early morning.
On a mountain range in the wilderness of Planet Maixibo, Han Xiao's mechanical troops dug a cave on the mountainside of one of the peaks. The entrance was equipped with fully automated environmental concealment, disguised as rock, so that outsiders could not see the existence of the entrance. At the same time, an energy detection shield was installed to isolate the numerous satellite probes that Sedim had deployed in outer space, making it impossible for the planet's inhabitants to detect the energy reactions here with satellites, turning it into an invisible area on radar.
Inside the cave was a hollowed-out mountainside. Han Xiao deployed a portable, small mechanical fortress here, about ten stories high. The mechanical ground covered several thousand square meters, and countless mechanical structures stretched across the mountain walls, supporting the mountain and turning it into a mechanical stronghold. The densely packed floating guards served as the light source, making the cave as bright as day.
After finding the Evolution Cube last night, Han Xiao analyzed his situation and decided to leave the city of Planet Maixibo and establish a temporary, hidden base in the wilderness of this planet to prevent Sedim from detecting their use of the Evolution Cube. After Hila brought Aurora to join them, Han Xiao led the three of them to this place and established a small base using the compression spheres he carried with him.
He never lacked these kinds of temporary fortification equipment.
Once everything was settled, Han Xiao took out the Evolution Cube and explained the ins and outs of his speculation to the three. Hila and the others were initially confused by Han Xiao's sudden behavior, but after hearing the origin of the Evolution Cube, they were shocked and moved.
The three of them curiously examined the small black cube in Han Xiao's hand. Aurora was simply curious about the so-called Universal Treasure, while Hila was interested in the Evolution Cube's effect of making people stronger.
Fording, however, looked worried. "This is the legendary Evolution Cube? We actually found it! What do we do now? Should we return it to Sisko? Will he suspect we stole it?"
He had accompanied Han Xiao on a visit to Austin and knew it was Sisko's stuff.
Han Xiao said helplessly, "I haven't decided yet."
"You're not thinking of leaving the Evolution Cube behind, are you?" Fording advised. "That would make us enemies of Sisko. You've already provoked the Tyrant; if you add Sisko to the mix, it'll be four Beyond Grade A from the Shattered Star Ring —you've already messed with half of them..."
Han Xiao interrupted him, "We can talk about that later. Since the Evolution Cube is in my hands, let's use it first."
"How do I use it?" Hila asked eagerly.
If I remember correctly...
Han Xiao examined the small black cube from all angles. Each side was as smooth as a mirror, with no buttons. He tried to input his energy with his fingers, but it was like throwing a stone into the sea – completely ineffective.
After a pause, Han Xiao pressed down on each corner of the Evolution Cube with both hands, pressing down hard in unison. All eight corners were pressed in, and the next moment, streams of light lit up on the surface of the dark cube. Then, a spherical black energy shield popped out, enveloping the small cube and suspending it in mid-air.
"The first step was correct..." Han Xiao was delighted upon seeing this.
The simplest way to use the Evolution Cube Evolution Cube to step into Evolution Cube when it is in its original state. However, when the Evolution Cube is in portable mode, you need to open the container in a specific way to expose an opening and release the Evolution Cube's energy inside.
The first step is to put the container into an activation preparation state, which is what Han Xiao did, but the container has not yet been opened.
Next, an energy shield will pop out of the container. This shield is actually similar to a password input screen. You need to draw a series of specific "switch symbols" on it to open the container—this is equivalent to a password. Compared to the Whispering Bead, this method is already very simple.
In his previous life, many players exchanged their contribution points at the Arcane Church for the qualification to use the Evolution Cube. They watched the Arcane Church activate the Evolution Cube in person. Some people recorded it, Han Xiao had watched it before. The process was not a secret to him. Someone even posted a summary of the Evolution Cube's password, which consisted of forty-two fixed symbols.
Han Xiao didn't remember the symbols very clearly. Fortunately, his intelligence had improved so much that his memory structure had become like a bookshelf, with all his memories stored in categories. He could directly retrieve and view any particular memory he wanted. This way of thinking was something that ordinary people could master with training, and it was even less of a problem for a mechanic with extremely high intelligence and a huge brain. Otherwise, it would be difficult for him to remember a massive number of blueprints.
He pondered for a moment, gradually recalling the forty-two switch symbols. He traced the symbols on the container's energy shield with his finger, leaving golden marks, and quickly completed the code. However, the container retracted its energy shield and fell to the ground, clearly indicating a failure to activate, which surprised him slightly.
"By the way, the password set by the Arcane Church might not be the same as the password set by the Sorokin." Han Xiao suddenly realized, feeling a bit annoyed. If they couldn't open the container, they would have to smash it to return the Evolution Cube to its enormous original state, which would cause too much of a commotion and be discovered immediately.
Han Xiao frowned and pondered, "But that's not necessarily true. The Evolution Cube belongs to a lost civilization, and the technology for creating portable containers also belongs to this civilization. It's extremely advanced and ordinary people can't decipher it. Perhaps the subordinates of the Sorokin can imitate it to create containers, but it would be very difficult for them to improve the technology."
These forty-two switch symbols might be the container's fixed initial password. As for why the container didn't open... perhaps the method was wrong, or maybe my drawing wasn't standard enough?
Little did he know that he had guessed the truth: this set of symbols was the fixed activation code for the portable Evolution Cube, which could not be changed. It was not only used to open the container, but also the key to triggering the energy of the Evolution Cube.
This code contains top-secret information left behind by the Evolutionary Civilization. It is currently only in the hands of the Sorokin, and even Eklin and others do not know how to open it. This is precisely to prevent subordinates from embezzling, betraying, or leaking secrets.
The Arcane Church wasn't afraid of being exposed in their previous life because no one could take their things away. Therefore, Han Xiao was one of the very few people besides the Sorokin who knew the unlocking password.
He tried more than thirty times, slowly adjusting the shape of the symbols based on his memory to make them standard. Finally, on the thirty-seventh attempt, the Evolution Cube produced a new reaction.
A small hole was exposed at the center of each face of the cube, from which ribbon-like streams of black particles escaped, swirling around the cube and floating in mid-air.
"It's open!" Han Xiao.
After looking around at everyone, Han Xiao took a deep breath, stretched out his palm, and released Mechanical Force towards the Evolution Cube.
call--
The next moment, the black particle stream surrounding the Evolution Cube seemed to have found an outlet, surging towards Han Xiao and continuously seeping into his body from the surface.
Itch!
This was Han Xiao's only feeling.
This tingling itch seems to originate from the depths of one's soul; the skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, and organs all itch. Yet, when one reaches out to scratch, it feels as if it's not one's own body that's itching, and the symptoms cannot be relieved at all.
At this point, the panel started displaying a barrage of notifications.
[You used Evolution Cube (Gold Quality)!]
[You have gained a permanent special boost - [Gene Optimization Evolution Cube]!]
[Detecting species... Detection complete, your current species is: [Void Star Chaser]]
[Your genetic structure is being optimized for the [Void Star Chaser] class. Please do not interrupt the evolution process...]
[First optimization successful. Your potential has been enhanced, and you have gained the following attribute bonuses: Strength +6, Agility +4, Stamina +8, Intelligence +5, Mysticism +4, Charisma +3, and Vigor +30.]
[Your Strength level is higher than Lv0. The second optimization judgment was successful. Your potential has been improved. You have gained the following attribute enhancements: Strength +8, Agility +7, Stamina +11, Intelligence +7, Mysticism +5, Charisma +6, and Strength +40.]
[Your Strength level is higher than Lv14. The sixteenth optimization judgment was successful. Your potential has been improved. You have gained the following attribute enhancements: Strength +64, Agility +67, Stamina +72, Intelligence +76, Mysticism +61, Charisma +43, Strength +240]
When I reached level 238, my Strength attribute broke through the 40,000 mark, and I gained a [Lv14] bonus.
Each additional level of Strength grants a new level of genetic optimization attribute enhancement. Therefore, the stronger your species, the better the effect of using the Evolution Cube on your first use. The enhanced attributes depend on various factors, such as cell activity, lifespan, and species—with species having the greatest impact. The Evolution Cube optimizes your species, so the stronger your species, the greater the benefit on your first use.
The second use of the Evolution Cube does not calculate a new Strength level, but repeats the optimization process of each layer. However, the attributes that are improved will be greatly reduced, each time less than the last, until they have no effect. Only by sublimating into a new species will some benefits be regained, but it is far less than the effect of the first use of the Evolution Cube.
Han Xiao endured the tingling and itching, and quickly calculated that this series of gene optimizations had provided him with extremely terrifying attributes. His strength, agility, endurance, intelligence, and mystery attributes had increased by more than 500 points, his charm had increased by nearly 400 points, and his stamina had increased by more than 2,100 points.
This surge in attributes even surpasses the total Strength bonus at Lv14!
All added together, the attribute boost reached over three thousand points, equivalent to a one-third increase in Han Xiao's original attributes, an extremely outstanding effect!
[Void Star Chaser] possesses immense potential. He is also very young, with extremely high cellular activity. Coupled with his profound Qi and physical strength, he was able to achieve such a terrifying increase!
When he switched to Mechanic Emperor and leveled up to level 238, his energy level had already reached 32,600 points. Now, after using the Evolution Cube, his energy level has increased by nearly 2,000 points, reaching 34,450 points.
Even though Han Xiao was unbearably itchy, he couldn't help but show a look of surprise; this round of gene optimization was well worth it.
However, the panel's prompts didn't end there.
[Upon your first use of the Evolution Cube, you gain 16 layers of gene optimization, increasing the experience cost for upgrades by 40% for 16 months.]
Han Xiao nodded secretly. Players would incur an experience penalty when using the Evolution Cube. After all, the attributes gained were equivalent to leveling up dozens of times, which was like pulling up seedlings to help them grow. There was bound to be a price to pay. The principle was the same as the stronger the original character, the harder it was to level up. Each time the Evolution Cube was used, a 40% experience penalty would be incurred, and the duration depended on the number of gene optimizations obtained.
This is nothing to him. The mere 40% experience penalty, when neutralized by his 30% Political Asset, leaves only a 10% penalty. Han Xiao's leveling up relies on the experience gained from the Leek Field, so it's just a matter of waiting a little longer. Exchanging 16 months of experience penalty for a huge increase in attributes is undoubtedly a huge win, as this is permanent, immediate combat power.
Moreover, the stronger the attribute, the higher the energy level, which increases the possibility of breaking through to the Super A Tier at level 240.
At this point, the panel displays the last few prompts:
[You meet a special condition: You obtained more than ten layers of gene optimization on your first use of the Evolution Cube.]
[You triggered a special effect]
[You will receive an additional opportunity for species evolution upon your next advancement.]
[Gene optimization completed]
The black particle stream stopped flowing in and returned to the Evolution Cube.
Han Xiao hurriedly bent down and took a deep breath to calm himself down. Only then did he feel the expanding power within his body, giving him the illusion that if he released all his energy, he could blow up the planet beneath his feet.
Fording rushed over to help him up, asking, "How was the result?"
Han Xiao waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need help, and stood up on his own, feeling refreshed. When he saw Hila staring at him expectantly, he couldn't help but smile.
"I've tried it, and the side effects are minimal. You should try it too."
"I'll go first."
Hila was the first to nod.
Without hesitation, Han Xiao activated the Evolution Cube again, sending the black particle stream towards Hila.
From an observer's perspective, the black particle stream enveloped the user in a black cocoon. After a while, Hila emerged from the cocoon, as if undergoing a metamorphosis or rebirth, her eyes filled with red light that slowly faded away.
"Sister, how are you feeling?" Aurora asked curiously.
Hila clenched her fist, her sharp features softening suddenly, revealing a rare smile.
I'm feeling great now.
Han Xiao smiled upon seeing this. He was happy to share the Evolution Cube, which he could use to enhance the combat power of the core members.
Soon, two more black cocoons appeared next to the Evolution Cube, and it was Fording and Aurora's turn to enjoy the baptism of genetic optimization.
Han Xiao stood aside, watching the two evolving, and suddenly realized something.
If the Evolution Cube were to return to Sisko's hands, he wouldn't know how to activate it; he would only be able to destroy the container, release the Evolution Cube, and revert it back to its enormous original form.
It seems... only I know how to use the Evolution Cube in its portable form.
The moment this thought arose, Han Xiao's eyes flickered.
Perhaps there is a basis for cooperation...
Not long after, Fording and Aurora also completed their genetic evolution and experienced the changes in themselves.
"Alright, what do we do next?" Fording immediately asked. Now that the Evolution Cube had been used, it was time to think about the next step.
Han Xiao's answer, however, took him by surprise.
You stay here.
All three of them were taken aback.
"Could it be that you want to...?" Fording in surprise.
Before he could finish speaking, Han Xiao nodded. "Sedim has sealed off Planet Maixibo. Perhaps Sisko will come after us. I can protect myself against Beyond Grade A, but you can't. We should split up. You stay here, while I have a way to leave this planet."
His plan was to use Void Dimension Jump to leave Planet Maixibo alone, which would allow him to test just how accurate the detection methods of Sedim or Sisko were.
Regardless of how one handles the Evolution Cube, there are risks involved, so it's better to act alone and not worry about Fording and the others.
To be honest, the Evolution Cube was a hot potato, but now that it was in his hands, Han Xiao was unwilling to just hand it over.
Risk and opportunity coexist; this is a situation that has been analyzed. However, there is no doubt that the only way to maximize benefits is to keep the Evolution Cube in hand.
As for whether I have the ability to save the Evolution Cube... how will I know if I don't try?
Therefore, Han Xiao decided to take the Evolution Cube into the Desolate Universe Belt alone to buy himself time and accumulate experience for level 240.
Although he was unclear about the specifics, he felt that the facts were probably similar to his own speculation, and the most likely pursuer was Sisko, whom he had never dealt with before.
Han Xiao had no prejudice against Sisko, and even respected such a tribal hero.
Originally, Evolution Cube only affect individuals, but the offspring of powerful individuals will also inherit certain genetic optimization effects. Then, newborns can use Evolution Cube to complete a virtuous cycle. This is how Sisko has evolved the Star Pupil Protoss into its current form generation after generation.
Even today, the Evolution Cube remains crucial to the development of the Star Pupil Protoss...
But what does this have to do with me?
I'm not a member of the Star Pupil Protoss!
It's not like I stole your blocks!
I found this!
Han Xiao has made his decision: he must at least fight Sisko once. If he can't beat him, then they can talk about other things!