After the time and place of the duel between Black Star and the Tyrant were announced to the outside world, it ignited a craze for the Shattered Star Ring.
In an instant, across the entire star system, hundreds of millions of spaceships rushed from various star clusters and star systems to the agreed-upon battle site on the border of the West Wind Star System in the Colton Star Cluster, with countless people flocking there!
Whether they were free interstellar citizens or major powers and civilizations, no one wanted to miss this rare interstellar event, and they all rushed to the scene to witness it all.
As the parties involved, the War Realm deployed a massive fleet in the Desolate Universe Belt on the border of the West Wind Star System, defining the battlefield. The Amethyst firmly supported Han Xiao, acting as his backing, and mobilized the Section Zero's troops to also be stationed at the agreed-upon location, confronting the War Realm.
The Black Star Army was not idle either. Under the orders of its officers, countless fleets escorted armed satellite fortresses from different star systems to the battlefield to support the legion commander.
In the War Realm, the Section Zero set up their forces and confronted each other. The area between them was the designated battlefield, which was quite vast.
Around the battlefield, countless interstellar citizens, piloting ships that had come to join the fun, hovered neatly in all directions. The various types of ships were densely packed together, forming a vast ocean. Even though the universe was vast, the sea of ships still stretched as far as the eye could see.
From a distance, it looks like a nebula made up of spaceship lights.
Absolutely spectacular!
Moreover, more people arrive in their spaceships every day, finding their own seats to watch the performances, so the number of spectators is constantly increasing.
Hundreds of thousands of interstellar news media outlets from various star systems sprang into action, waiting early at the agreed-upon location to adjust their broadcasting equipment.
The duel was still a while away, and none of the Beyond Grade A had arrived yet, but countless people were already waiting there, creating a sea of people!
This is not just a conflict between Beyond Grade A, but also a grand event of the Shattered Star Ring.
Beyond Grade A hold a transcendent status. In the hearts of interstellar citizens, Beyond Grade A are like the biggest stars in a star field, almost household names, and everyone wants to witness their power firsthand.
The twenty-day grace period allowed the event to gain even more attention, with almost six or seven out of ten citizens of the Shattered Star Ring discussing the topic privately.
As the date of the duel draws ever closer, the enthusiasm of countless interstellar citizens is soaring, and they are becoming increasingly impatient.
The interstellar gambling industry wouldn't let such a good business opportunity slip by, and various gambling companies controlled by conglomerates began to take action.
The betting game between the Tyrant and Black Star was quickly put on, and countless people eagerly participated, with a massive influx of funds into the game.
Numerous bookmakers offered varying odds, but overall, Heber's odds were lower than Han Xiao's, indicating that most people favored the Tyrant.
Although both are Beyond Grade A, Han Xiao is a newcomer after all, with only one record against Beyond Grade A opponent: escaping unscathed from Sisko. The Tyrant, on the other hand, is a veteran powerhouse with numerous exploits.
As Beyond Grade A being who had only been born for a month, Han Xiao's status in the hearts of the people of the Shattered Star Ring was naturally not as deeply rooted as that of the Tyrant.
Most mercenaries are gamblers. Even though it's the boss's battle, the Black Star Army's warriors can't resist placing bets, and even the officers are not immune.
Melos bet the most, putting all his money on Han Xiao. Most of the officers did the same, betting on their own legion commander. The amount of money didn't matter; what mattered was expressing their loyalty and trust.
There are only a few exceptions.
"You bought the Tyrant?!" Sylvia stared wide-eyed at Reynold in disbelief.
Reynold said seriously, "According to probability and statistics, based on my calculations, the Tyrant's winning percentage is thirteen percentage points higher than that of Lord Black Star."
Sylvia sighed and rubbed her forehead in exasperation, "Don't you have any trust in your teacher at all?"
"I only believe in science," Reynold said seriously.
Lothaire leaned back on the sofa, her posture elegant. She wore a magnificent black robe with gold trim and embroidered with the Black Star Army's pattern. Her demeanor was graceful and noble. She sipped her drink while listening to the two chatting with great interest.
Lothaire is now the great educator of the Black Star Army, in charge of the spiritual and cultural development of the legion members, responsible for popularizing the legion culture, increasing the sense of belonging of the employees, and doing the work of political commissar (fertilizer). She has been in this position for several years and has a strong fertilizing effect.
At this moment, Lothaire chuckled and interjected, "As far as I know, our vice-captain also bought the Tyrant set, and quite a lot of them."
"Lagi!!" Sylvia was furious. She stormed out the door to confront Lagi.
She was the chief affairs officer with real power. Although Lagi was the vice commander, he basically didn't do anything. Sylvia had the confidence to confront Lagi —as the vice commander of the legion, it was outrageous for him to bet on the enemy to win!
Upon hearing this, Reynold's expression changed slightly.
"Damn it, Lagi also bought the Tyrant's Blessing. The Legion Commander's win rate will probably increase by at least ten percentage points because of this!"
Lothaire smiled teasingly, "Oh, don't you believe in science?"
"Magic is also a part of science..."
Reynold was helpless.
However, despite placing his bets, he secretly hoped that Black Star would win.
The Secret War came to a standstill due to the duel between Black Star and the Tyrant, leaving participating players with no battles to fight.
Even the main storyline was suspended as a result. For players of Shattered Star Ring, this was the most influential legendary event in three versions.
Black Star was already recognized as a faction leader by many Legion players, and now that he has advanced to Beyond Grade A, his status in the players' hearts has risen even higher.
Although Han Xiao did not issue any faction missions, the two to three million legion players scattered across various regions were united in their hatred of the enemy and unwilling to be left out. They followed the legion fleet to the agreed battle location to watch and cheer for their legion leader.
This wasn't the first time Black Star Army players had experienced a large-scale faction event, but this was the only one that was spontaneously organized, and it had the largest number of participating players in the faction's history!
Countless posts on the forums analyzed the causes and consequences of this event, and one view was most widely accepted by players: this battle was a turning point in the fate of the Black Star Army.
Today, the Black Star Army is the main faction in the hearts of Shattered Star Ring players. Since version 2.0, it has played the role of the leading faction. Its power has continued to expand, and the resources and benefits enjoyed by players have also been improved with each version, almost satisfying all needs such as leveling up, quests, skills, knowledge, and equipment.
One faction can be equivalent to countless factions in other star systems, saving Shattered Star Ring players the time of grinding favorability with different factions. As a result, the Black Star Army was once considered a unique privilege at the start of the Shattered Star Ring game.
Therefore, there have been analyses of the Black Star Army's future prospects. Based on the experiences of other star system players, some people worry that the Black Star Army will not last forever. Perhaps after a certain version update, the Black Star Army will suffer an unprecedented blow, and the benefits they enjoy now and the deeds they have experienced will become an irretrievable past. Legion members will go their separate ways and join different factions, just like other star system players.
Can they really stay in the Black Star Army indefinitely? Nobody knows.
This conjecture has always existed, but it's rarely mentioned. Every once-popular thing is viewed pessimistically by some people, but most players aren't interested in worrying unnecessarily. Only hardcore players who enjoy story-driven games like to ponder such predictions... Summer Night Blossoms is a case in point.
Amidst heated discussions on the forum, this battle was regarded as an important reference factor for predicting the future. In the players' view, if the Legion Commander wins, the Black Star Army is likely to soar to new heights, the faction will grow again, become a higher-level power, and continue to appear in the next version.
However, if the outcome of this battle is unsatisfactory, the players' feelings towards the legion will undergo subtle changes.
The forum's discussions influenced Meat Bun; the Black Star series videos were his most popular works, and among all the players, he was the one who most hoped for the Black Star Army's smooth development.
"This time I must gather enough material to make a top-quality video," Meat Bun secretly resolved.
Aquamarine Federation home planet, Black Star City, government building.
Bennett put down his interstellar communicator, his face revealing his worry.
Information about the duel between Black Star and the Tyrant was constantly being forwarded on various quantum network channels in the Shattered Star Ring. Now that the Planet Aquamarine civilization has connected with interstellar space, everyone can browse the interstellar network, and what is happening in the universe is no longer a secret to the people of Planet Aquamarine.
"This is probably the strongest opponent you've ever faced..." Bennett murmured in amazement.
"Dad, what are you saying?" Nero, who was engrossed in copying his homework, looked up and asked curiously.
Bennett beckoned, Nero obediently came to his father and sat on Bennett's lap.
"Your godfather is currently embroiled in a dangerous situation. A powerful opponent has challenged him, and he has chosen to accept the challenge..." Bennett briefly summarized the situation. Since Nero was still a child, he omitted many details, only letting Nero know that Han Xiao was currently in danger.
Nero is Han Xiao's godson. Bennett is determined to stay on Planet Aquamarine and entrust the child to Han Xiao.
"What should we do then?" Nero scratched his head. "Dad, will you help Godfather?"
Bennett smiled helplessly. "Your godfather doesn't need my help. You'll understand some things when you grow up."
The two were on completely different levels; he didn't even intend to contact Han Xiao Han Xiao, not wanting to bother him.
Bennett held Nero in his arms, looking up at the sky outside the window. He knew that Han Xiao was somewhere deep in the starry sky, and he silently prayed for Han Xiao.
"Old friend..."
The massive fleet that set out from the Black Star Army headquarters met up with Dragon Calm midway, and the two sides traveled together to the border of the West Wind.
Within a few days, Suy contacted Han Xiao, bringing with her the Crimson Dynasty's reply.
"The Empire highly values your proposal, and we agree to your request. On behalf of the Empire, I welcome you to join us."
After delivering the good news in a formal tone, Suy smiled and added, "We're on the same side now."
"That's it, Beyond Grade A really has prestige..." Han Xiao clenched his fist secretly, feeling excited.
I hope for a pleasant cooperation in the future.
"Don't worry, the Empire is very experienced in this area and has always treated its Beyond Grade A allies with utmost sincerity. You can rest assured," Suy said with a smile.
The three major cosmic-level civilizations are competing with each other, and each Beyond Grade A ally is an important strategic deterrent pawn, so there will be no situation where the big boss bullies the small boss.
Once an alliance is confirmed, the cosmic civilization will retain its ally with excellent treatment.
Suy: "The Crimson Dynasty is currently dealing with the aftermath of the Shattered World and will be passing through the Shattered Star Ring. Perhaps it won't be long before the resources supported by the Empire are in your hands... However, we can only officially begin cooperation after your battle with the Tyrant is over. After some time, the Empire's official alliance contract will be sent to me, and then you just need to sign it."
Although the contract has little binding force on Beyond Grade A, it is an official written recognition, which is equivalent to giving them official status and thus carries political significance.
Han Xiao nodded upon hearing this.
Joining the Crimson Dynasty is a stepping stone to a higher level, and the benefits will gradually become apparent. Right now, I need to deal with the Tyrant. Only after dealing with the formidable enemy will I have time to handle the development of the Black Star Army.
"Also, the Empire has a request for you. They hope you can take some time to visit the Central Galaxy. The Empire's high command wants to meet with you and, while they're at it, introduce you to the Empire's other Beyond Grade A allies."
Han Xiao's heart skipped a beat. This meant that he would appear in the Central Galaxy as an ally of the Crimson Dynasty, which was equivalent to the Crimson Dynasty showing its two neighbors a new bargaining chip.
He didn't have any particular thoughts on this; if he wanted to enjoy the support of the Crimson Dynasty, he naturally had to bear the corresponding obligations.
Although this means he will be labeled as part of the Crimson Dynasty by many forces and attract the attention of the Empire's enemies, he mainly operates within the Shattered Star Ring, and sensible forces will not specifically seek out trouble for him.
"No problem." Han Xiao shrugged.
"Yes, there's one more thing. My intelligence channels have detected unusual activity from the Arcane Church's garrison in the Shattered Star Ring. They seem to be heading towards the agreed-upon battle location, possibly to support Sisko," Suy said slowly. "Therefore, I've mobilized the Crimson Dynasty's garrison, which will also arrive on the battlefield. This is a condition we agreed upon beforehand, to help you withstand external resistance."
"You guys are going to watch the game too?" Han Xiao stroked his chin. "Is that alright? Will people suspect your intentions?"
"Of course not," Suy shrugged. "After all, the Tyrant are also our allies."
Han Xiao almost burst out laughing upon hearing this.
Yes, the Crimson Dynasty can use the Tyrant as an excuse, saying that they are sending troops to help the Tyrant. No one will doubt their intentions, and no one will guess that they are actually here to help me.
The Crimson Dynasty will not interfere in the battle between Han Xiao and the Tyrant; this is considered an internal conflict—although the Tyrant himself is still unaware of it.
However, Siho-Tu-Shusco is not one of their own and is considered an external threat, making him a destabilizing factor in this proposed confrontation.
The Arcane Church Cult's target is clearly the Evolution Cube; the Crimson Dynasty will not allow the Evolution Cube to be taken back.
"One last thing," Suy tapped the table. "Your application for advanced knowledge has been approved. I'll transfer the data to you shortly."
Han Xiao's eyes lit up.
Compared to resources that haven't even been obtained yet, this is a real, tangible benefit.
There are nine types of advanced knowledge in the Mechanic Class. He has already learned the four types that Amethyst possesses, and there are still five types that he has not mastered. He had previously listed them out and given them to Suy. He wonders how many advanced types of knowledge the Crimson Dynasty will give him.
"May I ask, has the Empire decided to grant me some cutting-edge knowledge?"
"Several items? Do you have some misunderstanding about extraterrestrial civilizations?"
Suy shook her head and chuckled.
"I've given you everything."