Following this victory, Section Zero temporarily ceased any counterattacks. After obtaining contact information for Morred and the others, Han Xiao left the main force.
The Amethyst Civilization's reward for his contribution arrived quickly, and it was extremely generous, amounting to a full 27 million Enas, along with various rare resources, fully demonstrating their high regard for him.
After this battle, Laifer now regards Han Xiao as a treasure and is reluctant to use him carelessly.
Laifer told Han Xiao to stand by for now. He would only consider using Black Star, the trump card, for important tactical missions. Good steel should be used on the blade; there was no need to use the trump card for ordinary guerrilla missions.
Han Xiao was eager to take the opportunity to replenish the mechanical legion and absorb the resources from the Amethyst Civilization. Moreover, Lagi was on his way by ship.
At the same time, the impact of this battle began to gradually spread and ferment.
Section Zero achieved a major victory in the Kaya Star System, destroying twelve stronghold planets. This news finally roused the civilizations and forces in the Shattered Star Ring who were focused on the Secret War. Since the start of the war, this was Section Zero's first successful counterattack, finally stopping the decline.
All factions are well aware of the tactics employed by the Amethyst Civilization —strategically abandoning parts of the territory and using strategic depth to disperse forces across the War Realm. Given this, the Secret War will inevitably enter a protracted phase sooner or later. The civilizations and factions of the Shattered Star Ring all agree that Krent and Amethyst will continue their love-hate relationship for at least several more years before the war can possibly end.
The talents emerging from the Secret War have become the focus of attention for various forces.
War has always been a stage for the strong and a shortcut to success. There will always be people who become famous overnight through war. In the eyes of all the onlookers, Black Star Han Xiao is the most dazzling star born on this stage, and everyone else pales in comparison.
Looking back at Black Star's performance since the start of the war, the turning point was his feat of holding off eight Vanguard Officers. With this, Black Star earned the nickname "Undying Body," which spread throughout the entire star field and became known to everyone.
Two months later, he once again achieved an astonishing feat, killing ten Calamity Grade, including War Realm Adjudicator Tamaria, which once again shocked various forces.
They were at the height of their fame!
The former Beyond Grade A Seed have been quiet for a long time, most of them have faded into obscurity, and no one has become a new Beyond Grade A for so many years. The period when these Beyond Grade A Seed first appeared on the list was their most glorious moment. It seems like a cycle, and now it's Black Star's turn.
Black Star had only recently become Beyond Grade A Seed, and these two achievements were his most impressive signature feats, sparking countless discussions. The two incredible achievements created a chemical reaction, making Han Xiao the latest hot figure in the Star Domain, and his fame and status soared in the Shattered Star Ring.
Before this, Black Star was not considered a big shot in the Shattered Star Ring, his status largely stemming from the protection of the Dragon Emperor. Now, however, he has gradually shed the title of Dragon Calm, and his own status is beginning to stand out, making him famous overnight.
Through this victory, Han Xiao demonstrated not only his potential but also his actual combat power. He was virtually unmatched among his peers, and in the eyes of many forces, Black Star was practically half a Beyond Grade A- level, seemingly with a real chance of ascending to the throne of Beyond Grade A.
The rise of each Beyond Grade A is a sensational event. If the Shattered Star Ring really does give birth to a fifth Beyond Grade A, then the friction between Krent and Amethyst will become insignificant.
While Han Xiao was holding his own against the eight vanguard leaders, various major forces were still observing. But after the news of his consecutive kills of Calamity Grade spread, many people couldn't sit still anymore.
Some people want him dead, some want him alive.
More people want to get to know him.
Many spectators decided to join in the fun.
Han Xiao was unaware that the storm he stirred up, like a small butterfly flapping its wings, had already caused the influence of the Secret War to gradually extend beyond its original scope.
A hidden vortex, brewing beneath Secret War, is slowly taking shape.
At this time, Krent and Amethyst were completely unaware of this, and could never have imagined that this war would eventually slip out of their control.
War Realm Headquarters, Planet Heber, Tyrant's Palace.
Heber, as large as a small mountain, sat atop his suspended throne, looking down at the trembling Jorde below.
"Tamaria... is dead?"
Jorde shuddered, not daring to look up, staring at the ground, and said in a deep voice, "She died at Black Star's hands, and I also bear responsibility. My intelligence was flawed..."
Those Calamity Grade soldiers who were recruited died and that was that, but Tamaria was different. She was one of the earliest core members who followed the War Realm in battle, and had even received personal guidance and instruction from the Tyrant. The death of a senior adjudicator was definitely a major loss.
"Okay, I understand."
Heber spoke calmly.
Jorde stood there for a while, but when he didn't hear anything more, he paused for a moment, then cautiously asked, "What... do you plan to do?"
"To die in war is the fate of a soldier," Heber said slowly. "Since it's war, of course you can kill, and others can kill you."
Jorde was taken aback. Did this mean the Tyrant wasn't planning on retaliating?
"Uh, I thought it was you..."
"Did you think I would be furious and immediately avenge Tamaria?" Heber frowned slightly. "Then what use would I have for you?"
Heber's domineering nature does not mean he is impulsive Reckless. He is calm and composed and will not easily change his plans because of the death of one or two subordinates.
He wouldn't easily deploy since the opposing side didn't have any Beyond Grade A fighters participating; this was something he had already discussed with Krent.
Normally, Heber would be protective of his own, but in wartime, he became as hard as iron.
War is a trial by blood and fire. Heber will not protect his subordinates. He needs his officers to grow in the flames of war. Even if they all die, he will not feel sorry for them. Power is a tool in his hands, not his weakness.
Jorde was speechless.
"However, this matter won't end there," Heber said, changing the subject.
"What do you mean?" Jorde asked honestly.
"This score will be settled sooner or later; Black Star and I are destined for a battle."
Heber said calmly, "He has the potential to be Beyond Grade A, but he's still at the Calamity Grade. It would be too boring for me to kill him now, so I'm giving him time to grow."
"If he remains at the Calamity Grade during the war, I won't harm him. But if he becomes Beyond Grade A, I will personally take action and kill him!"
After a pause, Heber continued, "If he fails to become Beyond Grade A, I will still kill him after the war ends."
"But... Black Star is very strong; he will cause heavy casualties to our high-level combat forces."
Jorde couldn't help but offer a suggestion, hoping that Heber would change his mind and nip Black Star in the bud.
"I know the casualties will be heavy..." Heber looked down at Jorde and said slowly, "So, Black Star is the enemy I'm leaving for you. Do your best to survive in his hands, either become stronger or die. Anyone who doesn't even have this much faith can apply to come back and take charge of headquarters. They won't need to go to the battlefield anymore."
There is no growth without casualties. Heber knew Han Xiao was capable, and instead wanted to use him as a whetstone to hone his subordinates.
There's a reason why almost all of his men are warmongers.
All major powers are now paying attention to Black Star. With his Beyond Grade A strength, it's too petty of him to personally take action just to deal with a Calamity Grade. Even if it's a Beyond Grade A Seed, he would still surely die.
Heber disdained to suppress Black Star; in his eyes, it was not only a despicable act but also a short-sighted one.
Killing Black Star prematurely would at most clear away obstacles in this war and reduce casualties for the forces, which, in Heber's eyes, is far less significant than the gains from killing a Beyond Grade A.
He preferred to give Han Xiao time to grow.
The reason why the War Realm is such a behemoth is that its core cohesive force is him, Beyond Grade A powerhouse.
As long as he's there, any casualties can be made up for.
As long as he is powerful, the War Realm can develop rapidly.
He needs a worthy opponent. If Black Star really becomes Beyond Grade A, the entire star field will be in an uproar. If he makes his move then, no one can find fault with him. He won't bully you when you're weak. He'll wait until you reach the same level before taking action to eliminate you!
That's so domineering!
The impact of this would be even more sensational; Black Star's death would once again solidify his glorious reputation as Tyrant.
"I understand. I will convey your message to everyone." Jorde's voice also grew louder, impressed by Heber's magnanimity.
Although, in Jorde's view, letting Black Star grow unchecked was not a wise choice.
but...
That's really impressive!
He had absolute confidence in Heber; even if Black Star became Beyond Grade A, he would not be a match for the Tyrant.
' The Tyrant's perspective is on a completely different level from mine. He sees a much bigger opportunity, while my vision is limited to this war. That's too narrow-minded,' Jorde thought to himself.
"Black Star has become stronger again."
At the Dragon Calm's Palace, Iso watched the news, sighed softly, and looked at Ames on the suspended throne.
"I underestimated him. I initially wanted Black Star to be your right-hand man, but I didn't expect him to grow so quickly. Sooner or later, he will ask to leave Dragon Calm."
Ames remained silent. She hoped Han Xiao Han Xiao become stronger, but she didn't want him to leave her side.
Iso sighed, "He has always been devoted to Dragon Calm, but I've dealt with many Beyond Grade A beings, and apart from the official powerhouses trained by the three major cosmic civilizations, no one else is willing to be subordinate to anyone... I know you value him, but the Shattered Star Ring is vast, and he won't be your subordinate forever."
"He can't leave," Ames said coldly.
Iso frowned. "Don't be stubborn. No matter what, Black Star is your friend. With that relationship, you're definitely allies. There's no need to create conflict with him..."
"I told you, he can't leave!"
Ames raised her voice, interrupting Iso, and lowered her eyes.
"... unless I can't stop him."