions are already showing signs of this.
Han Xiao's mind raced with thoughts.
"We've only explored a small area so far. It will take many years to fully explore it, several decades before we reach version 2.0..."
Previously, players fought for various factions and completed pioneering missions. This time, perhaps there's an opportunity to become a chess player. Just as the envoy said, new territories present the best opportunities, and this might be a chance to reach the top...
Although the Black Star Army is not strong enough, and is far inferior to behemoths like the War Realm, Han Xiao has a major advantage: he understands the general course of events.
To qualify for the strategic deployment, a more powerful force is needed; the stronger the force, the greater the benefits. Currently, it is far from sufficient, but fortunately, there are still several more versions to go.
Han Xiao couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency and began to think things through.
The birth of the Shattered World proves at least one thing: the Crimson Dynasty ultimately succeeded in seizing the new star cluster from the Federation of Light and defining it as a new star system.
While he was thinking, Suy had already stated his conditions, which, in summary, meant that the Crimson Dynasty would provide comprehensive support in secret.
Gaining the support of a cosmic-level civilization is a very tempting offer. Although the Federation of Light controls the Shattered Star Ring, it has rarely had contact with the forces within the Shattered Star Ring, appearing aloof and superior.
Austin frowned, his expression serious, but combined with his youthful face, it looked comical and particularly endearing.
"I'm not very interested in this kind of thing. I'd rather stay home and study incantations, so... I'm sorry, but I want to remain neutral, so I can only agree to your request. I won't help the Federation of Light either."
After thinking for a while, Austin responded by saying he wanted to stay out of it and remain neutral.
I understand.
Suy wasn't surprised. They were all Beyond Grade A, and it wasn't easy to force them. Being able to secure neutrality and avoid taking sides was a decent result. He had also negotiated with Heber after a lot of discussion. This private meeting was mainly to represent the Empire and reduce the potential allies of the Federation of Light.
"And you, Ames?" Heber asked.
Ames wasn't very interested in this kind of thing and was about to follow Austin's example and refuse, but then she paused and looked at Han Xiao.
"Black Star, what do you think?"
"Um?"
Han Xiao was lost in thought while idly observing when he was suddenly called upon, and he was momentarily stunned.
Seeing everyone's attention focused on him, Han Xiao pondered for a few seconds, then nodded and said, "The Crimson Dynasty's reputation can naturally be trusted. The envoy is right; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity containing enormous potential benefits. Personally, I think the Crimson Dynasty has a greater than sixty percent chance of success."
Suy's eyes lit up, and she smiled, secretly wondering when she had bribed this guy, while nodding to Han Xiao, "Good eye."
Han Xiao nodded in agreement and continued, "So I think there's no need to rush to refuse; it's not a bad thing."
Upon hearing this, Ames thought for a moment, then instead of directly refusing, said, "I'll think about it some more."
Heber and Austin exchanged a slight glance.
They had known Ames for many years. At first, Ames clearly showed her reluctance, but after hearing Han Xiao's suggestion, she immediately changed her mind.
The importance of Black Star in the eyes of the Dragon Emperor seems to exceed their expectations.
"Not just a henchman, but also a staff member?"
Austin pinched his chin with his chubby little hand, deep in thought—that's true, given Ames's personality, if she wants to expand her power, she does need a reliable strategist, and Black Star seems quite capable.
Heber was the most direct, saying, "Black Star, Mazaks said he tried to recruit you, but you refused."
Han Xiao's eyes flickered, and he slowly nodded.
"I rarely try a second time, but I want to ask you again in person."
Heber faced Han Xiao, extended his hand, and said solemnly:
"Black Star, become my subordinate."
Boom!
Ames' long hair flowed freely, her aura filling the entire arena, and an overwhelming pressure swept out.
Her tone was icy.
"Trying to poach my people right in front of me, do you even respect me?!"
A terrifying pressure was pressing down on Heber from all sides, but he was completely oblivious. Ignoring Ames, he stared at Han Xiao and said in a deep voice, "Agree or refuse?"
Han Xiao's lips twitched.
My goodness, this NTR (Netorare) show right in front of me is chilling, so domineering.
He hadn't expected Heber to personally invite him at this time. This guy never cared about the occasion when he did things. Did the stronger the martial artist, the more stubborn they were?
"Sorry, my answer is still the same." Han Xiao felt a bit like he was being pursued passionately. Suppressing his chaotic emotions, he shook his head helplessly.
Heber nodded, not getting angry at the refusal, as if he hadn't brought up the topic at all and let it go.
He appreciates talent, but he doesn't force those who are unwilling to serve him.
The force field was still intensifying when Heber turned to look at Ames, "Aren't you going to withdraw your powers? Do you want to fight?"
Ames remained expressionless, her aura gradually rising, teetering on the edge of exploding, almost completely forgetting Iso's instructions.
Austin had no choice but to intervene to prevent the two from actually fighting. With a flick of his fingers, he cast a series of calming and concentration spells on Ames.
"Alright, alright, you've known him for a while now, stop messing around."