Chapter 993: Rising Tide (2)

Chapter 993: The Rising Tide (II)

Today marked the convening of the annual Black Star Gathering, and the headquarters of the Black Star Army, nestled within the Shattered Star Ring, teemed with representatives from countless factions.

Over a decade had passed, and the Black Star Gathering had long since crystallized into the army's signature tradition.

Compared to years past, the guest list for today's banquet had multiplied manifold; many hailed from distant starfields, organizations poised to prospect for gold in the Shining World, and with its imminent opening, even more had arrived to scout the terrain and curry favor with the Black Star, who now held dominion over a corner of that nascent realm.

Following the third phase, the tally of explored star clusters had swelled to nine; the Dawn Cluster served as the gateway to the Shining World, firmly held by the Empire, while the Golu, Reynor, and Crown Ring clusters from the initial phase had been largely parceled out to key allies, their foundations laid and a nascent hierarchy already etched into the void. The five clusters charted in the second and third phases, however, brimmed with untapped potential, leading the Empire to withhold a vast array of quotas, intending to scatter the burden of construction among the powers of the universe.

According to the Empire's official decree, the Black Star Army had been granted two fresh star systems, nestled adjacently within the second-phase Russo Cluster and the third-phase Mako Cluster, while only a scant few other allies managed to secure territories in the subsequent allocations.

Unlike the initial phase, the Empire would no longer surrender vast tracts of land; instead, it sought to embed its pillars of state and formidable allies within the ensuing clusters, thereby preserving its iron grip over each region once the borders were thrown open.

Clutching nine star systems within its grasp, the Black Star Army now stood as the largest territorial power in the Shining World, second only to the Empire itself, compelling countless factions to fawn over its banner in hopes of securing passage and privilege during the coming exploration.

The headquarters' grand hall surged with a sea of faces and a cacophony of voices, where myriad sapient species mingled and conversed, their attire a kaleidoscope of the bizarre and magnificent, resembling a grand exposition of ten thousand races.

Many among them were attending the Black Star Gathering for the very first time, clustering in small groups to survey the venue, exchanging hushed whispers as they attempted to pick out the army's high-ranking officers from the crowd.

"That woman encircled by representatives of cluster-level civilizations is Sylvia, the Chief Affairs Officer under the Black Star and his grand steward; rumor has it her capabilities are formidable, keeping the entire army running with clockwork precision... Beside her stands Fleet Commander Melos, and the girl at his side is his disciple, Mia, who stepped into the Calamity Grade a year ago and single-handedly eradicated a rebel interstellar faction guarded by a Calamity-class entity, and is whispered to be the lover of the 'Young Commander,' Nilo."

"...Look over there, that is Deputy Commander Raki, former Grand Inquisitor of the Red Robe Conclave and Honorary Minister of the Magic Department, who also oversees tens of thousands of Black Star Esper Academies; he made the Shattered Star Ring's Beyond Grade A seed list last year, and the youth beside him is Tomar, a prodigy of the arcane whom Austin reportedly tried to poach years ago, only to be rebuffed by the Black Star."

"The one studying blueprints in the corner is Leonard, head of the Logistics Department, the gloomy figure beside him is Shazik, deputy director of Intelligence, and the man with the trimmed mustache is Intepes, an executive of the Germinal Consortium... Nearly every department head and key cadre of the Black Star Army is present; by my count, there are over thirty Calamity Grades in attendance."

"And this is merely a fraction of their strength; word has it the Black Star's most elite guards are permanently stationed in the Shining World, so formidable figures like Hadaway and Fudin are absent, meaning the entire army likely boasts sixty or seventy Calamity Grades, plus two Beyond Grade A seeds—a veritable constellation of power."

"The Black Star has kept to the shadows these past few years, rarely showing his face in public save for these gatherings; I wonder if we might catch a moment to speak with him later..."

As the murmurs wove through the crowd, a holographic projection suddenly materialized upon the elevated dais.

The guests, who had been keeping a watchful eye on the platform, instantly turned their gaze, bowing their heads in unison as they offered their respects to the apparition.

"Lord Black Star."

Han Xiao gave a slight nod, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he spoke softly, "Welcome to the Black Star Army, honored guests."

Over a decade was but a fleeting breath against the span of his lifespan; time had failed to etch a single mark upon him, his features remaining as unblemished as a youth's.

The moment the host manifested, the hall erupted into renewed fervor, a tide of figures surging forward to exchange pleasantries.

Han Xiao, long accustomed to such scenes, offered polite smiles as he traded words with faces marked by reverence, excitement, or thinly veiled greed, all while quietly studying the crowd.

Within the archives of his memory, a considerable number of these factions were destined to become highly active within the Shining World.

Beyond the three Universal Civilizations and the Super Cluster powers, various neutral states and grassroots organizations were fated to play pivotal roles in the Shining World, their tangled web of interests constructing the grand stage for the Version 4.0 campaign, granting the players ample room to exercise their initiative—and wreak havoc.

Now, thanks to Han Xiao's relentless efforts, the army had secured a head start in the Shining World; with nine star systems as its bedrock, it could weave new webs of profit and alliance, expanding its reach, which was precisely why he had convened this banquet.

As he navigated the sea of greetings, Han Xiao silently cataloged each faction, cross-referencing them against the echoes of his past life.

The gathering concluded with hosts and guests alike thoroughly satisfied, and after seeing the visitors out, the senior cadres followed Han Xiao into his private office.

"Commander, the Shining World is on the verge of opening its borders; the day has finally arrived, and we must make further preparations to weather the coming tide," Sylvia remarked.

"Simply proceed according to the plan," Han Xiao murmured in acknowledgment.

The army had spent over a decade laying its groundwork; nearly every necessary preparation had been made, leaving only minor loose ends to tie.

The opening of the Shining World would herald the launch of Version 4.0, marking the return of the players and the activation of cross-starfield travel; gamers from every region would flood into this new world server, stepping into a fresh chapter of their journeys.

Compared to other players arriving in the first wave, those affiliated with the Black Star Army undoubtedly held the upper hand, for Han Xiao had granted them early access to the Shining World back in Version 3.0.

Han Xiao had awaited this moment for an age; the Black Star Army now stood ready to weather the influx of players at this new stage, while simultaneously seizing a prime opportunity to vastly expand his fields of leeks.

Through his machinations, the army had risen to become the largest private territorial power in the Shining World, capable of offering players greater conveniences and wielding far superior allure.

Over the past decade, the combat prowess and administrative efficiency of his subordinates had steadily climbed, and Han Xiao himself had not been idle; he had expanded his mechanical legions, refined his dimensional factories, and continuously converted more first-generation mechanical lifeforms to nurture the growth of his mechanical civilization.

Though he had yet to decipher the crafting methods for Universal Treasures, Han Xiao occasionally dispatched mechanical detachments to scour the stars for opportunities, securing easily obtainable specializations, completing objectives, and hoarding a substantial reserve of random reward draws, while also advancing several stages of the [Shining World] main questline.

Nearly all accumulated experience had been poured into upgrading skills to harvest potential points for advancing his class knowledge, leaving his personal level largely stagnant, hovering just past the three-hundred mark.

Beyond that, Han Xiao had studied other Beyond Grade A entities, gathering an array of energy cultivation techniques to gradually push the ceiling of his stamina through relentless, long-term training.

Thanks to the interface panel, his skill progression could be precisely quantified, granting him an efficiency that far outstripped his Beyond Grade A peers and yielding a truly remarkable overall improvement.

After more than a decade of accumulation, Han Xiao's foundation was no longer shallow, finally bearing the weight befitting a peak Beyond Grade A Mechanic.

Yet, my years of seclusion stand in stark contrast to my past exploits; many external factions likely believe my personal strength has stagnated, Han Xiao mused silently. Now, all pieces are in place, awaiting only the eastern wind; once Version 4.0 commences, my power shall truly enter a new era of explosive growth...

"Godfather, I have a request."

At that moment, Nilo stepped forward.

"Speak," Han Xiao replied, turning his gaze; Nilo had now grown into a man, and though he retained the same boyish face and modest stature from over a decade ago, the childishness had vanished, replaced by a far more grounded and steady demeanor.

Over the years, Nilo had served as his right hand, proving invaluable on countless occasions.

"I wish to take a leave of absence for a while, to return to Azure Star and keep my father company, and I plan to take Mia with me," Nilo said, his tone dipping slightly.

"Very well, go and spend some proper time with him."

Bennett was growing older, and as the leader of Azure Star, his duties kept him perpetually occupied; Nilo occasionally requested leave to visit him, a practice to which Han Xiao naturally raised no objections.

After reviewing the reports of his various officers, his communicator suddenly chimed.

Han Xiao glanced at the display, waved a hand to dismiss his subordinates, and only then accepted the call, as Tarlokov's figure materialized upon the virtual screen.

"Black Star, with the Shining World's opening imminent, you are already aware of the necessary preparations; I am contacting you today regarding a different matter."

"Go on."

"In recent years, several starfields have given birth to new Beyond Grade A entities, which you have likely monitored. One among them has chosen to ally with the Empire and will soon travel to the Crimson Ring Star to audience with His Excellency the Emperor; the Empire intends to gather its Beyond Grade A allies to meet him. Do you plan to attend?"

Every newly allied Beyond Grade A received such treatment, just as Han Xiao had in his own time.

Over the past dozen years, new Beyond Grade A figures had emerged sporadically, though all hailed from distant starfields; the Shattered Star Ring, save for Han Xiao, had yet to produce another.

And now, he could hardly be considered a newcomer himself.

Casting a glance over the dossier transmitted by the Empire, Han Xiao felt a stir in his heart; this was precisely the Beyond Grade A who had joined the Empire at this stage in his previous life, and once again, history had repeated its choice.

"Very well, I shall go and meet him as well."

Han Xiao gave his assent, yet his thoughts inevitably drifted afar.

With the curtain of Version 4.0 about to rise, he wondered how Hela was faring.

...

Meanwhile.

In a desolate expanse of the cosmos.

Ames hovered in the exosphere of a barren planet, gazing down upon the crust, her dark, profound eyes reflecting an endless expanse of crimson.

Crimson energy surged like a tide, washing over the planetary surface, and countless skeletons caught in its sweep were instantly reduced to ash.

The unyielding earth seemed to soften into clay, warping around the epicenter of the eruption to form a vast crater whose boundaries continued to expand at a terrifying pace.

Suddenly, the overflowing crimson energy coalesced into a tsunami-like wave that pierced the heavens, and atop its crest stood a scarlet silhouette, appearing to tread upon a sea of blood.

Forged through species metamorphosis, her exquisite features had grown even more strikingly cold, etched with an utter indifference to life and death.

Witnessing the scene, Ames allowed a faint smile to grace her lips.

"Welcome to the realm of the Beyond Grade A."