"Two blueprints, two skills, one specialty..."
Seeing the five potential rewards he had drawn, Han Xiao pondered for a moment.
Among the abilities drawn this time, the most valuable is obviously the [Born Mechanical Spirit] growth feat. Based on my level, it can provide me with a total of 220% Mechanical Affinity and 150% virtual technology bonus, which belongs to the advanced mechanical feat.
Of the other four options, [Apostle-Level Mechanical Affinity] is out of the question, [Army Firepower Volley] is good, but its cost-effectiveness is limited in comparison, and while the two blueprints are high-level, I already have similar equipment, so I don't really need them.
"The result is not bad." Han Xiao was fairly satisfied.
As a fellow mechanic, most skills are compatible, which means the range of abilities that can be drawn is much wider than other professions. Mechanics are known for having a wide variety of skills. A mechanic of Manison's caliber knows countless blueprints. To draw a high-level mechanical specialty from such a large pool of skills is already incredibly lucky.
Manison's strength is built up from a collection of specializations. Only with a large base can a qualitative change occur. Although he didn't draw a top-tier template specialization, he did get a high-level specialization from the Mechanic Emperor, which narrowed the gap.
Ultimately, the cost of these skills comes from the learner. The more these skills are extracted from Manison, the smaller Manison's advantage becomes. The gap narrows gradually, and it's difficult to achieve instant success against someone like Manison who possesses a wealth of advanced expertise.
The level 300 [Born Mechanical Spirit] Mechanical Affinity is higher than [Dominator-level Mechanical Affinity], and its effect on virtual technology is better. Combined with the 2.5x coefficient of [Virtual Dominator], it provides a virtual technology bonus of 375%. In total, the effect is roughly equivalent to the core professional specialty [Mechanical Emperor].
With his mind made up, Han Xiao made his choice.
[You have obtained [Born Mechanical Spirit]!]
It was as if a flash of inspiration had pierced through my brain, causing subtle changes in the theoretical structure within it, leading to a new understanding and insight into mechanical technology.
After adjusting to the change, Han Xiao let out a breath:
"Not only does Manison possess [Perfect Mechanical Sense], but he also has a series of mechanical expertise such as [Born Mechanical Spirit]. This guy's talent is just too good."
To be honest, he was a little... cough, very envious!
Han Xiao then looked at the Manison character card he had drawn this time. This character card had a more powerful effect: Intelligence +20%, Mysticism +10%, and all skill levels +2. It was not a mechanical ability, but rather came from an ability called [Ancient Ones].
I don't know if this ability requires joining Ancient Ones organization, or just surviving long enough...
The 70 billion+ experience points are more than double the reward of the Tyrant Quest, replenishing a wave of increasingly scarce experience reserves.
However, this mission did not grant Legend Points. Looking at the mission's name, Han Xiao had some guesses. The mission title specifically emphasized "virtual battle," so perhaps only a formal, hard-fought battle would grant Legend Points.
After looking at the new abilities for a while, Han Xiao closed the panel and pondered the gains and losses of this experience.
"This time, Manison came suddenly and came prepared. He stole some data and made me use up a Perfect Mechanical Sense Character Card. If I hadn't gained two new abilities, I would have lost out... Manison suppressed me in my original ability, achieved his goal, and also alarmed the Empire, so the possibility of him causing trouble again in the short term is not high."
Han Xiao's eyes flickered slightly.
I've been showing off a bit too much lately, so this incident is a good opportunity to tone it down.
The foundation is still too weak; we need to cultivate and develop the land properly. Before the chives return, we should loosen the soil and improve its fertility.
Losing a Perfect Mechanical Sense character card isn't a big problem. Han Xiao has several Blank Character Card in his inventory, some of which he got from random rewards and others from the [Shattered World] quest. They were just meant to be backups. He just needs to use them on Reynold at some point and then copy another [Perfect Mechanical Sense] card.
Speaking of which, I've accumulated several random reward opportunities recently. I can find some time to do a series of draws and see if I can get anything good.
Hmm, I'll wait until Fortinello and the others are all together before I draw a ticket. One will neutralize my bad luck, and the other will bring me good luck...
In Han Dajishi's eyes, Ferdinand was like his two goalkeepers, one on his left and one on his right.
After summarizing the losses, Han Xiao stood up, opened the legion's internal network, and swiped his finger across the virtual 3D screen a few times to write a simple internal statement:
Fellow comrades of the Black Star Army:
Not long ago, the Legion headquarters' intelligent hub was invaded by the Mechanic Emperor, Manison. With the help of all members and the Empire, we successfully forced Manison to retreat. During this period, various fluctuations occurred in the internal network, but they have now been resolved satisfactorily.
I do not wish to be enemies with the Mechanic Emperor, but reality is often beyond our control. Today's events are a signal; please be prepared to face the Mechanic Emperor one day.
The Black Star Army has grown from a small mercenary group to a leading armed force in the star system over the past twenty years. This achievement is inseparable from your contributions. In these twenty years, we have gone through thick and thin together and encountered all kinds of difficulties and obstacles. This is a road that is destined to be bumpy, and there are still more difficulties ahead that we need to overcome.
The universe is vast and boundless, but even the widest expanse of heaven and earth cannot contain endlessly expanding ambitions. As long as intelligent species exist, competition will be the eternal melody, as it was in the past, as it is today, and as it will be in the future.
In the past, I have created many miracles, and in the future, I am equally unafraid of competition. I hope that you will all work together with me to move forward.
Your Legion Commander, Black Star.
September 11, 710 (Galaxy Calendar)
After glancing at it and finding no problems, Han Xiao made some minor modifications and then sent it out to inform all members.
The purpose of this move was to calm the restless morale of the legion, boost morale and cohesion, and mitigate the negative impact of Manison's actions. Although he didn't need to care about the opinions of most members, doing something was better than doing nothing.
After dealing with the matter, Han Xiao swallowed a few packets of nutritional paste, went back to his room to rest for a while, and then returned to the mechanical modification room to continue manufacturing and strengthening the machinery.
Recognizing the gap in strength between himself and the Mechanic Emperor, Han Xiao's enthusiasm for enhancing his foundation grew even stronger. Therefore, he planned to go into seclusion to build his strength and oversee the headquarters to prevent Manison from making a comeback... although the possibility of this was not high.
Once he was certain the storm had completely passed, he planned to go to the Shattered World and personally oversee the development of mechanical civilization and the Black Spirit Race.
Meanwhile, in the Sea of Star Spirits, at the headquarters of the Infinite Financial Group.
In his huge, pure white office, Sorokin was multitasking, reviewing reports from various locations, when his communicator suddenly rang.
When he is working, his communication devices are set with communication priorities, so only important people with high priority can contact him directly.
Sorokin put down the financial report in his hand, picked up the communicator, and saw on the screen Manison, who had completed the intrusion.
"Your Excellency of the Mechanic Emperor, you've succeeded?"
"Hmm, Black Star's virtual technology is quite advanced. The Empire sent Kant over, so I only obtained a portion of the information you wanted, which I've already sent to you," Manison said calmly.
Sorokin glanced at the data sent by Manison and shook his head:
"These internal documents are somewhat helpful to me, but they're not exactly classified... Oh well, you can't force these things. By the way, why did you contact my main body directly? You could have just sent the intelligence to my avatar in the War Realm."
"Just being cautious."
Manison spoke casually; he was experienced and didn't want to transmit data within the Shattered Star Ring, to avoid the possibility of it being tracked and intercepted by Black Star.
For him, dealing with Black Star was just a routine matter to consolidate his position. Apart from his growing interest in Black Star, Manison felt nothing else.
"Alright." Sorokin nodded. "This time you defeated Black Star, and you've now formed a grudge against him. Aren't you afraid Black Star will make a move?"
"If he's not convinced, I don't mind beating him a few more times."
"Hey, Black Star might not be a match for us now, but he might be in the future. Don't forget his terrifying potential..."
Manison glanced at him dismissively. "Stop with your little schemes."
Sorokin smiled knowingly and changed the subject:
"By the way, last month's shareholder dividends have been calculated and will be distributed in a few days. If you need to purchase any resources, give me a list, and I'll exchange them for you at a discount."
"The usual."
Manison didn't care. Although the corporation's dividends were generous, at his level, money was no longer a major concern.
After exchanging a few words, the two ended the call.
Putting down the communicator, Sorokin's eyes flickered slightly as he muttered to himself:
"Mechanic Emperor... Black Star..."
Central Galaxy, the home planet of the Crimson Dynasty, the head of state's office.
A virtual screen floated in front of Urranrell, displaying the internal statement that Han Xiao had just made public, as shown by the Empire's main AI, "Heroic Souls."
After reading it once, Urranrell nodded slightly:
"It seems Black Star understood our meaning and didn't react excessively."
Standing to the side, [Dark Emperor] Clottey crossed her arms and said calmly, "Black Star is a superhuman genius unlike any seen in history. Generally speaking, geniuses are very arrogant. He has recently shown his talent, but he was able to quickly recognize reality. That's a good attitude."
Even the Crimson Dynasty, known for its stubbornness, understands the art of patience. Black Star has shown astonishing potential, and while the Empire is pleasantly surprised, it is also worried, fearing that Black Star's overconfidence might lead to its downfall. However, it seems that Black Star is still quite clear-headed and has not engaged in a deadly confrontation with the Mechanic Emperor.
The Empire also knew that the Mechanic Emperor was not to be trifled with. In terms of status, combat power, and influence, Manison was even a level higher than Old Dragon and Kant. He was the number one ally of the Federation of Light and was a being at the level of the Sorokin. Only the Dark Emperor, the super henchman of the Empire's direct line, could barely be compared with Manison.
If we had to choose one top-tier Beyond Grade A from each of the Three Universal Civilizations, the Federation of Light's ace would be "Mechanic Emperor" Manison, the Crimson Dynasty's ace would be "Dark Emperor" Clottey, and the Arcane Church's ace would be "Void Venerable" Kasuyi.
The Three Universal Civilizations consider issues from the perspective of their entire civilization. Unless absolutely necessary, they will not easily involve their civilization in the struggle between Beyond Grade A Beyond Grade A beings. Therefore, as long as there is no loss of life or challenge to the authority of their civilization, the Three Universal Civilizations adopt a tacit attitude towards the competition between Super A-level beings, maintaining a balance. After all, they cannot completely restrict the daily activities of their allies.
Kant's remote projection was also in the room, shaking the leaves and sighing, "That being said, Manison has been sitting firmly as the leader of the Mechanic Faith for far too long."
"There's nothing we can do about it. It's not just happening to mechanics; even those experts in manipulating gods from the Arcane Church are helpless," Clottey scoffed. "Even if we could wipe out all the followers of the Mechanic Faith, faith itself cannot be killed; it will only permanently eliminate the possibility of the Mechanic Faith worshipping Imperial mechanics."
Urranrell tapped the table. "There's no need for these words. After this incident, Black Star might have some complaints about the Empire, and we need to appease him."
"Why don't we give him some blueprints? Nothing can soothe a mechanic's wounded heart better than high-level blueprints."
Kant spoke irresponsibly, glancing at the pretentious Clottey beside him. Suddenly, he became interested, activated his talent, and his radish-like body quickly transformed into Clottey's appearance, exactly the same.
Don't become like me.
Clottey frowned in displeasure, too lazy to look at Kant, and turned to face Urranrell, slowly saying, "Kant, Milizaus, and I will all pass away sooner or later. Black Star is the next generation of the Empire's Beyond Grade A pillar, and he needs to shoulder the heavy responsibility of guarding the Empire. He has already proven himself to be of great use. I suggest that we be bolder in providing him with resources."
"Um..."
Urranrell pinched her smooth, fair chin, lost in thought.
In the interstellar era, information spreads with extremely high efficiency. The virtual battle between the Mechanic Emperor and Black Star, which took place in the Shattered Star Ring, quickly spread like wildfire.
Many interstellar citizens have found new topics of conversation, but in terms of the event's impact alone, it doesn't compare to the battle between Black Star and the Tyrant.
Because virtual battles aren't as entertaining as Beyond Grade A, all-out brawls, and no restricted content leaked, the impact of the incident was naturally minimal.
Although rumors circulated that Black Star had suffered a defeat, most people didn't find it surprising. The name of the Mechanic Emperor was deeply ingrained in people's minds, and it wasn't unusual for Black Star to lose to the current strongest mechanic. After all, many people in history had been defeated by the Mechanic Emperor.
The major interstellar powers were not concerned with the outcome, but instead focused on the conflict between the Mechanic Emperor and Black Star, much to the delight of a considerable number of them.
Sisko is a prime example. The more powerful the opponents Black Star provokes, the happier he is. Now, with four pro-imperial Beyond Grade A watching him from the Shattered Star Ring, he is living an extremely low-key life.
The incident had a relatively minor impact on the outside world, but it had a significant impact within the mechanics community. Black Star was a rising star who had recently been promoted to the Divine Throne Mechanic, while Mechanic Emperor was a veteran veteran, both of whom were under intense scrutiny. The two clashed, and Mechanic Emperor proved that he was still as formidable as ever, suppressing the younger generation who wanted to challenge him. This demonstrated that he was still the same fierce and powerful figure he was back then, and garnered a wave of discussion.
After this battle, in the eyes of most mechanics, there are still only two kinds of mechanics in the world: those from the Mechanic Emperor and all other mechanics.
Han Xiao paid no attention to the rumors circulating in the interstellar space. Regardless of whether Manison made a profit or not, he wouldn't lose out.
Moreover, reducing outsiders' attention to him aligns perfectly with his idea of quietly accumulating strength. In the short term, Han Xiao has no intention of challenging the status of the Mechanic Emperor.
After all, he is different from the Tyrant; he rarely does things beyond his capabilities.
His former player logic had seeped into his very bones.
--What if you can't beat the boss? Level up first! What else can you do?!
After spending more than half a month at headquarters and confirming that the Mechanic Emperor would not cause any more trouble, Han Xiao assembled a fleet and set off for the Shattered World to lead the way and inspect the territory.