Chapter 1003: Two Super A-Levels in One Family

Chapter 1003: Two Super A-Classes Under One Banner

The seconds ticked by in steady rhythm as Hela sat in silent contemplation; Han Xiao, however, felt no rush, a faint smile playing upon his lips as he awaited her answer.

After a long while, Hela slowly exhaled a breath she seemed to have held for ages.

"I choose independence."

Han Xiao's brow arched slightly. "In that case, I shall have Sylvia..."

Before he could finish, Hela added, "But not now."

A twitch crossed Han Xiao's face; meeting her teasing gaze, he felt a mixture of helpless exasperation and quiet amusement.

You little rascal, daring to toy with me?

Leaving sentences hanging in the air like that, why don't you go write a novel?

Hela sighed, her voice softening as she finally spoke from the heart.

"I used to lack a sense of security, always desperate to keep pace with you, so my only goal was to grow stronger and stronger until I could finally protect myself. Now that I have reached the Super A-Class and can safeguard myself in almost any situation, I still haven't figured out what comes next. I might as well stay with the army for now. If my mind changes later, we can talk about it then."

She had already pondered this question on the journey back: what does one do after grasping the power of a Super A-Class? She had no clear answer.

For years, in her relentless pursuit of strength, her days had been consumed by battle, leaving no time to truly behold the wonders of the cosmos. At least for now, Hela harbored neither the mood nor the ambition to forge a faction of her own.

Moreover, looking back on the path she had walked, Han Xiao had provided her with invaluable aid. Without his introduction, Ames would never have taken her as a disciple, and she had no idea how many long years it would have taken to reach the Super A-Class.

Having received so much from him, she owed a mountain of favors, yet her own repayments had been pitifully meager. She could not bear the thought of striking out on her own the moment she ascended; her proud nature simply refused to let her remain perpetually in debt.

Years ago, Black Star had indeed established his own domain upon reaching the Super A-Class, but he had rendered monumental contributions to Dragon Tan, earning that right. Hela felt her own service to the army paled in comparison to what Han Xiao had once done for Dragon Tan, making her too embarrassed to follow his example.

Most importantly, Hela knew how to kill and how to fight, but she possessed no knowledge of building or managing a faction, nor did she wish to waste her energy on it—in this regard, she had inherited Ames's particular "talent." She would rather spend that time consolidating her own power, holding no interest in territorial ambitions for the moment.

In her eyes, with her combat prowess and her close ties to Han Xiao, she already stood second to none within the Black Star Army. If she desired authority, remaining within the vast and prosperous Black Star Army was far superior to the arduous task of founding a new organization... Besides, with the Black Star Army now reigning as the foremost private force in the Shattered Star Ring, the soil was no longer fertile for a new Super A-Class faction to take root and gather resources.

Hearing her explanation, Han Xiao let out a hearty laugh.

"Very well. Stay with the Black Star Army for now. My promise stands eternal; the day you wish to strike out on your own, I will still offer you my full support."

"Mm." Hela nodded.

"Now that you are a Super A-Class, it would be unseemly for you to remain my personal guard. Therefore, I formally appoint you as Vice Commander of the Black Star Army. Your rank will sit just below mine and above Raki's. You will participate in the highest decision-making councils, with daily administrative authority spanning branch militaries, resource extraction, and mercenary coordination. You may command portions of the army's fleets and will hold the honorary title of Chief of Guards, though you shall be relieved of actual guard duties."

In just a few brief words, Han Xiao elevated Hela's station, granting her immense, tangible authority.

After all, her stature had fundamentally changed. Even if Hela herself had little use for political power, he had to bestow it. On one hand, it demonstrated how deeply he valued her and solidified her bond with the army; on the other, it provided a proper account to the outside world, proving he adhered to the unspoken rules of their trade.

With Hela choosing to stay, Han Xiao's spirits soared.

He had simulated countless possible outcomes in his mind, and her decision to remain was undoubtedly the most favorable among them.

She was the army's first Super A-Class executive, marking a qualitative leap. A faction anchored by one Super A-Class versus two was an entirely different paradigm.

Originally, I was the sole pillar holding up the army. Now, with Hela here, she can shoulder many of my burdens, and it will greatly aid in expanding our influence... Han Xiao mused silently.

"Vice Commander? Have it your way." Titles held little weight for Hela. Suddenly, she placed both hands on the edge of the desk, leaning forward with burning eyes. "We can discuss all that later. I have a request... fight me."

"Agreed," Han Xiao consented. "But not today. You just returned to headquarters; take some time to rest and spend it with your sister. I also have some trivial matters to handle. In a few days, I'll beat you... ahem, I mean, we shall spar."

"Fine."

Hela nodded, suppressing the restless eagerness in her chest. Ever since stepping into the Super A-Class realm, she had been desperate to see exactly how wide the gap between them remained.

After exchanging a few more words, Hela left the room to seek out Aurora. The sisters had not seen each other in years, and they had an endless well of words to share.

Watching her depart, Han Xiao smiled to himself. Just as he was about to draft the official appointment decree, his communicator suddenly chimed.

A glance at the screen revealed it was a call from Ulan Riel.

The Empire reaching out at this precise moment is undoubtedly about Hela... Han Xiao's eyes flickered with insight. After a moment of deliberation, he accepted the call.

"Your Excellency, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call amidst such a busy schedule?" Han Xiao asked with a smile as Ulan Riel's figure materialized on the screen.

"I heard one of your executives has ascended to a newborn Super A-Class. Congratulations," Ulan Riel said with a slight nod.

"Haha, her name is Hela. She is not merely my executive, but an old friend. She and I... oh, I nearly forgot, you undoubtedly already have her files." Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, feigning sudden realization.

"Mm. Have you spoken with Hela yet?"

"Your timing is impeccable. I just finished our conversation."

"And what was the outcome? What are her intentions?"

"She finds the prospect too troublesome and has no desire to build a faction for now. Thus, she has decided to remain under my banner and serve as my right hand."

"I see..." Ulan Riel paused, her movements stilling as she pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. "There is a favor I wish to ask of you."

"Name it."

"If it is at all possible, I hope you can persuade Hela to join the Empire."

Just as I expected... Han Xiao smiled silently, having long foreseen this request.

Because of his close ties with Hela, the Empire saw a high probability of securing a new Super A-Class ally. They had come directly to him, striking first to bolster their own ranks of supreme experts.

Noticing Han Xiao's silence, Ulan Riel could not help but ask, "What do you think? Do you have any reservations?"

"No problem. I will do my utmost to persuade her, though I cannot guarantee success," Han Xiao replied noncommittally.

"I understand." Ulan Riel nodded; she had no intention of forcing the matter either.

At that moment, Han Xiao shifted the tone of the conversation.

"Actually, since you've reached out, there is a matter I wish to report. You tasked me with maintaining order in the Shattered Star Ring, and I have conceived a plan to execute precisely at this juncture. However, it will cause quite a stir, so I require the Empire's backing."

"Let's hear it."

Han Xiao spoke deliberately. "Because of the Shining World, Super A-Classes from every star domain have gathered in the Shattered Star Ring. Those present likely account for at least ninety percent of all such experts in the universe. Given this, I propose to take the lead and invite them all to convene for a grand, universe-wide Super A-Class assembly. We can sit down, talk, and reach a unanimous consensus in one stroke: no one is to cause trouble in the Shattered Star Ring."

Upon hearing this, Ulan Riel immediately began to weigh the implications.

This was practically equivalent to summoning every Super A-Class in existence. He was right; the repercussions would be monumental. These individuals were the iconic titans of their respective domains. If successful, it would ignite a wave of public discourse that would sweep across the entire cosmos.

It might even be etched into the annals of history, remembered as a monumental event for generations to come.

As for the benefits Black Star would reap, they were glaringly obvious. First, it would conserve immense effort by resolving the star domain's stability in a single stroke. Whether through diplomacy or a display of force, he would use any means necessary to make all visiting Super A-Classes abandon their disruptive schemes and wait peacefully for the Shining World's opening.

The second advantage was that if he truly managed to gather every Super A-Class in one place, Black Star's influence as the convener would skyrocket, proving that so many supreme experts were willing to honor his invitation.

"How confident are you that you can invite everyone?" Ulan Riel asked after a moment of deep thought.

"About fifty percent."

"Truly?" Ulan Riel sounded skeptical. "Most Super A-Classes are shrewd. They know full well that accepting your invitation means playing to your gallery and amplifying your renown. Those aligned with the Empire will pose no issue, but can you guarantee that the Radiance and the Void Spirit factions will grant you such courtesy?"

"I cannot guarantee it, however..." Han Xiao chuckled softly. "I believe my reputation still carries some weight. As for those who decline, I shall have to rely on the Empire to assist in persuading them."

"Very well. It is worth the attempt. I will have my people cooperate with you." After a moment's consideration, Ulan Riel nodded, approving the plan and pledging her support.

"Then I offer my advance gratitude to the Empire." Han Xiao smiled faintly, his eyes suddenly gleaming with a new thought. "Aside from that, there is one more matter."

"Proceed."

"Regarding the proposal for the Evolution Cube, I have given it considerable thought over this period." Han Xiao shook his head. "My apologies, but I do not intend to trade the Cube for anything at this time. In truth, I have reviewed the Empire's list several times, yet none of the cosmic treasures particularly captivate me. I am deeply grateful for the Empire's sincerity, but alas, my luck falls short, and I can only express my regrets."

Ulan Riel fell silent for a few seconds before replying slowly, "It is of no consequence. We will not press the issue. Should you change your mind, contact us at any time."

With that, the two exchanged a few more pleasantries before finally terminating the call.

Han Xiao toyed with the communicator, replaying their recent conversation in his mind, and gave a silent, approving nod.

After weeks of weighing every angle, he had finally resolved to spurn the Empire’s proposal and keep the Evolution Cube for himself.

The Empire sought outright ownership of the Cube, aiming to monopolize the Evolver Totem enterprise—the very prize he himself coveted; it was a clash of interests, and even if it bred imperial displeasure, he would keep this vital venture firmly within his grasp.

Relying on others could never compare to relying on oneself; his cordial ties with the Empire stemmed not from personal friendship, but from his own utility to them, and that cold truth was the very foundation upon which his army stood.

Refusing the exchange might sour their mood, but a complete rupture was impossible… for the Empire still needed him.

By first tossing out the proposal to gather every Beyond Grade A, and only then revealing his decision regarding the Cube, he had orchestrated a subtle probe—using the initiative as a litmus test for shifts in the Empire’s stance.

To claim a share of the spoils, one must wield commensurate strength; the Empire was indeed an undisputed leviathan, yet the Black Star Army now possessed the rightful standing to claim its portion, and with Hela’s return, their confidence had only deepened.

The suppression from Radiance and the Virtual Spirit Sect stemmed fundamentally from the Empire’s ban on external totem sales, yet should that ban ever be lifted, whether those two powers would prefer the Cube held by the Empire itself or by an external ally was a question with an unmistakable answer.

—They would far rather see an imperial ally reap the totem’s profits than watch a direct rival monopolize the enterprise.

Though the venture might bear the Empire’s name in title, the true destination of its wealth made all the difference.

“The Empire will certainly pull strings in the shadows; we shall simply wait to see what hand they play.”

Han Xiao shook his head; come what may, he would meet steel with steel and water with earth, countering every move as it came.

……

The following day, the Black Star Army publicly announced a new executive appointment.

—The sixth seat of the Shattered Star Ring, the newly ascended Beyond Grade A who had defeated Tolaine, the yet-untitled Hela, was to assume the mantle of Vice Commander of the Black Star Army.

She would not strike out on her own, but remain to serve beneath the Black Star banner!

Countless factions had been watching the developments with bated breath, and the moment the news broke, the entire star sector trembled!

Everyone understood that with two Beyond Grade As under one roof, the Black Star Army’s influence was bound to surge dramatically.

Though Black Star alone could effortlessly dismantle several ordinary Beyond Grade As, to the interstellar citizens spanning the cosmos, the psychological weight of a single pillar versus a dual foundation was worlds apart.

Many factions with ulterior motives had eagerly awaited Hela’s secession, yet as events unfolded contrary to their schemes, they were left bitterly disappointed, cursing her lack of ambition.

A dignified Beyond Grade A, actually yielding to Black Star’s overbearing dominance to labor as a mere hireling?

Have you no spine!

Why not follow your predecessors’ example, refuse the shackles of employment, and forge your own empire!

Damn it all, we must devise a way to drive a wedge between them!

Yet for the members and allies of the Black Star Army, it was nothing short of magnificent tidings.

Upon learning of Hela’s decision to stay, the entire ranks swelled with exhilaration!

With another Beyond Grade A patron under their roof, their courage skyrocketed; lately, the soldiers even walked with an unearned swagger, naturally mastering an arrogant stride that seemed to acknowledge neither kin nor consequence.

The repercussions manifested swiftly, as the army’s allure to elite talent grew exponentially.

Witnessing Han Xiao apparently succeed in nurturing a Beyond Grade A, countless espers could no longer sit idle, their minds churning with ambition; most swayed were the neutral Beyond Grade A seeds, for whom the promise of ascension held a fatal allure.

Whenever such moments arose, Hadaway would find himself in exceptionally high spirits.

—I alone possessed the foresight to cast aside my pride early on, join the Black Star Army, and secure my seniority; when these lot eventually sign up, every last one of them will have to call me boss!

How wonderfully liberating it was to have discarded his dignity!

……

Somewhere within the Shattered Star Ring, the Virtual Spirit Sect fleet drifted in silence.

The flagship’s conference chamber was filled with holographic projections of the Sect’s Beyond Grade A allies, leaving only Tolaine seated in the flesh at the center, the atmosphere resembling a grim tribunal.

“…You are saying that this Hela’s ability possesses extraordinary lethality against living beings, and that in a single burst, she crippled you with one strike?”

“Precisely, and it was agony; worse still, she wounded my very psyche, demanding years of convalescence.” Tolaine ground his teeth.

Defeat at Hela’s hands left Tolaine seething, evoking the bitter sensation of marching into a duel brimming with confidence, only to be slaughtered outright in the opening exchange.

Nor was it merely a loss; he had sustained wounds that defied easy healing, primarily a shattered mind that required gradual mending, and until he recovered, his command over the arcane would remain diminished, his strength forever shy of its zenith.

This humiliation was a bitter pill Tolaine refused to swallow; after a few days of rest, he had reached out to the others today to report on Hela’s capabilities.

Kesuye slowly shook his head. “The Black Star Army has gained a newly ascended Beyond Grade A of extraordinary potential; their power swells once more.”

At these words, grim expressions settled over many of those present.

Among the three universal civilizations, none dreaded the army’s expansion more than the Virtual Spirit Sect; after all, having suffered such devastating losses at the Battle of Beacon Star, many in this very room had already forged bitter enmities with Black Star’s forces.

Just then, the Sun Hunter glanced at his communicator, uttered a soft sound of surprise, and said, “Black Star has sent me a message.”

“What does he say?” Kesuye turned his gaze.

“Uh, he has extended an invitation, asking us to visit him as guests…” The Sun Hunter’s tone turned peculiar.

“Us?”

“Yes, his invitation… is addressed to every Beyond Grade A of the Virtual Spirit Sect.”

At this declaration, save for Kesuye, the countenances of everyone present shifted instantly, painted with astonishment and bewilderment.

Inviting the entirety of the Sect’s supreme combat power?

What in the void was Black Star playing at, was his skin itching for a collective beating?!

—Had it been anyone else, they would have deemed it a suicide wish, but with Black Star as the host, those gathered genuinely believed he was simply, quite literally, itching for a fight.