Chapter 949: High-Profile Action, Challenge Issued!

Chapter 949: A Grand Entrance, a Declaration of War!

The Shattered Star Ring, the border of the Solar Star Cluster, the inter-cluster stargate.

The territory of the Germant Empire bordered the Colton Star Cluster of the Purple Crystal Civilization, separated by a desolate cosmic belt and connected by stargates. After the Secret War ended, both sides lifted their wartime emergency states and reopened civilian stargates, restoring free travel between the two star clusters.

At this very moment, in the observation outpost guarding the stargate station, the sentry on duty today was blatantly slacking off, turning a blind eye to the fleet of ships passing through the stargate. He held his communicator in his hands, staring at it unblinkingly, a veritable case of severe screen addiction.

Ever since the Secret War ended, the Germant and Purple Crystal civilizations had tacitly chosen to recuperate. Coupled with the Black Star Legion joining the Crimson Dynasty, the two civilizations had little opportunity for conflict. With no incidents for several consecutive years, the garrison personnel gradually let their guard down.

It wasn't entirely fair to blame their lack of professionalism; the truth was that the vast majority of transiting ships were screened by AI, leaving little need for manual inspection. Thus, most of the time they either stared into space or slacked off, with absolutely nothing to do.

"Virtual idol singers are just the best..."

On the communicator screen was the virtual image of a beautiful Germant woman, clad in scant attire, dancing with lively grace while her melodious singing flowed like a clear spring and chimed like pearls falling on a jade plate.

The sentry on duty looked utterly infatuated, shaking his leg frantically as he swiped his finger across the screen, sending over a few virtual gifts purchased with real money.

This software was a universally popular entertainment application that allowed users to customize their preferred virtual avatars according to the aesthetics of different races. Beyond appearance, one could select an AI personality, experiment with any style, and enjoy an extremely high degree of customization. Once the virtual avatar was created, users could engage in a wide variety of interactions, such as having her sing AI-composed songs, playing Vian cards online with her, or even tipping her with money, essentially treating her as a real person.

Upon activating a premium membership, the avatar could project a three-dimensional hologram at life-size. For further desires, one could contact the official website to purchase a virtual sensory suit, allowing the user to feel the touch of the hologram, which came in both youth and adult versions.

If one didn't want to create a custom avatar, they could browse the database for templates shared by other users, choosing from any race and any appearance, catering to every conceivable taste.

In this era, despite the high degree of interstellar integration, there were still many reclusive individuals who preferred to create a perfect virtual friend, brother, child, or partner rather than making real friends.

—In the interstellar age, the otaku market was incredibly prosperous; the money of the homebound was truly easy to earn!

It was worth mentioning that this software was developed by a subsidiary brand under the Infinite Consortium. Its annual revenue was terrifyingly massive; the money earned in a single year could theoretically purchase an entire War Domain.

The sentry on duty was engrossed in admiring his dream girl when suddenly, an artificially synthesized voice that instantly killed any romantic mood blared to life.

"Special marked transit individual detected. Transferring to manual inspection phase."

Startled by the sudden voice, the leg-shaking sentry nearly dropped his communicator. Regaining his composure, he impatiently set the device down and, harboring the resentment of being interrupted, turned to operate the inspection system.

"Who on earth... Huh? The Black Star Legion?!"

In an instant, the sentry shivered and snapped fully awake. The party currently submitting for transit inspection was none other than the forces of the Black Star Legion.

In the databases of civilian stargates like this one, certain individuals were specially marked, such as interstellar fugitives. Due to the grievances of the Secret War and Black Star's growing influence, the Germant Empire had added the Black Star Legion to the marked list. Any personnel bearing the identity of the Black Star Legion entering Germant territory had to be reported by the stargate station staff.

Knowing he lacked the authority to inspect them, the sentry immediately notified his squad leader, who in turn notified the stargate station commander. The message was passed up the ranks, sent directly to the inbox of a high-ranking official of the civilization.

Before long, a directive came down from above, permitting the Black Star Legion to pass through.

Soon, a small fleet bearing the emblem of the Black Star Legion sailed out of the stargate, transforming into streaks of light as they vanished into the distance, leaving behind enduring trails of exhaust that reflected in the sentry's pupils.

Although the Black Star Legion was allowed to pass, the Germant high command was now plunged into a state of shock and suspicion.

Ordinarily, the Black Star Legion and they had no dealings whatsoever, and the Legion rarely ventured into the Solar Star Cluster.

What could they possibly be planning with this sudden visit?

They must send someone to tail and monitor them!

...

To the surprise of the Germant Empire, the news of the Black Star Legion's sudden visit to their territory spread like wildfire, quickly reaching the numerous factions and interstellar citizens of the Shattered Star Ring.

The Germant high command knew exactly the reason behind it; someone was definitely fanning the flames and spreading the news from the shadows.

Thinking it over, only the Black Star Legion itself would do such a thing. At first, the Germant Empire didn't understand the Legion's actions, but upon realizing that the fleet's heading was actually toward the War Domain, the high command had a sudden epiphany.

Of course, it must be the War Domain's recent actions that had drawn the Black Star Legion!

The Germant Empire was unaware of the behind-the-scenes truth of the alliance between the War Domain and the Infinite Consortium. They only knew that the War Domain's power had surged as a result, devouring and seizing the Black Star Legion's interests, leading to direct competition between the two sides.

Heber was their ally, and the Germant Empire had originally intended to use certain means to support him, but by the time they realized it, it was already too late.

The news that "the Black Star Legion's target is the War Domain" had already spread. Now, more than half of the Shattered Star Ring knew that the Black Star Legion was about to make a move against Heber.

Furthermore, the Black Star Legion had even made the itinerary of this fleet public, making no effort to hide their intentions. With each passing day, the distance to the War Domain's headquarters continued to shrink.

Amidst such a high-profile buildup, numerous interstellar citizens in the Shattered Star Ring were waiting to watch the show, eagerly anticipating the confrontation between the two sides.

With public opinion already ignited, there was little the Germant Empire could do to meddle now.

After more than half a month of waiting, the headquarters of the War Domain finally welcomed the ominously approaching Black Star Fleet.

...

Above the headquarters of the War Domain, fleets filled the sky like a cloud of steel. All vanguard commanders had been recalled, leading their respective fleets in strict formation, standing by for battle.

Heber stood on the planet's surface with his hands behind his back, looking up at the deep black sky, his expression impassive and his lips sealed.

According to the itinerary published by the Black Star Legion, today was the day the fleet would arrive.

Upon realizing the Black Star Legion was heading straight for him, Heber knew his ominous premonition had come true. But this was his turf; he would not run, nor could he run.

Not only that, Heber had also ordered his mobile headquarters to halt in place, specifically waiting for the Black Star Fleet's arrival. He deliberately showed that he was not panicked in the least, lest anyone mistake it for fear of Black Star and assume he was manipulating the headquarters to flee and delay the schedule.

In truth, Heber did not understand Black Star's intentions. He did not believe Black Star would dare to provoke infighting between allies of the Dynasty.

Was this guy trying to intimidate him with this method?

You're clearly staying within the Dynasty's borders and not even showing up in person, and you think this will make me wary?

Hmph, truly wishful thinking!

Thus, Heber was extremely calm now, simply wanting to see what trick Han Xiao had up his sleeve.

Although he felt Han Xiao wouldn't make a real move, the show of force was still necessary, so he had the headquarters' fleet assume its current alert status.

As for whether the incoming fleet would suddenly detour and play a trick on him, Heber didn't even consider the possibility. If they actually did that, it would be the Black Star Legion who would lose face.

After waiting for a while, suddenly, points of light flickered at the edge of his vision. In the blink of an eye, they halted not far from Heber's Star, revealing the visage of the Black Star Fleet, standing in distant confrontation with the War Domain's fleets.

The scale of the two fleets was incomparable. Heber's side had well over a million ships, while this Black Star Fleet consisted of merely a few dozen vessels, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

On the other side, the trailing Germant fleet had also arrived. Besides them, the surroundings were filled with many interstellar citizens and media personnel who had gathered to watch the spectacle.

These people had referenced the Black Star Legion's itinerary and arrived early, preparing to witness the scene firsthand with overwhelming presence.

Heber snorted, took out his communicator, and opened a wide-area communication channel. Seizing the initiative, he spoke with a faint tone:

"Black Star, I haven't invited you recently, nor did you announce your visit in advance. So, what is the meaning of this uninvited arrival?"

Hearing this, the many interstellar citizens gathered to watch the show grew excited. They could smell the gunpowder in his words and eagerly awaited Black Star's response.

After a moment, a cold, mechanical voice finally echoed through the wide-area channel. Without any pleasantries or small talk, it went straight to the point, bringing a chilling atmosphere:

"Heber, do you remember our unfinished battle?"

Heber's eyes narrowed abruptly.

Without waiting for his reply, the mechanical body possessed by Han Xiao continued on its own:

"Back when I had just entered the Super A-grade, you challenged me to a fight. Because of the Dynasty, that challenge was called off without a result. You and I have yet to determine a victor."

"Hmph." Heber's tone turned cold. "So, you're here to issue a declaration of war?"

"That's right," Han Xiao said lightly. "Back then, you took advantage of my recent ascension to Super A-grade, trying to bully me. Now is the perfect time. I'm here to settle this debt. In twenty days, I will fight you in the Solar Star Cluster. The location is up to you."

"Twenty days? Heh, can you even make it back from within the Dynasty's borders in time?"

"Rest assured, the only ones fighting you will be the two million mechanical legionaries loaded on this fleet, along with one of my Sovereign avatars," Han Xiao said slowly. "You aren't afraid, are you? Where's the confidence you had when you challenged me back then? I've only been in the Super A-grade for a few years, and you're already afraid to fight me?"

The mechanical lifeforms were all incubating civilizations in the Shining World. This time, Han Xiao had not brought any Apostle weapons, only a Sovereign avatar and a batch of mechanical war soldiers kept in reserve at the headquarters' warehouse. These mechanical war soldiers were all manufactured before his level 300 advancement and had not received Han Xiao's current manufacturing bonuses.

Hearing these words, Herbol was instantly seized by wrath.

Ever since the Beacon Star campaign, Herbol had known he was likely no match for Han Xiao, provided Han Xiao fought in person; yet now, without even bringing an Apostle Weapon, he dared to challenge him with nothing but a Sovereign avatar and a mechanical legion?

Was this not a blatant display of utter contempt?!

"Heh..." Herbol's face was masked in frost as he spoke in a deep voice, "You dare not come in person, afraid of having no escape route if you lose? Hmph, challenging me with a bunch of mechanical soldiers—even if I wipe them all out, you remain perfectly safe, don't you?"

"Think what you will; the challenge has been issued, the question is whether you dare accept it," Han Xiao remained unmoved.

Herbol immediately began to calculate in his mind, suddenly realizing that Han Xiao had already sealed off his retreat.

Firstly, the matter had already blown out of proportion, and the title of Overlord forbade him from conceding defeat; secondly, back when he had bullied Han Xiao for being newly promoted to Beyond Grade A, the man had accepted the duel without hesitation, so if he now hesitated and refused the challenge, it would mean he was afraid, leading outsiders to believe he only bullied the weak and feared the strong, causing the deterrent power of the Overlord title to plummet.

So that is your game...

Herbol was utterly infuriated.

Settling old scores was merely an excuse to force him into a corner where he couldn't refuse; in essence, it was because of their recent competition, where he had sabotaged the Black Star Army's interest conglomerate plan, prompting the other party to strike at the core and issue a public challenge, intending to let their fists do the talking and crush his reputation as a Beyond Grade A.

Black Star, you've chosen your timing perfectly, backing me into a corner where I cannot refuse!

Laughing in sheer fury, Herbol sneered, "Very well, I accept your challenge. Black Star, you've had it too easy lately and grown increasingly arrogant; let me hand you a defeat and help you sober up!"

—If Han Xiao's main body had come, Herbol would have admitted defeat, knowing he was no match, but with only an avatar leading the troops, he didn't believe he would lose.

To dare underestimate him to this extent...

Did they really think the Overlord was made of clay?!

"Very well, I await your message."

Seeing Herbol accept, the Black Star fleet turned and left without delay, executing their departure with swift decisiveness, vanishing rapidly from everyone's sight.

"Move out," Herbol snorted coldly, waving his hand to order the fleet to descend and return.

He cast a cold glance at the numerous onlookers, striding back into the palace, his tall and burly silhouette disappearing from their view.

The interstellar citizens who had watched the entire exchange were instantly stirred with excitement.

Many of them had witnessed the duel between the two years ago, and now, history was repeating itself before their very eyes.

Yet this time, the roles were reversed!

"Haha, we're in for a real show!"

"Last time the Empire stepped in, it ended in a draw and fizzled out; I wonder if the Empire will mediate this time."

"Unlikely, they shouldn't have a reason to interfere; they didn't stop the Overlord's challenge last time, how could they stop Black Star from settling his accounts now?"

"Hey, so this is Black Star's 'war of revenge,' he's finally decided to retaliate!"

"I always said those two never got along; even if they became allies, a fight was inevitable!"

Countless interstellar citizens chattered and buzzed in the channels.

Meanwhile, within the headquarters base of the War Domain, the host possessed by Sorokin frowned, gazing up toward the direction the Black Star fleet was departing.

Black Star's move was quite bold, bearing the suspicion of inciting internal strife; Sorokin had anticipated such a possibility, yet he hadn't expected Black Star to actually go through with it.

If he truly managed to defeat the Overlord, Black Star would gain immense prestige, which could indeed reduce the War Domain's competitiveness to a certain extent, but at the cost of the Overlord's reputation plummeting... in his view, the Crimson Dynasty would not easily sit idly by and let this happen, as the deterrent power of a Beyond Grade A ally was equivalent to the Empire's own bargaining chips.

"If you actually succeed, my plans will only grow more difficult," Sorokin's brows knitted tightly as he fell into deep thought.