Several days later.
In the Legion Commander's dedicated machinery factory, Han Xiao built a production line for totem devices and Ovitan Badge according to the data. The assembly is fully automated, with brand-new products being produced every moment and automatically transported to the warehouse that Han Xiao specially set aside. As for the Gene Collapse Missile, he has not yet put it into mass production, but has only created a prototype.
Han Xiao took three samples to conduct the experiment.
The totem device is a black cylinder five meters high and two meters in diameter, with a larger base. The surface of the cylinder is engraved with silver energy circuits with intricate patterns. At this moment, it is not being charged and is in an inactive state.
The Ovitan Badge is a diamond-shaped emblem about half the size of a palm, and it doesn't look very conspicuous.
Han Xiao drew the pattern of the access key on the base of the totem device with his finger. The totem device made a hissing sound, and the surface of the base rotated more than half a circle, revealing a dark groove. This was the interface of the energy circuit, used to fill fuel.
Han Xiao took out the portable containment device of the Evolution Cube, activated it with ease, and released a black snake-like Evolution Energy into the base groove of the totem device.
The next moment, the totem device suddenly trembled.
Buzz!
Once the fuel is filled, the totem device is activated. The silver energy patterns on the surface of the cylinder light up from bottom to top, beginning to flicker slowly, at a frequency like breathing. This Evolution Energy undergoes a series of transformations inside the totem device, being continuously diluted, transforming from highly concentrated energy into invisible radiation, which is then released by the totem device with a constant output power.
"The totem device needs to be charged to operate. This stream of Evolution Energy can keep it running for more than ten days. The more fuel is added, the longer it can last. The maximum fuel storage capacity of a totem device is enough to sustain its operation for twenty years. The Evolutionary Civilization charges it once every twenty years."
Han Xiao carefully observed the operation mode of the totem device. In his perception, the totem device had become a radiation source, continuously emitting diluted Evolution Energy radiation. The range of influence was rapidly expanding, and it was only a matter of time before it covered the entire Black Star Army headquarters.
He was also within the influence range of the totem device, and a buff immediately appeared on his attribute panel.
[[Continuous Gene Optimization]: You are enveloped by evolutionary radiation, and your potential will slowly increase. Further potential will be gained during species ascension.]
Han Xiao nodded secretly. Using the Evolution Cube directly also improves potential aptitude. Potential aptitude is a hidden attribute that is directly related to the amount of attributes. The attribute completion brought by each species sublimation is based on the principle that potential aptitude has changed.
Unlike the one-time enhancement of the Evolution Cube, the Totem Device takes effect more slowly. Its advantage is that the bonus effect does not depend on the Qi level, making it very accessible and suitable for everyone to use. Moreover, it does not have the side effect of experience penalty.
The buff will not disappear as long as the user remains within the totem's area of effect.
Han Xiao reached out and touched the operating totem device; the panel displayed the corresponding item descriptions.
[[Evolutionary Totem (Activated)]: A specialty of the Evolutionary Civilization, using the energy of Evolution Cube as fuel to extensively optimize the genetic structure of organisms, enhance their potential, and increase the awakening probability of non-superhuman units.]
[Note: "Although we have mastered evolution, I strongly oppose the vice president's concept of a customized population and the concept of extreme evolution. Evolution should be gradual; gentle stimulation is better than drastic measures." -- Usait, Evolution Cube Genetic Technology Institute, "Totem" Project Leader]
"This thing can be used on a large scale, but we must report it to the Empire first." Han Xiao nodded.
As the legacy of the Sorokin is divided among various forces, the data of the Evolutionary Civilization is bound to be leaked. Although it will not be made public in the universe, advanced civilizations will certainly have ways to obtain this information, so concealment is impossible.
As an ally of the Empire, I must provide such valuable resources to the Crimson Dynasty on a large scale in exchange for greater support and attention.
--The spread of Evolutionary Totem technology has significantly increased the appeal of Evolution Cube to civilizations. Only by keeping the Empire well-fed will it continue to protect it from the covetous eyes of countless other powers.
Selling Evolutionary Totem to other civilizations also requires consultation with the Empire. The two are allies, and no one can make the decision alone. Rashly selling on a large scale would cause dissatisfaction from the Empire, since the Empire does not want to see its rivals also enjoy the benefits of Evolutionary Totem.
As he was thinking, Han Xiao casually picked up the Ovitan Badge and channeled a surge of Evolution Energy into it.
[[Ovitan Badge]: A specialty of the Evolutionary Civilization. It drastically alters the user's genetic sequence according to a pre-set genetic predisposition, achieving the effect of "ultimate evolution." The user is highly likely to become a biological aberration, with their basic attributes greatly enhanced. After the duration ends, the user will be unable to control their own genetic collapse and will inevitably die.]
[Note: "Countless failed extreme evolution experiments wasted a lot of money. The higher-ups criticized us for not producing results, so based on the experience of failure, we created this... uh, clumsy byproduct. Originally, we just wanted to scam investment, but the higher-ups seemed very satisfied, and the following year, the investment in the extreme evolution project increased by 40%." -- Bangadi, Evolution Cube Genetic Technology Institute]
Han Xiao played with it for a while, then put it back on the table.
This stuff has serious side effects, so he wasn't interested in trying it himself.
The Ovitan Badge poses little threat to Beyond Grade A beings. Beyond Grade A beings have a high degree of Force Control over their own energy, and even if Evolution Energy enters their bodies, they can take some time to expel it, just like detoxifying. This kind of biochemical toxin-like method cannot even kill Calamity Grade, let alone Beyond Grade A being.
Compared to the Evolutionary Totem, the Ovitan Badge is far less valuable, but it is still quite useful.
"Perfect! We can transform the Ovitan Badge into the Black Star Army's insignia and Tu Shu faction-exclusive product. Other faction emblems are only for decoration, but ours can unleash explosive power. That would be pretty cool."
Han Xiao stroked his chin thoughtfully, "Let's test this with a few players first, and then sell it."
As for the Gene Collapse Missile, Han Xiao didn't charge it; he just glanced at the item description.
[[Gene Collapse Missile]: A specially Evolutionary Civilization. It can cause the genes of organisms to collapse and is often used for planetary destruction.]
[Note: "This weapon is suitable for clearing out resistance on a planet's surface, but it's useless in interstellar warfare. I prefer small, portable gene-collapse bombs." -- Mosen, Head of Weapon Research and Development Department Evolution Cube Genetic Technology Institute]
Han Xiao took out his communicator and sent the test report of the Evolutionary Totem to Urranrell's private number. Not long after, the communicator rang.
The communication was connected, and a remote projection of Urranrell appeared in front of Han Xiao.
"Black Star, you've created the Evolutionary Totem?"
"Yes, I've tested it, it works. I contacted you to discuss this matter."
"Very good!"
Urranrell was somewhat surprised, but he didn't show it on his face.
She paused, realizing a problem, and her tone turned serious:
"The data on the Evolvers comes from the legacy of the Sorokin, and the technology for creating Evolutionary Totem has already been leaked; more forces will acquire this technology."
"Yes, however, there is only one Evolution Cube that serves as the energy source."
Han Xiao nodded. "I will provide the Empire with Evolutionary Totem on a large scale. On the other hand, I will also sell Evolutionary Totem to other civilizations, provided that it does not harm the Empire's interests. I will only sell to civilizations that are friendly to the Empire."
Urranrell's eyes flashed:
"Okay, I understand."
The Evolutionary Totem holds immense appeal for civilizations, and the Empire possesses the power to seize it. However, doing so would provoke discontent and covetousness from many other civilizations, which is not a good thing. This pressure will largely fall on Han Xiao's shoulders.
Han Xiao's idea was to Evolutionary Totem as a bargaining chip, so that any civilization that wanted to buy it would have to be close to or join the Empire. In this way, the Empire could indirectly win over more political allies, and he could also gain a lot of connections and money.
It's better to guide than to block. If the empire reaps the benefits, allied civilizations will also benefit. By showing other civilizations how to acquire totems, the pressure on the empire will be much less.
Moreover, this is not a one-off deal. The Evolutionary Totem needs fuel to operate; otherwise, it is only for show and not for use. Therefore, the civilization that purchases it must maintain a long-term cooperation, renewing the contract with Han Xiao time and time again to recharge the totem. This ensures a continuous stream of benefits and also curbs the value of the totem in the black market to a certain extent. Even if some civilizations acquire it from the black market, they cannot use it indefinitely.
After considering it, Urranrell agreed to the plan.
After all, totems are not military weapons, but things that benefit people's lives. Advanced civilizations all study genetic technology, but they are not as advanced Evolutionary Civilization, so they are not as sensitive to totems... Monopolizing them is certainly good, but politically they will be attacked by all sides. If it is a situation of one dominant power, the empire can ignore the opinions of other civilizations. However, there are also the Glory and the Arcane at the same level, and she must also take this into account. Han Xiao's solution is a win-win situation to a certain extent.
After discussing it for a while, the two reached a consensus, leaving the remaining details of the cooperation to their subordinates to negotiate.
After hanging up the communication, Han Xiao thought for a moment, opened the faction panel, and issued a mission.
[Product Tester]
[Mission Brief: Black Star has recently developed a new product and needs volunteers to test it at headquarters (risk of death)]
[Task requirement: Help Black Star test its products]
[Rewards: 100,000 experience points, 500 Black Star Army contribution points, 50,000 Enas]
[Note: Only ten people are eligible for this task. The test will begin in three hours. If you fail to arrive by the deadline, your contribution points will be reduced by 1000 and your Black Star favorability will be reduced by 20.]
Only ten tasks were set up, and they were all taken instantly as soon as they were posted.
Three hours later, the ten players arrived at the testing ground indicated by Phillip, looking around.
One of them was Meat Bun.
The Sorokin's Fall caught his attention, so he rushed back to wait for Han Xiao. He's been staying at headquarters lately and just happened to be on a mission.
"Meat Bun, you're at headquarters too?"
"You bastard, update now!"
Are you scared if I hand you a razor blade in person?
The other nine players greeted Meat Bun in a friendly manner using physical gestures.
The Black Star series of videos has been updated so many times that it has already attracted a large number of fans. Meat Bun is more or less a celebrity in the player community. No matter where he is, he can always run into the team urging him to update more.
After a while of playful fighting, the door opened again, and Han Xiao walked in with his hands behind his back.
"Greetings, Commander!" Meat Bun hurriedly broke free from the burly men covering him and greeted them in a very obsequious manner, with a smug smile on his face.
"Yes, it's you. Long time no see."
Han Xiao patted him on the shoulder.
Meat Bun immediately perked up, feeling incredibly accomplished.
Han Xiao turned to look at everyone, coughed, and slowly said, "Now that everyone is here, let's begin. The product we're testing this time may have significant side effects."
As he spoke, Han Xiao took out ten fully charged Ovitan Badge, the designs of which had been changed to the emblem of the Black Star Army.
Each of the ten players received a badge and browsed its description.
Upon seeing the introduction, Meat Bun's eyes lit up, and he immediately turned on the recording function.
Even players now know that the Evolution Cube is in the hands of their own Legion Commander, but Black Star hasn't made it widely available to players. Meat Bun thinks that the appearance of the Ovitan Badge might be a sign of the Evolution Cube becoming more widespread.
"You can begin once you're ready." Han Xiao nodded.
The group looked at each other, then without hesitation, put on the Ovitan Badge.
Although the item description states that the side effect is certain death, the quest reward is a whopping 50,000 Enas, which is still a considerable sum even for today's players, making it a very profitable deal.
The first player to use the Ovitan Badge experienced a dramatic physical transformation.
Flesh and blood proliferated, bone spurs pierced through his body, and his body swelled up like an inflating balloon. He quickly transformed into a mutated biological organism more than five meters tall, looking like a monster covered in tumors. His facial skin was torn apart by the expanding muscles, making him look extremely terrifying.
The other nine people were stunned and subconsciously stopped activating their badges.
However, before they could speak, the player who had become a biological aberration screamed.
"Holy crap! What have I turned into?!"