The method of persuading others through the Germinal Tribe has proven highly effective.
There were five nests in this area. One of them was scared away by Han Xiao, and the Germinal Tribe surrendered. Over the next few days, Melos crippled the remaining three nests. Then, the Germinal Tribe persuaded the remaining alien species of the three tribes to relay Han Xiao's message.
A two-pronged approach was more efficient than simple killing, and the area was cleared out with great efficiency.
This greatly surprised Sunil's soldiers. They never expected that the legendary Black Star would have such a strategy. The result of the operation made them completely convinced of Han Xiao's abilities. There was no need to waste time chasing after the fleeing Subterranean Mutants. The deserters from the three tribes were persuaded by the Germinal Tribe to surrender with their respective "Whispering Stone Bases," which greatly saved their energy and avoided more casualties.
Hundreds of thousands of players engaged in heated discussions on this matter. After discovering that the Subterranean Mutants possessed considerable intelligence, some players began to express different opinions on the act of "massacre," with various opinions emerging. Han Xiao's method of persuading the Subterranean Mutants to surrender resonated with many players, but such players were in the minority, mainly those who were story-driven and had a strong sense of immersion in the narrative.
Initially, only a few players discussed this topic, and most players were just bystanders who came to do the quest without thinking about all the intricacies. However, as more and more discussion posts appeared, more players couldn't help but express their opinions, take sides, and get involved in the topic, and the popularity gradually increased.
Most people are habitually sympathetic to the weak. Having witnessed the brutal massacre, many players felt a pang of pity. Although the Subterranean Mutants were a bit disgusting, after looking at them for a while, they were actually quite handsome... Bullshit! They don't even have eyes or eyebrows, it would be a miracle if they were handsome!
In short, while players may sympathize, they won't hold back when it comes to questing and killing monsters.
However, the name "Germinal Tribe" made all the players laugh until they were spitting out pig skin; they really got the joke.
These players had all experienced the events of version 1.0 and had a deep impression of the Germinal Organization, so they couldn't help but make fun of it on the forum.
"Germinal: Coach, I want a boxed lunch!"
"Germinal: Now that things have come to this, I can no longer hide it... It's time to rise from the dead! Kings and Generals with a special destiny?"
"Shocking! In fact, Germinal is the real big boss, a mysterious organization on a cosmic scale with countless smaller entities scattered throughout the Galaxy. The one on Planet Aquamarine was merely one of its clones. This massive force has been hidden for billions of years, and what we've come into contact with is just the tip of the iceberg..."
"Germinal: Hmm? (Realizing), my alternate account has been exposed again?"
"I understand now! This is the passing down of beliefs—to sow the seeds of revolution throughout the universe, Germinal forever! May the spirit live on forever!"
"The Germinal of heaven is silently watching you and has given you a thumbs up."
"Keep blowing, I'm very satisfied with the Germinal."
The existence of the Germinal Tribe lightened the somber atmosphere considerably.
In this area, only the last fleeing tribe remained to be dealt with. Melos led his troops along the route taken by the fleeing tribe, while the Subterranean Mutants of the Germinal Tribe, who had surrendered, used their digging skills to clear a path. Guided by radar, the group found the tribe's newly established underground lair.
This time, however, no battle took place. The leader of the Germinal Tribe used the Whispering Stone to contact the leader of the fleeing tribe and relay Han Xiao's message through the Tu Shu.
The fleeing tribe offered no resistance; when the Germinal Han Xiao into view, the tribe immediately recognized him.
Han Xiao was the root cause of their fear and flight, leaving them with psychological trauma. This tribe was very timid. As soon as Germinal mentioned Han Xiao, they did not hesitate for long. The tribe members reached a consensus efficiently on the Psychic Network and directly surrendered.
The problem was solved without a fight for the first time, very easily. Melos sincerely felt that Han Xiao's decision was truly wise.
All five lairs in this area were cleared out, and Melos led his troops out of the underground. There were still more areas to be dealt with in the same way. As for what to do with these surrendered Subterranean Mutants, that became a problem.
Melos consulted Han Xiao Han Xiao, whose idea was simple: because there were too many Subterranean Mutants, and they were unwilling to come to the surface, the cost of guarding them was too high. Therefore, most of the alien species should remain in their original areas and wait, with the five tribes living together and some surveillance equipment deployed to monitor the surrendered alien species' actions around the clock. Then, the expeditionary force, along with a portion of the alien species including the leader of the Germinal Tribe, would go to other areas to continue the persuasion work.
Melos had tasted the benefits of recruiting some and attacking others, so he had no objections.
For the next period of time, the punitive expedition continued to use this strategy.
Reynold finally discovered all the underground mineral veins on Planet Sunil. There were 127 Subterranean Mutants nests, roughly divided into 41 main gathering areas. The extermination force cleared nearly half of the alien gathering areas on Earth. After counting, the number of Subterranean Mutants who were persuaded to surrender reached 1.7 billion. The number of those killed was not counted, but it was likely much higher.
Persuasion is not always effective. Different tribes are relatively independent, and each region is at a different stage of development. Some barbaric tribes are even more uncivilized and do not understand what is being said. When a Germinal Tribe tries to persuade someone, the other tribe keeps making noises and it is impossible to communicate normally. The only solution is to kill them all.
All players made significant gains from the [Eliminate the Subterranean Mutants] main quest, which pleased Han Xiao greatly.
Seeing the players' growth was promising, he didn't sit idle either. During this time, he used various methods to harvest the players' experience and wallets, and his experience reserves gradually approached the 10 billion mark.
--The experience required for future upgrades will be astronomical; we can't afford not to work hard and exploit others.
The campaign was on track, and the Number Three Base was finally completed. A brand-new and magnificent Black Star base took root on Planet Sunil.
Players gave it rave reviews, and I felt very proud.
Melos didn't encounter any problems and didn't need Han Xiao to personally intervene. He had plenty of time to improve the equipment at Number Three Base. This time, he wasn't alone. Reynold, as his deputy, was a great help. The two of them worked together and quickly built the military factory at Number Three Base.
Reynold's personality is too serious, which can be unpleasant to others in normal times, but when it comes to work, this personality is simply perfect. Han Xiao is extremely satisfied with Reynold's work ability and illustration skills, and [Perfect Mechanical Sense] has played a huge role.
Han Xiao had long coveted this specialty. This time, with ample time to spend together, he tried every possible method to subtly probe and trigger Reynold's mission, but to no avail. Han Xiao was helpless. Faced with the unyielding Reynold, he had no idea how to obtain Reynold's [Perfect Mechanical Sense] template specialty.
Han Xiao did know some of the non-template rare feats of the Mechanic series, such as [Basic Mechanical Sense] and [Precise Mechanical Sense], etc. The effect was naturally far worse than [Perfect Mechanical Sense], but he also wanted to get one to make up the numbers.
He's supposed to be a mechanic, so it's a shame he doesn't have some Mechanic Class specialization. Looking at his stats with a whole bunch of tanking specializations, people who don't know him might think he's a main tank. That's such a waste of his potential...
Unfortunately, the location to obtain the Mechanical Sense specialization is a bit far, not in this star cluster, and Han Xiao doesn't have time to go there right now.
One Leaf Green Qing finally achieved results. They developed a targeted biochemical weapon based on the body structure and genes of the Subterranean Mutants. This weapon is highly contagious and can cause widespread infection. Once infected, the Subterranean Mutants will gradually become weak, their mouthparts and carapace will gradually peel off, and their stomachs and esophagus will become infected and ooze pus. Eventually, they will be unable to eat and will either die from the disease or from starvation. The cycle is about ten days.
Given the current situation, there is no need to use biological weapons; the objective has shifted from genocide to migration.
However, since research results had already been achieved, Han Xiao still equipped Melos with a certain amount of biological weapons, allowing him to use them judiciously. At least this way, they would have a means to exterminate the alien species on a large scale, which would improve the efficiency of the campaign.
The day after the biological weapon was developed, Ochizi, a high-ranking official of Sunil, suddenly paid a visit.
In the reception room of the Number Three Base, the two sat facing each other.
"This is truly a magnificent base."
Ochizi spoke first, his tone ingratiating, but his eyes betrayed undisguised envy.
In a short period of time, Black Star built a breathtaking base, indirectly demonstrating a network of connections and wealth that Sunil could only dream of, and Ochizi couldn't help but envy him.
"Not bad." Han Xiao crossed his legs, tapped his thigh with his finger, and said slowly, "The punitive expedition is going smoothly. Did you come to see me today for something else?"
Ochizi sat up straight and said in a deep voice, "Lord Black Star, we would like to make a suggestion."
"You are the employers, you have this right."
"Your plan has been very effective. Many of the Subterranean Mutants have been gathered together. I believe this is a good opportunity to use biological weapons to wipe out all the alien species in one go."
Han Xiao paused, scrutinizing Ochizi... Was this guy trying to use the Black Star Army's current achievements to achieve Sunil's own goals?
Ochizi subconsciously looked away, avoiding eye contact, but then felt that he had no reason to be afraid. Black Star was a mercenary they had hired, and as their employer, they naturally had the right to make demands. So he mustered up his courage and met Han Xiao's gaze.
"Those Subterranean Mutants have already surrendered. I will relocate them to other planets. You want me to abandon this plan and insist on exterminating them?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.
"Yes." Ochizi nodded emphatically.
"Interesting. I paid for the relocation of the Subterranean Mutants myself; you don't need to bear the costs... So tell me why."
Ochizi remained silent for a moment, avoiding the question of the reason, and said, "I think this is a very reasonable request. We, Sunil, are the employers and hope that you can carry out the mission according to our wishes. At least you can save on relocation costs."
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, mercenaries work according to their employers' requirements, but we have the right to decide on the specific execution plan. Your real need is simply to control Planet Sunil. In my eyes, annihilation is not the best solution. Although I am a mercenary, it doesn't mean I have to carry out all of my employers' orders. I have the right to refuse any requests that I deem improper. If you don't have a compelling reason to do so, let's just forget about it."
Seeing Han Xiao's resolute attitude, Ochizi gritted his teeth, steeled his resolve, and revealed his true purpose:
"If we don't eliminate this threat completely, what if the Subterranean Mutants develop on other planets and want to reclaim Planet Sunil, then attack us? Can you guarantee that this won't happen in the future if you don't wipe them out completely?!"
"Heh, so they really want to eliminate the threat completely..." Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and he spread his hands, saying, "Indeed, I can't guarantee that the Subterranean Mutants won't cause future trouble."
Ochizi breathed a sigh of relief. "So, please..."
At this moment, Han Xiao suddenly interrupted him, chuckling, "But even if they really are a future threat, it's a completely different matter from our current mission. Their future counterattack against Sunil? Heh, what does that have to do with me?"
Ochizi was taken aback, and was about to explode in anger, but then he remembered that Han Xiao was someone he couldn't afford to offend, so he could only suppress his anger and said in a stronger tone, "Since you're a mercenary, you should at least abide by professional ethics. How can you say such things? We hired you because we hope you can solve our problems."
"That's right, isn't the Black Star Army solving your problems right now? Otherwise, what do you think we're doing?"
Han Xiao mockingly, "Mercenaries aren't babysitters. You spend money, we provide the labor; it's a transaction, but that doesn't mean we're responsible for your future forever. Even if the Subterranean Mutants launch a counterattack, that's a different matter."
"Leaving aside how many years it would take for the Subterranean Mutants to develop the ability to launch a counterattack, wouldn't you Sunil develop without any obstacles? If a war really breaks out in the future... then you can hire me then."
Han Xiao crossed his arms, giving off an expression that said, "I'm just being unreasonable, what can you do about it?"
Ochizi stared wide-eyed, speechless.
How could there be such a shameless person?!
"Of course, if you insist that I wipe out all the Subterranean Mutants, that's not impossible." Han Xiao suddenly changed the subject.
Hope has been rekindled in Ochizi.
"But..." Han Xiao revealed a shrewd businessman's smile, rubbing his fingers together, "I'll have to pay extra."
Ochizi's veins bulged as he clenched his fist tightly.
If he weren't afraid of Black Star, he would have flipped the table right now.
That's absolutely outrageous!