The spaceship entered the private port of the legion headquarters and glided from the secret orbit to Han Xiao's personal dock. This dock was not open to ordinary legion members and was a back door reserved for high-ranking officers. Unlike the other dozen or so docks, it was quite deserted and solemn.
Dozens of high-ranking officials who had been summoned were waiting at the dock, their expressions serious.
Among them were many Calamity Grade soldiers fighting on the front lines. Due to the rumors of Han Xiao's advancement to Beyond Grade A, the situation in the Secret War took a strange turn. The two sides had been fighting fiercely for several months, but after this news came out, they tacitly gathered their troops, reduced the number of battles, and all began to observe. The Black Star Army was also able to recall its officers.
Both sides knew that if both sides had Beyond Grade A beings, then the course of the war would no longer be within their control.
Although Han Xiao did not appear in person, his influence as Beyond Grade A indirectly affected the situation of the Secret War.
laugh--
The cabin door opened, and Han Xiao stepped out. The eyes of many cadres, including Sylvia, all turned to him, their eyes filled with excitement, agitation, joy, and anticipation.
The cadres sized up Han Xiao. Although there were no significant changes in his appearance, everyone felt a subtle but powerful pressure, a natural suppression stemming from their different life levels.
The group exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable, before turning to Fording behind Han Xiao. Fording smiled and nodded to the group.
Han Xiao stepped onto the dock, glanced at the crowd, nodded slightly, and strode forward. The officers made way for Han Xiao, then followed behind him, entering the legion in a grand procession.
The group arrived at the legion commander's office at headquarters. Sylvia walked last, closing the door behind her. Han Xiao then turned to face the group, nodding and saying, "I know you're all curious about whether the rumors outside are true. I've been giving you notices, and now I can tell you in person: the rumors are true. I am now Beyond Grade A powerhouse."
Upon hearing Han Xiao's confirmation, everyone's tense expressions immediately relaxed. Some looked excited and overjoyed, while others looked on with envy and admiration.
Sylvia and Melos were the most excited at this moment. The two were the most loyal to Han Xiao and had long been bound to the Black Star Army.
Reynold was eager to learn mechanical techniques from Han Xiao immediately; he had an extremely high enthusiasm for learning.
Many of the Calamity Grade powerhouses who joined a few years ago were secretly delighted. They joined the Black Star Army because of Han Xiao's reputation as Beyond Grade A Seed, betting on his potential. If Han Xiao could one day become a true Beyond Grade A, they would be the core members of Beyond Grade A force.
In retrospect, this group won their gamble; their future unfolds like a scroll, a smooth and promising path.
Vice Commander Lagi shook his head and sighed, looking distressed. "You've become Beyond Grade A, and we're likely to be drawn into the Beyond Grade A conflict from now on, facing increasingly stronger opponents. I feel like my life is becoming more and more insecure. I really want to step down as vice commander... Reynold, is the Logistics Department still short-staffed? Are there any easier positions?"
Reynold said expressionlessly, "Sure, I happen to need a senior enchanting Engineer. I'll offer you 2000 Enas a day, 15 hours a day, with occasional overtime. Want to give it a try?"
"... Forget it, I'm better off as the deputy commander. I can get paid without working, isn't that great?"
Han Xiao's forehead veins bulged. "Talking about slacking off in front of me? Do you think I don't exist? By the way, what about Tomar, whom I gave you? How's he doing with his studies?"
Upon hearing this, Lagi's expression grew even more troubled. This man exuded a negative and low-pressure aura, as if he might squat in a corner and draw circles at any moment.
"Where did you find this genius? He makes me feel like all my years of magic training were a waste. I shouldn't have become a magician in the first place..."
Alright, go shut yourself up somewhere else...
Han Xiao's lips twitched slightly. He composed himself, regained his serious expression, and spoke in a deep voice.
"I've gathered you all here today for two main reasons. First, I'd like to inform you that I've become Beyond Grade A. I don't think I need to emphasize my Beyond Grade A status. Because of this, the Black Star Army's operations will have an unprecedented opportunity for expansion, allowing us to rise to a true Beyond Grade A power and rival the War Realm."
When the conversation turned to serious matters, apart from Lagi still muttering to himself, Sylvia and the other cadres' expressions became serious.
"This matter should have been handled with great fanfare, making my existence known throughout the entire star system..." Han Xiao held up a finger and wagged it, "However, due to certain reasons, it's not convenient for me to confirm my becoming Beyond Grade A to the outside world, nor do I plan to issue an announcement within the legion immediately. The announcement will be postponed for a while... But, personally admitting it is merely a formality and a high-profile act. Some forces have basically accepted the rumors as true, and even if I don't announce it, they will definitely send various envoys to contact us."
"Therefore, I need you to secretly contact these forces that are interested in cooperating with us, screen potential partners, and establish cooperative relationships, all while maintaining a degree of secrecy. This matter involves the scale and level of our power after becoming Beyond Grade A force, so the sooner the better. As for how to do it, you are all veterans of the Legion, and you know exactly what to do."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
It's just a PY (a term used to describe someone who uses underhanded tactics), they learned that from the legion commander a long time ago.
Han Xiao raised a second finger, "The second thing is to give you guys some perks..."
As he spoke, he took out the Evolution Cube, levitated it in mid-air, looked around, and smiled slightly.
"This is the Evolution Cube, that's right, the Universal Treasure that Sisko had. Due to some coincidences, I intercepted this thing, fought with Sisko, and now it's in my hands..." He then briefly explained the use and history of the Evolution Cube.
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, their faces filled with disbelief.
Rumors circulated that Black Star and Sisko had clashed, and many speculated about the reason for their fight. Legion officers were also very curious about this, but they never expected that the reason would be the Evolution Cube!
Has the Evolution Cube changed hands?
It's in the hands of our Black Star Army?!
A Calamity Grade cadre Mischich, swallowed hard, his expression a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. He stammered, "You... you mean, you want us to enjoy the effects of the Evolution Cube?"
Han Xiao nodded and smiled, "I've already given the Fording to Fording and the others. Now that I have the cubes, I'll naturally use them as a benefit for the legion. You are all the backbone of the legion, and helping you gain greater power will benefit the legion."
Many of the later-joined Calamity Grade officers were overjoyed. They hadn't expected such a benefit. For most Calamity Grade, any means that could enhance their power were of great interest.
Lagi, no longer withdrawn, suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Han Xiao's hand, his face serious.
"As your vice commander, I have an obligation to remind you that the order in which benefits are enjoyed should follow the legion's rank. I have sweated and bled for the legion, and I am still the vice commander whose rank is second only to yours. You understand what I mean."
Han Xiao shook off his hand and glanced at him sideways. "I admit you've sweated for the legion, but whether you've bled is another matter."
Lagi immediately clutched his chest, looking extremely weak. "Actually... I was seriously wounded on the front lines..."
"Get lost, you're not short of benefits anyway." Han Xiao said irritably, not wanting to argue with him anymore. "You lie down like a corpse when it comes to work, but jump around like a madman when it comes to benefits. You're getting more and more cunning."
However, even a lazy bum like Lagi, who is uninterested in most things, was attracted to the Evolution Cube, which shows how tempting the benefits of the Evolution Cube are.
Evolution Cube are provided free of charge to officers. Han Xiao does not intend to keep them secret from other legion members either. He plans to form an alliance with the Crimson Dynasty to fully protect the Evolution Cube Evolution Cube before opening up their use to the entire legion. According to the legion member's level, as long as they spend enough merit points, they can enjoy the effects of the cubes and comprehensively improve the combat power of the legion members.
This will also attract countless superhumans to join the legion.
At the same time, this is also a new service offered to players. The 40% experience penalty only applies to leveling up, which is not a big problem for players. As long as it is used after reaching the version's maximum level, the experience penalty is as good as nothing.
Even if players can't resist using Evolution Cube before reaching the maximum level, it will only benefit Han Xiao. Since there's a penalty for leveling up experience, players will be more inclined to use experience to improve their skills and learn knowledge. This indirectly stimulates players' desire to spend money. The experience players spend on learning knowledge will eventually end up in his pocket.
Absolutely perfect!
Thinking of this, Han Xiao couldn't help but smile, putting his thoughts aside and returning to the main topic, saying, "Basically, that's it. I'll use the Evolution Cube to help you optimize your genes in a bit. Before that, I'd like to announce a new personnel appointment."
Upon hearing this, everyone quieted down.
Han Xiao turned to Hila and said, "Starting today, the Black Star Guard Squad will be officially formed. Calamity Grade powerhouses will be selected to join. This is an elite combat team that will only answer to me. They will not hold other important positions, but will enjoy the authority of high-ranking officers. Hila is the first captain of the Guardian Squad. Does anyone have any objections?"
While Beyond Grade A don't require protection, they each command elite armed forces of considerable renown. Examples include Heber's Vanguard Officers, Austin's Forbidden Sorcerer, Sisko's High Priests, and Ames's... uh, her Black Star Army?
Beyond Grade A individuals rarely act rashly, primarily focusing on deterrence. Therefore, Han Xiao also needs to establish an elite armed force to handle most situations on his behalf— Beyond Grade A- Beyond Grade A individuals have their own prestige, and they are not suited to personally take action against opponents who are not qualified.
Hila stepped forward at the opportune moment, surveying the crowd with a blank expression. "Who agrees? Who disagrees?"
Although Hila had only been back with the Legion for a few months, most of the veteran officers knew her and naturally had no objections. Some of the Calamity Grade officers who joined later also knew that she was a disciple of the Dragon Emperor and naturally did not question her abilities. Everyone was in agreement.
Seeing Hila, Hela slowly nodded, then returned to Han Xiao's back, remaining silent.
"Fording, are you interested in joining the Guard Squad?" Han Xiao asked, turning his head.
Fording's position in the legion had always been similar to that of a guest advisor, but after spending the last few months together, Han Xiao felt that their relationship had warmed up and that he should invite him to become one of his direct subordinates.
Fording tilted his head, thought for a moment, and then gave a warm smile. "Okay."
This guy is finally mine... Han Xiao was overjoyed and felt very happy. He turned to look at the many officers and selected two more brave and valiant Calamity Grade officers to join the Guard Squad, including Marion, who had joined earlier.
With four members, the Guard Squad has been barely formed. This is just a prototype. When the Beyond Grade A is officially announced and experts are recruited from across the entire star field, the Guard Squad will be expanded again.
After finishing their business, Han Xiao activated the Evolution Cube, performing gene optimization on all cadres at once. By adjusting the energy output of the Evolution Cube, multiple people could be optimized simultaneously.
After completing all this, Han Xiao dismissed everyone and locked himself in the mechanical modification room to begin his secluded training to create Beyond Grade A combat equipment. This was the most urgent task at the moment; after all, strength was the foundation, and other miscellaneous tasks had to take a backseat to restoring combat power.
The mechanical legions, personal mechs, firepower weapons, and so on all need to be remanufactured and upgraded to a Beyond Grade A standard.
"He's already Beyond Grade A..."
As soon as Aroshia returned to her room, Resta appeared in mid-air and spoke immediately.
"He already possesses the power to save our people, Aroshia. You should find a time to talk to him."
Aroshia slowly shook her head. "We'll have to wait until he gets through this difficult time. He won't help until the Black Star Army stabilizes. We might as well wait a little longer."
"I've waited a long time. The thought of my people suffering under the oppression of Manison every day makes me not want to wait a moment longer," Resta, somewhat annoyed. "I can see that Black Star has been stalling us."
Aroshia said calmly, "I don't think the two of us can make Black Star decide to deal with another Beyond Grade A."
She has regained her memories, and those memories have merged with her current personality, which is devoid of understanding. She is still herself, only no longer as naive.
"If you're unwilling, I'll find a time to ask him," Resta said slowly. "There's always a way."
Having said that, Resta severed the connection and vanished into thin air.
The Black Star Army's silence did not quell the heat in the star field; on the contrary, it made it seem even more mysterious, arousing the curiosity of more people. Everyone speculated that the Black Star's silence must have an unspeakable reason. There were many theories, but everyone believed that the Black Star would not remain silent forever.
As the news spread and its influence grew, many things were happening behind the scenes.
More than half a month has passed amidst these undercurrents.
Han Xiao has ended his seclusion—he has already created the prototype of a new legion.