Chapter 902: Evolver Totem (Thanks to Zhang Weiyu's alliance leader 100,000 reward!) (Revised)

Chapter 902: Totem of the Evolvers (Thank you, Zhang Weiyu, for the 100,000 reward as a leader!) (Editing)

A few days later.

At the army corps' dedicated mechanical factory, Han Xiao followed the blueprints to construct the production line for the totem devices and Oventon badges, which was operating fully automatically, churning out fresh products every moment and dispatching them via conveyor belts to the specially designated warehouse. As for the Genetic Collapse Missiles, he had yet to commit to mass production, only crafting a single experimental sample.

Han Xiao took three samples for testing.

The totem device was a black cylindrical body standing five meters tall and two meters in diameter, with a wide base, its surface engraved with intricate silver energy circuits. At this moment, it remained uncharged, inactive.

The Oventon Badge was a diamond-shaped emblem no larger than half a palm, unremarkable in appearance.

Han Xiao traced the passage key's pattern onto the totem device's base with his finger. A hiss echoed as the base rotated nearly a full circle, revealing a dark cavity—an energy circuit interface for fuel insertion.

He withdrew a portable containment unit for Evolution Blocks, activated it with practiced ease, and unleashed a serpentine stream of evolutionary energy, which he poured into the totem device's base cavity.

In the next instant, the totem device shuddered violently.

Hum.

Once fueled, the totem device sprang to life. The silver energy circuits along its cylinder blazed from base to top, beginning to flicker rhythmically like a heartbeat. This evolutionary energy underwent a series of transformations within the device, gradually diluting from concentrated form into invisible radiation, then re-released at a steady output rate.

"The totem device requires charging to operate. This burst of evolutionary energy allows it to function for over ten days. The more fuel poured in, the longer it sustains. A single totem device can store enough fuel to operate for twenty years—a hallmark of Evolver civilization, which recharges once every two decades."

Han Xiao carefully observed the totem device's operational mode. In his perception, it became a radiation source, continuously emitting diluted evolutionary energy radiation, its influence range rapidly expanding, soon engulfing the entire Black Star Legion headquarters—a mere question of time.

Within the totem device's influence radius, Han Xiao's attribute panel instantly refreshed with an added BUFF.

[【Sustained Genetic Optimization】: You are enveloped in evolutionary radiation. Your latent potential will slowly improve, granting additional latent potential upon species ascension.]

Han Xiao nodded inwardly. Using an Evolution Block also elevated latent potential—a hidden attribute directly determining the magnitude of one's stats. Each species ascension's stat boost operated on the principle of altered latent potential.

Unlike the one-time enhancement from Evolution Blocks, this effect unfolded gradually. Its advantage lay in independence from one's spiritual realm, making it broadly applicable and ideal for mass use, without the side effects of experience penalties.

As long as one remained within the totem device's influence, the BUFF would persist.

Han Xiao reached out to touch the running totem device, noting the item descriptions on its panel.

[【Evolver's Totem (Activated)】: A specialty of Evolver civilization. Using Evolution Block energy as fuel, it broadly optimizes biological gene structures, enhances latent potential, and increases the awakening probability for non-powered units.]

[Note: "Though we have mastered evolution, I firmly oppose the vice-director's custom population theories and extreme evolution doctrines. Evolution should proceed gradually—nourishment is better than a sudden feast." —Uushet, Director of the Evolution Block Gene Technology Institute, "Totem" Project Lead]

"This device can be deployed en masse, though first I must report to the Empire." Han Xiao nodded.

As the legacy of the fallen gods was divided among numerous factions, Evolver civilization's knowledge would inevitably spread. Though not publicly disclosed in the cosmos, advanced civilizations surely had ways to obtain this intelligence—so concealment was impossible.

As an ally of the Empire, possessing such a treasure, he would undoubtedly provide it en masse to the Crimson Empire, trading it for greater support and attention.

—The spread of Evolver's Totem technology elevated the allure of Evolution Blocks by several tiers. Only by feeding the Empire would it continue to fend off countless factions' encroachments.

Selling Evolver's Totems to other civilizations required consultation with the Empire. As allies, he couldn't act unilaterally; reckless mass sales would provoke the Empire's displeasure. After all, the Empire didn't want rivals to enjoy the totem's benefits.

Meanwhile, Han Xiao picked up the Oventon Badge and input a surge of evolutionary energy.

[【Oventon Badge】: A specialty of Evolver civilization. According to preset genetic inclinations, it dramatically reconfigures the user's gene sequence, achieving "extreme evolution." Users will likely become biological anomalies, gaining massive stat boosts. Upon the effect ending, users cannot suppress their genetic collapse and will inevitably perish.]

[Note: "Countless failed extreme evolution experiments squandered vast resources. Higher-ups blamed us for no results, so we crafted this... uh, shoddy byproduct, originally intending to deceive investors, but the leadership seemed pleased. Next year's funding for extreme evolution projects increased by 40%." —Bandaji, Vice Director of the Evolution Block Gene Technology Institute]

Han Xiao idly played with the badge, then set it back on the table.

The device carried heavy side effects—he had no interest in personally testing it.

The Oventon Badge posed little threat to S-Class beings, whose mastery over their spiritual energy was so refined that even if evolutionary energy entered their bodies, they could expel it over time, akin to detoxification. Such biochemical toxins couldn't even kill disaster-level threats, let alone S-Class entities.

Compared to the Evolver's Totem, the Oventon Badge was far less valuable, yet still useful.

"Perfect. I can rebrand the Oventon Badge's design as the Black Star Legion's emblem, a faction specialty. Other factions' insignias merely serve decorative purposes, but ours can spawn offspring—an impressive touch."

Han Xiao stroked his jaw in thought, "This device should first find a few players to test, then sell it."

As for the Genetic Collapse Missiles, Han Xiao merely glanced at the item description.

[【Genetic Collapse Missile】: A biochemical weapon of Evolver civilization's design. Capable of causing biological genetic collapse, commonly used for planetary extermination.]

[Note: "This weapon is suitable for eliminating resistance on a planet's surface, yet utterly ineffective in interstellar warfare. I prefer smaller, portable genetic collapse bombs." —Mosen, Director of the Evolution Block Gene Technology Institute's Weapons Development Department]

Han Xiao withdrew his communicator, transmitting the totem device's test report to Ulanre's private number. Not long after, the communicator chimed.

Connecting the call, Han Xiao saw Ulanre's remote projection appear before him.

"Black Star, you've created the Evolver's Totem?"

"Indeed, I've tested it—it functions. I contacted you to discuss this matter."

"Excellent!"

Ulanre's expression remained composed, though a flicker of surprise crossed her face.

She paused, realizing an issue, her voice dipping:

"The Evolver knowledge came from the fallen gods' legacy. Manufacturing Evolver's Totems has already leaked the technology—there will be more factions in possession of it."

"Yes, yet as an energy source, the Evolution Blocks are singular."

Han Xiao nodded. "I will provide the Empire with Evolver's Totems en masse. Conversely, I will also sell them to other civilizations—naturally, provided it doesn't harm the Empire's interests. I'll only sell to civilizations close to or allied with the Empire."

Ulanre's eyes flashed.

"Understood. I see your intent."

Evolver's Totems held immense appeal for civilizations. The Empire's dominance could seize them, yet this approach would incite resentment and envy across other civilizations—not a favorable outcome. This pressure would largely fall upon Han Xiao.

Han Xiao's plan was to use Evolver's Totems as leverage, compelling civilizations purchasing them to align with or join the Empire, thereby the Empire could subtly recruit more political allies, while he harvested vast networks and wealth.

Blocking is worse than dilating—feeding the Empire ensured its sustenance, while allied civilizations had resources to spare. This showed other civilizations a path to obtaining totems, reducing their pressure.

Moreover, this wasn't a one-off transaction. Evolver's Totems required fuel to function; without it, they're merely decorative. Purchasers must maintain ongoing cooperation with Han Xiao, recharging the totems repeatedly, generating steady revenue, and curbing the black market value. Even if some civilizations acquired them through the black market, they couldn't sustain usage indefinitely.

Ulanre considered this, ultimately agreeing to the scheme.

After all, totems weren't military weapons but tools for societal benefit. Advanced civilizations studied genetic technology, just not as thoroughly as Evolver civilization's, making totems less sensitive. Exclusive ownership was ideal, but politically, it would invite collective attacks. In a unipolar scenario, the Empire could ignore other civilizations' opinions, but in a multipolar world with contemporaries like Radiant and Void, she had to account for their perspectives. Han Xiao's approach was a form of mutual benefit.

The two discussed matters, reached an agreement, leaving the remaining cooperation details to subordinates for negotiation.

After ending the call, Han Xiao reflected, opened the faction panel, and posted a task.

[【Product Tester】]

[Task Brief: Black Star has recently developed a new product, requiring volunteers to test it at headquarters (risk of death involved).]

[Task Requirements: Assist Black Star in testing the product.]

[Rewards: 100,000 experience, 500 Black Star Legion contribution points, 50,000 Inanar.]

[Note: Task slots limited to ten. Testing begins in three hours. Failure to arrive on time results in -1,000 contribution points, -20 Black Star favor.]

The task had only ten slots. Upon posting, it was instantly claimed by ten applicants.

……

Three hours later, ten players arrived at the testing site Philip had indicated, looking around nervously.

One of them was a real-life player.

The fall of the fallen gods had awakened his sense of opportunity, so he rushed back to Han Xiao, having stayed at headquarters, just in time for the task.

"Philip, you're here too."

"Dog, update quickly!"

"Aren't you afraid of getting razor blades sent to your face?"

The other nine players collectively chose a physical medium to extend their warm greetings to Meat Bun.

With so many episodes of the Black Star series updated, it had long since amassed a massive following; Meat Bun was something of a celebrity within the player community, and no matter where he went, he was bound to run into the content-demanding brigade.

After a brief scuffle, the heavy doors slid open once more, and Han Xiao walked in with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Greetings, Army Commander!" Meat Bun hastily broke free from the pile of men, rushing forward with a thoroughly obsequious air, a punchable smirk plastered across his face.

"Ah, it's you. Long time no see."

Han Xiao patted him on the shoulder.

Meat Bun’s spirits instantly soared, a profound sense of accomplishment washing over him.

Han Xiao turned to look at the crowd, cleared his throat, and spoke in a measured tone, "Since everyone is present, let us begin. The product we are testing today may have severe side effects."

As he spoke, Han Xiao produced ten fully charged Awitan Badges, their original patterns modified into the insignia of the Black Star Army.

The ten players each accepted a badge and began browsing the item description.

Upon reading the details, Meat Bun's eyes lit up, and he immediately toggled on his recording function.

By now, even the players knew that the Evolution Cube was in their Army Commander's hands, though Black Star had not deployed it for player use on a massive scale; Meat Bun sensed that the appearance of the Awitan Badge might well be the harbinger of the Evolution Cube’s widespread availability.

"Begin whenever you are ready," Han Xiao nodded.

The players exchanged glances, but without much hesitation, they pinned the Awitan Badges to their chests.

Although the item description warned that the side effect was certain death, the quest reward was a whopping fifty thousand Enals—no small sum even for players at their current level—making the risk entirely worthwhile.

The moment the first player activated the Awitan Badge, his body underwent a cataclysmic transformation.

Flesh proliferated wildly as bone spurs burst through his skin, his torso expanding like an inflating balloon; within moments, he had morphed into a biological aberration over five meters tall, resembling a monstrosity covered entirely in malignant tumors, the skin of his face torn apart by expanding muscle to reveal a truly horrifying visage.

The remaining nine looked on in absolute stupefaction, their fingers instinctively freezing over their own badges.

Yet before they could utter a word, the player who had transformed into the aberration let out a startled shriek of his own.

"Holy shit! What kind of monstrosity have I turned into?!"

...

(My lower back was aching terribly this afternoon, so I only came back to type after going out for a massage; hence the slightly delayed update.)