Information travels extremely fast in interstellar society, and this explosive news spread throughout various star systems. Nowadays, every player has a communicator, so they didn't miss this news either.
At this time, many Legion players were discussing this matter with great interest in the Shattered Star Ring section of the forum.
After three versions, players have become familiar with the elusive whereabouts of NPCs. Apart from functional characters like merchants, many characters do not stay in the same place for long. Sometimes, after a player has met a character, they may find that the character has gone to another place when they return after a while.
Although it can be inconvenient at times, most players still like this feature; each character has their own tasks to complete, making them feel a high degree of realism.
As the Black Star Army expanded, Han Xiao reduced his daily contact with players, establishing himself as the faction leader in their minds starting with version 2.0. Now, legion players are used to their elusive faction leader, accustomed to not seeing him for a while, only to suddenly discover he's made headlines.
Discussing the deeds of the legion commander has also become one of the pleasures for legion players.
There were many posts on the forum discussing the Sorokin's Fall. At this stage, the players' level was far behind that of the Sorokin. The Sorokin was a character from the mid-to-late game and had not yet had large-scale interaction with the players. For most players in the Starfield, they only knew that the Sorokin's background description was particularly impressive and that he was a clear villain, but they knew very little else.
Only players in the three star regions of the Central Galaxy have a slightly better understanding of the Sorokin. A very small number of players who have awakened the Chaotic Evil attribute do not do any storyline missions, but instead burn, kill, and plunder, turning themselves into wanted criminals, and then run off to the Desolate Universe Belt to seek refuge with the Fallen Ark. However, they are not qualified to see the Sorokin and have only come into contact with the tip of the iceberg of the Fallen Ark's power.
Because of limited understanding of the Sorokin, the event of their Sorokin's Fall did not resonate as deeply with players, and its impact was not as great as the Battle of Lighthouse Star. After all, Lighthouse Star involved two civilizations that ruled the universe and was considered the final faction by players.
As for the Sorokin's Fall, most players did not experience it firsthand and did not know its significance. To them, it was just a strange, powerful Beyond Grade A being captured by the Three Universal Civilizations. Other than that, they had no other feelings.
The replies Han Xiao saw were mostly routine criticisms of him as the leader of his faction.
"The legion commander is off causing trouble again; he's so idle."
"Sigh, I really want to go see the Central Galaxy too. That awful contractor left us to work in the Shattered Star Ring while he ran off to have some fun."
"Could this incident be a new plotline?"
"It doesn't seem like it. I think this is a supplement to the Battle of Lighthouse Star. The Sorokin participated in the attack and were captured by the Three Universal Civilizations. Since no players participated in this event, this should be considered background story."
"This game is trash, it's all CG (lol)."
"Ugh, I'm dying to see no cutscenes!"
"I am Sorokin. I was captured by Three Universal Civilizations yesterday and need 5,000 Enas for bail. Could you lend me some bail money? Once I'm out, I'll take you flying. My account number is 480XXX..."
"Damn it, I'm a player who joined the Fallen Ark! Your faction leader kidnapped my boss! You Black Star Army, eat shit!"
"Get out of here, Central Galaxy!"
The Constellation Corridor trembled with fear.
The players' discussion was quite lively, and Han Xiao had a smile on his lips.
While browsing posts by silly gamers, Han Xiao noticed a post suddenly gaining popularity, titled "The Meaning of the Sorokin's Fall," which was rapidly climbing in popularity.
Upon opening the post, the poster's ID immediately came into view, clearly named [Army Commander's Pee-Pee].
"... You're insane!"
Han Xiao's lips twitched.
Being a monster is indeed a player's forte; he was ashamed of himself for not being able to match it.
Taking a breath, Han Xiao looked at the contents:
"Brothers of the Legion, it seems like none of you are taking the Sorokin's Fall seriously. I was the same at first, but today I encountered something amazing that made me realize the significance of this event is extraordinary."
Here's the situation: I recently took on a small mercenary mission for a legion, acting as a temporary escort for a long-haul travel ship. My job was simply to escort them through the Gibberan Star System —as you know, these days interstellar travel groups love hiring members of our Black Star Army. As long as there are legion members on board, most space pirates won't attack us.
The process was uneventful; I easily made it through by browsing forums and arrived at my destination smoothly. After settling my payment, I disembarked at the dock, but then an unexpected event occurred. Several passengers from other star systems stopped me, gave me some items, and asked me to pass them on to the Legion Commander. [Image] [Image]
As shown in the picture, these items aren't anything valuable; they're just simple handmade items. The item description says, "This is a gift filled with gratitude," so they're probably similar to a banner. A corresponding errand-running quest has also been triggered on the interface. [Image]
I didn't communicate with them at all; they approached me on their own initiative. These passengers said that their civilization had been harmed by the Sorokin, resulting in the deaths of many of their people. They were incredibly grateful to Black Star for eliminating the Sorokin, so they made these gifts to express their gratitude. Since I was a member of the Black Star Army, they wanted me to pass them on to the Legion Commander.
This is just the gist of the story. During the conversation, the passengers were incredibly enthusiastic, holding my hand and laughing and crying, constantly thanking our Black Star Army. I recorded the whole thing; I recommend everyone watch it—it's very moving [video]...
Although it was just a small task, I felt a different kind of meaning from it.
Across the entire universe, for every person who has suffered persecution at the hands of the Sorokin, there is an equal number of people who are grateful to the Legion Commander! The sheer number is terrifying to contemplate! This episode reveals the true significance of the Sorokin's Fall. This is not a fictional backstory, but rather the dawn of justice finally breaking for countless ravaged races!
The legion commander did a great job this time. To be honest, seeing how grateful these NPCs were, I felt great.
Brothers, enough said, I'll start by bragging—the Legion Commander is awesome!!
PS: In order to show my admiration for the legion commander, like the endless river, and like the Yellow River flooding out of control, I will immediately go to the mall to buy a name change card and add the word 'big' to my ID!"
Han Xiao scrolled down the thread; this thread had attracted many players, with numerous replies below:
Adding the word "big" is really something; the poster has revealed themselves to be a hater.
"I suspect you're driving, but I have no proof."
"I just watched the recording. The delivery was vivid and emotionally resonant; I give it a perfect score of 100."
Many players joked about it, while others agreed with the original poster's point of view.
"I'm reminded of the Mutation Disaster again. The legion commander volunteered to enter interstellar space for the sake of their home planet and brought back reinforcements. He's always been very responsible."
"Indeed, although the legion commander used to be a shrewd businessman, he's reliable in major events. I still remember his speeches—they were so inspiring."
When players choose a faction, in addition to seeking benefits, they also need to align with each other's values. Players act not only for practical gains but also for psychological satisfaction.
Han Xiao's actions have consistently left a good impression on players. Many people leave comments and pictures in the Black Star Army not only for the high rewards, but also because they recognize Han Xiao as the faction leader.
Black Star has now earned the gratitude of countless races, and players share in the honor. Watching the video of several passengers expressing their gratitude in the post, many people felt a sense of honor and accomplishment.
After reading the post, Han Xiao scratched his head, realizing that he had underestimated the impact of the matter.
Just as the post said, countless races throughout the universe have been ravaged by Sorokin, and under the propaganda offensive of the Crimson Dynasty, these survivors all regard him as their benefactor.
This newfound fame is different from his previous reputation. Previously, the interstellar citizens' impression of him was limited to his strength and status; they only knew that he was a powerful figure who followed the path of high-level influence. However, the "Sorokin's Fall" event brought him popular support and the recognition of countless interstellar citizens.
One of the functions of public opinion is to attract more talented people to join us. After all, there are always some people who cannot be swayed by interests, and these people are often the most talented.
Universe-Level Legend Points is indeed extraordinary; the Sorokin is truly a treasure... Han Xiao was in a good mood.
"The Sorokin has made enemies throughout the universe, and countless people want revenge. I wonder if those famous NPCs who oppose the Sorokin in the later versions will come to my aid."
Han Xiao stroked his chin, lost in thought.
After sailing for some time, the spaceship finally returned to the Black Star Army headquarters, which it had been away from for more than a month, and entered the dedicated dock.
As soon as Han Xiao stepped off the spaceship, he immediately saw Hila waiting for him at the dock.
"Oh, you came all this way to pick me up?" Han Xiao greeted him with a smile.
"Hmph." Hila didn't deny it, flicking her red curly hair that covered one eye, and casually looked Han Xiao up and down, slowly saying, "It seems the Sorokin didn't cause you much trouble; you're not missing any parts."
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Are you worried about me?"
"This is the duty of the captain of the Royal Guard," Hila said expressionlessly.
Han Xiao smiled, turned around and beckoned to Fording and the other two to leave on their own, then turned and waved to Hila, signaling her to come with him.
"Oh, by the way, I brought you a gift."
"I don't care." Hila said this, but her body obediently followed behind Han Xiao, not falling behind for even a step.
The two arrived at the combat training room. Han Xiao closed the door, turned to face Hila, who was standing with her arms crossed, and smiled:
"I received something interesting from the Sorokin; it seems to enhance your abilities. You possess the potential to reach Beyond Grade A, and this gift can make your path to Beyond Grade A smoother and raise your potential."
Hila, who was passionate about power, was immediately intrigued. She raised an eyebrow, "Aren't you going to give this wonderful thing to the teacher?"
"Hmm, she probably won't be able to use it." Han Xiao shook his head. "Besides, you're my first choice; you were the first person I thought of."
The [Ability Enhancement] Sorokin Character Card has three uses. Han Xiao had already thought about it on the ship. Hila's potential for superpowers was already extremely high, and she was his confidante, so it was very suitable for her to use it. The sooner he cultivated Hila into Beyond Grade A, the more it would be in his own interest.
"Snort."
Hila's lips curled into a happy smile, but it vanished in an instant. She lowered her arms from her chest, spread her hands, and said, "Okay, so what do I need to do?"
"Don't move, let me do it."
Han Xiao activated the [Ability Enhancement] character card. The phantom of the Sorokin flashed behind him and disappeared in an instant. He raised his palm, and dazzling white energy particles floated in his palm.
He stood before Hila, towering over Hila by more than half a head. He looked down at her, his finger touching Hila forehead. This energy surged into Hila's seven orifices, swirling within her brain.
Hila groaned, her body trembled, and she fainted. Han Xiao Quick Eyes and Nimble Hands, catching her in his arms.
He used his strength to check Hila's condition and estimated that she wouldn't wake up anytime soon.
"He actually fainted? I thought it was similar to the Esper Potential Enhancement Fluid."
Han Xiao glanced at Hila, who had collapsed into his arms, shook his head, and with a burst of strength, hoisted Hila onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
Leaving the training room, I arrived at Hila's room, hacked the access control, and went inside.
Hila's room was as simply furnished as Han Xiao's. Han Xiao placed Hila on the bed, casually covered her with a blanket, and turned to leave, but then noticed three photo frames on the table.
Han Xiao looked closely and saw that the three photos were a picture of Hila and Aurora, a picture of Hela and Ames, and a picture of himself. Apart from that, there were no other decorations in the room.
After standing silently for a while, Han Xiao reached out, flipped the photo of Hila and himself over, covered it on the table, then turned off the light and left the room.
After a long while, Hila slowly opened her eyes and found herself lying in the room, covered with a blanket, and fully clothed.
"Did he bring me here?"
The drowsiness quickly subsided, Hila sat up, rubbing her eyes.
She immediately activated her supernatural ability, sensing the changes in her power, a look of emotion flashing in her eyes.
"It's like Evolution Cube, so it's much easier to use my abilities now, and the limits have been raised... Hmm, I wonder how long I've been asleep. I'll go find him again."
Hila threw back the covers and got up, only to notice something amiss: one of the three picture frames she had placed upright on the table was lying on its side.
He straightened the photo frame and discovered that the one that had been knocked over was a photo of himself and Han Xiao.
Hila's eyes flickered, and her good mood from the enhanced powers vanished.
"... snort!"