Shattered Star Ring, Black Star Army Headquarters, Second Satellite, Dome Training Ground No. 001.
This is a training ground with an area much larger than the actual combat training room, capable of supporting larger-scale battles. It is paved with high-strength alloys, which can withstand stronger attacks. The structure is similar to a circular stadium, with a huge arc-shaped mechanical dome covering the battlefield. The dome uses a nano-mimetic screen to simulate the battlefield environment. There are transport channels on the ground floor and walls, connecting to the warehouses of the training mechanical soldiers.
Han Xiao sat on the high-altitude viewing platform of the dome training ground, intently watching the scene below. Lagi, Fording, Reynold, and others were all around him, some sitting and some standing, all looking down at the battlefield.
At this very moment, a fierce battle is taking place in this domed training ground. Several troop exits have appeared on the ground, from which a steady stream of training mechanical soldiers have emerged. These include Ranger, mechanical beasts, floating turrets, and small floating shuttles, each with different functions, and they are impacting the two figures in the center of the battlefield wave after wave.
The level of this battle was Grade D, consisting of low-level mechanized combatants using gunpowder and electromagnetic weapons. Small-caliber machine guns fired in rapid succession, and armor-piercing high-explosive shells scorched patches on the alloy ground of the training field, producing a series of booming sounds.
Some mechanized soldiers are equipped with electromagnetic kinetic energy weapons that fire tracer nails at high speeds, resembling pale blue streaks of light with leaping electric arcs, leaving trails of sparks on the ground and walls.
In the center of the battlefield stood two figures: a mech warrior covered in heavy black mechanical armor and a mage surrounded by runic magic shields— Nero and Tomar.
After studying under Reynold for several years, Nero's Mechanical Force level reached the Grade D. In addition to theoretical and assembly learning, Reynold also arranged practical training courses.
Nero is young and his body is still in its infancy, but because he has been consuming the blood of the Astral Spirit Dragon for many years, coupled with a ball of life energy given to him by Aurora, his cell activity is very high, his physical fitness is no less than that of an adult of the same level, and his Mechanical Force strength is far beyond the average level of his level.
--Through two years of in-depth study, his [Intermediate Mechanical Sense] has transformed into [Advanced Mechanical Sense] in the [High-Level Lucky Halo]!
The weapons given to him by Han Xiao were not allowed to be used during training. Nero's armor and the artillery positions he stood on were all self-made. With the enhancement of his Mechanical Force, they exerted extremely strong power, and one by one the training mechanical soldiers were blasted into metal fragments all over the ground by his artillery fire.
Han Xiao came over to watch the battle mainly to check on Nero's learning progress and see how well the golden leek was growing.
Tomar is also a protagonist-type character with Lucky Halo. He has an extraordinary talent in magic. A spell model that a normal mage would take seven days to understand, he can learn in less than a day. His learning efficiency is amazing. Tomar has been studying with Lagi for so long and has grown rapidly. He is also a potential talent that Han Xiao has high hopes for.
Rumble--
The deafening roar of artillery fire filled the arena. High in the stands, Han Xiao stroked his chin and said to Reynold beside him:
"His mechanical abilities are pretty good, but his close combat skills are lacking. He gets flustered as soon as a mechanical beast gets close; he still lacks experience."
"This was my oversight. I was focused on mechanical learning and neglected his melee skills. I will add more melee training to his curriculum later." Reynold's tone was meticulous.
"Increase the effort," Han Xiao emphasized, "Mechanical learning cannot be neglected either."
"Clear."
Upon hearing this, Bennett's remote projection showed a relieved smile.
Fording couldn't take it anymore and said helplessly, "The weakness of a mechanic is close combat, Black Star. Not every mechanic is like you. Don't have such high expectations."
Han Xiao chuckled, "As a person, you must have dreams and set high standards. There's nothing wrong with that."
He was quite pleased; Nero's Mechanical Sense expertise had reached an advanced level, and [Perfect Mechanical Sense] was just around the corner.
"Tomar has also made great progress." After thinking for a moment, Han Xiao added, patting Lagi on the shoulder, "You've taught him well."
"But what's the use? One day, he..."
"Don't you dare say anything." Han Xiao's face darkened, and she pinched his mouth shut with her hand.
Before long, Nero ran out of ammunition, Tomar's mana was reduced to zero, and the mechanical soldiers stopped at the same time, ending their combat training.
The two returned to the stands, drenched in sweat and panting.
Han Xiao smiled and nodded, approvingly saying, "Well done."
Bennett looked relieved. "Lord Black Star has taught you very well. In a few years, I probably won't be a match for you either."
Nero's cheeks flushed with happiness at the compliment.
Seeing this, Han Xiao nodded secretly. He had high hopes for Nero, not only for [Perfect Mechanical Sense], but also for Nero to grow into the backbone of the new generation of the legion.
After a few more words of encouragement, the group boarded the short-range spaceship and returned from the second satellite to the nearby headquarters.
After two years of assimilation, the Black Star Army has stabilized, and Black Star Army headquarters has added several small mechanical satellite bases to accommodate the growing number of legion members.
As soon as I returned to the headquarters office, Sylvia came to see me.
"Teacher, many partners have been asking when our Black Star's Gathering will be held this year."
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, and said, "Let's wait a few more months. We can send out invitations now."
The banquet hosted by the Black Star Army for its Evolution Cube partners has been held twice, becoming increasingly formal and influential. Many factions are hoping for this opportunity to establish connections with more advanced civilizations, calling it the "Black Star's Gathering," which has become a competitor to Heber's "Tyrant's Gathering."
The Evolution Cube brings more than just money; the collaborators form a vast network of interests, allowing the Black Star Army to venture into various industries. The Legion possesses brand influence and formidable strength, making it one of the few in this star system capable of competing with them.
The Evolutionary Totem is highly profitable, acting as a catalyst that allows the Black Star Army to grow exponentially. After two years of digestion, the Black Star Army's industrial chain has been gradually consolidated and improved, and its power has acquired certain characteristics of a conglomerate.
Due to the Evolutionary Totem, the Black Star Army has more and more partners, and the influence of the Black Star's Gathering has increased dramatically, gradually forming a new faction characteristic.
If the restrictions on the Evolutionary Totem are lifted, the profits will multiply many times over, but the pressure will also increase dramatically. Han Xiao is fairly satisfied with the current situation. The pressure of the totem business has been largely shifted to the Empire, and the Legion has avoided more than 90% of the risks.
"Okay, I'll draft the invitation right away... Oh, and one more thing, a non-partner wants to attend this Black Star's Gathering."
"The Black Star's Gathering is only open to Legion collaborators; all others can be declined. This is a rule that was established long ago, so why are you asking me?"
"But this family has a very powerful background, and I'm hesitant to make a decision, which is why I'm asking for your opinion."
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, showing some interest.
Who is the other party?
"Infinite Financial Group."
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao paused, his eyes narrowed, and his mind raced.
Sorokin's Infinite Financial Group?
The two sides had a subtle conflict in the past. Sorokin once sent his subordinate forces to test the Legion players, but Han Xiao gave him a good Warning- to. Now, more than two years later, the other side suddenly wants to come and attend the Black Star's Gathering. I wonder what their purpose is...
"What are their reasons?" Han Xiao pondered.
"The Infinite Financial Group hopes to engage in commercial cooperation with the Legion, claiming it's related to the Shattered World (https://m. hetushu. com. com). They know that after the first phase of the Empire's development, territories will be allocated to allies, and this time they want to discuss cooperation."
"Oh, that makes sense..." Han Xiao suddenly realized.
Although the Interstellar Consortium could not be among the first forces to share in the Shattered World, they played an indispensable role in its subsequent development.
The profits in the New Starfield are extremely high; could the Infinite Financial Group's move be an attempt to seize this business opportunity?
However, while this reason was plausible, Han Xiao was still somewhat wary of the Infinite Financial Group because of the previous minor conflict.
He thought for a moment and said:
"In that case, let's send them an invitation and tell them that I would like to take this opportunity to meet and talk with Sorokin."
A few months later, the professional league was over, and Han Xiao was no longer afraid of the Infinite Financial Group causing any trouble.
Meeting in person and having a discussion is beneficial for understanding each other.
"Understood, I'll handle it."
Sylvia nodded, turned and left the room, acting with efficiency.
Turning his gaze away, Han Xiao poured himself a glass of alcoholic beverage and drank it while dealing with the backlog of chores.
After a while, he finally opened the forum, just in time.
Today marks the start of the first round of the international finals, a best-of-five series. The first match is between Jiangcheng, ranked number one, and Battle Axe Club. The number of viewers on the match channel has reached a new high.
The players in the Shattered Star Ring region were extremely excited that three Huaxia teams had entered the quarterfinals. In their view, if Dynasty, Long Sky, and Jiangcheng all won the first round, then three Huaxia teams would enter the international semifinals, which would be a great Glory!
However, some viewers who were not optimistic about the Huaxia team from the beginning have not calmed down. With a rebellious mentality, they couldn't help but post sarcastic comments, believing that all three teams might fall in the first round and none of them could enter the top four.
In the finals, no team will hold back their trump cards anymore, making the competition even more intense. Han Xiao is also quite curious about what ranking the Huaxia team will achieve this year.