At the same time, a piercing alarm sounded at an Imperial military outpost not far from this ancient battlefield planet.
"Alarm! Alarm! High-energy reaction source detected, burst frequency 9.17 b/ms, energy spectrum shift index +78.7~+134.5, calculating energy fluctuation model... Calculation complete, model type - Anupol burst wave, matching database cases... Matching complete, probabilities as follows - [Dimensional Rift Opening] 42%, [High-Dimensional Deity Descent (Arcane)] 31%, [Primal Psionic Energy Contamination] 24%, [Supernova Collapse] 4%, [Beyond Grade A Self-Destruction] 88%... Activate K-0081 contingency plan, immediately dispatch unmanned spacecraft for on-site exploration."
Waaaaah--
The alarms blared, and the soldiers at the military outpost immediately sprang into action, returning to their posts. The pilots went to the drone cockpit at the outpost, activated virtual piloting, and then the outpost's port released a large number of short-range warp drones. Under the remote control of the pilots, they transformed into streaks of light and flew toward the coordinates of the energy burst.
They quickly arrived at the coordinates and saw a fleet hovering in the outer space of the planet. At that moment, terrifying energy fluctuations washed over the entire planet again and again, and the atmosphere of this ancient battlefield planet was in complete chaos.
"This is the Crimson Dynasty's unmanned Reconnaissance unit. Please identify yourselves immediately!"
As soon as the two sides met, the Imperial Sentinels immediately activated their wide-area network frequency bands, demanding identity checks, and simultaneously initiated a 3D scan to scan the fleet's ships from a distance.
Upon investigation, they were immediately shocked to discover that it was the Black Star Army's fleet.
At that moment, Aurora connected the communication, "This is Black Star's fleet, what are you doing here?"
Upon seeing that they were allies, the Imperial sentries immediately relaxed, and their attitude instantly became friendly and enthusiastic.
"We've detected a high-energy reaction. What's happening here?" The Imperial Sentinel gestured to the unusual phenomenon on the planet.
"Black Star did this; he's on that planet."
"Is that Black Star?"
The Imperial Sentinels' consideration of the possibility of data computation startled everyone.
Could it really be the most likely scenario: a [Beyond Grade A self-destruction]?
Black Star exploded?!
Thinking of this, many Imperial Sentinels felt a sudden pang of sorrow, and a wave of grief washed over them.
"Lord Black Star... died in the line of duty?!"
"Clam?"
Aurora was puzzled.
What's going on? Why would someone curse someone for no reason?
After being explained, the Imperial Sentinel realized he had misunderstood.
It's not surprising that they misunderstood. The data matching has always been reliable. Before Han Xiao, the life sublimation of Beyond Grade A was always gradual and imperceptible. No Beyond Grade A had ever stepped into a higher level in one step.
Han Xiao's rapid advancement condensed the process countless times, causing a terrifying accumulation of energy fluctuations. This was the first time the Imperial Sentinels had encountered such a situation, and there were no corresponding examples in the database, leading to a misjudgment.
However, starting today, Han Xiao has become the first reference case in the database... and possibly the only one.
Since they were already there, the Imperial Sentinels didn't leave immediately. Instead, they moved next to the Black Star Fleet to observe the unusual phenomena on the planet and collect data.
Aurora initially considered expelling them, but after some thought, she decided not to stop the empire's actions.
The Black Star Army is currently under considerable pressure and needs opportunities to increase its prestige. The Empire's exploration can, on the one hand, increase the attention of the Empire's high command to them, and on the other hand, allow them to use the Empire's influence to further enhance Black Star's influence... As he has been following Han Xiao for a long time, Aurora's perspective on problems has become increasingly similar to Han Xiao's.
After a while, the high-energy reaction on the planet gradually subsided, having passed its peak.
The transformation process gradually comes to an end. The cells slowly calm down from a highly active state, and the uncontrolled energy dissipates less and less. The pain recedes like the tide.
Opening the panel, Han Xiao summarized the improvements from this advancement. First, in terms of racial sublimation, the Black Spirit Race's exclusive talent was enhanced, bringing more bonuses.
Don't underestimate the 0.1x increase in total affinity coefficient. For Han Xiao, it can increase Mechanical Affinity by at least several hundred, not to mention the +1 effect on Mechanic Class skills.
The two racial talents brought about by species evolution are the core abilities of the species, and both are growth-type talents. [Void Divine Power] brings a total of 4,500 attribute points and a 30% increase in ability strength. This is also an ability that brings about a transformation in the Void Evolution system.
[Terx Mechanical Legacy] currently provides an additional 360% Mechanical Affinity, but the core of this talent is the unique blueprints unlocked at different levels, which are the essence of the race's accumulated scientific research.
Han Xiao looked through some unique blueprints, all of which were of very high quality, expanding his blueprint library. Several of the technologies in them amazed him, and he still needed to digest them slowly.
The Terlex Race were wiped out during the Exploration Era for reasons similar to those of the Evolutionary Civilization. However, their data was not lost. Most of the technology left behind by this civilization was received and assimilated by the Federation of Light, adding a significant branch to the Federation of Light's technology tree. It is said that they borrowed some of the Saint Terlex Race ' technology when they were building the [High-Dimensional Apocalypse Teleporter].
The special blueprints unlocked at level 300 cover multiple fields and are all very difficult to craft. However, there are no blueprints for gold equipment among them. Han Xiao estimates that the blueprints for the Saint Terlex Race's Universal Treasure may appear when unlocked at level 360.
As for job advancement, he was already on the same starting line as "Mechanic Emperor" Manison, but the gap still existed. What [Divine Throne Mechanic] had, Manison also had, but what Manison had, Han Xiao did not... For example, the [Perfect Mechanical Sense] that he couldn't forget, and his exclusive specialization.
However, in terms of tanking ability, Han Xiao is far ahead of Manison. Although his mechanical skills are inferior to Manison's, his abilities in other areas have narrowed the gap between them.
However, due to the existence of the [Key to the Mechanic Faith] feat, the true strength of the Mechanic Emperor is unfathomable. Over the years, it has always been recognized Explored Universe's mechanics, and has gathered countless followers of the Mechanic Faith. Its position is unshakeable, and of the ten followers, it alone holds eight.
The [Key to the Mechanic Faith] provides a comprehensive boost, granting percentage increases to basic attributes, Mechanical Affinity, manufacturing efficiency, crafting performance, and ability strength.
The thought of the vast number of believers in the Mechanic Emperor put Han Xiao under pressure—only by reaching someone else's level can one truly understand just how powerful they are.
"To fully utilize this expertise, I must compete with the Mechanic Emperor for its position within the Mechanic Faith. Only by rivaling them in the field of machinery can I steal their Mechanic Faith followers..."
Han Xiao shook his head. He hadn't really wanted to provoke Manison, but now Manison had become an obstacle in his path.
I'm afraid that once Manison knew I had reached this level, he would also see me as an obstacle.
Two tigers cannot share one mountain.
"It's too early to talk about these things now. We need a lot of time to familiarize ourselves with these new capabilities. It's not the time to go head-to-head with Manison yet."
Han Xiao let out a breath, suppressing his annoyance, and reviewed his newly acquired abilities again. He also threw all the free attribute points granted by [Mechanical Force Sublimation - Heart of the Creator] into Intelligence.
After completing this step, Han Xiao finally looked through the entire attribute panel:
[Total Level: 301]
[Main Occupation: Mechanic Class]
[Race: Black Star Race]
[Attributes: Strength 6736, Agility 6405, Stamina 9664, Intelligence 17453, Mysticism 5230, Charisma 1368, Luck 1]
[Free attribute points: 15]
[Potential Points: 7]
[Health Points: 9,695,991]
[Stamina: 7,832,880]
[Stamina: 128,452 [Lv19]]
[Lv19 Total Strength Bonus: Strength +2026, Agility +2488, Stamina +3120, Intelligence +3425, Mysticism +1923, Maximum Stamina +681520, Mechanical Affinity +2712% (Super Electromagnetic Induction)]
[Energy Level: 71130]
[Rank: SS]
[Grade S- Rank Bonus: Stamina +100, all resistances +35%, highest attribute +32%, other attributes +20%, additional 750 free attribute points, 50 potential points]
[You have reached the pinnacle of personal power; on the road ahead, there will be no predecessors. You are the pioneer!]
"Hiss..." Han Xiao gasped when he saw the huge change in the attribute panel.
At level 280, my energy level was about 53,000, and now it has increased by nearly 20,000, which is not entirely due to this advancement.
During this period, I learned all the professional knowledge, activated additional feats, obtained the [Mighty Wrist] from the Dragon Emperor, and accumulated my strength to level 19... All these factors combined to give me such a huge increase.
The changes in attributes are also terrifying. Intelligence has almost doubled, including 2,000 points from [All-Round Mechanic], more than 1,600 points from [Void Divine Power] and attribute completion, and more than 2,300 free attribute points from [Mechanical Force Sublimation - Heart of the Creator], resulting in a huge increase.
His stamina has also improved, and his health is approaching the ten million mark. Among the Beyond Grade A he knows, only Old Dragon has more health than him. Little Tyrant has to take a backseat.
"Has he reached the SS rank...?" Han Xiao nodded to himself.
With the energy level surging, the Grade S bonus also increased, the stamina bonus went from 50 to 100, and other effects also saw some increase.
This rank is commonly known as the Peak Beyond Grade A.
SS is higher than S+, but it still belongs to the Grade S category. It is not a qualitative leap like the transition from the Calamity Grade to the Beyond Grade A. What the Sorokin pursue is to break the boundaries of the Grade SS and open up a completely new level of combat power.
Han Xiao checked the upgrade cost, and as expected, the cost had increased significantly.
The experience accumulated in version 3.0 is almost used up. With his remaining experience reserves, he can only level up 3 or 4 more times, which is not very meaningful.
Han Xiao decided not to level up, but to save the experience to upgrade his skills, which would be more cost-effective.
"During the version update, it's not easy to upgrade again. I need to stabilize, digest these capabilities, and then start long-term accumulation..." Han Xiao thought to himself.
The biggest gap between us and the Mechanic Emperor lies in the wealth accumulated over the years.
After organizing his newly acquired abilities, Han Xiao stretched his incredibly relaxed limbs, then took to the air and flew back to his flagship.
Many officials had been waiting there for a long time, their gazes fixed on him with a mixture of shock, envy, and surprise.
Han Xiao's evolution process truly overturned everyone's understanding, leaving a shock in their hearts.
"How did you do that?"
Hadavy couldn't help but ask, his eyes gleaming like a wolf's, as if he wanted to strip Han Xiao naked and examine him thoroughly from the inside out to see which part was different from the others.
Han Xiao glanced at him, "If you used the time you spend playing cards to practice, you might already be Beyond Grade A."
"I don't believe you for a second," Hadavy retorted angrily.
Aurora pursed her lips, asking worriedly, "Won't this have any long-term effects?"
She felt that this method of sublimation went against common sense, was too drastic, and could potentially lead to adverse consequences.
"The aftereffects, hmm..." Han Xiao mused, "If becoming handsome counts as an aftereffect, then I'm probably terminally ill."
"Shut up."
Aurora her eyes.
While you are indeed very charming, I still have to say... I have never seen such a shameless person!
However, her worries were somewhat alleviated.
Black Star knew her abilities; if something were truly amiss, he would have already begged her for his life essence.
Fording stepped forward, gently hugged Han Xiao, and smiled sincerely, "Congratulations."
During the Secret War, he witnessed Han Xiao's leap from the Calamity Grade to the Beyond Grade A, and at that moment, he was the only calm person among everyone present... His trust in Han Xiao's potential far exceeded others' expectations.
At that moment, the Imperial Sentinel Fleet, not far away, also sent a message of greeting.
"Greetings, Lord Black Star."
"Oh, when did you arrive?" Han Xiao was so engrossed in his new ability that he hadn't noticed.
"We've been here for quite a while." The Imperial Sentinel hesitated, then continued, "Lord Black Star, what were you doing just now...?"
"Hehe, it's nothing serious, my strength has just improved slightly." Han Xiao chuckled.
Upon hearing this, the Imperial Sentinel was speechless.
With such a huge commotion, you're telling me it's just a minor improvement? Do you take me for a fifty-year-old child?
"Ahem, Lord Black Star, we will report the situation here truthfully. Do you have any objections?" The Imperial Sentinel suppressed his inner complaints and asked cautiously.
Normally, he would have reported it directly according to procedure, but having just witnessed Han Xiao's entire advancement process, he dared not fail to ask for Han Xiao's opinion.
Han Xiao nodded, unconcerned.
"It doesn't matter, just report the truth."
Anyway, this can't be kept secret, and he'd love for the imperial high command to know that his strength has grown again. It would be even better if he could get the empire to give him more money.
The Imperial Sentinel was overjoyed, thanked them, and then left the area, transforming into a streak of light to return home.
Watching the Imperial Reconnaissance team depart, Han Xiao withdrew his gaze, narrowed his eyes, and a sharp glint flashed in them.
Now that the advancement is complete, it's time to deal with the Tyrant according to the established plan, lest he become even more ruthless!
This is a good opportunity to test my combat strength.
Hehe, Little Tyrant, I've come to play with you!
Shattered Star Ring, Black Star Army Headquarters, Legion Commander's Private Mechanical Warehouse.
In the pitch-black and silent room, the sound of mechanical devices starting up suddenly rang out.
laugh--
An equipment maintenance box was opened from the inside, and two dazzling lights emerged from the darkness.
A mechanical shell emerged, its eyes now shining with a Blazing Sun light, carrying Han Xiao's consciousness.
He glanced back, then flicked his finger, and a blinding blue-gold Mechanical Force surged out, activating all the equipment boxes in the warehouse.
Click click click--
One box after another was opened, and all the stored mechanical soldiers were activated and stepped out.
The mechanical body strode forward, leading a massive, dark reserve of mechanical soldiers, and marched out of the warehouse.
The Dominator's Descent!
Meanwhile, in the War Realm.
Clang!
The two glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound, and the wine inside swirled and sloshed.
Inside the main hall was a long, luxurious dining table, laden with sumptuous dishes.
There were only two people in the room at that moment. Heber and the host possessed by Sorokin's consciousness sat opposite each other and clinked their glasses together.
This was a celebratory meeting.
"Thanks to Your Tyrant's influence, our cooperation has been on track recently. I am very pleased to work with you," Sorokin said with a smile, taking a sip of his drink.
"Hmph, it's just a matter of each getting what they want."
Although Sorokin was a spendthrift, Heber didn't like him much either. At this moment, he didn't mince words, downed his drink in one gulp, and casually put down his glass.
However, the wine glass, placed on the edge of the table, didn't stand upright; it wobbled and then fell to the ground.
Heber was about to reach out and grab it, but for some reason, he suddenly frowned and stopped, watching helplessly as the cup fell to the ground.
Snap!
The cup fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.
"Huh? What's wrong with you?" Sorokin asked, puzzled. With their strength, they shouldn't have been unable to react. He didn't know why Heber was stunned.
Heber stared at the shards of the wine glass on the ground, his brow furrowed.
For some reason, he suddenly felt a pang of heartache just a moment ago.
It was as if something terrible was about to happen.