"This time, the Arcane Church went all out, extracting many of my trump cards..."
Han Xiao had his mechanical assistant bring out dozens of tubes of premium nutritional paste from the refrigerator and pile them on the table. He grabbed a tube, casually bit it open with his teeth, and swallowed it. It was immediately broken down and absorbed without leaving any aftertaste. He had just fought a fierce battle, and although his injuries were healing quickly, his physical strength was greatly depleted. The boiling blood and liquid had just cooled down, and every cell was sending a hunger signal to his brain through nerve signals. Eating some nutritional paste would help speed up his recovery.
The most dangerous phase has passed, but Han Xiao knows the battle is not over. The Arcane Church descended from the sky through the Federation of Light's High-Dimensional Apocalypse Teleporter, but they will have to travel across the universe in a spaceship to return. Given the Empire's nature, it is impossible for them to let the six Beyond Grade A members of the Arcane Church swagger home... Oh, it's five.
So when Little Tyrant and his group arrived, the roles reversed, and it became their turn to Pursuit Sagman and his companions. Shattered World hundreds of millions of imperial troops surrounding and intercepting them, it wouldn't be so easy for the Arcane Church to successfully escape.
Even if they escaped the Shattered World, the Shattered Star Ring was still waiting for them. That was the stronghold of the Krent Empire, the War Realm, and the Black Star Army. Having received such a great gift, Han Xiao was not stingy. He had already made up his mind to mobilize all the forces of his Black Star Army and his intricate network of connections in the Shattered Star Ring to send a return gift.
While calculating in his mind, Han Xiao looked at the panel and tallied the losses that the Arcane Church had caused him this time.
Leveling up during the experience penalty period resulted in a significant loss of experience. Even with Han Xiao's perspective, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret at the amount—a 40% extra loss, nearly half of his original experience. As a frugal and simple person, he disliked wasting time. If he had used that extra experience to upgrade his blueprint skills, he could have gained many potential points.
Regarding character cards, Reynold, Aurora, and Ames have all used up their uses, while the Sorokin and Heber character cards each only have one use left. These are all powerful tools that can be used as trump cards, especially the Sorokin's [Superpower Silence] character card, which is the Sorokin's nemesis. Having one less use means that there are fewer trump cards to deal with the Sorokin.
Moreover, the Sorokin was the winner of this attack. Because of the actions of the Arcane Church, he had no choice but to meet the Sorokin's demands and use a cunning strategy to force the Sorokin to withdraw from the battlefield. Nourished by the Evolution Energy, the Sorokin will become more difficult to deal with and may even be able to touch the threshold of his so-called "higher level". With this shift in power, it has affected his plan to deal with the Sorokin. His plan was disrupted, which made him somewhat annoyed.
"However, the mission rewarded me with three unknown character cards, plus the two Blank Character Card and one Skill Sublimation Card I randomly drew as a reward, which somewhat made up for the loss." Han Xiao shook his head.
The mechanical forces also suffered heavy losses, with a large number of mechanical soldiers killed and needing time to replenish their ranks. The mechanical lifeforms fared better, as Han Xiao specifically prevented them from participating in direct combat against Beyond Grade A, so their casualties were not high.
Compared to other mechanical units, mechanical life forms with growth potential have greater potential. It would be a shame to destroy them in such a crushing battle. After all, they were little lives that he had painstakingly cultivated. He had even experienced kidney deficiency many times because of them. The mechanical units were enough to be the cannon fodder.
This battle was, in a sense, caused by Han Xiao. If any Beyond Grade A warriors had died as a result, the Empire would certainly have been dissatisfied. Fortunately, with Austin's help, everyone was only injured and did not die, which made it easier for Han Xiao to explain himself.
This puts Austin in a huge debt of gratitude, which isn't all bad. Sometimes, owing someone a favor can actually bring you closer to them.
Austin was originally a neutral party, but after this battle, he provoked the Arcane Church, and it became difficult for him to remain a bystander. He was dragged into the quagmire. Although he wouldn't immediately surrender to the Empire after washing his hands of the matter, once this incident spread, all the powers in the universe would brand him with the God's mark, and he could no longer keep a low profile as before.
Han Xiao couldn't help but think of Sisko, and his expression became slightly strange.
"So, Austin has become closer to the Empire, Ames is my ally and also a half-friend of the Empire, Heber is an Imperial agent, and then there's me. Of the five Beyond Grade A in the Shattered Star Ring, four have ties to the Empire... Sisko will probably have to keep a low profile in the Shattered Star Ring from now on."
With Sisko being targeted, the Star Pupil Protoss will also face more pressure, but will not suffer military retaliation from the Empire. Since the advent of the peaceful era, the world has been interconnected, and citizens of advanced civilizations have broadened their horizons and gained more perspectives. As a result, in terms of social evaluation, powerful civilizations have gradually lost the legitimacy to commit atrocities against weaker civilizations, and have gradually lost the absolute support their citizens had for their own civilization during the Exploration Era War.
Nowadays, cosmic-level civilizations at most fight each other, or at worst, choose supercluster-level civilizations as their opponents. They rarely resort to military crushing against relatively weaker civilizations—unless someone questions and challenges their dominance. Although the Pan-Universal Civilization Contact Treaty is a double-edged sword for the Three Universal Civilizations civilizations, they are unwilling to undermine its authority unless absolutely necessary.
Thinking this, Han Xiao opened the task log. The task that had been completed was now marked as "[Completed]". It wasn't until he touched Fording just now that he felt confident enough to claim the reward.
[The Cause and Effect have been completed!]
[Based on your performance, you have received 450e experience, 3 random rewards, [Character Summon Card - "Photon" Sagman], [Character Summon Card - "Star Pupil" Sisko], [Character Summon Card - Sorokin]]
[Character Summon Card - "Photon" Sagman: [Light Energy Particle Stream - Penetration] - Releases powerful light energy particle rays with high penetration, explosive, and burning damage. The light energy will continuously cause damage and inflict [Energy Interference] and [Energy Suppression] statuses on the target. When enemies use energy attacks, they will experience reduced power, increased energy consumption, and reduced hit rate. Usage limit: 0/5]
[Character Summon Card - "Star Pupil" Sisko: [Telekinesis - Wall of the Heart] - Within 4.7 seconds, the actual damage received from mental attacks is reduced by 85% after the reduction by mental resistance. Immune to all mental control skills. If the attacker is a telekinetic user, the Intelligence and Mystic attributes of both parties will be determined. If one attribute is higher than the attacker's, 45% of the theoretical damage will be reflected. If both attributes are higher than the attacker's, 90% of the theoretical damage will be reflected. If both attributes are lower than the attacker's, no damage will be reflected. Usage limit: 0/3]
[Character Summon Card - Sorokin: [Superpower Replication] - By making close contact, copy the target's superpower genes and obtain a one-time character card of the target. Requires the target to be a superpower user to take effect. Usage limit: 0/3]
Defeating the Arcane Church fleet and obtaining the highest experience reward was within Han Xiao's expectations. The effects of the three character cards were all quite good. This time, he indeed didn't get lucky and draw the [Superpower Silence] card from the Sorokin. However, the [Superpower Replica] card was also quite useful, essentially three Blank Character Card specifically targeting superpowered individuals. Given the Sorokin's chaotic abilities, drawing this was already Fording.
[You have gained 1 Legend Points]
[Universe Legend Points: Enemy of the Arcane - Facing a desperate situation, you launched a counterattack, turned the tide, repelled the overwhelming Arcane Church, and even captured a Beyond Grade A opponent alive. Your name will resound throughout the universe with this battle, becoming an unforgettable legendary feat!]
"Enemy of the Arcane, the highest level of Universe Legend Points... it seems this will become the new nickname." Han Xiao's eyes flashed.
Each Beyond Grade A has a series of nicknames representing their legendary deeds. Han Xiao currently has nicknames such as "Undying Body," "Indestructible Black Star," and "Black Star Army Commander." After news of this battle spreads, the interstellar citizens in the universe will probably add another label to his name: "Enemy of the Arcane."
The Arcane Church was aggressive and wanted to kill him, but he had sealed their Universal Treasure and captured their Beyond Grade A combatant. Now, the enmity between the two sides had deepened.
Capturing a Beyond Grade A alive is of extraordinary significance. Heber challenged him to a duel to achieve a similar feat, but he failed. He, on the other hand, beat Heber to the punch and achieved this feat. As a result, his influence in the universe will be completely different, and he will gain a higher status... He thinks Little Tyrant will be very envious.
Meanwhile, Heber was on his way back to provide assistance. Thinking of Heber's possible expression, Han Xiao couldn't help but chuckle twice.
The panel also displays a message about the creation of the [Shattered World - Battle of Lighthouse Star] Dungeon Generation. This battle involves a total of eleven Beyond Grade A players. Such a scene is rare outside of wars and is enough to shock the entire universe. Although it is taking place in Shattered World and has not yet been announced to the outside world, it is foreseeable that this news will be a bombshell that will detonate throughout the universe.
Given its immense influence, it's not surprising that a dungeon was created. However, it's a pity that, considering the intensity and level of this battle, the dungeon's only purpose is to provide players with a chance to broaden their horizons and experience a bit of hardship.
Opening the attribute panel, Han Xiao carefully reviewed the attributes after advancing to level 260:
[Total Level: 260]
[Main Occupation: Mechanic Class]
[Race: Black Star Race]
[Attributes: Strength 3247, Agility 3980, Stamina 5889, Intelligence 8489, Mysticism 2950, Charisma 1163, Luck 1]
[Free attribute points: 0]
[Potential Points: 33]
[Health Points: 3,854,550]
[Stamina: 3,521,025]
[Stamina: 82120 [Lv17]]
[Lv17 Total Strength Bonus: Strength +1206, Agility +1488, Stamina +1890, Intelligence +2345, Mysticism +1123, Maximum Stamina +311520, Mechanical Affinity +1632%]
[Energy Level: 49975]
[Rank: S (Beyond Grade A)]
[Grade S- Rank Bonus: Stamina +50, All Resistances +25%, Highest Attribute +25%, Other Attributes +15%, Additional 750 Free Attribute Points, 50 Potential Points]
[This seems to be a Beyond Grade A mechanic who insists on a unique tank-like playstyle.]
"My energy level is almost 50,000..." Han Xiao stroked his chin. He remembered that when he first reached Beyond Grade A, his energy level was around 43,000. Later, he mastered the [Heber's Stellar Furnace Training Method] and the Ultimate Knowledge [Mechanical Life Spark], which increased his energy level considerably.
In particular, Heber's training method increased his strength by more than 16,000. When he first reached Beyond Grade A, his strength limit was only a little over 50,000. Now it has reached 80,000. He has risen from Lv15 to Lv17 in strength level and gained two new attribute bonuses. The higher the strength level, the more attributes are gained with each increase. The bonus is very high.
He never neglected [Radiant Energy Absorption], and added various attributes to it.
"The next racial advancement is at level 300, and the level cap for the Mechanic Dominator is also exactly 40, meaning you can only change classes at level 300. So, the only thing that will hold me back is the level 280 advancement quest."
Han Xiao pondered deeply.
The maximum level for [Mechanic Emperor] is 35, while the maximum level for the new stage [Mechanic Dominator] is 5 levels higher.
The Apostle, Emperor, and Dominion, in the [Mechanic Dominator] stage, combine the advantages of the former two and are further enhanced.
Similar to the previous two job changes, skills and expertise in virtual technology have been enhanced, with the effect increased by 60% this time!
There are four new abilities that are directly gained:
Specialty [Mechanical Dominator], Mechanical Affinity +300%, Virtual Intrusion and Defense Efficiency +200%, and the nature of Mechanical Force is changed to a certain extent. While circulating physical force, it will also project mental consciousness and gain the so-called "Dominion Qualification". The description is vague, only saying that it is a prerequisite for some new skills of the Mechanic Dominator.
Skill [Dominator-level Mechanical Affinity], a familiar Mechanical Affinity skill series, one level higher than "Emperor-level", at max level +190% Mechanical Affinity.
The skill [Apostle Creation] is similar to [Emperor's Gift], both providing a special amplification to a single mechanical target. However, there are significant differences. [Emperor's Gift] can be used a maximum of three times on the same target, with no limit on the number of targets it can be used on. [Apostle Creation], on the other hand, uses Mechanical Force imbued with the so-called "Power of the Dominion" to transform a mechanical soldier into an "Apostle Weapon" under the Dominion's command.
The performance boost is terrifying; it can basically turn an ordinary unit into a mini-boss unit, and with a slightly better base, it's possible to turn it into a full-fledged boss unit.
With such a terrifying bonus effect, [Apostle Creation] limits the maximum number of Apostle Weapon. When upgraded to the maximum level, you can have 12 Apostle Weapon at the same time. The power of Dominion within them can be freely withdrawn, and the slots can be replaced, maintaining a total of 12 Apostle Weapon... This skill can also be amplified by various skill level-up boosts. Each time you break through the upper limit by one level, you can obtain a new Apostle Weapon slot.
The final skill, [Dominator's Descent], is used for ranged combat. Through the Mechanic Dominator's special Mechanical Force, the Dominator projects their will, spirit, and strength onto a mechanical soldier, turning the soldier into a clone that shares many of the original's attributes, skills, and feats. It's as if the Dominion form has descended, possessing Beyond Grade A combat power.
This means that Han Xiao, sitting at home, can not only provide Mechanical Force support to remote troops through the Quantum Non-Distance Transmission Channel, but also select a subordinate to use this move on him personally, with the limitation that it can only be used on one target at a time.
The skill description also states that if [Dominator's Descent] is used frequently on the same target, there is a chance to form Soul Connection Level.
"These four abilities are all reliable, especially [The Dominator's Descent]..."
Han Xiao's eyes darted around, and he thought to himself, "After today's battle, fewer people will come looking for trouble with my main body. My fighting style will probably have to start focusing on ranged combat. This skill should be a great help to me."
After summarizing the losses and rewards for a while, Han Xiao received a call from Tarrokov, who said that Head of State Urranrell wanted to speak to him in person.
Even a Beyond Grade A ally isn't someone you can just meet with the Imperial Head of State whenever you want. Urranrell wanting to communicate with me clearly means that my achievements have surprised her.
Furthermore, there are still some issues that need to be discussed and resolved regarding this incident, and the mission to Pursuit Sagman and his group also needs to be addressed.
"Okay, I'll wait for her online."
Han Xiao took out his communicator, his mind racing with various speculations, and silently waited for the call to be transferred.
The most enticing thing is the tangible reward in hand. This time, I risked my life to achieve such a great feat, and I'm asking for new Imperial knowledge. I don't think Urranrell will refuse.