Chapter 1013: What a Good Person! (Thanks to Big Shot Hua Xue Jian's alliance leader 100,000 reward!)

Chapter 1013: What a Benevolent Soul! (Gratitude to Patron Hua Xuejian for the Supreme Patron bounty!)

"Beep... beep..."

Just as Han Xiao was conjuring up some delightfully irreverent remarks, his communicator chimed twice; it was a call from Tarrokov.

He pressed accept, and Brother Tarrokov’s weathered, basin-like face filled the screen, beaming with a grin that skipped all formalities and launched straight into flattery:

"Black Star, magnificent work. I truly admire this decisive streak of yours."

While outside factions remained uncertain about who had struck the Modo Civilization, the Empire, naturally, knew the Black Star Army was responsible.

"And you dislike my other facets?" Han Xiao replied with an air of casual indifference, though a quiet chuckle echoed in his mind. "Just remember to honor our bargain and deliver the resource compensation we agreed upon."

Retaliating against the Modo Civilization served the Empire's interests as well; they intended to make an example of them to warn the rest.

Since direct intervention was politically unwise, the Empire had leveraged Han Xiao's forces, and they certainly would not let the Black Star Army labor for free. A private accord had long been struck: Black Star would wield martial force to school the Modo, and the Crimson Empire would pay in resources.

To the Empire, this was merely hiring an ally to strike a rival; to Han Xiao, it was funding his own objectives with imperial coin while skimming a handsome profit off the top—a comfortably lucrative arrangement.

"Rest easy, we have never defaulted on a debt to you." Tarrokov smiled, then pressed on. "How do you intend to handle those Modo prisoners?"

"A portion will remain within the army as covert labor, while the rest will be cast into Kunde territory to fend for themselves."

Old Tar nodded, his tone turning earnest. "Regardless, sever every channel connecting them to the outside world. Let them vanish from the face of the universe forever, and ensure no word leaks out."

"The probability of anyone breaching my information blockade approaches absolute zero. You need not worry on that front."

"True enough, you are a Virtual Mechanic after all; I overthought it." Old Tar chuckled warmly. "Truth be told, there is no grand matter. I merely wished to remind you... In any case, please intensify your pressure on the Modo. I will sign off now."

The transmission died with his words, leaving Han Xiao to curl his lip in quiet disdain.

To disturb him over such a trifle clearly carried an unspoken warning: the Empire was tracking the Black Star Army's movements, subtly urging him not to lash out at anyone beyond the Modo... perhaps a lingering ripple from the Council of Gods.

"Tch. Playing mind games again."

Han Xiao stowed the communicator and cast the matter from his thoughts.

He strode to the room's refrigeration unit, pulled open the door, and retrieved a sweetened concentrated nutrient bar. Nibbling on it like a confection, he turned his mind to another pressing matter.

At present, every player was racing toward the Shining World. With the Broken Star Ring lying closest, the army's players would inevitably be the first to arrive.

The new version had only just begun its overture; players would require a period of adjustment before settling into their rhythms and turning their blades upon one another.

In his past life, players had warred for their respective factions. Barring a few legendary national conflicts, skirmishes typically erupted from clashing faction objectives or the plundering of rival guild resources. In such a climate, lone wolves found survival increasingly bleak, making solidarity the prevailing tide and driving more players to forge their own guilds.

Historical data showed that during Version 4.0, the number of player guilds traced a steep upward curve, multiplying as time marched on. The catalyst for this explosive growth was a famed incident: several American powerhouse guilds, led by the Demon Realm Club, united to form a formally recognized external organization. Through competitive bidding, they secured a coveted super-opportunity that others had nearly bled for, earning official sanction.

Thereafter, players recognized the profound weight of guilds, coalescing on a massive scale. Guilds allied with one another, birthing recognized external entities that operated as legitimate factions, leveraging commerce and diplomacy to negotiate with the powers of the cosmos.

Thus, the utility of guilds became undeniable, granting access to resources that dwarfed those of ordinary players by countless orders of magnitude.

This dynamic had existed in earlier versions, yet only in 4.0 did it truly flourish, marking a pivotal turn in the player lifecycle. The root cause lay in the surge of player strength during this era, which fundamentally altered their impact on the cosmic stage, finally granting them the capital to establish independent organizations and command respect.

"Because the factional advantage I have granted the army's players is so overwhelming, players from other star domains will likely unite to suppress us. Once everyone adapts to the new version, our side will inevitably suffer setbacks; after all, the enemy's numbers are simply too vast."

Han Xiao pondered in quiet contemplation.

Since the army's players currently held the upper hand, he saw no harm in giving them another push, ensuring they maintained their lead to the very end.

Originally, all players would need time to adjust before gradually entering an era of mass guild and organization formation. Han Xiao intended to usher the army's players into that comprehensive guild age ahead of schedule.

This would require some incentivizing structural adjustments.

After a moment of reflection, Han Xiao summoned Philip and outlined a blueprint for a new system, tailored exclusively for the player demographic—the Immortal Corps:

Upon earning merit to ascend to a senior rank and attaining a Grade B or higher supernatural tier, one would qualify to form a new breed of combat squad. Membership required a minimum of two, with no upper limit, and the unit could bear a custom designation. Once registered with the army, the squad would accrue special team merit points each month, calculated from mission completion rates and the aggregate contributions of its members.

These team merit points could be exchanged for large-scale resource shipments, or for equipment, knowledge, and skills. Crucially, they could also purchase tiered agency rights for various army enterprises, bid on exclusive projects, or secure mining rights to resource-rich planets, serving a multitude of strategic and economic functions.

Furthermore, upon amassing sufficient merit, a squad could elect to become a subsidiary organization under the Black Star Army, enjoying a degree of autonomy. Thereafter, points could be spent to request army support, purchase official authorization to conduct lawful strategic operations under the army's banner, or submit proposals for joint military campaigns. This effectively granted them a voice, allowing them to cooperate with the Black Star Army as a semi-independent faction.

"This should suffice..."

Han Xiao reviewed the outline of the new system several times, nodding in silent approval.

The true purpose of this framework was to "legalize" player guilds.

Originally, guilds existed solely within the player sphere, unrecognized by interstellar society. Take the Temple Guild, for instance: NPCs were entirely unaware of its existence, let alone its roster. This system, however, would grant player guilds direct recognition within the army's infrastructure, transforming them into documented, formal entities.

In doing so, player guilds would transition from abstract concepts to tangible powers within the cosmos.

The utility of team merit points was designed to ignite the army players' interest in forming guilds. Without needing to adapt to the version's natural pace, many would eagerly test this new mechanic, especially the official guilds of powerhouse clubs, who would undoubtedly file applications immediately.

In his past life during Version 4.0, players would inevitably break away from NPC factions to forge their own paths. With this new system in place, he could at least significantly curb that separatist tendency among the army's players.

The cost was granting player guilds a measure of independence, which would inevitably stir some turbulence within the army... yet at this juncture, offering players greater freedom was an unavoidable necessity.

As their strength grew, their compensation had to follow suit. Han Xiao did not consider himself a ruthless exploiter; even when squeezing labor, he always paid fairly.

Version 4.0 marked the turning point in the player lifecycle. From here onward, they would grow restless and unruly, sowing the sparks of chaos wherever they tread. He could no longer maintain the iron grip he had wielded in previous versions.

He had long planned to shift his approach, offering player guilds the soil to flourish and allocating more resources to nurture them... Only by doing so could he keep players, who grew increasingly resistant to chains as their power swelled, loyal to his cause.

Simultaneously, this system would lure foreign players, allowing him to harvest the leeks from his neighbor Old Wang's garden.

Two birds with one stone; a perfect convergence of interests.

"Master, buzz, are you certain you wish to enact this new system?"

Resembling a tiny sprite, Philip perched upon Han Xiao's collarbone, his large eyes blinking rapidly as he gazed up at his master's profile, his little legs swinging idly in the air.

"Issue a preliminary notice first." Han Xiao intended to formally promulgate the system only after all the army's players had arrived in the Shining World.

Until then, he would let the players prepare in advance, calling upon friends and allies to gather.

"Understood, buzz."

Han Xiao paused, suddenly recalling a matter. "Some time ago, while studying Risda's logical architecture, I conceived a few new ideas. I will run an update on you in a few days to boost your processing power."

At these words, Philip's eyes lit up. He levitated straight to Han Xiao's face, wrapping his entire body around his master's nose, resting his chin on the bridge, and blinking playfully as their gazes met.

"Philip loves Master the most, buzz!"

"Spare me the affection." Han Xiao arched a brow, flicked his finger, and sent Philip tumbling off his nose.

...

News of the Modo Civilization's devastating losses from the ambush spread like wildfire through the Shining World. Many factions debated it in hushed tones, and the whispers inevitably reached the ears of other Super Star Cluster civilization forces.

Numerous Super Star Cluster civilizations promptly convened emergency councils.

"The Modo were ambushed. Eight chances out of ten, the Empire is behind it. Those two are already at each other's throats."

"Could this be the Empire's opening move against our Super Star Cluster civilizations?"

"Unlikely. It appears to be merely a private vendetta between the Empire and the Modo."

"Hmm. Once we cross the first and second phase zones, we should aid the Modo if the opportunity arises. We cannot let the Empire crush them too brutally."

Fully aware that the three Universal Civilizations would never allow them to develop peacefully in the Shining World, most Super Star Cluster civilizations had already forged clandestine pacts, forming a secret Super Star Cluster Alliance to jointly resist the malice of the triad.

Following the ambush on the Modo, and in accordance with their treaty, the other Super Star Cluster civilizations resolved to extend a helping hand at the opportune moment.

Though the incident seemed unrelated to them directly, they understood that when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold. The Alliance refused to grant the Empire any chance to divide and conquer. Though the Modo were rivals, resisting the pressure from the three Universal Civilizations remained the Alliance's paramount objective. Everyone knew they could not afford internal fragmentation; thus, they did not mind aiding a competitor, sacrificing minor grievances for the greater good. Standing united on the same front was the only way to shatter the triad's blockade over the new star domain.

...

Shielded by the army and the Empire, with no witnesses to trace the strike force's trail, the Black Star fleet that had ravaged the Modo Civilization finally regrouped after some days. Slipping through covert corridors, they returned to the Goru Star Cluster, delivering their carefully selected captives to the Kunde homeworld in the Odoran Galaxy.

With the aid of the Black Star Legion, sprawling cities had risen upon every colony world, leaving no shortage of life’s necessities.

The Kunde people had rested in peace for over a decade; though the psychological scars of war remained unhealed, many chose to embrace the quiet and strive toward a new existence.

All these years, external communications had been severed across every colony, restricting inhabitants to local planetary networks, leaving them utterly blind to the cosmos beyond, like isolated islands adrift in the void.

The Legion and the Empire monopolized every broadcast frequency, permitting no independent voices, forcing the Kunde to endure a comprehensive cultural reshaping through literature, music, and cinema, their minds subtly rewired by a steady drip of state-sanctioned entertainment.

Trapped in this tranquil yet numbing existence, stripped of any chance to rebel, their rage rendered utterly futile, many hearts harbored nothing but weary resignation.

Yet on this very day, the official channels that endlessly droned with re-education broadcasts suddenly broke the routine with a bulletin that sent a jolt through countless Kunde souls.

His Excellency Black Star had honored his ancient vow to avenge the Kunde race, capturing a host of the masterminds behind their ruin, who were now en route to the Kunde colony worlds.

The revelation ignited an instant uproar!

Though this generation lacked the strength to rise up, they had not forgotten their hatred; far more than the Empire, they loathed the shadowy architects who had once used them as pawns.

When the appointed day arrived, multitudes of Kunde gathered early at the designated landing docks, eyes lifted to the heavens, awaiting the prisoners’ descent.

“Whoosh—”

Ship after ship pierced the atmosphere, multiplying across the sky before swiftly touching down upon the docks.

With a series of sharp hisses, hatch after hatch slid open, and ranks of Black Star Legionnaires marched out, escorting unarmed captives.

The delivered prisoners had been carefully culled, the formidable espers weeded out, leaving only the weak and helpless, clad in identical prison garb, stripped of all possessions, utterly harmless.

A sea of Kunde stretched to the horizon in every direction, and at the sight of so many fierce-visaged creatures closing in, the captives tensed, their bodies turning rigid with dread.

“What world is this, and why have we been brought here?”

“What manner of creatures are these? Beasts?”

“They wear garments—they are sentient beings.”

“Why are they all staring at us like that… it’s chilling.”

The exploitation of the Kunde had been a closely guarded secret among the high command, entirely unknown to these common soldiers, many of whom did not even recognize the species, leaving them bewildered by the intense, unblinking gazes.

Just then, a stone suddenly arced from the crowd, striking a Modo captive squarely on the head.

Crack!

The prisoner grunted in pain, hastily clutching his skull.

Before his comrades could even react, a hail of debris erupted from the masses, raining down mercilessly upon every captive.

Shrieks and wails instantly tore through the air as prisoners were battered until blood streamed from their brows, while the nearby Legionnaires watched with cold indifference, only intervening after a time by raising energy shields to halt the barrage, the ground quickly littered with thrown refuse.

Though no lives were claimed, the captives were left trembling, their nerves utterly shattered.

“Why are they attacking us?!”

“What in the void does the Black Star Legion intend by bringing us here?”

The crowd stirred in restless panic, eyes darting around in terror, only then comprehending the Kunde gazes that surrounded them—brimming with venom and wrath.

At that moment, a nearby Legionnaire snorted, his voice icy: “They are the Kunde, an indigenous civilization of the Shining World. During the Second Exploration, the Modo civilization secretly manipulated them, provoking a war with the Empire that led to their utter ruin. Every last one of you is their enemy. Stay here, and atone for your sins.”

At these words, a dead silence fell over the prisoners, their eyes widening in sheer disbelief.

Delivered straight into the hands of those we wronged… we were brought here to be their punching bags!

They promised us a chance to live, only to condemn us to a fate worse than death?!

We’re… we’re doomed!

A pall of despair settled over every captive’s face; heads bowed, they were shoved forward, loaded onto ground transports, and hauled away toward the prisons.

As the transports slowly rumbled away from the docks, the Kunde never once broke their relentless, burning stare.

The crowd lingered long after, and only after a heavy silence did a voice finally murmur:

“When Black Star vowed to secure justice for us… he actually meant it…”

“To think he has been honoring his word all along.”

“I misjudged him. He is a man of true honor.”

A wave of quiet reflection swept through many of the Kunde.

Over the past decade and more, the Legion had administered their worlds, supplied endless necessities, and woven its presence into their daily entertainment, making the Kunde deeply accustomed to their rule.

Emotionally, they harbored little hatred toward the Black Star Legion, yet few had ever believed Han Xiao’s past verbal pledges, dismissing them as mere placations.

After all, the Kunde of today were but helpless “prisoners”; why would Black Star waste his strength seeking justice for them? After so many years, they assumed he had long forgotten the matter.

Yet just as all hope in him had faded, Han Xiao proved through deed, not word, that he had never been jesting.

In the eyes of the Kunde, Black Star instantly transformed into the sole beacon of justice for their people.

Beyond their sudden joy, a profound gratitude toward Han Xiao blossomed among them, intertwined with even deeper yearning.

The image Han Xiao left in their minds gradually shifted from a distant, indifferent magnate to that of a true benefactor.

Black Star, truly a fine soul indeed (*≧▽≦)!