Chapter Summaries

Han Xiao learned that the Noriosse Financial Group would not help him corner Ashes, but Ashes returned to find Anur dead and fled after Han Xiao taunted him. DarkStar abandoned the mission, Noriosse lifted its barrier, and Han Xiao was summoned to discuss compensation with the financial group.

• The Noriosse Financial Group refused to join Han Xiao against Ashes and planned to demand compensation from Goddora.
• Ashes returned to the battlefield, saw Anur's corpse, and called Anur's communicator, where Han Xiao mocked him.
• Ashes confirmed Anur's death, fled Noriosse, and reported the loss to DarkStar's leaders.
• DarkStar ordered Ashes to abandon the mission and leave, and its fleet picked him up and jumped away.
• Noriosse lifted its barrier after the DarkStar forces withdrew, and Han Xiao and his companions were called to meet the financial group's leadership about compensation.

Han Xiao helped Goddora settle the aftermath of its battle with DarkStar, earning Rockefeller’s goodwill and gaining widespread renown. After Goddora’s fleet arrived and the operation ended, Han Xiao decided to meet Rockefeller to discuss a potential financial partnership as he prepared for version 2.0.

• Rockefeller agreed that Goddora would cover the battle’s damages and welcomed Han Xiao after learning of his ties to Ames and Iso.
• Han Xiao saw an opportunity to seek financial backing for his mercenary group and arranged to discuss it with Rockefeller later.
• News of the battle and Anur’s death spread across the Shattered Star Ring, raising Han Xiao’s renown and Goddora’s regard for him.
• Goddora’s fleet arrived at Noriosse, and Owenn thanked Han Xiao while Nagokin paid him for the operation and departed with the fleet.
• Han Xiao reviewed his rewards, considered the consequences of changing Nagokin’s and Owenn’s fates, and chose to visit Rockefeller.

Han Xiao sought Rockefeller’s support to expand Dragon Calm’s mercenary force, build a permanent headquarters, and prepare for the players’ arrival. Rockefeller refused to invest but loaned him four million Enas, and Chief Administrator Jenny then ordered him to return the money.

• Han Xiao explained his plans to expand the mercenary group and described how a larger faction could attract players and provide them with missions and resources.
• Han Xiao offered Rockefeller the prospect of employing Dragon Calm’s growing forces, including his undying warriors, in exchange for support.
• Rockefeller declined to invest but offered Han Xiao a four-million-Enas loan with interest determined by how quickly he repaid it, and Han Xiao accepted.
• Rockefeller transferred the money, and Han Xiao returned to the inn to consider where to build the group’s headquarters.
• Jenny called Han Xiao, demanded to know why he had borrowed money without informing her, and ordered him to repay the loan immediately.

Han Xiao chose Planet Golden Gate as the Black Star Mercenary Group’s base and began construction, while DarkStar’s leaders reviewed the failed Noriosse operation and ordered a halt to outside activity. The chapter left Ashes angry and determined to pursue Han Xiao despite the order.

• Jenny complained to Ames about Han Xiao’s freedom to act, but Ames defended him and refused to restrict his authority.
• Han Xiao selected Planet Golden Gate, secured a permit, bought land, and hired a construction crew to build the mercenary group’s first permanent base.
• DarkStar’s senior members met to discuss the failed operation, learning that the captured traitor had only obtained partial information and knew nothing about the Mutation Virus plan.
• DarkStar’s leader blamed Ashes for the operation’s failure and refused to target Han Xiao while DarkStar prepared for the Mutation Virus outbreak.
• DarkStar’s leader ordered the organization to cease outside activities, and Ashes remained behind, furious that he could not retaliate against Han Xiao.

Han Xiao began building a base on Planet Golden Gate, setting up automated production to support his plans for a mechanical army and future business. Meanwhile, coordinated riots and unexplained symptoms spread across Planet Aquamarine, prompting Bennett to seek Han Xiao at the Third Sanctuary.

• Han Xiao spent funds and experience to create an automated mass-production assembly plan and chose low-level machinery suited to the players.
• Han Xiao built a base mainframe, put Phillip in charge, and began producing assistant robots to furnish and organize the base.
• Wilsander returned to Dragon Calm while Han Xiao's base construction drew attention from forces that suspected Dragon Emperor was expanding her armed forces.
• DarkStar's dormant Mutation Sources began activating as more than 2,700 riots broke out across Planet Aquamarine in two days.
• Bennett learned that many rioters had experienced fever, unconsciousness, and intense anger, then hurried to Black Phantom's Third Sanctuary after recalling Han Xiao's warning.

Bennett consulted Hila, Aurora, and One Leaf Green about signs of the Mutation Disaster, and they discovered that Aurora could identify infected life while One Leaf Green had developed a scarce plant-based suppressant. The Third Sanctuary prepared to test the potion as Hila and the others wondered whether Han Xiao would return, while Han Xiao continued preparing in space for the approaching version 2.0.

• Bennett met with Hila, Aurora, and One Leaf Green to discuss reports of strange phenomena and riots.
• Aurora explained that the strange scent had spread among plants, animals, and people, and identified Huang Yu as infected, though Bennett could detect nothing unusual in him.
• One Leaf Green revealed that Ridean Fan Leaves resisted the phenomenon and that she had developed a potion that temporarily suppressed its effects.
• Bennett arranged to test the scarce potion on isolated rioters, while Aurora offered to help identify infected people.
• Hila asked whether Han Xiao would return, and Bennett admitted he had little hope after two years without contact.
• Han Xiao continued preparing for version 2.0 in space as the Mutation Disaster drew closer.

Han Xiao gathered the Black Star Mercenary Group’s expanded forces at Black Star Number One Base and prepared them to intervene in the catastrophe threatening Planet Aquamarine. As Galaxy version 2.0 opened, he led hundreds of mercenaries out on the operation.

• Han Xiao’s recruited mercenaries arrived at Black Star Number One Base on Planet Golden Gate and assembled in its hall.
• Han Xiao introduced the new officers Sherinde, Jindai Kanglin, and Harmon Craggy Rock Sonodin, whose recruits brought the group to 417 members.
• Han Xiao reviewed the mercenary group’s growth and supplies, noting that he needed players’ rewards to replenish his depleted EXP and repay the approaching loan interest.
• Han Xiao told the assembled mercenaries that his home faced a catastrophe and that he would fight alongside them to protect it.
• Galaxy version 2.0 opened, and Han Xiao led hundreds of mercenaries out of the base.

Players returned to Planet Aquamarine at the start of version 2.0 and learned that the Mutation Disaster had devastated the world. They gathered at the Third Sanctuary to fight the outbreak, while Bennett revealed that it was the planet’s only remaining sanctuary and that he was relying on Han Xiao to find a solution.

• Hundreds of thousands of players logged into the Third Sanctuary, where Han Xiao’s [The Last Stand] mission became active and guards ordered them to stay put.
• Bennett welcomed the returning players and explained that the Mutation Virus caused infected people to develop extreme urges while remaining rational, triggering chaos across Planet Aquamarine.
• Bennett said Supers were less susceptible to infection and the Third Sanctuary’s inhibitor offered temporary immunity, prompting players to receive the [Mutation Disaster] main storyline mission.
• Bennett organized sanctuary jobs for the players, whose contributions would advance the mission, and refugees crowded outside to seek the scarce inhibitor and protection.
• Bennett revealed that the Third Sanctuary was the only sanctuary left and placed his hopes in Han Xiao finding a cure beyond Planet Aquamarine.

The players returned to the Black Star Mercenary Group’s abandoned base, learned that Han Xiao had relocated it to Planet Golden Gate, and were taken to Planet Aquamarine as the Mutation Disaster worsened. As a beast horde overwhelmed the refugee camp outside the Third Sanctuary, Han Xiao arrived with interstellar warriors and revealed himself to Bennett and the players.

• Frenzied Saber, Hao Tian, Meat Bun, and the other players found the old base empty, checked the faction information, and learned that the mercenary group had moved to Planet Golden Gate after Han Xiao killed a Calamity Grade Esper.
• A captain from the Crown Touring Group arrived and took the players to Planet Aquamarine at Han Xiao’s instruction.
• The leaders of the Six Nations discussed their failing governments, their unsuccessful calls for Goddora aid, and their desire to control the inhibitors produced by the Third Sanctuary.
• A sudden mass outbreak caused millions of refugees outside the Third Sanctuary to attack one another, while an infected beast horde charged into the camp and drove the players to launch a rescue effort.
• Hundreds of interstellar warriors descended in drop pods and halted the beast horde, while Hila and the players continued fighting to save the refugees.
• Han Xiao removed his mask and revealed himself to Bennett, Hila, and the players, who cheered as Black Star returned.

Han Xiao returned to Planet Aquamarine and used the beast disaster to make a dramatic entrance, letting the Black Star mercenaries defeat the beasts and impress the players. After reuniting with Bennett and touring the Sanctuary, Han Xiao summoned his fleet above it, leaving the players stunned.

• Han Xiao sent his mercenaries in an orbital drop to rescue the Third Sanctuary from the beast disaster, and they killed the beasts while the players watched and recorded.
• The Black Star mercenaries finished the battle, and the players subdued the afflicted refugees, though fewer than a hundred thousand had died.
• Players crowded around Han Xiao and his officers, while Bennett directed cleanup and later praised Han Xiao as a legend on Planet Aquamarine.
• Han Xiao found a statue at the Sanctuary entrance and learned from Huang Yu that it had been made in his honor, then teased Sylvia about his old nickname, Black Phantom.
• Han Xiao called down more than a dozen spaceships to hover over the Sanctuary, astonishing the hundreds of thousands of players.

Han Xiao returned to Planet Aquamarine with a fleet and reunited with Bennett, One Leaf Green, Aurora, and Hila. He heard about the Mutation Disaster and ended the chapter by confirming that he had a way to resolve it.

• Han Xiao arrived above the Sanctuary with his fleet, then went with Bennett to discuss Planet Aquamarine's situation.
• One Leaf Green asked whether Han Xiao had chosen her for her ability to make suppressants, and Bennett explained the Mutation Disaster.
• Han Xiao briefly recounted his interstellar experiences and reunited with Aurora, who rushed into his arms.
• Hila returned the key to Han Xiao's hideout, then joined the meeting and exchanged tense remarks with him.
• Bennett asked whether Han Xiao could resolve the Mutation Disaster, and Han Xiao said he could.

Han Xiao explained to Bennett and the others that the Mutation Disaster was caused by a conscious galactic weapon that manipulated microorganisms, and warned that it would grow more dangerous as it matured. He planned to help cultivate inhibitor ingredients for the refugees, while the Six Nations watched his return and explanation through satellites.

• Han Xiao told Bennett that the Mutation Disaster was deliberately unleashed on Planet Aquamarine as part of a conflict between galactic forces.
• Han Xiao explained that the Mutation Source controlled microorganisms and hormones, changing infected people's impulses without directly controlling their thoughts.
• Volga's Eldest identified the Ridean Fan Leaf as Tranquility Grass, an ingredient in Focus Decoction whose effects explained the inhibitor's protection.
• Han Xiao revealed that the Mutation Source had a hidden main body, controlled life within a growing range, and would become intelligent and purposeful as it matured.
• Han Xiao said he would bring mages to cultivate inhibitor ingredients at the nursery to help treat the unconscious refugees.
• The Six Nations detected Han Xiao's return on satellites and were horrified by the footage of his explanation.

After Han Xiao returned to Planet Aquamarine with a powerful fleet, the Six Nations and players reacted with shock and excitement. At the Third Sanctuary, he planned to use the Mutation Disaster and players’ growing interest to strengthen his faction before Goddora arrived, while preparing to harvest experience.

• The Six Nations’ leaders watched footage of Han Xiao’s return and decided they could no longer oppose the Third Sanctuary, while considering asking him for help.
• Players shared recordings of Han Xiao’s entrance, and many left their missions to head for the Sanctuary, convinced he could guide them into the galaxy.
• Han Xiao expanded production of One Leaf Green’s suppressant and expected the Six Nations to approach him for assistance.
• Han Xiao chose to withhold the Mutation Source’s connection to DarkStar until Goddora arrived, giving himself time to attract players and build his faction.
• Han Xiao planned to make joining his mercenary group competitive and turned his attention to gaining experience so he could raise his level.

Han Xiao returned to the Sanctuary and addressed its residents, promising to share knowledge that would help them face the calamity. He then sold skills to the players and revealed faction benefits that drew other classes toward his mercenary group, leaving them eager to join but subject to his selection.

• Han Xiao made a dramatic entrance before the Sanctuary’s crowd, announced his return, and promised to share knowledge gained among the stars.
• Han Xiao began selling Mechanic skills and knowledge, earning a vast amount of player experience as hundreds of thousands of players made purchases.
• Han Xiao considered how the experience windfall could help him reach level 120 and planned to keep earning from players over time.
• Pugilist and Esper players discovered Advanced Knowledge in the Black Star Mercenary Group’s faction shop, but found they needed to join and earn Friendly favorability to buy it.
• Players eagerly asked to join Han Xiao’s mercenary group, and he told them they would need to meet its standards through a rigorous selection process.

Han Xiao introduced a repeatable combat selection for players hoping to join the Black Star Mercenary Group, using his mercenaries to test them in arena battles. The first round established Melos’s overwhelming strength, while the day’s selections earned Han Xiao 1.29 billion experience; the chapter ended as Frenzied Saber, Meat Bun, Hao Tian, and other players returned to the Sanctuary.

• Han Xiao announced [Mercenary's Selection], a free, repeatable arena test that would unlock the Black Star Mercenary Group faction for successful players.
• Melos faced hundreds of applicants in the first selection and used a sweeping attack to overwhelm them while holding back.
• Fewer than ten players survived the two-minute test, gained access to the faction store, and learned they could leave for the stars with Black Star after the Planet Aquamarine storyline.
• Han Xiao arranged frequent selection rounds with a low initial pass rate and earned 1.29 billion experience over the course of the day.
• A spaceship carrying Frenzied Saber, Meat Bun, Hao Tian, and forty-seven other players landed in the Sanctuary square.

Frenzied Saber and the veteran players returned to Han Xiao, bought expensive faction goods, and helped replenish his funds as he advanced to level 120. The chapter ended with Bennett telling Han Xiao that the Six Nations wanted to speak with him, setting up negotiations over Planet Aquamarine’s future.

• Han Xiao welcomed Frenzied Saber and the other veteran players, who used their savings to buy faction knowledge and equipment, giving him more than 600,000 Enas.
• Han Xiao assigned the veterans a mission to help the Sanctuary, then spent his accumulated experience to reach level 120 and triggered an Energy advancement mission.
• Han Xiao reviewed his Mechanic advancement choices and decided to pursue the virtual technology path, planning to complete the Energy mission before advancing further.
• Bennett told Han Xiao that the Six Nations wanted to meet with him, and Han Xiao prepared to negotiate over making Planet Aquamarine a long-term branch base.

Han Xiao negotiated with the Six Nations, demanding their cooperation in exchange for helping them survive the Mutation Disaster and join the galactic community. They accepted his terms, and he asked where Death Knell Island was.

• Han Xiao told the Six Nations that restoring their governments and saving their citizens would require them to give him something in return.
• He rejected their appeals to duty and threats of blame, arguing that Goddora would not help Planet Aquamarine develop and that he was their only chance to enter the galactic community.
• Han Xiao offered to help the Six Nations rebuild in exchange for their forces and cooperation, and the leaders debated his proposal after the video connection went dark.
• The Six Nations accepted Han Xiao's demands and agreed to put their forces under his command.
• Han Xiao promised to send his people to help restore order, then asked the leaders where Death Knell Island was.

After the guards fell ill during the Mutation Disaster, prisoners broke free from Death Knell Island and fought their way out. Han Xiao confronted the escaped prisoners at the mountain exit and killed their burn-scarred leader, leaving the others facing him.

• Tyne escaped his cell, met Shijieke and other prisoners, and learned that the prison lay underground beneath a mountain range.
• Shijieke joined forces with a burn-scarred prisoner, and their groups freed prisoners and killed guards throughout Death Knell Island.
• The prisoners found the hidden tunnel to the surface and emerged into the mountain forest, eager to return to their former lives.
• Han Xiao appeared beside the exit and identified himself as Black Phantom.
• When the burn-scarred man challenged him, Han Xiao killed him with a beam from the Halo Array and asked whether the prisoners had heard of him now.

Han Xiao subdued the escaped prisoners from Death Knell Island and forced them to board his spaceship, then discovered Hannes among them. Hannes revealed that he had uncovered a secret linking Goddora to Planet Aquamarine’s wars.

• Han Xiao killed the burn-scarred prisoner and explained that he had come to recruit the prisoners to help with a disaster sweeping Planet Aquamarine.
• Han Xiao killed Black Spider with mental attacks and crushed the invisible Hidden Demon with a giant mechanical hand.
• Han Xiao threatened the remaining prisoners into surrendering, then revealed his spaceship and ordered them to board for the Sanctuary.
• Han Xiao recognized Hannes among the prisoners and learned that the Six Nations had arrested him after finding him beside a dead Goddoran.
• Hannes told Han Xiao that Goddora had been behind the wars that devastated Planet Aquamarine.

Han Xiao learned from Hannes that a Goddoran and a combat golem had been tied to the Hundred Nations War, advancing the final stage of [New Era--Origin] to the search for the truth. As Han Xiao expanded efforts against the Mutation Disaster and recruited thousands of players, the crisis continued to worsen beyond the Sanctuary and Six Nations, while the players became distracted by Veyne Cards.

• Hannes told Han Xiao how he found a cavern beneath the Somar Desert, where a Goddoran emerged from a sleep pod and a combat golem killed Hannes's teammates before Hannes killed the Goddoran.
• Hannes gave Han Xiao drawings of the Goddoran and the golem, and Han Xiao identified the golem and planned to ask Nagokin about the clues later.
• Han Xiao completed the third stage of [New Era--Origin] and entered its final stage, which required him to find the truth behind the disasters.
• Han Xiao put mercenaries to work guarding the Death Knell Island prisoners and producing inhibitors, while Bennett expanded the crowded Sanctuary and the Six Nations restored some public confidence.
• Han Xiao recruited thirty to forty thousand players through the Black Star Selection Ceremony, while mutated creatures continued to devastate areas beyond the Sanctuary and the Six Nations.
• Han Xiao learned that Melos had taught players to play Veyne Cards, and he resented the players' growing distraction.