For the next month, Han Xiao stayed at the legion headquarters to rest and reorganize his gains from the trip.
The Empire's contribution points increased by about 10,000, bringing the total to 22,000. Han Xiao has only exchanged one new Ultimate Knowledge with the Empire for the time being.
Now that the most pressing threat of the Sorokin has been resolved, the external environment has stabilized, and a period of stable development has begun. With less pressure on themselves, they are not in a hurry to exchange for more knowledge, since their contribution points are there and can be exchanged at any time.
Han Xiao has already mastered three Ultimate Knowledge: [Endless Material Science], [Mechanical Life Spark], and [Virtual Creator], exactly one of each of the three branches.
Energy, materials, and information have always been the three driving forces of technological development. With materials and information already available, Han Xiao chose to exchange for the final Ultimate Knowledge in the energy branch—[Eternal Energy].
The name of this Ultimate Knowledge sounds impressive, but its actual effect is not as exaggerated as "eternal." It is not an inexhaustible energy in the literal sense, but it does significantly enhance the combat power of mechanics.
Cutting-edge knowledge of [Exotic Energy] has enabled mechanics to master the safe refining techniques for advanced energy sources such as Psionic Energy, dark energy, and antimatter. New energy sources have comprehensively enhanced mechanics' abilities. [Eternal Energy] also grants them the technology to master new energy sources. At this point, technology and magic converge; mechanics, like magicians, have learned to refine multi-dimensional energy...
However, in terms of energy level, this is not a leap forward. The power of multidimensional energy is not higher than that of Psionic Energy; it merely expands the mechanic's choice of energy source.
The real focus of [Eternal Energy] is not on mastering new energy sources, but on improving the mechanics' technology in utilizing existing energy sources.
Just like the advancement from nuclear fission to nuclear fusion, learning more advanced energy extraction methods allows us to create a new generation of Psionic Energy and dark energy reactors, resulting in a surge in output power and greater stability.
The direct result is a comprehensive improvement in weapon power, shield strength, and mechanical performance, which is an improvement brought about by energy technology innovation.
The new Ultimate Knowledge also brought Han Xiao a new expertise and a new skill.
[Advanced Energy Master]: When using advanced energy, attack power is increased by 1.15x, shield strength by 1.2x, mechanical artifact energy core power by 30%, and output power by 20%.
[Energy Innovation]: Passive skill. This skill can only be upgraded by increasing the knowledge level of [Eternal Energy]. Each upgrade unlocks more advanced energy technologies and reactor blueprints—knowledge is power.
Energy is extremely important. Regardless of the branch of the Mechanic class, it's best to max out [Eternal Energy]. This is also one of the main culprits that causes Mechanic Class players to Hardening in the later stages of the game...
If you don't choose the energy branch when changing jobs, the triple potential point cost can make you grind to the point of near death!
Even Han Xiao found it somewhat strenuous. After reaching level 280, he had accumulated 21 potential points. Learning this knowledge required 24 points, so he leveled up several skills to the maximum to cover the learning cost. However, to upgrade [Eternal Energy] from Lv1 to Lv5, he needed another 96 potential points, which meant upgrading 96 blueprints to the maximum level...
This is far more terrifying than the experience cost of leveling up!
The mechanic's power comes from knowledge. Simply leveling up the character is not enough. Only by raising the knowledge level can the mechanic have stronger combat power at the same level. This is the mechanic's foundation.
Han Xiao's four Ultimate Knowledge levels are currently all at Lv1. After leveling up, he will need to consider upgrading his Ultimate Knowledge. Because of his unique advantage as a "leek" (a term for someone who exploits others), he decides to upgrade all his Ultimate Knowledge levels as much as possible. This is destined to be a long project, but once completed, his combat power will be off the charts.
In addition to his own growth plan, Han Xiao also took care of the cadres, using the [Ability Enhancement] character cards on Hila and Aurora respectively. The former has stable Beyond Grade A potential, while the latter has strategic-level abilities.
Han Xiao decided to save his last chance. Since Ames was at the same Grade S as him, he couldn't use it on her. He planned to keep this chance and observe the situation.
During this month, Han Xiao also handled some legion affairs, the most important of which was to conduct commercial cooperation with the Federation of Light, which was a deal that had been agreed upon.
The cooperation involved the Federation of Light helping the Black Star Army establish a branch in the Star Cluster Abyss star system. Han Xiao coordinated and arranged for several satellite bases to be deployed there.
Those who went to open branch offices did not include legion players; Master Han did not have the habit of transplanting his own "leeks" (players) into other people's fields.
Currently, Legion players are experiencing two major events: the civil war in the Gular Civilization and the first phase of the Shattered World exploration, so they're not short of things to do.
Furthermore, the pre-season promotion for the professional league has already begun. Because version 3.0 is a period of explosive growth in the number of players, with a large influx of newcomers, the promotional momentum for this professional league is much greater than the previous two editions, and every player who intends to participate is actively preparing for the competition.
According to Han Xiao's calculations, the enthusiasm of Legion players increased by at least 47.5%, and their "player-centric" level significantly rose.
There's no need to worry about the players. Han Xiao has been focusing on the aftermath of the Sorokin's Fall. During his time resting at headquarters, the impact of the event has already spread throughout the universe.
The Three Universal Civilizations launched a new round of crackdowns on organized crime. As the tree fell, the monkeys scattered. The Fallen Ark, which occupied the Central Galaxy, disintegrated. Countless criminals left the Central Galaxy and wandered everywhere. It is said that some organizations are actively recruiting these criminals to divide up the power of the Sorokin.
The Fallen Ark is the most notorious criminal organization of this era, but it is not the only one. The universe is vast, and there are other large criminal organizations active in various star systems. It is these people who are receiving the legacy of the Sorokin.
The Black Star Army was also affected. Sylvia's report showed that the number of new recruits joining the Black Star Army had increased sharply during this period, which was probably due to the effect of the Universe-Level Legend Points she had gained.
Most of the defectors were victims of the Sorokin's iron heel, but two of them caught Han Xiao's attention.
In the Legion headquarters reception room, Shazik and Rotel sat opposite Han Xiao, all three sizing each other up.
Han Xiao's gaze slowly swept over the two of them, his expression unreadable, and he said slowly and deliberately, "Both of you are Calamity Grade superhumans. Do you really want to join the Black Star Army?"
Shazik nodded and said in a deep voice, "The Sorokin destroyed my home. My goal in life is to avenge him. I once made a promise that I would do anything for anyone who helps me get revenge."
Rotel's face was covered by a mask, so his expression could not be seen. He nodded slightly in agreement. He was taciturn, with a cold demeanor, and rarely spoke.
"In that case, on behalf of the Black Star Army, I welcome you both to the company."
Han Xiao smiled and nodded. Calamity Grade combatants are highly sought after in any faction, so he naturally wouldn't refuse.
He valued these two not only because they were Calamity Grade, but also because they were famous NPCs in his previous life.
In its past life, the Sorokin were active in many versions of the universe, making countless enemies. Shazik and Rotel before us are famous characters from the original Sorokin storyline, and both are enemies of the Sorokin.
Shazik runs a gray transit station in the Desolate Universe Belt Central Galaxy Belt, seemingly providing services to criminals, but in reality, he is a lurking Viper.
During his operation, he secretly bribed members of the Fallen Ark, developed a network of subordinates, secretly collected intelligence and leaked it to advanced civilizations, and at the same time quietly protected various forces seeking revenge against the Sorokin, providing them with weapons and spaceships. For example, players who accepted missions from the Three Universal Civilizations could receive services from him.
Shazik used various methods to erode the Fallen Ark's power, but the universe is never short of criminals, and his speed of destroying the Fallen Ark could not keep up with their expansion speed.
Finally, because a player who had taken him under his protection posted about it on the forum, his actions became known to the players of Fallen Ark, his identity was exposed, and he died at the hands of a group of wanted criminal players.
The other one, Rotel, is even more formidable. He's a fierce individual who dares to Assassinate Sorokin, possesses Intermediate Lucky Halo, and is a protagonist-type character with a deep-seated grudge.
Rotel is a bounty hunter who specializes in assassinating members of the Fallen Ark. In the mid-game, he established a secret organization called the "Assassins Mutual Aid Society." It was small in size, but its members were all elites, and it was quite well-known in the universe.
This is a hidden faction that players can join after passing a test. Within the faction, players can obtain the rare secondary profession "Interstellar Assassin," learn practical assassination skills from various members, and trigger an Grade S hidden main quest—[Assassinate Sorokin].
In the past, the Assassins Mutual Aid Society very popular. Some lone wolf players enjoyed the feeling of being an assassin, especially those who roamed the universe, as they were considered more prestigious because their every move had an impact. Some assassin players were keen on assassinating various important figures and enjoying the influence they created.
At his peak, Rotel possessed the strength of Beyond Grade A Seed. As an elusive assassin known for his lethality, his intimidation was far greater than that of ordinary Beyond Grade A Seed, far surpassing the likes of Hadavy. His assassin abilities ranked among the top in the entire universe.
His end was quite tragic. Unable to bear the torment of nightmares, he finally went alone to Assassinate Sorokin. In the end, the wind howled and the Yi River was cold; the hero went forth and never returned, dying at the hands of the Sorokin.
Based on his achievements in his previous life, Han Xiao valued Rotel's potential more. If he could guarantee his loyalty, this guy would be very worthwhile to cultivate.
Thinking about Rotel's experience, Han Xiao had an idea.
'Besides the Royal Guard, we can add a small squad. They don't need to stay by my side; instead, they'll operate covertly outside year-round, responsible only to me. They could be called Shadow Guards or Shadow Walkers...'
If Rotel were to establish Assassins Mutual Aid Society like in his previous life, it might attract a large number of lone wolf players, who could then be used to accomplish some nefarious purposes...
As Han Xiao was lost in thought, Shazik suddenly took out a data storage device and placed it on the table.
"Lord Black Star, this is my gift to you."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao tilted his head, a little curious:
What's inside?
"A part of the Sorokin ' legacy," Shazik said in a low voice. "Before leaving the Central Galaxy, I used all my agents to raid several Sorokin ' research bases and copied some data from their databases. This is my pledge of allegiance to the Legion."
Han Xiao's eyes lit up, and he looked at Shazik with admiration.
This leek is so clever; it even provides its own fertilizer.
He's reliable and a talented person.
"Various forces are dividing up the Sorokin's assets. I never thought I'd get a share of the inheritance while staying at home." Han Xiao shook his head and chuckled.
He raised a finger and shot out a stream of nanoparticles, which transformed into a data interface and connected to the storage device.
"Phillip, read the data inside."
"Okay, hum."
Han Xiao closed his eyes, entered the Quantum Network Vision, and his brain worked at lightning speed. With Phillip's help, he quickly read the data accumulated by the Sorokin in the storage device.
There are many valuable items here, including classified information from certain civilizations, blueprints for lost technologies, ancient secrets, research reports on special technologies, and so on.
After browsing for a while, Han Xiao quickly found information about the Evolutionary Civilization, and was immediately delighted.
He was able to carry the Evolution Cube thanks to the Sorokin. Now that he has the instruction manual from the Evolutionary Civilization, he can create a containment device on his own, which solves a major problem. He no longer has to worry about destroying the portable device to release his main body. Moreover, there are now more ways to use the cube.
This information was invaluable to him!
"This is good stuff." Han Xiao suppressed his excitement and continued to quickly flip through the other materials.
Suddenly, his gaze sharpened as a document caught his attention.
"Hmm, is this... a clue to an extremely high-risk superpower?"