Chapter 1 The Black Star Gathering

Today was the day of the annual Black Star Gathering. Representatives from countless forces had gathered at the Black Star Army headquarters in the Shattered Star Ring.

Over the past decade, the Black Star Gathering had become a signature event for the Black Star Army.

Compared to previous years, the number of guests attending the banquet had multiplied many times over. Many came from forces in other Star Fields, organizations preparing to “pan for gold” in the Flickering World. With the imminent opening of the Flickering World, more people were coming to scout the area and curry favor with Black Star, who had established a foothold there.

After the third phase, the total number of explored Star Clusters had increased to nine. Among them, the Dawn Star Cluster was the entrance to the Flickering World and under the control of the Empire. The first phase of Gaolu, Renault, and Guanhuan were mostly distributed to important allies, with relatively complete infrastructure, and had formed a preliminary power structure. The five Star Clusters explored in the second and third phases had vast development potential. The Empire had left a large number of places vacant, preparing to spread the construction costs to forces throughout the universe.

In the official statement released by the Empire, the Black Star Army was assigned two new Star Systems, located in the Russo Star Cluster of the second phase and the Morko Star Cluster of the third phase, adjacent to each other. Only a small number of other allies were subsequently allocated territories.

Compared to the first phase, the Empire would no longer allocate too much territory. Instead, it would focus on placing Pillars of the Nation and strong allies in the subsequent Star Cluster areas to maintain imperial control over the Star Clusters after opening them to the outside world.

Holding nine Star Systems, the Black Star Army was currently the largest force in the Flickering World, second only to the Empire. Therefore, many forces hoped to ingratiate themselves with the Black Star Army in order to obtain convenience when exploring the Flickering World.

The headquarters' banquet hall was packed with people, lively and extraordinary. Intelligent creatures of all kinds were chatting with each other, dressed in bizarre and varied attire, resembling a pan-ethnic exposition.

Many of them were attending the Black Star Gathering for the first time. They gathered in small groups, observing the venue, whispering to each other, and identifying the Black Star Army officers.

“That woman surrounded by Star Cluster-level civilization representatives is Sylvia, the chief administrative officer under Black Star, Black Star’s chief steward. I heard that she is very capable and manages the army in an orderly manner… The one next to her is Fleet Marshal Melos, and the one next to him is his student, Mia, who entered the Calamity Grade realm a year ago, single-handedly eradicating an interstellar civilization rebel army with a Calamity Grade powerhouse in charge, and is also said to be ‘Young Master’ Nero’s lover.”

“…Look over there, that’s Vice Army Commander Lagi, the former Forbidden Witch Commander of the Red Robe Monastery, honorary Minister of Magic, who also manages tens of thousands of Black Star Esper Academies. Last year, he was on the list of Super-A Grade seeds in the Shattered Star Ring. The one next to him is Tomar, a magical genius. I heard that Austin wanted to poach this person a few years ago, but Black Star refused.”

“The one in the corner looking at blueprints is Leonard, who is in charge of the Logistics Department. The gloomy one next to him is Shazk, the deputy director of the Intelligence Department, and the one with the mustache is Interpess, a high-level executive of the Germinal Financial Group… Most of the heads of departments and important cadres of the Black Star Army are here. I counted, there are more than thirty Calamity Grades present.”

“This is only part of them. I heard that the most elite close guards under Black Star are stationed in the Flickering World. Powerful guys like Hadaway and Fording are not here. The entire Black Star Army is estimated to have sixty or seventy Calamity Grades and two Super-A Grade seeds. The strong are as numerous as clouds.”

“Black Star has been living in seclusion for the past few years, rarely appearing in public. We can only see him at the Black Star Gathering. I don't know if there will be a chance to chat with him later…”

As everyone was chatting in low voices, a remote projection suddenly appeared on the high platform.

Many guests had been paying attention to this side all the time, and their eyes were immediately attracted. They bowed their heads and saluted together, greeting the figure.

“Your Excellency Black Star.”

Han Xiao nodded, revealing a smile, and said softly, “Welcome everyone to the Black Star Army as guests.”

More than a decade was just a blink of an eye for his lifespan. Time could not leave traces on him. He was still a baby.

As soon as the main character appeared, the scene immediately became more lively. Countless people flocked to him to chat.

Han Xiao was already used to it, smiling and greeting each and every one of these respectful, excited, or greedy fellows, while observing them.

In his memory, a considerable number of these forces were quite active in the Flickering World.

In addition to the three great civilizations and the Super Star Cluster level, some neutral civilizations and non-governmental organizations also played important roles in the Flickering World. The complex and intricate relationships of interest constructed the stage for the players' activities in version 4.0, and also gave the players the opportunity to fully exert their subjective initiative (to cause trouble).

Now, thanks to Han Xiao's efforts, the army had gained an advantage in the Flickering World in advance. With nine Star Systems as its foundation, it could connect more forces on this basis, form a new network of interests and relationships in the Flickering World, and expand its power. This was also the reason why he held the banquet today.

While dealing with the crowd, Han Xiao secretly noted these forces, confirming them with the information in his memory.

Everyone enjoyed the gathering. After seeing off the guests, the officers followed Han Xiao to his office.

“Army Commander, the Flickering World is about to open to the public. That day has finally come. We need to make more preparations to meet the impact of the general trend,” Sylvia said.

“Just act according to the plan.” Han Xiao hummed.

The army had been preparing for more than a decade, and most of the preparations that needed to be done had been done. The only thing left was some finishing work.

The opening of the Flickering World was the day when version 4.0 would be launched. At that time, players would return, and the cross-Star Field mode would be opened. Players from all regions would flock to the Flickering World to participate in activities in this World Server, and their careers would enter a new stage.

Compared to other players who went to the Flickering World in the first phase, the Black Star Army players undoubtedly had an advantage. Han Xiao allowed them to come into contact with the Flickering World in advance in version 3.0.

Han Xiao had been waiting for this day for a long time. The current Black Star Army had the confidence to meet the impact of the new stage of players, and this was also an opportunity to expand the leek field on a large scale.

Under his efforts, the army had become the largest private force in the Flickering World, capable of providing players with more convenience and possessing greater appeal.

Over the past decade, the combat power and work ability of his subordinates had improved. Han Xiao had not been idle either. He had expanded his mechanical army, improved the dimension factory, and constantly transformed more initial generation mechanical lifeforms to help the mechanical civilization develop.

Although he still had not figured out the manufacturing method of the universe treasure, Han Xiao occasionally sent out mechanical troops to look for opportunities in various places, obtain some easy-to-obtain specialties, complete tasks, and accumulate a lot of random reward chances. He had also completed several loops of the [Flickering World] main quest.

The experience he obtained was basically spent on upgrading his skills, so as to obtain potential points to improve his professional knowledge. Therefore, his personal level had not improved much, and he was still around level 300.

In addition, Han Xiao also referred to other Super-A Grades and collected more Qi Force cultivation methods, using long-term training to slowly improve his Qi Force limit.

Due to the existence of the interface, his skill training speed could be quantified, and the efficiency far exceeded other Super-A Grades. The overall improvement was very considerable.

After more than ten years of accumulation, Han Xiao's foundation was finally no longer weak, barely worthy of the identity of a peak Super-A Grade Mechanic.

However, this year's low profile was in contrast to the past, and it was estimated that many forces outside believed that my personal strength had stagnated. Now everything is ready, only the east wind is owed, waiting for the opening of 4.0, my strength can truly usher in a new stage of rapid growth… Han Xiao thought to himself.

“Godfather, I have a request.”

At this time, Nero stood up.

“Speak.” Han Xiao turned his head and looked over. The current Nero had grown up. Although his appearance was still a baby face like it was more than ten years ago, and his height had not increased, he had shed his childishness and his temperament was much calmer.

Over the years, Nero had acted as his right-hand man and helped him a lot.

“I would like to ask for leave for a period of time to return to Aquamarine to accompany my father, and also bring Mia back with me.” Nero's tone was slightly heavy.

“Well, then go back and accompany him well.”

Bennet was getting older and older. As the leader of Aquamarine, he had been busy with work. Nero would occasionally ask for leave to see him, and Han Xiao naturally had no objections.

After checking the work of the officers, the communicator suddenly rang.

Han Xiao took a look, waved his hand to let everyone retreat, and then answered the communication. Talrokov's figure appeared on the virtual screen.

“Black Star, the Flickering World is about to open, and you already know what needs to be prepared. I have something else to discuss with you today.”

“Speak.”

“In the past few years, several Star Fields have given birth to new Super-A Grades. I guess you have also paid attention to it. One of the Super-A Grades has chosen to join the Empire and will soon go to Red Ring Star to meet with His Excellency the Head of State. The Empire is preparing to gather Super-A Grade allies to meet him. Are you planning to see him?”

Every newly joined Super-A Grade had such treatment. Han Xiao was like this back then.

Over the past decade, new Super-A Grades had been born one after another, but they were all in other Star Fields. The Shattered Star Ring still had no new people other than Han Xiao.

And now, he could not be considered a newcomer anymore.

After glancing at the information sent by the Empire, Han Xiao's heart stirred. This person was the Super-A Grade who joined the Empire at this stage in his previous life. This time, he had made the same choice.

“Alright, then I'll go meet him too.”

Han Xiao agreed, but his thoughts drifted away involuntarily.

With the opening of 4.0 approaching, I wonder how Hela is doing.

…

At the same time.

A certain barren cosmic belt.

Aimes floated in the outer space of a planet, overlooking the earth. Her dark and deep eyes reflected the boundless dark red.

Red energy was washing over the surface of the planet like a tide. Countless skeletons were swept by the red energy and instantly turned into powder.

The hard earth seemed to have turned into clay, forming a ring-shaped crater centered on the source of the energy explosion, and the area was still expanding rapidly.

Suddenly, the overflowing red energy turned into a tsunami-like wave, soaring into the sky. On the crest of the wave stood a red figure, as if walking on a sea of blood.

Under the metamorphosis of the species, her exquisite face was even more cold and beautiful, full of indifference to life and death.

Seeing this, Aimes revealed a slight smile.

“Welcome to the realm of the Super-A Grade.”