Chapter Summaries

Han Xiao refused to return the Evolution Cube to Sisko, and their negotiations collapsed into a fight. Sisko transformed into his combat form as Han Xiao unleashed his full power, beginning Han Xiao’s first battle against a Beyond Grade A.

• Sisko demanded the Evolution Cube, explaining that he needed it to secure the Arcane Church’s support for the Star Pupil Protoss.
• Han Xiao weighed the benefits and risks of keeping the Cube and decided he would not surrender it to Sisko.
• Han Xiao and Sisko ended negotiations, and Sisko attacked, heavily damaging nearly a hundred thousand of Han Xiao’s mechanical soldiers.
• Han Xiao counterattacked, but Sisko caught his drill strike and used telekinetic force to blast him away.
• Sisko transformed into his true combat form, and Han Xiao unleashed his buffs and Mechanical Force as his army opened fire.

Han Xiao and Sisko fought for hours over the Evolution Cube, but neither could defeat the other, and Han Xiao escaped after marking Sisko with an Observation Mark. Sisko decided to seek allies to reclaim the Cube, while Sedim survived the battle and was ordered to build him a spaceship.

• Han Xiao unleashed his mechanical army and heavy firepower against Sisko, who repelled him and tore through hundreds of thousands of mechanical soldiers with telekinetic attacks.
• Han Xiao used the Arc Traction Reaction Base and Emperor's Gift to restrain Sisko, grappled him, and had the mechanical army bombard them both; Sisko's sneak attack then damaged Han Xiao but triggered Supreme Devotion to reflect mental damage back at Sisko.
• Sisko transformed into a bone-armored state with greatly increased attributes and temporary health, and he and Han Xiao continued fighting for several hours as the planet's surface was devastated and Han Xiao's mechanical army dwindled.
• Han Xiao marked Sisko with an Observation Mark, recalled his remaining army, and escaped using Void Dimension Jump; Sisko concluded that neither of them could defeat the other alone.
• Sedim reappeared and realized Sisko had failed to defeat Black Star, then said he needed to report the news to Manison; Sisko planned to gather allies and ordered Sedim to build a spaceship from the discarded parts.

Han Xiao returned to the Shattered Star Ring after drawing with Sisko and revealed that he had become a Beyond Grade A. As news of his breakthrough spread, he planned to return to the Black Star Army and pursue an alliance with the Crimson Dynasty before the Secret War ended.

• Han Xiao reunited with Hila, Fording, and Aurora, showed them the Evolution Cube, and confirmed that he had fought Sisko to a draw as a newly advanced Beyond Grade A.
• Hila congratulated Han Xiao and asked how he had advanced, and he encouraged her to believe she could eventually stand beside him.
• Han Xiao told his companions he would bring the Evolution Cube to the army, use it to gather allies, and seek a powerful backer.
• Laifer warned Han Xiao that the Crimson Dynasty's negotiations with the Federation of Light meant the Secret War might end within six months, and Han Xiao said he had a way to keep the dynasty from backing Krent.
• Han Xiao chose not to reveal his breakthrough to Amethyst, then set course for the Black Star Army to prepare and pursue an alliance with the Crimson Dynasty.
• Sedim returned to Planet Maixibo with news of Han Xiao's advancement, and Sisko confirmed it, causing the story to spread across the Shattered Star Ring.

After learning that Black Star had become a Beyond Grade A, Hadavy abandoned his plan to leave the Shattered Star Ring and decided to seek him out. The news stirred the Black Star Army’s players and unsettled the region’s powers, while Han Xiao quietly returned to headquarters and summoned his officers.

• Hadavy overheard that Black Star had become the Shattered Star Ring’s fifth Beyond Grade A, then decided to visit the Black Star Army privately and ask how to reach that level.
• Players at the Mercenary Alliance’s Black Star Army branch celebrated Han Xiao’s advancement, while Summer Night Blossoms avoided the forums and Meat Bun planned a new video.
• Jorde learned of Black Star’s advancement and reported to Heber, who said he would act once Black Star or Amethyst confirmed the news.
• The surviving members of Sorokin’s Light Fox forces fled and suspected that Black Star had taken the Evolution Cube after fighting Sisko.
• The rumor spread across the Shattered Star Ring, but the Black Star Army issued no statement and kept reporters away from its headquarters.
• Han Xiao and his companions quietly returned to the Black Star Army and privately summoned its officers.

Han Xiao confirmed his advancement to Beyond Grade A to his officers, revealed that he had obtained the Evolution Cube, and formed the Black Star Guard Squad. After optimizing the officers’ genes, he secluded himself to rebuild his combat equipment, while Aroshia and Resta discussed asking him to help their people.

• Han Xiao told the assembled officers that he was a Beyond Grade A and ordered them to privately negotiate partnerships while keeping the news under wraps.
• Han Xiao revealed that he had taken the Evolution Cube from Sisko and promised to use it to optimize the officers’ genes and later make it available to the army.
• Han Xiao established the Black Star Guard Squad under Hila, recruited Fording and two Calamity Grade officers, and optimized the officers’ genes with the Cube.
• Aroshia advised Resta to wait until Han Xiao had stabilized the Black Star Army before asking him to rescue their people from Manison, but Resta refused to wait much longer.
• Han Xiao entered seclusion to build new Beyond Grade A combat equipment, then emerged more than half a month later with the initial form of his new army.

Han Xiao completed a new Beyond Grade A army and unveiled his War Tiger armor before Hadavy forced his way onto the Black Star Army headquarters satellite. Hila confronted Hadavy as reporters watched, while Han Xiao headed to meet him.

• Han Xiao reviewed the rebuilt army, including new giant-soldier units and improved heavy artillery, and prepared to expand it for Beyond Grade A combat.
• Han Xiao completed the level 215 War Tiger armor, a powerful suit built for mobility, defense, and close combat.
• Hadavy broke through the headquarters fleet blockade and landed on the satellite, prompting Han Xiao to tell Hila not to let him escape as he went to respond.
• Interstellar reporters gathered outside the headquarters and identified Hadavy as a member of the War Realm, speculating that he had come to provoke Black Star.
• Hila confronted Hadavy and introduced herself as captain of Black Star's personal guard, and Hadavy showed interest in her.

Hila fought Hadavy after he forced his way into Black Star Army headquarters, and Han Xiao stopped them before accepting Hadavy’s challenge. Han Xiao easily defeated Hadavy, who surrendered, then publicly confirmed that he had become a Beyond Grade A.

• Hadavy demanded to see Black Star, and Hila attacked him when he refused to surrender.
• Hila fought Hadavy while the army and reporters watched, until Han Xiao arrived and called off the battle.
• Hadavy challenged Han Xiao, offering to join the Black Star Army if he lost, and Han Xiao accepted.
• Han Xiao overwhelmed Hadavy with his strength and mechanical attacks, and Hadavy surrendered.
• Han Xiao announced through the reporters’ quantum network screens that he was a Beyond Grade A.

Han Xiao welcomed Hadavy into the Black Star Army as a guard officer and planned the army’s expansion before traveling to Dragon Calm. After Han Xiao confirmed he was a Beyond Grade A, the Shattered Star Ring celebrated his rise, while Heber and Sisko publicly challenged him.

• Han Xiao revealed that Hila came from Planet Aquamarine and let Hadavy choose freely whether to join the Black Star Army; Hadavy accepted and was assigned to follow Hila as a guard officer.
• Han Xiao offered Hadavy regular sparring sessions to help him gain insight into Beyond Grade A strength, then discussed the army’s expansion with Sylvia and announced he would travel to Dragon Calm.
• Interstellar media reported Han Xiao’s advancement, and the Amethyst Civilization, Goddora, and dozens of other civilizations publicly congratulated him and strengthened their ties with the Black Star Army.
• Heber challenged Han Xiao to fight on behalf of Krent in the Secret War, while Sisko revealed that Han Xiao had the Evolution Cube and demanded its return.
• Han Xiao arrived at Dragon Calm with his fleet as news of the challenges caused an uproar across the Shattered Star Ring.

Han Xiao left Dragon Calm and established the Black Star Army as an independent organization, then secured an alliance with Ames against Heber and Sisko. After using the Evolution Cube to enhance Dragon Calm's officers, Ames discovered that she had gained the ability to enter the Void Dimension.

• Han Xiao arrived at Dragon Calm and told Ames he intended to leave and make the Black Star Army independent.
• Han Xiao offered the Evolution Cube's benefits to Dragon Calm and proposed an alliance against Heber and Sisko; Ames agreed after he explained that he had offered the Cube as compensation, not leverage.
• Han Xiao and Ames shook hands as allies, and the officers emerged from hiding after eavesdropping on their discussion.
• Han Xiao and Ames decided to answer Heber and Sisko's challenge publicly and make their alliance known.
• Han Xiao used the Evolution Cube to optimize Ames and Dragon Calm's officers; Iso declined because he had already used it centuries earlier.
• After her evolution, Ames entered the Void Dimension and discovered her new ability, along with improvements to her strength and physical condition.

Han Xiao accepted the Tyrant and Star Pupil’s challenges, announcing that the Black Star Army was leaving Dragon Calm while forming an alliance with Ames. As the battle drew closer, Austin refused to support either side, and Suy agreed to take Han Xiao’s call after Krent asked the Crimson Dynasty for help against him.

• Han Xiao called Heber and agreed to fight him in the Desolate Universe Belt in twenty days, while Ames rejected Heber’s demand that she stay out of the conflict.
• Seven days after the challenges, the Black Star Army announced its independence from Dragon Calm and revealed its alliance with Ames, turning the coming battle into a four-Beyond Grade A confrontation.
• Han Xiao asked Austin to join his side by offering access to the Evolution Cube, but Austin chose to remain neutral, as he also refused to help Sisko.
• A Krent envoy asked Suy to help eliminate Han Xiao, but Suy declined to commit and considered contacting Black Star instead.
• Suy learned that Han Xiao had called him and agreed to take the call.

Han Xiao negotiated with Suy to join the Crimson Dynasty, offering access to the Evolution Cube in exchange for support and resources. Meanwhile, Sisko planned to steal the Cube during Han Xiao’s fight with Heber and sought help from the Arcane Church after Ames’s involvement disrupted his plan.

• Han Xiao told Suy that he wanted the Black Star Army to join the Crimson Dynasty and proposed sharing access to the Evolution Cube.
• Han Xiao asked the Crimson Dynasty for resources, a role in developing the Shattered World, neutrality in the Secret War, and advanced Mechanic Class knowledge; Suy agreed to report the terms to his superiors.
• Han Xiao declined Suy’s offer to mediate his conflict with Heber, choosing not to appear as though he needed protection from the Tyrant.
• Sisko traveled toward the Colton Star Cluster, intending to seize the Evolution Cube while Han Xiao fought Heber.
• Sisko decided to seek help from the Arcane Church’s Shattered Star Ring garrison to keep Ames occupied.

As Black Star and Tyrant’s scheduled battle drew near, the Shattered Star Ring’s forces and spectators gathered at the West Wind border, while players and citizens debated the stakes. Han Xiao secured an alliance with the Crimson Dynasty, which promised support against outside interference and approved his request for all remaining Mechanic advanced knowledge.

• The War Realm and Section Zero deployed forces around the battlefield as fleets, news outlets, and spectators poured into the West Wind border to await the fight.
• Black Star Army officers and soldiers placed bets on the battle, while Reynold backed Tyrant based on his calculations and Sylvia went to confront Lagi after learning he had done the same.
• With the Secret War suspended, millions of players traveled to support Han Xiao and discussed how the battle could shape the Black Star Army’s future; Meat Bun resolved to make a high-quality video about it.
• Bennett told Nero that Han Xiao faced a dangerous opponent and silently prayed for his old friend.
• Suy informed Han Xiao that the Crimson Dynasty accepted his proposal, planned to send troops against possible Arcane Church interference, and wanted him to visit the Central Galaxy after the battle.
• Suy told Han Xiao that the Crimson Dynasty had approved his application for advanced knowledge and would provide all the remaining types.

Han Xiao mastered the remaining Cutting-Edge Knowledge, unlocking powerful Mechanic skills and improving his preparations for the duel with Heber. When the duel day arrived, vast crowds gathered in the Desolate Universe Belt, and a portal opened to bring the participants onto the battlefield.

• Han Xiao used 52 potential points to master five pieces of Cutting-Edge Knowledge, unlocking three Mechanic Emperor skills and several new abilities.
• Han Xiao reviewed and raised his new skills, then secluded himself in the mechanical workshop to build machines while his fleet and Dragon Calm traveled.
• More than ten days later, trillions of spectators gathered near the West Wind Star System to watch the duel as War Realm and Section Zero maintained a tense standoff.
• Laifer prepared Amethyst's fleet to support Han Xiao if needed, while Frenzied Saber and other players watched from the Black Star Army fleet and Summer Night Blossoms watched from War Realm's camp.
• Gurega and other Mercenary Alliance leaders discussed inviting Black Star to become their chief councilor, while partner organizations gathered to support him.
• A blue, vortex-like portal appeared in the center of the battlefield, and the spectators erupted as the participants began to arrive.

Austin, Sisko, and Heber arrived at the battlefield alongside the Arcane Church and Crimson Dynasty fleets, leaving the Black Star Army apparently outmatched. Han Xiao and Ames arrived, and after Heber revealed his plan to kill Han Xiao for prestige, Han Xiao triggered a Grade S mission and unleashed a vast mechanical army to begin the fight.

• Austin arrived in the Palace of Hidden Spells to watch the battle, followed by Sisko with the Arcane Church fleet.
• The Crimson Dynasty fleet arrived beside Krent’s forces, making Laifer and the Black Star Army’s officers fear that two universal civilizations supported their enemies.
• Heber arrived, then Han Xiao and Ames entered the battlefield aboard Dragon Calm and faced Heber and Sisko.
• Han Xiao taunted Heber, who admitted he had chosen Han Xiao as a target to establish his reputation by killing a fellow Beyond Grade A.
• Han Xiao triggered a Grade S mission to hold out against Heber and opened a secondary dimension, sending his vast mechanical army charging into battle.

Han Xiao fought Heber’s overwhelming Pugilist strength with his mechanical army, but Heber trapped him in an energy-restricting beam and began pulling him in. Han Xiao escaped with his Chaos Body talent and activated Reynold’s Character Summon Card, turning the battle around enough to send Heber crashing through the War Realm fleet while Sisko watched in surprise.

• Han Xiao used his upgraded mechanical army to attack Heber while keeping his distance, but Heber’s defenses and strength allowed him to push through the barrage.
• Heber transformed into his second stage and trapped Han Xiao in a crimson-gold beam that suppressed his energy and severed his control of the mechanical army.
• Han Xiao changed into Chaos Body form and used Void Leap to escape Heber’s beam, then reconnected to his army.
• Han Xiao activated Reynold’s Character Summon Card and gained Perfect Mechanical Sense, greatly increasing his Mechanical Affinity and the army’s combat power.
• Sisko saw Heber fly into the War Realm formation and realized he had underestimated Han Xiao.

Han Xiao used Perfect Mechanical Sense to bring his fight with Heber to a standstill, but Heber caught him in a close-range combo. Sisko then attacked while the Arcane Church fleet held Ames back, leaving Han Xiao facing two Beyond Grade As.

• Han Xiao boosted his mechanical army with Perfect Mechanical Sense, countered Heber’s control skill, and fought him to a standstill.
• Heber used an instant-movement skill and Giant’s Gaze to silence Han Xiao, then trapped him in a devastating close-combat combo.
• Sisko rushed toward Han Xiao to seize the Evolution Cube while Ames was distracted by the Arcane Church fleet’s attack.
• Ames defended against the fleet’s salvo as Sisko joined Heber against Han Xiao, shocking Sylvia, Melos, and the other army officers.

Han Xiao broke free from Heber's control and turned the attempted pincer attack by Heber and Sisko into a standoff alongside Ames. As the Arcane Church's fleet faced off against them, the Crimson Dynasty fleet suddenly opened fire on the Arcane Church, and Han Xiao recognized Suy's move.

• Sisko rushed toward Han Xiao to seize the Evolution Cube, but Han Xiao regained his mobility with the Tyrant Character Summon Card and hurled Heber toward Sisko.
• Sisko used a telekinetic shield to protect himself and Heber from Han Xiao's mechanical army, while Ames propelled an armed satellite into them and the Arcane Church's fleet.
• Han Xiao and Ames faced Heber and Sisko across the battlefield as spectators feared the duel would escalate into a fleet war.
• Sisko proposed joining forces with Heber to get the Evolution Cube, but Heber remained reluctant to turn the challenge into an all-out war.
• The Crimson Dynasty fleet suddenly attacked the Arcane Church fleet, and Han Xiao realized Suy had made his move.

The Crimson Dynasty intervened in the battle, revealed that the Black Star Army was its ally, and declared the Evolution Cube under its protection, forcing the Arcane Church to retreat. Heber and Han Xiao remained facing each other as the battlefield fell quiet, while Envoy Suy dismissed Krent’s protest over the alliance.

• The Crimson Dynasty fleet attacked the Arcane Church, and Heber and Sisko both scrambled to learn why the fighting had begun.
• Han Xiao told Ames that he had joined the Crimson Dynasty and had used the challenge to build his reputation, while the two watched the fleets clash.
• Teshurio announced that the Crimson Dynasty considered the Black Star Army an ally and the Evolution Cube its property, stunning the spectators and the War Realm.
• Sisko ordered the Arcane Church fleet to retreat after the Crimson Dynasty’s declaration left it isolated.
• Heber held position instead of attacking Han Xiao, while Envoy Suy told Krent that the dynasty had never agreed to target Black Star and did not owe Krent notice of its alliances.

After the Tyrant withdrew from his challenge, Han Xiao strengthened his standing in the Shattered Star Ring, reassured Amethyst that their alliance would continue, and chose Heber's Stellar Furnace Training Method as his reward. As the Black Star Army prepared to expand and Han Xiao considered his next plans, Sorokin decided to contact him.

• Suy persuaded Krent to accept compensation and withdraw its support for the Tyrant's challenge, and Heber reluctantly ordered War Realm to retreat.
• Han Xiao celebrated the Black Star Army's victory, received three Star Field Legend Points, and explained to Laifer that joining the Crimson Dynasty would help resolve the Secret War while preserving his alliance with Amethyst.
• Austin congratulated Han Xiao, Ames returned to Dragon Calm, and Han Xiao ordered the Black Star Army to head home and recruit across the Star Field.
• Han Xiao claimed his reward for the battle and chose Heber's Stellar Furnace Training Method to increase his energy.
• Sorokin watched a broadcast of the challenge and ordered someone to contact Black Star.

After defeating the Tyrant and allying with the Crimson Dynasty, Han Xiao tested a new energy-training method and managed the Black Star Army’s sudden growth. Sorokin offered him a deal involving the Evolution Cube, and Han Xiao left the offer unanswered while Planet Aquamarine received new investments.

• Han Xiao trained near a star with Heber's Stellar Furnace Training Method, gaining 25 energy after half an hour.
• News of the battle and the Crimson Dynasty alliance spread, and the Black Star Army launched a recruitment drive that drew applicants and offers from across the Shattered Star Ring.
• Han Xiao agreed that the Mercenary Alliance would come under his name, while he kept civilizations waiting on deals to use the Evolution Cube.
• Suy told Han Xiao that the Crimson Dynasty would stop Krent from proposing a redrawing of the Colton and Seoul Star Cluster boundaries and would arrange cooperation between the Black Star Army and the War Realm.
• Sorokin offered to use the Evolution Cube in exchange for doing one thing for Han Xiao, who added Sorokin's number to his blacklist without deleting it.
• Financial groups delivered supplies and resources to Planet Aquamarine, where Bennett watched the unloading beside the Aquamarine Federation delegation.