Chapter 925: Hela's Farewell

Chapter 925: Hela's Farewell

In the battle information, Soroquin's rank was a question mark, just like with Manning before him, revealing only a fraction of his abilities. Soroquin's strength was like a fox in a henhouse, showing only a glimpse of his true power.

Soroquin was a psychic, his displayed abilities almost entirely related to the mind—enhancing, invading, reading, and controlling in multiple directions. Han Xiao also noticed several unique skills and specialties.

[[Soul Immortality]]: When his health reaches zero, his soul can detach from his shattered body and survive as a spiritual entity. In this state, he becomes a being of pure energy, gaining a new health slot that does not decay. He gains physical immunity and extreme resistance to negative effects, able to penetrate most obstacles. He can inhabit the neural domains of other beings. Only energy and soul attacks can harm him. The powerful psychic energy surrounding his soul grants it immortality; even without a body, as long as his soul endures, he remains alive.

[[Rebirth of the Body]]: If his body is destroyed, he can consume psychic energy to reshape it. The reformed body starts at 30% health. The body is the vessel and barrier of the soul.

[[Multidimensional Energy Absorption]]: He can absorb free multidimensional energy to replenish stamina.

[[Soul Stamina Foundation]]: A unique speciality, his soul, like flesh cells, can provide and store stamina.

[[The Eternal One]]: His soul resistance gains slight enhancement.

[[The Deceiver—Soroquin]]: A unique speciality, his psychic abilities increase by 75%, his intelligence and mystical attributes by 20%, and all psychic skills' effect levels increase by 4 (this effect can break the level cap).

"Such powerful abilities..." Han Xiao's expression grew serious.

[[Soul Immortality]] and [[Rebirth of the Body]] were godlike skills for a psychic. Normally, when a psychic loses their body, they die or their soul continuously deteriorates. But Soroquin's soul existed independently, needing no vessel. This might be a result of his race's evolution.

Based on these two abilities and [[The Eternal One]], Han Xiao formed some thoughts.

Perhaps... Soroquin has lived for a very long time under different identities?

No wonder his records were so sparse!

"If that's true, his age might far exceed my imagination!"

Han Xiao subtly tensed, casting a glance.

Had the battle information not revealed this, he would have found it hard to guess Soroquin's secret with his low-key, submissive demeanor.

"This guy is strong, yet he places himself in a low position, doesn't mind showing humility, and flatters others. People easily underestimate him. He's lived long, but he's completely different from those with a strong aura like Manning... What a shadowy fellow!"

Han Xiao muttered inside.

Soroquin, of course, was unaware he had revealed his background, nor did he know what Han Xiao was thinking. The recent probing had left him slightly irritated, and he remained silent for a time.

They walked in silence for several minutes, when Soroquin's eyes suddenly shifted. He received news from Lofier, a smile crossing his face. After a moment's thought, he spoke again:

"Lord Blackstar, have you ever considered publicly selling evolver totems?"

Han Xiao snapped back to reality, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't mind, it mainly depends on the Empire's wishes."

"Ah, if evolver totems could be sold to all civilizations, Blackstar Corps' market value would stabilize at an extremely high level. The profits from such a monopoly business would be enormous, but we can't cooperate..."

Soroquin's expression was tinged with regret.

Han Xiao smiled but didn't answer, though his heart stirred. He felt Soroquin's words carried another meaning.

After touring the headquarters, the two parted ways. Han Xiao watched Soroquin return to his room, staring at the spot where he had stood for a few seconds before turning away and returning to his office.

In his office, after some contemplation, Han Xiao contacted Vivian. Speaking softly, he commanded:

"Check the movements of the Infinite Corporation after entering the Broken Nebula."

"Understood."

...

A few days later, the Blackstar Summit was held as planned, with all guests gathering in the banquet hall. The scene was lively.

Han Xiao made a brief speech, summarizing last year's achievements. With applause, he announced the start of the banquet.

Those present included representatives from various civilizations, numerous cooperative organizations, and partners of Blackstar Corps, encompassing many ventures.

Years ago, Han Xiao had set the "Pan-Galaxy Interests Alliance" plan. Now, developed over several years, it was taking shape. These collaborators shared various business channels with the Corps, enabling its industrial scale. This plan was one of the Corps' foundational pillars for future development, something he valued highly.

Surrounded by waves of people, Han Xiao engaged in enthusiastic conversations. Vivian stood beside him, handling it with ease, laughter often erupting in the crowd. These representatives were all respected, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

In another corner of the banquet hall, Soroquin was surrounded by people. The Infinite Corporation was the wealthiest in attendance. Normally, meeting Soroquin was difficult, and many took the opportunity to introduce themselves.

Soroquin held a wine cup, smiling politely while engaging with those approaching him, yet observing all the guests. Watching the grandeur of the Blackstar Summit, his eyes held a peculiar, playful glint.

At the same time, his parasitic consciousness descended into the war domain, taking residence in one of Lofier's attendants.

The Tyrant Summit and the Blackstar Summit were held simultaneously, but the former was much emptier than the latter. Only a few whispered in corners, while most focused on their drinks and food.

Though He Boer wore a blank expression, seeing this scene, his mood was clearly not good.

Lofier wandered through the banquet, noticing a glance from one of her attendants. She nodded knowingly, moving quietly to meet that attendant.

"What's going on?" Lofier whispered softly.

"Your father has left you in charge of the Corporation's affairs here. When the resources arrive, you'll be able to control them."

Soroquin nodded.

Lofier's eyes brightened with surprise. Competition among siblings—this important task was entrusted to her, a sign of her father's regard.

Suppressing her excitement, Lofier whispered, "What's the specific plan? Are there any special precautions to take?"

"The detailed plan I'll give you later. To undermine Blackstar Corps' business, we must first target their allies."

Soroquin smiled faintly. "I see that Blackstar deliberately created a vast interest network for his subordinates. Our first step is to cut his web, scatter it, and dismantle the decades-long setup he's carefully cultivated. I don't need to explain the methods to you."

"I understand."

"When the Corporation's resources arrive, begin your actions."

...

The summit concluded successfully, with guests achieving their goals. The next day, Soroquin bid his farewell and departed.

At Blackstar Corps' headquarters dock, Han Xiao watched the Infinite Corporation's fleet vanish into the starry void, his brow tightly furrowed, a grave expression on his face.

He left... I can't figure out his intentions.

Though he had uncovered Soroquin's hidden strength, making himself more cautious, he still knew nothing of Soroquin's thoughts.

Han Xiao always had a premonition that Soroquin was plotting something behind the scenes. If Blackstar Corps had encountered any unusual circumstances recently, it was likely Soroquin's doing.

Moreover, based on the probing, Soroquin's target was probably related to the evolver totems.

"Making trouble... I can't help it." Han Xiao exhaled sharply.

He had known from the start that the evolver totems issue wouldn't be resolved so easily. One day without meeting external demands meant one day of unrest.

The Empire bore most of the pressure, and Blackstar Corps' pressure was probably similar.

"If that's the case, it's best to spend some time in the Empire. Just leave some divine weapons and mechanical exoskeletons at Blackstar Corps' headquarters."

Han Xiao made a silent decision. He was wary of the Federation's teleportation ability.

Step by step...

At that moment, footsteps approached from behind. Han Xiao didn't need to turn around to know it was Hela.

"Han Xiao, I have something to discuss with you."

"What is it?" Han Xiao set aside his thoughts, turning to face Hela's striking, exquisite face.

"I need to leave for a while, could you take care of Oruo?"

Han Xiao furrowed his brow. "Where are you going?"

Following Master Aime to another star domain for training, you might not be able to serve as your bodyguard for the time being," Hera whispered softly.

Han Xiao was surprised, "Is Aime going too?"

"Yes, it was the teacher who invited me to go along."

He stared at Hera for a moment, and Hera met his gaze calmly, their eyes lingering in mutual regard before Han Xiao finally broke into a smile.

"Fine, this is good news—I approve. I’ll take care of Eu Rura."

"Thank you." Hera nodded in gratitude.

"There’s no need for thanks between us," Han Xiao stepped forward, his hand resting on Hera’s shoulder in a quiet murmur, "I hope when you return, you’ll have reached super-A level."

"You really have confidence in me," Hera smiled, a rare occurrence, hesitating briefly before punching her fist against Han Xiao’s chest, "Take care of yourself as well."

"Don’t worry. I’ve appointed Fritz as the interim bodyguard to lead things in my absence—he’s reliable. You go ahead without concern; it won’t affect me in the least. You… hey, don’t walk away yet—there’s more to say."

He watched Hera leave with a troubled expression, then rubbed his forehead in resignation, masking his true feelings.

Sending Hera away for training wasn’t a bad thing. Opportunities for her to act within his presence were few and far between, but gaining more training experience would help her unlock her potential and reach super-A status.

Still, he hadn’t expected Aime to join her. Rumor had it that after being defeated by him two years prior, Aime had dedicated himself to cultivation, and now, to his surprise, he wasn’t staying put anymore—apparently, he was truly determined to strive for strength.

With Aime by her side, Hera’s safety was assured. Yet Han Xiao still resolved to equip their spaceship with a contingent of mechanical troops and mechanical exosuits as a safeguard.

They had worked hard; he couldn’t idle either…

Han Xiao entered the quantum network’s vision, inquiring of Philip:

"How did the stamina training methods collection turn out?"

"Master, hum—I’ve already filtered out the more valuable options for you, please check hum."

A list materialized before him, all comprising premium stamina training methods available across various interstellar markets, sourced from different races, civilizations, and superhuman collectives, their names eclectic and varied.

Glancing over it once, Han Xiao made his decision.

"Buy all of them."