Today is the day of the annual Black Star's Gathering, and representatives of countless forces have gathered at the Black Star Army headquarters located in the Shattered Star Ring.
Over the past decade or so, the Black Star's Gathering has become a signature event of the Black Star Army.
Compared to previous years, the number of guests attending the banquet today has increased many times over. Many of them come from forces in other star systems and are organizations preparing to "seek their fortune" in the Shattered World. Now that the Shattered World is about to open, even more people are coming to scout the location and are trying to befriend Black Star, who has established a foothold in the Shattered World.
After the third phase, the total number of explored star clusters increased to nine. Among them, the Dawn Star Cluster is the gateway to the Shattered World and is under the control of the Empire. The first phase's Gaolu, Renault, and Crown Ring were mostly allocated to important allies, and their infrastructure is quite complete, forming a preliminary power structure. The five star clusters explored in the second and third phases have broad development potential, and the Empire has freed up a large number of slots, preparing to distribute the construction costs to forces throughout the universe.
According to the official statement released by the Empire, the Black Star Army was allocated two new star systems, located in the second phase of the Russo Star Cluster and the third phase of the Mako Star Cluster, which are adjacent to each other. Other allies, only a small number of them, were allocated territory later.
Compared to the first phase, the Empire will no longer allocate much territory. Instead, it will focus on establishing Pillar of the Nation and powerful allies in subsequent star cluster regions to maintain its control over each star cluster after they are opened to the outside world.
With control of nine star systems, the Black Star Army is currently the largest power in the Shattered World, second only to the Empire. Therefore, many forces hope to curry favor with the Black Star Army in order to gain advantages when exploring the Shattered World.
The headquarters' banquet hall was packed with people, bustling with activity. Everywhere, different intelligent species were chatting with each other, dressed in all sorts of All Kinds of Oddities, like a world exposition.
Many of them were attending Black Star's Gathering for the first time. They huddled together in twos and threes, observing the venue, whispering, and trying to identify the Black Star Army officers.
"The woman surrounded by representatives of star cluster-level civilizations is Sylvia, the chief affairs officer under Black Star. She's Black Star's chief steward, and I've heard she's very capable, managing the legion with great efficiency... The one next to her is Fleet Commander Melos, and the one next to him is his student Mia. A year ago, she entered the realm of Calamity Grade beings, single-handedly eliminating a rebel army of interstellar civilizations with Calamity Grade leaders. And, it's said, she's the lover of 'Young Commander' Nero."
"... Look over there, that's Vice Commander Lagi, the former Chief of the Forbidden Sorcerer Order of the Secret Church of the Red Robe, the Honorary Minister of Magic, and in charge of tens of thousands of the Black Star Super Academy. Last year, he made it onto the list of Beyond Grade A Seed for the Shattered Star Ring. Next to him is Tomar, a magical genius. I heard that Austin tried to poach him a few years ago, but Black Star refused."
"The one looking at the blueprints in the corner is Reynold, who's in charge of the Logistics Department. The gloomy-looking one next to him is Shazik, the deputy head of the Intelligence Department. And the one with the mustache is Interpas, a high-ranking Enterprise of the Germinal Financial Group... Most of the heads and key officers of the Black Star Army are here. I counted, and there are more than thirty Calamity Grade present."
"This is only part of it. I've heard that Black Star's most elite guards are stationed in the Shattered World. Powerful guys like Hadavy and Fording aren't here. The entire Black Star Army probably has sixty or seventy Calamity Grade warriors, plus two Beyond Grade A Seed. It's a veritable sea of strongmen."
"Black Star has been living a very secluded life these past few years, rarely making public appearances. We only see him at Black Star's Gathering. I wonder if we'll have a chance to chat with him later..."
As everyone was chatting quietly, a remote projection suddenly appeared on the high platform.
Many guests, who had been watching this area closely, were immediately drawn to it, bowing their heads in greeting and saying hello to the figure.
"Lord Black Star."
Han Xiao nodded, smiled, and said softly, "Welcome everyone to the Black Star Army."
More than a decade is but a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of things; time leaves no trace on him, and he is still just a baby.
As soon as the person in question appeared, the scene became even more lively, with countless people rushing up to chat.
Han Xiao was already used to it, smiling as he exchanged pleasantries with each of the men who were either respectful, excited, or greedy, while also observing them.
In his memory, a considerable number of these forces were quite active in the Shattered World.
Besides the Three Universal Civilizations and supercluster-level entities, some neutral civilizations and civilian organizations also play important roles in the Shattered World. The intricate web of interests forms the stage for players' activities in version 4.0, and also gives players the opportunity to fully exert their initiative (cause trouble).
Now, thanks to Han Xiao's efforts, the legion has gained an advantage in the Shattered World ahead of time. With nine star systems as its foundation, it can connect with more forces and form a new network of interests and relationships in the Shattered World, thus expanding its influence. This is why he is holding this banquet today.
While dealing with the crowd, Han Xiao secretly memorized the names of these forces and compared them with his memories.
The party was a great success, and after the guests left, the officials followed Han Xiao to his office.
"Commander, the Shattered World is about to open to the public. This day has finally come. We need to make more preparations to meet the impact of this great trend," Sylvia said.
"Just follow the plan." Han Xiao nodded.
The legion has been preparing for over a decade, and all the necessary preparations have been made; only some finishing touches remain.
The opening of Shattered World will coincide with the launch of version 4.0. At that time, players will return, and the cross-star domain mode will be enabled. Players from all regions will flock to Shattered World to participate in world server activities and enter a new stage of their careers.
Compared to other players who went to the Shattered World in the first phase, the Black Star Army players undoubtedly had an advantage, as Han Xiao allowed them to experience the Shattered World ahead of time in version 3.0.
Han Xiao had been waiting for this day for a long time. Now the Black Star Army was confident in facing the onslaught of players in the new phase, and this was also an opportunity to expand the "harvesting ground" on a large scale.
Through his efforts, the Legion has become the largest private force in the Shattered World, offering players more convenience and greater appeal.
Over the past decade, the combat effectiveness and operational capabilities of his subordinates have improved. Han Xiao has also been busy expanding his mechanical legion and improving the Dimensional Factory. At the same time, he has been continuously transforming more first-generation mechanical life forms to help the development of mechanical civilization.
Although he still hadn't figured out how to create Universal Treasure, Han Xiao occasionally sent out mechanical troops to look for opportunities in various places to acquire some easily obtainable specializations, complete missions, and accumulate a lot of random reward attempts. He also completed several rounds of the main quest of [Shattered World].
Most of the experience I gained was spent on upgrading skills to acquire potential points, which I then used to improve my professional knowledge. As a result, my personal level didn't increase much; I'm still around level 300.
In addition, Han Xiao also consulted other Beyond Grade A cultivators and collected more qi cultivation methods, gradually increasing his qi limit through long-term training.
Thanks to the panel, his skill training speed can be quantified, making him far more efficient than other Beyond Grade A, resulting in a very considerable overall improvement.
After more than a decade of accumulation, Han Xiao's foundation is finally not weak enough to barely match his status as Peak Beyond Grade A mechanic.
However, my low profile over the years contrasts sharply with my previous achievements, and I suspect many outside forces believe that my personal strength has stagnated. Now everything is ready, except for the final push. Once 4.0 begins, my strength will truly enter a new period of rapid growth... Han Xiao thought to himself.
"Godfather, I have a request."
At this moment, Nero stepped forward.
"You say." Han Xiao turned to look at him. Nero had grown into a young man. Although he still had the same baby face as he did more than ten years ago and hadn't grown taller, he had lost his childishness and his temperament had become much more mature.
Over the years, Nero has served as his right-hand man, helping him a great deal.
"I'd like to ask for some time off to go back to Planet Aquamarine to spend time with my father, and I'll also take Mia back with me," Nero said, his tone slightly somber.
"Hmm, and Tu Shu, then you go back and spend some quality time with him."
Bennett is getting older and, as the leader of Planet Aquamarine, he is always busy with work. Nero occasionally takes time off to visit him, Han Xiao naturally has no objection.
After inspecting the work of all the cadres, the communicator suddenly rang.
Han Xiao glanced at the screen, waved for everyone to leave, and then answered the call. Tarrokov's image appeared on the virtual screen.
"Black Star, the Shattered World is about to open, and you already know what needs to be prepared. I have something else to discuss with you today."
"Explain."
"In recent years, several star systems have seen the emergence of new Beyond Grade A, which you've probably been following. One of these Beyond Grade A has chosen to join the Empire and will soon be traveling to Crimson Ring Star to meet His Majesty the Führer. The Empire is preparing to summon its Beyond Grade A allies to meet with him. Do you intend to meet him?"
Every newly joined Beyond Grade A member receives this treatment, and Han Xiao was no exception.
Over the past decade or so, new Beyond Grade A individuals have emerged one after another, but they have all been in other star regions. Apart from Han Xiao, there have been no new Super A-level individuals in the Shattered Star Ring.
And now, he can no longer be considered a newcomer.
After glancing at the information sent by the Empire, Han Xiao's heart stirred. This person was Beyond Grade A who had joined the Empire at this stage in his previous life, and had made the same Choice this time.
"Okay, then I'll go see him too."
Han Xiao agreed, but his thoughts drifted away involuntarily.
With version 4.0 about to launch, I wonder how Hila is doing.
at the same time.
A Desolate Universe Belt.
Ames floated in the outer space of a planet, looking down at the earth, her dark, deep eyes reflecting an endless expanse of crimson.
The crimson energy, like Tide, washed over the planet's surface, instantly turning countless skeletons into dust as it swept across them.
The hard earth seemed to have turned into clay, forming a ring-shaped mountain centered on the source of the energy burst, and its area was still expanding rapidly.
Suddenly, the overflowing red Energy Transformation a tsunami-like wave, soaring into the sky, and on the crest of the wave stood a red figure, as if walking on a sea of blood.
Through Species Metamorphosis, her exquisite face became even more aloof and cold, filled with indifference to life and death.
Seeing this, Ames smiled slightly.
"Welcome to the realm of Beyond Grade A."