Chapter 900: [Eternal Energy] and High-Quality Leeks (revised)

Chapter 900 [Eternal Energy] and Quality Scapegoat (Mechanic)

For the next month, Han Xiao remained at the Legion Headquarters, recuperating and sorting through the gains from his recent endeavors.

The Empire’s contribution value had increased by approximately ten thousand points, bringing his total to over twenty-two thousand. He had temporarily exchanged only one new Ultimate Knowledge with the Empire.

Now that the most urgent threat posed by the Deities had been resolved, and the external environment had stabilized into a period of calm development, the pressures on him had lessened significantly. Thus, he felt no urgency to exchange more knowledge—after all, the contribution value remained intact, available for exchange at any moment.

Han Xiao had already mastered three Ultimate Knowledges: [Endless Material Science], [Mechanical Life Spark], and [Virtual Creation Lord], one for each of the three branches—Energy, Materials, and Information. With Materials and Information secured, he chose to exchange the final Ultimate Knowledge from the Energy branch: [Eternal Energy].

The name of this Ultimate Knowledge was quite imposing, though its actual effects were not as grandiose as the term "Eternal" implied. It did not provide an inexhaustible energy source in the literal sense. However, it significantly enhanced the combat prowess of Mechanized Warriors.

The advanced knowledge [Abnormal Energy] had granted Mechanized Warriors the ability to safely refine high-level energies such as spiritual energy, dark energy, and antimatter. This new energy source led to a comprehensive upgrade for Mechanized Warriors. With [Eternal Energy], they too had mastered the technology to refine multidimensional energy—marking a convergence of science and magic, as if the Mechanized Warriors had learned, like Magicians, to refine energy across multiple dimensions.

Yet, at the level of energy magnitude, this did not represent a leap in power. The strength of multidimensional energy was not superior to spiritual energy; it merely expanded the range of energy options available to Mechanized Warriors.

The true significance of [Eternal Energy] lay not in mastering new forms of energy, but in refining the application of existing energy sources.

It was akin to the progression from nuclear fission to fusion. By mastering more advanced energy refinement techniques, they could construct new generations of spiritual energy and dark energy reactors, dramatically increasing output power while enhancing stability.

The tangible result was a comprehensive boost in weapon strength, shield capacity, and mechanical performance—this was the improvement brought by energy technological innovation.

The new Ultimate Knowledge also bestowed upon Han Xiao a new specialization and a new skill:

[High-Energy Controller]: When utilizing high-level energy, attack power gain coefficient increases by 1.15x, shield strength by 1.2x, mechanical constructs’ energy core power by 30%, and output power by 20%.

[Energy Revolution]: A passive skill. This skill can only be upgraded by increasing the mastery level of [Eternal Energy]. Each upgrade unlocks more advanced energy technologies and reactor blueprints—knowledge is power.

Energy is paramount; for any Mechanized Warrior, it is best to max out [Eternal Energy]. This knowledge, along with the grind required to achieve it, became one of the primary sources of frustration for Mechanic players in later stages.

If one chose a different branch during re-specialization, the cost of tripling potential points would drive players to madness!

Even Han Xiao found it somewhat taxing. After reaching level 280, his accumulated potential points totaled 21, while learning this knowledge required 24 points. He had to upgrade several skills to full capacity to meet the cost. To elevate [Eternal Energy] from Level 1 to Level 5 would require 96 potential points—equivalent to upgrading 96 blueprints to full capacity.

This was far more costly than upgrading experience!

The strength of Mechanized Warriors stemmed from knowledge. Simply rushing to higher character levels was insufficient. Only by elevating knowledge levels could they achieve greater combat power at the same level—this was the essence of the Mechanized Warrior path.

Han Xiao’s four Ultimate Knowledges were all at Level 1. As his character level rose, he would need to consider upgrading these Ultimate Knowledges. Due to his unique scapegoat advantage, he resolved to maximize the levels of all Ultimate Knowledges. This would undoubtedly be a long journey, but upon completion, his combat power would soar beyond all expectations.

Beyond his own growth, Han Xiao also attended to his subordinates. He applied [Ability Enhancement] cards to both Harra and Oruela, the former possessing a stable A-level latent potential, the latter a strategic-level ability.

He reserved his final opportunity for later use, as the S-ranked Emrys was his equal, making it impossible to use on her. He decided to save this chance to observe the situation.

During this month, Han Xiao handled various Legion affairs, the most significant being the commercial cooperation with the Radiant Federation. This was a prearranged deal.

The cooperation involved the Radiant Federation assisting the Black Star Legion in establishing a branch in the Star Abyss domain, which Han Xiao coordinated, arranging several satellite bases to be sent there.

The personnel sent to establish the branch did not include Legion players. Han Xiao had no habit of transplanting his scapegoat to others’ domains.

Currently, two major events were unfolding among Legion players: the internal conflict of the Galarian Civilization and the first phase of exploration in the Dazzling World. They had plenty to occupy their time.

Moreover, the pre-tournament promotions for the Professional League had already begun, as version 3.0 marked a period of explosive player numbers, with a flood of newcomers. The promotional campaign for this tournament was far more significant than the previous two seasons. Every player intending to compete was actively preparing.

According to Han Xiao’s calculations, the enthusiasm of Legion players had increased by 47.5%, with their "foot soldier" level rising significantly.

The players themselves need not worry—Han Xiao had been primarily focused on the aftermath of the Xi Shen Collapse event. During his time recuperating at the headquarters, the event’s repercussions had rippled across the universe.

The three major civilizations had launched a new round of anti-crime campaigns. The Fallen Ark, a notorious criminal organization of this era, had fractured and scattered, with countless criminals fleeing the Central Sea, roaming the cosmos. Reports suggested that various factions were actively recruiting these criminals, dividing Xi Shen’s influence.

The Fallen Ark was the most famous criminal organization of its time, though not the only one. Across the vast universe, other large-scale criminal organizations were active in various star domains, these being the recipients of Xi Shen’s legacy.

The Black Star Legion too had been affected. Valeria’s report indicated a sudden surge in new recruits joining the Legion, likely due to the reputation and prestige Han Xiao had gained from his cosmic-level achievements.

Most recruits were victims under Xi Shen’s tyranny. Two individuals, however, caught Han Xiao’s attention.

…

In the Legion Headquarters’ meeting room, Sazeck and Rothir sat across from Han Xiao, sizing each other up.

Han Xiao’s gaze swept over the two, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he spoke: “Both of you are calamity-level super-abilities. Do you truly wish to join the Black Star Legion?”

Sazeck nodded, speaking softly: “Xi Shen destroyed my homeland. My life’s purpose is to avenge him. I once made a promise: as long as someone helps me avenge him, I am willing to serve them.”

Rothir’s face was obscured by a mask, his expression unreadable. He merely nodded faintly in agreement, his demeanor cold and silent.

“Since that is the case, I on behalf of the Black Star Legion welcome your joining.”

Han Xiao smiled and nodded. Calamity-level was a high-tier combat strength, desirable in any faction. Naturally, he would not refuse them.

He valued these two individuals not merely for their calamity-level status, but because in his past life, they were renowned NPCs.

In his previous existence, Xi Shen had been active across the universe in multiple versions, creating countless enemies. The Sazeck and Rothir before him were prominent figures from Xi Shen’s original storyline—his archenemies.

Sazeck operated a gray transit station in the desolate universe of the Central Sea, appearing to serve criminals but secretly a lurking serpent. During his operations, he secretly bribed members of the Fallen Ark, developing underlings, and covertly gathering intelligence to leak to higher civilizations. Simultaneously, he provided weapons and starships to various factions seeking vengeance against Xi Shen, such as players who had completed the three civilizations’ quests.

Through various means, Sazeck undermined the Fallen Ark’s influence. Yet in the universe, where criminals were abundant, his destructive impact paled in comparison to their expansion.

Finally, his actions were exposed when players who had received his protection posted about it on forums, leading to his identity being uncovered. He was killed by a group of wanted players.

Rothir was even more formidable. He was bold enough to assassinate Xi Shen himself, bearing an intermediate fortune halo, a vengeful protagonist-type figure.

Rothir was a bounty assassin specializing in targeting Fallen Ark members. In the mid-phase version, he established a secret organization called the “Assassin Alliance,” relatively small but composed entirely of elites, gaining recognition across the cosmos.

This was a hidden faction. Players could join after passing trials, where they could obtain the rare sub-class “Interstellar Assassin,” learn practical assassination skills from its members, and trigger an S-rank hidden main quest—[Assassinate Xi Shen].

In his previous life, the Assassin Alliance was highly popular. Some lone-wolf players enjoyed the feeling of being an assassin, especially those operating in the cosmos, which added to their prestige. These assassin players often targeted major figures, savoring the impact of their actions.

At his peak, Rothir possessed an A-level seed’s strength. As a stealthy assassin known for his lethal prowess, his intimidation factor surpassed that of ordinary A-level seeds, far exceeding Hadley’s, ranking among the top in the cosmos.

Yet his downfall was rather tragic. Unable to endure the torment of nightmares, he ultimately went alone to assassinate Xi Shen. In the end, the wind blew cold, and the mighty warrior vanished without a trace, dying at Xi Shen’s hands.

Based on his past achievements, Han Xiao valued Rothir’s potential more highly. If his loyalty could be secured, this individual held great potential for cultivation.

Reflecting on Rothir’s past, Han Xiao harbored an idea.

“Beyond the Vanguard Officers, I could establish a small unit—not stationed beside me, but constantly operating in the shadows, responsible only to me. They could be called the Shadow Guard or Shadow Walkers…”

If Rothir were to establish the Assassin Alliance as in his past life, perhaps he could attract a large number of lone-wolf players, utilizing them to complete tasks that could not be publicly acknowledged…

As Han Xiao was brainstorming, Sazeck suddenly produced a data storage device and placed it on the table.

“Lord Black Star, this is my gift.”

Upon hearing this, Han Xiao tilted his head, curious:

“What’s inside?”

“Part of Xi Shen’s legacy.” Sazeck whispered. “Before leaving the Central Sea, I used all my underlings to loot several of Xi Shen’s research bases, accessing their databases and copying some data. This is my pledge to join the Legion.”

Han Xiao’s eyes lit up, his gaze upon Sazeck filled with admiration.

What a sensible scapegoat, and one who brings his own fertilizer!

He was someone who could be relied upon.

“Various factions are dividing Xi Shen’s assets. I never expected to be at home and still receive a share of the legacy.” Han Xiao chuckled, shaking his head.

He raised his finger, firing a stream of nanites that morphed into a data interface, connecting to the storage device.

“Philip, read the contents.”

“Acknowledged.”

Han Xiao closed his eyes, entering the quantum network’s vision. His brain raced at lightning speed, rapidly processing the data within the storage device under Philip’s assistance, absorbing Xi Shen’s accumulated knowledge.

Here lie many treasures: secret intelligence from certain civilizations, blueprints of lost technologies, ancient whispered secrets, research reports on specialized techniques, and more.

After browsing for a while, Han Xiao quickly discovered materials pertaining to the Evolver Civilization, and his heart leapt with joy.

The ability to carry the evolution block—or one touched by the foreign deity’s light—now meant he possessed the Evolver Civilization’s manual. With it, he could craft a containment device on his own, resolving the predicament once and for all. No longer would he fear damaging the portable device and releasing its true form. Moreover, the possibilities for using the blocks had multiplied.

This collection was worth a fortune to him!

“What a find,” Han Xiao restrained his excitement and continued rapidly flipping through the other documents.

Suddenly, his gaze narrowed, and a single document caught his attention.

“Hmm, this is… a clue to ultra-high-risk abilities?”