After testing the new skill, Han Xiao was quite satisfied.
The mechanical load is 100+x, where 100 is the base number and x is three percent of the mechanical power energy level. Based on Han Xiao's load limit, he can get more than a thousand attribute bonuses from the Apostolization, distributed across the three-dimensional attributes of strength, agility, and endurance.
As long as you find a way to improve your intelligence and endurance, your load limit will also increase.
Han Xiao has just obtained [Mechanical Apostolization]. As his level increases, the effect of this skill will become more and more outstanding. He mainly uses legion-style tactics, and the Apostolization ability only adds new auxiliary tactics to make his main body stronger, so he doesn't need to play the defensive role as before.
Opening the panel, Han Xiao first upgraded the two new skills to the maximum level, acquiring two potential points, and then used the experience to level up.
At this point, Han Xiao's total level was 195, having leveled up five times in a row, reaching the threshold of 200.
The cost of later upgrades became increasingly enormous, and the experience reserves were consumed like a raging torrent. The experience accumulated in version 2.0 was almost gone, and the panel experience had shrunk significantly compared to when the update first started three years ago.
[Apostle Mechanic] is upgraded to Lv5, with a level cap of Lv30, and can be maintained up to level 225, spanning the advancement thresholds of level 200 and 220.
Han Xiao pondered and calculated that because he had spent a lot of experience upgrading his skills and blueprints, the remaining experience would be enough to support him to level up to around level 206, at which point the experience reserves accumulated in version 2.0 would be officially exhausted.
If you want to upgrade quickly, you'll have to wait until version 3.0 is released.
Now that he has reached level 200, a new advancement quest has arrived as scheduled. Han Xiao only glanced at it before his face fell with helplessness. Well, this time he has no choice but to use the Mission Settlement Card.
The requirements for this advancement are also the standard task type, but unfortunately Han Xiao can't do it. The requirement is to clear a high-level dungeon with a challenge level difference of no more than ten levels with an Grade A rating.
For players, this level is already a very late-game version. They have experienced a lot of main storyline, unlocked countless events, and have access to many high-level dungeons. However, the version Han Xiao is currently experiencing is not even 3.0. Unless he generates the dungeon himself, it will be difficult to find other high-level dungeons.
Most importantly, out of caution, Han Xiao never uses Dungeon Crystal, so it's impossible for him to challenge dungeons. The only option is the Mission Settlement Card. One of the uses of the Mission Settlement Card is to help players skip overly difficult mandatory quests, preventing them from getting stuck.
"Speaking of Mission Settlement Card..." Han Xiao's heart stirred. In his three years of fighting, he had obtained some random reward opportunities from missions. He still had two random reward opportunities stored on his panel that he hadn't used. This was to prepare for such a situation.
It just so happens that the Grade S [Bloodline] quest seems to have a chance of completion, and there will definitely be random rewards. Moreover, the random rewards for Grade S quests should have more options and a higher chance of success.
"Compared to version 2.0, my strength, reputation, and the size of the Black Star Army have all been completely transformed. When the players return, I will have enough resources to reap a heavy harvest. Before that, I should use the remaining seven years to accumulate some Mission Settlement Card. Once I get the experience, my level will skyrocket."
Han Xiao secretly made a plan.
After putting away the new equipment, Han Xiao left the modification room and went to his office, where he summoned Reynold and Lothaire.
The two entered the room, Han Xiao got straight to the point.
"Lothaire, what do you think of the Black Star Army?"
"Which aspect are you referring to?" Lothaire raised an eyebrow.
"Just describe your overall impression."
"Do you want me to praise you?" Lothaire rolled her eyes, paused, and said helplessly, "Okay, although I'm a picky person, I have to admit that I admire you a little. I underestimated you when we first met; I didn't expect you to be such a legendary figure."
Having been imprisoned for many years, Lothaire was not well aware of the changes in the outside world. After returning to the Black Star Army with Reynold, she began to browse through the events that had occurred in the Shattered Star Ring over the years, and only then did she learn about the Black Star Army's current status in the Shattered Star Ring, as well as its past history.
When she first saw the Black Star Army's resume, her first reaction was suspicion; she suspected that the resume was fabricated.
What shocked her most was not the current size of the Black Star Army, but the speed at which Black Star Army rose to prominence. All told, the Black Star Army had only been established for about ten years.
In just ten years, the leader Black Star grew from Grade C superhuman to a renowned Beyond Grade A Seed, and recently even fought a real Beyond Grade A and survived!
Furthermore, during these ten years, he led the Black Star Army to become a super-large armed force in the Colton Star Cluster, backed by the Amethyst Civilization, with bases spread across dozens of star systems!
It's simply an incredible miracle.
Lothaire never expected that Han Xiao, who had rescued her, was such a big shot.
After reading through these files, she was amazed by Han Xiao's talent and couldn't help but admire him, but on the surface, she was too embarrassed to show it.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao said, "Yes, I would like to ask for your help to temporarily serve as a cadre in the Black Star Army."
Lothaire's expression was playful. "You also want to use my abilities?"
"Specifically, it should be mutually beneficial. You are a special talent, and I am willing to give you appropriate compensation."
"What if I don't agree?"
"Don't worry, as I said, you have a certain degree of freedom, and I certainly won't force you like the Hutt Civilization did. Of course, you can choose not to do it."
Han Xiao's lips curled into a smile as he continued, "However, even if you are ambitious and want to build your own business, you can't do anything without money. I can offer you a generous reward to help you accumulate initial capital."
Lothaire scoffed, "With my abilities, accumulating capital is easy for me. Why should I help you?"
Han Xiao smiled. "Don't forget, you have a criminal record. I bailed you out, so you can't run around or do anything reckless. Otherwise, according to interstellar law, you'll be wanted. So... working for me temporarily might be your best chance to make money."
"Hmph, you're using threats and bribes. Do you think I'll agree to your demands?" Lothaire scoffed. "What I love most is saying no to those who think they have me figured out!"
"Actually, it's not like your criminal record can't be wiped clean..."
"What do you want me to do?" Without saying a word, Lothaire strode forward, grabbed Han Xiao's arm and shook it repeatedly, her expression of flattery rising up, her face changing faster than turning the pages of a book.
Reynold looked at Lothaire, who seemed to want to stick to Han Xiao, and was speechless.
He had spoken with Lothaire privately and learned that Lothaire had really wanted to stay and help, but was too shy to do so. Black Star's initiative in offering the opportunity gave her the chance to agree.
Han Xiao knew that Lothaire probably wouldn't refuse him. After all, 80 points of favorability were no joke. He also knew how to deal with Lothaire's cynical and sharp-tongued personality. As long as he gave Lothaire an excuse or a way out, he could get her to accept his invitation. She was the epitome of a proud and aloof person.
"Your role is cultural instructor. You will lecture and train members of the Black Star Army, popularize the Legion's history among all members, deepen their understanding of the Black Star Army, and cultivate their sense of identity. During this time, you will go back and research the experiences of the Black Star Army, compile them into teaching materials, find a starting point to establish a unique belief system for the Black Star Army, and submit it to me for review and approval after you have finished writing it."
Han Xiao pulled his arm away from Lothaire's embrace, his tone serious.
For a faction to develop healthily, it is necessary to cultivate members' sense of identity and loyalty to the Tu Shu. This requires establishing a corporate culture. For example, the War Realm and the Secret Church of the Red Robe each have their own distinct faction culture.
Han Xiao believes that it is necessary not only to cultivate players' sense of identity and belonging, but also to treat other legion members equally, so as to achieve twice the result with half the effort.
After Lothaire accepted the assignment and left the room, Reynold thanked Han Xiao.
"Thank you for giving my sister a job..."
"You're someone I value, so there's no need for such formalities."
Han Xiao waved his hand, looking completely unconcerned.
Even with Reynold's serious nature, he couldn't help but feel a sense of righteous indignation at this moment, as if he were willing to die for someone who understood him.
--What an awesome leader!
After exchanging a few words, Han Xiao got down to business, "About a month ago, I asked you to help Verna build her army. How's that going?"
Reynold: "I've gathered a batch of resources as seed money, about 70 million Enas, to purchase a fleet and recruit personnel under the name of Dragon Calm. However, some of them don't want to join the new Dragon Calm Field Operations Force; they're after us and only want to join the Black Star Army."
Han Xiao looked thoughtful.
It's obvious to everyone that the rise of the Black Star Army has also boosted the influence of the Dragon Calm.
Currently, the Black Star Army is the most powerful force under Dragon Calm. Joining Black Star also grants access to Dragon Calm's influence, and the combination of these two brands brings double the benefits. Most people only want to join the Black Star Army.
Moreover, rumors of a split between Dragon Calm and Black Star have been circulating. Compared to Dragon Calm itself, most people prefer the Black Star Army, which has a brighter future and greater ambitions. If they were to split in the future, staying with the Black Star Army would offer a broader prospect and be more reliable than Dragon Calm.
Even though Han Xiao hasn't reached Beyond Grade A yet, the Black Star Army's industries are already larger than Dragon Calm's. After all, Ames doesn't have deep cooperation with the Star Cluster Civilization, nor does he have as many connections and strong influence as Han Xiao.
"How large can we expect to achieve with 70 million in initial funding?" Han Xiao asked.
"Hmm... it's hard to say. At the current rate of spending, it would probably take about six months to spend all 70 million. The final result would probably be less than that of a large mercenary group."
"That's too little," Han Xiao said decisively. "You have three months to burn through this money, then you need to add a second round of investment, another 150 million Enas."
Reynold was startled. "Isn't the cost too high?"
"It's alright, I don't need the money."
Han Xiao smiled. Dragon Calm had helped him a lot in the early stages, and he wasn't going to skimp on money in helping to build Dragon Calm's second Field Operations Department. Besides, the portion of his income that he routinely handed over to Jenny every month was astronomical, so he didn't care about this small amount of money.
The Black Star Army is now cooperating with hundreds of interstellar conglomerates to mine resource planets in dozens of star systems, generating extremely high profits.
Even after deducting maintenance, mining, commission, and other expenses, the monthly profit from mining starts at at least 200 million Enas, making mining the Legion's largest industry at present.
Once you establish connections with political forces, making money becomes incredibly easy, and your fortune will flourish.
Of course, this profit is still nothing compared to that of a galactic civilization, which is the ultimate super-rich. However, it's enough to maintain an armed force for the time being.
He has removed the word "poor" from the dictionary.
Han Xiao found it hard to understand that among the myriad religions of the Arcane Church, there were even people who worshipped the God of Poverty. "It's so much better to be rich!" he thought.