Two days later, Han Xiao summoned a group of cadres into his office and announced that he was about to depart for a business trip to Central Galaxy.
Sylvia, dressed in a smart and capable administrative uniform, nodded upon hearing this, her ponytail swaying in the breeze.
How long will you be gone this time?
"It depends on the Empire's arrangements; they can only move out once they have gathered enough manpower."
"Understood. I'll oversee the Legion's affairs, so you don't need to worry," Sylvia said seriously.
Beside her, Hila raised a hand to brush away the long, red, curly hair that covered one eye, and parted her red lips slightly, "I have some things to pack. When do we leave?"
Han Xiao shook his head and waved at her.
"You don't need to go. I'm not bringing my Guard Squad this time."
Hila paused, "Why?"
"Since we're fighting the Sorokin, you can't help much. Just stay here and oversee the Shattered Star Ring." Han Xiao smiled at her.
The Guard Officer Unit is the Legion's elite Calamity Grade combat force, whose duty is to deal with opponents who are not worth his personal attention. They are useless against the Sorokin, and bringing them along would be a burden. Han Xiao decided to go alone this time.
"Okay, I understand." Hila snorted in dissatisfaction, turned and left the room, leaving everyone with her tall, slender the Sight of Father's Back.
It seems to have stirred up her strong-willed nature again...
Han Xiao chuckled inwardly. This was a good thing. The current Hila was different from the madwoman of her past life. Giving her some motivation was a good thing.
"Sister's going to have another grueling training session." Aurora looked away, her big, blinking eyes fixed on Han Xiao's sharply defined face, and asked worriedly, "Won't it be dangerous for you to go alone?"
"I just didn't bring the Guard Squad, I didn't say I'd go alone."
As he spoke, Han Xiao smiled and looked at Reynold.
"Huh? Me?" Reynold pointed to himself in surprise.
"Yes, it's you. Stop pointing."
"But I'm also in charge of the Logistics Department..." Reynold asked, puzzled, not understanding why Han Xiao had brought him along.
"Aren't you bored spending all your time in the Logistics Department? Come out for a walk with me. By the way, who's the deputy head of the Logistics Department again?"
"A Calamity Grade mechanic who joined a few years ago, this is his resume." Sylvia immediately pulled up the information.
In recent years, the legion has developed rapidly. Han Xiao now has a wealth of powerful and talented individuals under his command, with more and more newcomers joining. The number of Calamity Grade personnel serving him has long exceeded the normal scale of a galaxy-level civilization. Apart from the Guard Squad, which has become famous in the Shattered Star Ring, the other Calamity Grade are scattered in various departments, holding prestigious positions and having their own names in the universe. The legion's organizational structure is also constantly being refined, with clear division of labor.
Most of them were Calamity Grade fighters who came from outside, such as Hadavy and Lagi, while there were fewer Calamity Grade cultivated by the Legion itself, such as Melos, Sylvia, and Reynold.
Han Xiao glanced through the documents casually and asked, "Does he have any records of cutting corners, taking kickbacks, accepting bribes, or privately selling legion blueprints?"
"No, if I had, I would have reported it to you long ago..." Sylvia said, sweating profusely.
--You're a Beyond Grade A virtual mechanic, huh? You probably even know my underwear size. What's in my house that you can't possibly hide from me?
"Then I'll temporarily put him in charge of the Logistics Department logistics work." Han Xiao put away the documents, turned to look at Reynold, and smiled, "Nero is still a child. It'll be psychologically traumatic for him to stay at your place studying all the time. I'll bring him along this time and take him on a trip to Crimson Ring Star... Of course, while we're traveling, we can't stop studying."
Reynold suddenly realized, "Well, Lord Black Star mainly took Nero on a trip, but didn't want his godson to have a complete vacation, so he brought his teacher along too."
Sylvia was instantly envious.
I am also Lord Black Star's student, and his first disciple at that. Why does the teacher favor Reynold? I could be the same teacher as Nero!
I want to take a vacation too, you jerk!
"Don't worry, you guys stay on Crimson Ring Star while I'm out fighting the Sorokin. You don't need to come with me; it'll be safe." Han Xiao then looked at Fording, "You should come with me too; you can take care of Nero."
"Okay." Fording smiled. "Nero should be very happy."
I don't know if he's happy or not, but I'm pretty happy...
Han Xiao chuckled to himself.
Bringing Fording and Nero along was mainly out of faith in superstition. After all, dealing with the Sorokin is extremely difficult, and having two high-level protagonist-type characters along might help them get some luck and increase the success rate of the operation.
Having two High-Level Lucky Halo is better than him, a hapless guy, acting alone.
Han Xiao agreed to depart two hours later, and then announced the meeting was adjourned.
As everyone dispersed, Hadavy casually pulled the dozing Lagi out of the room, as if tossing a bag of trash aside.
After the meeting, Reynold immediately returned to the Logistics Department to hand over his work to the deputy minister, and then went back to his office and opened the door to his cubicle.
Inside the cubicle, Nero was mechanically doing his homework, his little head bobbing up and down.
He drank the dragon blood potion, which refreshed him and made him wide awake. It seemed he was trying to recreate the way he used to doze off in class on Planet Aquamarine, hoping to awaken his long-dormant "sleepiness."
After checking Nero's homework, Reynold couldn't help but show a hint of satisfaction on his meticulous face. Although he had initially taught Nero only according to Han Xiao's orders, he grew to like the student more and more during the teaching process, seeing a reflection of himself in Nero.
Although Nero wasn't as passionate about mechanics as he was, he was just as hardworking. Nero had one advantage: he never slacked off. Even with a daunting workload, Nero would still complete it diligently and never be perfunctory. Reynold liked this kind of student very much.
After all, Mechanic Class and Mage Class are different from other professions. Knowledge is power, and the stronger the foundation, the smoother the growth. Reynold is quite optimistic about Nero's future.
Thinking this to himself, Reynold, with his reserved nature, obviously wouldn't say it aloud. He coughed and said, "Stop doing that, pack your things, the Legion Commander is taking you on a trip to the Central Galaxy."
Nero's blank eyes suddenly came to life, bursting with excitement and surprise.
"My godfather is taking me out to play! Hahaha... Finally, I don't have to do homework!"
Nero threw down his pen, almost crying with excitement. "My godfather still dotes on me!"
Nero's slight resentment vanished instantly, replaced by elation. He almost wanted to open his arms wide and praise Black Star... no, praise his godfather.
"Hurry up and pack your things, we're leaving soon, and we need to meet at the dock."
Nero stopped moving, mechanically turning his head with a clicking sound. "Wait, we...?"
"The legion commander sent me along to supervise your studies on the way," Reynold said expressionlessly.
Nero's happy expression froze on his face.
Han Xiao waited at the private dock for a while. Fording arrived first, and the two chatted for a while before Reynold and Nero finally arrived.
Nero, carrying a small backpack, looked listless and utterly dejected.
"Everyone's here, let's go."
Han Xiao led everyone onto the ship, made some adjustments, and then handed it over to Phillip, putting it into autopilot mode.
The spaceship took off along its orbit, entered space, set its destination as the Crimson Dynasty's military stargate station in the Shattered Star Ring, and then quickly switched to warp mode to begin its journey.
I visited Central Galaxy once last year, so this time I knew the way well.
After flying for some time, the group successfully arrived at the military stargate station. Through the stargate, they directly crossed several star systems and were teleported to the Crimson Ring Star System of the Constellation Corridor. Guided by the receiving troops, they passed through the Psionic Energy Restriction Belt and arrived at the Imperial home planet, Crimson Ring Star. The journey was smooth and uneventful.
"This is the capital of the Crimson Dynasty..." Reynold stared in rappelling, habitable satellites, large space fortresses, and orbital living stations around the Crimson Ring Star, admiring their mechanical structures.
"How magnificent!" Nero stared blankly at the Crimson Ring Star outside the porthole. It was far more spectacular than his hometown, Planet Aquamarine.
The group landed slowly, where imperial envoys were already waiting at the dock. They bowed respectfully to Han Xiao and led the group into the core political area, the Tyrant Hamill Palace, where they settled in the official guesthouse.
This is the legendary capital of a cosmic civilization. Nero is curious about everything and his eyes are wide open. If it weren't for his godfather, he might never have been able to come here in his entire life.
The receptionist greeted him with a smile, "Your Excellency Black Star, I'm in charge of all your group's needs. Please feel free to contact me if you need anything."
"Okay, then take them around. The Imperial Mother Planet is huge; take them to see all the fun places," Han Xiao said.
"Godfather, aren't you coming with us?"
"I have other matters to attend to; I need to see the Imperial Head of State."
Han Xiao waved his hand, told the group not to wander off, and then went straight to the core government building where Urranrell was located. He had already informed them that Urranrell was waiting to see him.
After scanning my face without any obstacles, I quickly arrived at the door of the head of state's office.
The secretary knocked on the door, and Urranrell's voice came from inside:
"Please come in."
The door opened, and Han Xiao stepped inside.
This was the second time they had met with the head of state, and just like the first time, only Urranrell and Clottey were in the room.
"Black Star, you've arrived. Please have a seat." Urranrell nodded.
Han Xiao nodded, and had just sat down when Urranrell spoke again:
"You made a great contribution to the Battle of Lighthouse Star. Well done."
Previously, praise had always been given over remote communication, but this time, Urranrell offered his compliments in person.
"I only did a tiny bit of work." Han Xiao suddenly realized that this sentence was really useful.
"You're too modest. The Empire has always rewarded those who have rendered meritorious service. As you may already know, we will provide additional resource support and preferential treatment in the allocation of territory in the Shattered World."
Urranrell paused for a moment, then slowly said, "I can give you a heads-up: after the first phase of development is completed, we will build various infrastructures in the three star clusters. At that time, we will first allocate some territory to a group of allied forces to operate transit stations, colonies, trading stars, and civilian stargates. You can make requests regarding the allocation of territory, and I will give your opinions serious consideration."
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow. This meant he was allowed to choose the first territory himself, not only because of his merits, but also because it was an olive branch extended by the leader's faction.
The development of new star clusters is a long-term plan, and the Empire is not in a hurry. After the initial exploration, the next step is to build roads and develop the explored areas first, and then slowly explore other star clusters. In the future, more star clusters will be unlocked, and each allied force will naturally receive more than one piece of territory.
This is good news for Han Xiao. Once the first phase is completed, he will receive territory, at which point he can officially begin developing the civilization of mechanical life forms and also relocate the Black Spirit Race here.
Being in one's own territory is far more liberating than being in the Shattered Star Ring. That is truly one's own land, where one doesn't need to share areas with other star system civilizations and has absolute say.
"I'm looking forward to it." Han Xiao smiled.
"Well, let's get back to business. The Empire has summoned you for two main reasons, both of which you are aware of. First, the Empire has agreed to certain conditions for the Arcane Church to unlock one of the Beyond Grade A Space-Time Amber seals for them, so they need your help."
Han Xiao nodded to indicate that he understood.
"The second task is to annihilate the Sorokin, which is also related to the first task. Only by lifting a seal will the Arcane Church agree to join this operation."
Han Xiao was slightly surprised upon hearing this.
The Arcane Church is also going to go into business... cough, make a move?
He hadn't received the news before, and was somewhat surprised to learn it for the first time.
"Isn't it just the Federation of Light? What about the Arcane Church...?"
"This is my idea. You Federation of Light into this mess, and I conveniently brought in the Arcane Church. They're willing to join us in the annihilation of the Sorokin."
Han Xiao was overjoyed. This was an unexpected surprise! The Arcane Church had also joined forces, and with the Three Universal Civilizations working together, their chances of defeating the Sorokin were even greater!
He pretended to ponder for a moment, then smiled and said, "Originally, it would have been just us taking action, but now that the Three Universal Civilizations are acting together, it has saved us a lot of energy."
"It's not just for that reason, it's also because of you."
"I?"
"Yes, the Empire has sensed your murderous intent towards the Sorokin, and this action is to satisfy your desires."
Han Xiao was somewhat flattered.
This means... my suggestion did indeed influence the Crimson Dynasty's decision-making?!
"You are an important ally of the Empire, so of course we value your ideas." Urranrell paused for a moment, then continued, "Let's end our conversation here. I have some matters to attend to. The Arcane Church's escort team carrying the sealed Beyond Grade A hasn't arrived yet, and the three-way encirclement teams haven't fully assembled. You'll need to stay on Crimson Ring Star for a while; we'll inform you of the specifics of the operation."
"Good."
Han Xiao understood the implication of seeing the guest out and secretly curled his lip.
It seems the Imperial Head of State is truly busy; Li Wanji is about to be raped again...
He rose to take his leave and departed from the head of state's office.
The door closed behind him, and Han Xiao finally breathed a sigh of relief, his heart filled with excitement.
Originally, the Crimson Dynasty's dealing with the Sorokin was just a formality; it was they who facilitated the joint action of the three cosmic-level civilizations!
It was only through his own instigation that the current situation came about, and the situation is even better than he expected, with the Three Universal Civilizations joining forces to encircle and annihilate them, creating a formidable force!
His determination to eradicate the Sorokin was valued by the Empire, which definitely played a role in his Political Asset and thus changed the Führer's decision.
The influence accumulated over many years came into play!
"It's finally my turn to return the favor, Sorokin." Han Xiao narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them.