Chapter 994: The Bus Among Super A-Levels (Revised)

Chapter 994: The Public Transit Among Beyond Grade As (Revised)

The crimson energy that had filled the sky swiftly retracted into Hela’s body, the scarlet gleam in her eyes gradually fading as her entire aura underwent a profound metamorphosis.

After roughly two decades of tempering herself in the outside world, Hela had finally taken this step; in her past life, she had reached Beyond Grade A even earlier, inherently possessing such potential.

Having evolved into a Beyond Grade A lifeform, Hela’s features grew ever more exquisite, her skin flawless and pristine, while her very genetics had been optimized on a fundamental level.

Though her growth pace could not compare to that monster Black Star, Ames was no less astonished by Hela’s innate gift; compared to the century-long metamorphosis typical of Beyond Grade A species, Hela’s unique S-grade ability had drastically shortened the ordeal.

“How do you feel?”

Ames looked Hela up and down, her eyes brimming with admiration as though appraising a masterpiece.

“Marvelous.” Hela sensed the shifts within her, lost in thought. “So this is the world through the eyes of a Beyond Grade A. Everything has changed.”

“Heh, savor it slowly. We have all the time in the world,” Ames chuckled softly.

Hela exhaled a long breath, a spark of exhilaration flashing in her gaze.

As I am now, I should have barely caught up to Black Star’s footsteps.

I can… finally go home.

Manipulating her force field, Ames produced a communicator and offered it to Hela, smiling. “Would you like to share the good news with him?”

Hela took the device, hesitated for a few seconds, and shook her head.

“No. I will wait until I return in person and give him a surprise.”

……

Constellation Corridor, Crimson Ring Star.

A saucer-shaped vessel pierced through the psionic restriction belt, drifting slowly toward the Empire’s capital world; upon the bridge, a towering silhouette stood before the viewport, silently watching Crimson Ring Star draw nearer.

His entire form shone in brilliant silver, his skin resembling flowing liquid metal; only a pair of metallic eyes graced his face, the rest smooth as a mirror reflecting the stellar river beyond the glass, clad in no garments and bearing no sexual characteristics.

He was a newly born Beyond Grade A who had emerged five years prior, once a seed of potential in the Sea of Star Spirits; a century ago, he had sealed himself within the core of a dying star through esoteric means to undergo a trial of certain death, and after a hundred years, he broke free like a butterfly from its chrysalis, completing his species metamorphosis—what emerged from that stellar core was an entirely new life.

Forsaking his original name, he called himself “Silver Shadow,” establishing his own Beyond Grade A faction within the Sea of Star Spirits; in recent years, his brilliance had been unmistakable, his deeds numerous and his expansion swift, quickly carving out a firm foothold in that domain.

Now, Silver Shadow had accepted the Crimson Empire’s recruitment, pledging his allegiance; today marked his arrival on Crimson Ring Star to audience with the Head of State, and to make his debut among the Empire’s Beyond Grade A circle.

At that moment, an officer approached from behind, speaking in a hushed tone. “Lord Silver Shadow, we shall be landing shortly.”

“Mm.” Silver Shadow’s voice carried a metallic, resonant hum, his tone as cold and emotionless as a synthetic broadcast.

The officer hesitated briefly before asking, “Lord Silver Shadow, why did we choose to join the Empire?”

“Do you question my judgment?” Silver Shadow did not turn his head.

“I would never dare.”

The officer hastily denied it, having joined Silver Shadow’s banner only recently and fearing offense; his voice grew tentative. “I merely felt that the Radiant Federation and the Void Spirit Church offered far more generous terms.”

Silver Shadow offered neither agreement nor denial. “With the grand development of the Shining World underway, the Empire’s appeal holds the advantage, forcing Radiance and Void Spirit to raise their bids—not out of genuine regard for me. Yet, the Sea of Star Spirits nears saturation; only the Shining World can grant me sufficient room to expand. Aligning with the Empire suits me best… though these are not my primary reasons for joining.”

“Then what drives your decision?”

“The Evolutionary Cube… and Black Star.” Silver Shadow paused. “Had Black Star, wielder of the Cube, not been within the Empire, I might not have joined at all.”

“Ah, yes. The Empire mentioned gathering several Beyond Grade As to welcome you. I wonder if Black Star will attend; if he does, you could present your request to him directly,” the officer remarked.

“Heh. To my knowledge, those veteran Beyond Grade As rarely grace such induction ceremonies. The most likely attendee is Clotti, the Dark Emperor and guardian of Ulanrui. Whether Black Star comes, I cannot say…” Silver Shadow spoke flatly. “But if he does, it would be the perfect opportunity to spar with him.”

“You wish to spar with Black Star?” The officer was startled. “He reached peak Beyond Grade A over a decade ago, ranked among the Mechanical Deities. Though he has been quiet these years, still… still…”

“I know what you mean. Say no more. The Beyond Grade A circles of the three major civilizations have always had a tradition of testing newcomers. To claim a voice, one must prove it with strength. Since a clash is inevitable, I would rather face a formidable opponent.”

Silver Shadow turned around, his voice chilling.

“The Dark Emperor, the Dragon King, and the Phantom God hold the highest stations among the Empire’s veteran Beyond Grade As. Directly behind them stands Black Star, who ascended only two or three decades ago. He holds a ninety-nine percent chance of succeeding their thrones, destined to become the Empire’s pillar and wield the greatest authority—even I would have to heed him. In a mere twenty-odd years, Black Star has grown to such heights. I am deeply intrigued by him. If he wishes to ride above me, I must verify whether he is as formidable as the legends claim.”

Soon, the vessel descended gently upon Tylenhamir Palace, the political heart of Crimson Ring Star; Silver Shadow led his officer down the ramp, followed the welcoming attendants, and stepped through the grand gates.

Boom!

In that very instant, waves of oppressive Beyond Grade A auras erupted from afar, crashing down upon him with crushing weight—clearly a customary display of dominance.

Silver Shadow showed no weakness; his own unique Beyond Grade A presence surged upward, meeting the pressure with unyielding force.

Thud, thud, thud—

Invisible shockwaves seemed to ripple and burst across the midair.

Sensing his resolve, the cascading Beyond Grade A auras receded like a retreating tide.

“We shall audience with the Head of State first.” Silver Shadow cast a cold glance toward the source of the auras, then followed the faintly smiling attendants in another direction.

Meanwhile, within a distant chamber, numerous Imperial Beyond Grade A allies had gathered.

“Today’s newcomers are truly arrogant. Not a single one willing to yield,” Beoni mused.

“Indeed. Back when I… ahem.” Viru coughed awkwardly, stealing a glance at Han Xiao’s Sovereign avatar seated at the head of the room.

Han Xiao chuckled mischievously, teasing, “Back then, you couldn’t even defeat a newcomer like me.”

“That was different. You are an anomaly who shattered historical records, a peak Beyond Grade A now. Losing to you back then… shouldn’t be too shameful, right?” Viru forced a dry laugh to mask his embarrassment.

“No. It is quite shameful,” Swordmaster Fu coldly added the finishing blow.

The assembled crowd burst into laughter, the room filling with a lighthearted atmosphere.

Over the passing years, Han Xiao had forged deeper bonds with most of the Empire’s Beyond Grade A allies; bolstered by his strength and legendary status, he now commanded greater authority within this circle, his rank second only to the Dark Emperor, Dragon King, and Phantom God, having ascended from a novice to a seasoned veteran.

Nowadays, among the Imperial Beyond Grade A allies, only the stubborn Little Overlord refused to acknowledge him, while all others regarded him with profound reverence.

Nine Beyond Grade As were present today; Old Dragon and Kant had not come, making the attendance larger than during Han Xiao’s last visit.

The last newcomer to endure such a reception had been Han Xiao himself; gazing upon Silver Shadow, he felt as though he were looking at his younger self, equally sharp and unyielding.

He had no interest in joining the others to bully a newcomer, which was why his aura had not been among those that erupted earlier; he chose to meet Silver Shadow primarily because memories of his past life stirred a certain curiosity about the man.

If his memory served correctly, Silver Shadow was a unique Beyond Grade A who had undergone a mutation during his species metamorphosis, refining himself into an existence akin to a cosmic treasure, though at this moment, that hidden trait had likely not yet awakened.

In the later versions of his past life, Silver Shadow bore a resounding nickname among the player base—“The Beyond Grade A Public Transit”!

According to incomplete statistics, during the World Tree War, no fewer than twenty Beyond Grade As had “used” Silver Shadow.

And the one who had “used” him the most was none other than the late-blooming Carotte, who earned the elegant title of “Carotte, Who Privatized the Public Transit.”

Though Han Xiao harbored thoughts of turning that public transit into a private vehicle, such a notion was rather impractical; thus, his main goal was simply to make initial contact and observe.

At that moment, Ravenlaud scanned the room and asked, “We may have to spar with him later. Who wishes to step up?”

“I have no interest,” Swordmaster Fu refused coldly.

“Don’t look at me.” Beoni waved his hand. “You all know I am poor at one-on-one duels.”

“I…” Viru hesitated. Having learned his lesson from Han Xiao, he no longer held enthusiasm for such matters, and shook his head. “I will not step up either.”

“Black Star, are you interested?” Maximor turned his gaze toward him.

“I do not fight unnecessary battles.” Han Xiao waved his hand; he had no desire to bully a newcomer worth befriending.

Moreover, Crimson Ring Star was the Imperial capital; he had few mechanical troops stationed here, and any damage would require tedious repairs.

“If none of you will step forward, then I shall.” The usually overlooked Kohler spoke up from the side with a sigh of resignation.

Everyone immediately looked over, their faces masks of pure skepticism.

Objectively speaking, Kohler was universally acknowledged as the weakest among them, falling short even of Heberoni.

"I am a Pugilist specializing in single combat, for goodness' sake. What is with those looks?" Kohler barked, his cheeks flushing with a mixture of annoyance and shame.

"We simply fear you might disgrace yourself," the swordsman, Fuyan, remarked with terse economy.

Taking advantage of the group's lighthearted mocking of Kohler, Han Xiao drifted over to Heberoni’s side and murmured, "How have things been with you lately?"

"How else could they be?" Heberoni replied testily. "It is all thanks to you. The Modo Civilization has been suppressing my people day in and day out. Last time, they even unleashed a volley of long-range interstellar missiles at my Fire Core, plowing through the entire territory. Are you going to compensate me?"

"I am not. For that, you must look to the Empire; it was the Empire that commanded me to act," Han Xiao said with a dry cough.

Over these past years, Lothair had stirred up endless chaos within the Modo Civilization, assassinating one target after another and provoking them past the brink of endurance countless times.

Modo had vented its fury entirely upon Heberoni, an Imperial ally residing within the ancient star rivers. He had been thoroughly battered during these years, a classic casualty of a fire at the city gate endangering the fish in the moat.

Though Lothair operated with meticulous caution, he was not entirely immune to peril. He had grown rapidly through successive narrow escapes; while fortune certainly played its part, his luck was not quite as absurd as that of Feidin or Nero, relying far more on his own prowess to turn danger into safety.

His Assassin's Mutual Aid Association had also flourished, training a cohort of interstellar killers. Ostensibly a black-market bounty organization, they functioned in the shadows as the "Shadow Walkers," directly answerable to Han Xiao.

As they conversed, the aura of the Silver Shadow suddenly drew near from the distance, approaching steadily. Realizing that the newcomer had concluded his audience with the Ruler, the assembled Beyond Grade As suppressed their smiles and composed their countenances.

With a sharp hiss, the heavy doors slid open. Two figures stepped into the chamber. One was the expressionless Cloti, who walked straight toward Han Xiao and took a seat beside him.

The other was the Silver Shadow. He halted in the center of the room, casting his gaze across the gathered Beyond Grade As before finally locking his eyes onto Han Xiao's Lord Avatar.

"So, you are the Silver Shadow of the Sea of Spirits?" Viru spoke first, offering a theatrical, cold snort. "You do not seem to possess much respect for us."

The Silver Shadow replied evenly, "And on what grounds ought I to respect you?"

"Quite arrogant. Unfortunately, this is the Crimson Empire, and the Empire does not permit the existence of individuals who fancy themselves so grand," Kohler sneered from the side.

The moment those words left his mouth, Han Xiao could not help but steal a glance at him.

Why did the cadence of that phrasing sound so familiar?

The Silver Shadow looked at Kohler, remaining silent for a long moment before asking, "Does the Empire truly possess a figure such as yourself? I have never heard of you."

Kohler’s gaze turned icy. He had merely been putting on airs, but now that his pride had been wounded, he was genuinely displeased.

"Within the circles of the Beyond Grade As, status and authority are earned purely through strength. I presume you understand this rule," Kohler said, resting his arms upon his knees as he leaned his upper body forward. "You have joined the Empire and passed the Ruler's scrutiny, but you have yet to pass ours. Tell me, do you dare to exchange blows with me?"

"With you? Forget it. You are no match for me."

The Silver Shadow's tone was tranquil, as though he were merely stating an undeniable fact.

Without waiting for Kohler to reply, he turned his head toward Han Xiao and said slowly, "If one is to duel, one ought to choose the formidable. Black Star, do you possess the courage to cross hands with me?"

Han Xiao was taken aback.

How did this suddenly involve me?

I merely came here to observe.

The eyes of the onlookers brightened, their interest instantly piqued as amused expressions broke across their faces.

It was not uncommon for newly ascended Beyond Grade As to believe their power knew no bounds, prompting them to challenge those at the very apex. Thus, the assembly did not find the Silver Shadow's conduct entirely strange.

A newborn calf inherently possessed a certain fierce spirit; the courage to challenge the stronger was, after all, a commendable trait.

Just as Han Xiao was about to decline, he suddenly noticed a ripple within his interface, causing him to instantly swallow the words rising in his throat.

Glancing at the notification, he could not help but marvel inwardly.

The Silver Shadow's active challenge had directly triggered a Beyond Grade A Challenge Mission, much like the quests involving Heber and Manison, offering abundant experience rewards and the chance to extract one of the opponent's abilities.

Following years of study, Han Xiao had come to understand the trigger mechanism of such missions quite well. If a Beyond Grade A actively issued a public challenge to him, the probability of a mission appearing was exceptionally high. Though the audience here consisted of only a few individuals, they were all titanic figures within the universe, possessing more than enough influence to satisfy the requirement.

This newcomer is far too generous, presenting me with an ability the moment we meet, Han Xiao thought, shaking his head slightly.

"Very well. There is no need for provocation; I accept your challenge."

The Silver Shadow nodded, then added, "A mere duel lacks flavor. Shall we wager something?"

Curiosity piqued, Han Xiao asked, "What is it you wish to wager?"

"I desire the temporary use of the Evolution Cube. If I gain the upper hand or achieve victory, I ask that you fulfill this request. Should I lose, I shall grant you a single request, provided it does not cross my moral boundaries."

"Agreed. A minor matter," Han Xiao nodded. In any event, he stood to lose nothing.

At that moment, Cloti, who had been watching coldly from the sidelines, spoke in a detached manner. "Conduct your battle outside the Psionic Restriction Belt. Do not engage near the mother planet."

Hearing this, Han Xiao felt a strange sensation.

It seems you said the exact same thing last time. Even the lines have not changed; did you come here solely to act as a referee?

***

Within the Ruler's office at the Tarlenhamir Palace, Urranrell stood by the window, her gaze lifted toward the vessel carrying the Beyond Grade As as it ascended into the sky and vanished into the firmament.

"Your Excellency, have Black Star and the others departed?"

Several high-ranking officials remained within the room, all of whom had consistently advocated for the surrender of the Evolution Cube over the years. Among them was the hardliner Bekorodi, as well as Ludwell, who had previously received indirect assistance from Han Xiao.

Urranrell turned back, her expression neutral. "Yes. Cloti informs me they have gone beyond the Psionic Restriction Belt to duel."

"Then..." Bekorodi murmured thoughtfully, "Your Excellency, what are your thoughts regarding the proposal?"

Urranrell's brow furrowed slightly. "Gaud's ability is indeed unprecedented in history, yet even our own technology cannot achieve this. Are you certain he possesses the confidence?"

"Not at present," Bekorodi said, shaking his head. "He confided in me that only upon reaching the Beyond Grade A realm might his Esper ability analyze the principles underlying the evolutionary energy. As you know, Espers have always been creators of miracles; countless specialized technologies have been brought forth by them."

"Beyond Grade A..." Urranrell shook her head. "Does he believe he is certain to reach such a level? Even if he can, how much time will it require?"

"That remains uncertain. We can only wait."

Hearing this, Urranrell fell into a pensive silence.

Seeing her hesitation, Bekorodi pressed on. "Your Excellency, this is a magnificent opportunity. These past years have proven that the probability of the Empire obtaining the Evolution Cube from Black Star through exchange is infinitesimal, and we cannot employ forceful measures against him. However, if we were to analyze the evolutionary energy ourselves, simulating and replicating it, even Black Star would have no grounds for objection. This would not constitute an offense against him, and even if he were displeased, he would lack any righteous argument. There is no law forbidding us from researching evolutionary energy; it is merely technological progress, and he has no right to interfere."

"I am aware," Urranrell said, her frown deepening. "However, the condition Gaud raised requires him to come into direct contact with the physical Evolution Cube. Should any anomaly occur and be discovered by Black Star, it may alienate him."

"It is a minor risk, yet we do not intend to seize his cube; it is hardly so severe. Furthermore, Gaud is currently an essential target of cultivation within our Imperial lineage. Providing him with an evolution slot in the future would have been Black Star's duty anyway."

Urranrell remained somewhat conflicted. The Evolution Cube belonged to Black Star, and the Empire could not seize it, but independent research was a different matter entirely.

From a personal standpoint, Urranrell held no grievances against Black Star and possessed great fondness for him.

Yet as the Ruler, she was bound to consider matters from the perspective of the Empire. The benefits of the Evolution Totem were far too vast, requiring recharging every decade or two; allowing an outsider to maintain a monopoly was, in the end, a cause for unease.

"Taking this course does not necessarily mean usurping Black Star's interests; rather, it serves as a precaution should Black Star ever lose the Evolution Cube. Thus, it is best for the Empire to unravel its mysteries as a safeguard," Bekorodi added, striking while the iron was hot.

"His words possess merit," Ludwell added quietly.

In truth, Ludwell had once owed Han Xiao a favor, though he had repaid much of it over the years by advocating for investments within the Shattered Star Ring to suppress the Unlimited Financial Group.

His decision not to oppose Bekorodi today, and indeed to support the plan, did not stem from any animosity toward Han Xiao, but simply from executing the duties of his office. In his view, the feasibility of this proposal was indeed exceptionally high.

Urranrell pondered for a long moment before letting out a slow breath.

"Bekorodi, when Black Star returns shortly, invite him to discuss matters under your own name. Present our terms to him one final time, and ask if he is willing to exchange the Evolution Cube for other assets."

"Should he refuse once more, then officially approve this project. Remember, the fewer who know of this matter, the better. Above all, do not let Black Star catch wind of it. If he learns of this beforehand, he will surely devise means to obstruct it. Let everything wait until the dust has settled."

Upon hearing these words, a flash of joy appeared in the eyes of Bekorodi and the others, and they nodded in succession.

"Understood."