“You…” The Kundu Clan leader was stunned, blankly looking up at Han Xiao.

Someone could overthrow their Kundu Clan all by themselves? This was the first time he had heard such an arrogant self-introduction.

Just what was the background of this stranger before him?!

His first instinct was disbelief, but he instantly realized that he was facing a higher civilization, one that possessed a superpower system, where anything was possible. He had to cast aside his outdated notions.

He didn't know Han Xiao's status within the Empire, but anyone who dared to say such words must be a figure he couldn't even imagine.

Thinking that way, this self-introduction was indeed straightforward, immediately making him understand the other party's position.

He was a prisoner of war with no bargaining chips, yet this unknown big shot had actually stepped forward to grant his final request?

This… why?!

Pity? Charity?

Or was it a false promise to make him cooperate?

His heart was filled with astonishment.

He hadn't held any hope when he made the request, but he never expected that someone would actually respond.

For a moment, the Kundu Clan leader felt disbelief, unsure of what to say.

"You're worried I'm joking?" Han Xiao glanced at him, speaking slowly and deliberately, "To put it bluntly, you don't have the value to be deceived by me. Since I promised you, I will definitely fulfill it."

The Kundu Clan leader couldn't help but ask, "Why are you helping me?"

"Good question."

Han Xiao chuckled. "I'm a person filled with humanitarian concern, always happy to do good deeds and help others. I often have fits of kindness, so just think of it as me sympathizing with the Kundu Clan's plight. Anyway, handling your request is just a small matter to me."

Beside him, Tarrokov's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

Brother, do you want some face?

You're half responsible for the Kundu Clan's defeat, you bastard! You're making it sound like we're the only villains!

That level of shamelessness could probably withstand a Psionic Cannon… Hmm, it probably really could.

As Tarrokov cursed inwardly, the Kundu Clan leader was moved beyond words.

It was as if a traveler at the end of their rope had fallen to the ground, about to sink into the deepest darkness, but in the last light in their vision, they saw someone reaching out their hand, willing to give them a helping hand.

"Thank you… To meet someone like you at the last moment of my life is my good fortune. It's a pity that I have nothing left to repay you with."

The Kundu Clan leader clenched his fists, suppressing his surging emotions, his tone filled with gratitude and a sense of resignation.

"Hehe, it's nothing, I don't need repayment." Han Xiao chuckled, not even believing his own words.

Hearing this, the Kundu Clan leader was even more moved.

This Black Star was truly a kind-hearted soul for the entire universe!

*Pa!*

Tarrokov covered his face, unable to even find words to complain.

This scene was simply full of ironic fate. Your entire clan was overthrown by him, and you're still shedding tears of gratitude?!

I'm done. Not only killing people, but also silently destroying their hearts, making the enemy grateful to the murderer without knowing it. What a twisted hobby!

At this moment, Old Tar came to a conclusion:

Black Star was indeed a pervert.

It was better to stay away from him in the future. He was almost retired; he didn't want to be led astray and ruin his reputation in his old age.

Han Xiao smiled, turned around, and left, walking out of the interrogation room with Tarrokov, leaving the Kundu Clan leader alone in the room, deeply moved.

As soon as they walked out of the room, Tarrokov immediately turned his head and looked over, his face full of confusion.

"Black Star, what did you promise him?"

He really hadn't expected this. He had thought Black Star was just tagging along for the ride, but he hadn't expected him to suddenly do this. He didn't know what his motive was.

Han Xiao spread his hands and smiled. "I'm in a good mood today and wanted to do a good deed."

"So, you really weren't just indulging your twisted sense of humor, deliberately joking with him?"

"Of course not, I'm very serious, okay… Wait, do I have a twisted sense of humor? Do you have some kind of misunderstanding about me?"

Ignoring Han Xiao's complaint, Tarrokov frowned.

"But you just stated your attitude of non-interference with the Empire's handling in front of the head of state. Now, are you saying that you're going to change your attitude and support keeping these prisoners?"

"Haha, nothing in the world is set in stone. I suddenly changed my mind, can't I?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.

"I understand." Tarrokov nodded. "I'll report your opinion to the head of state later. As for whether the people above will consider it, that's none of my business."

"That's enough." Han Xiao smiled.

At this moment, Tarrokov looked around, lowered his voice, and said, "Tell me honestly, what are you up to?"

"Hmm? Didn't I say, I'm in a good mood today."

"Hehe."

Tarrokov gave him a 'I'm old, don't try to fool me' look.

Seeing this, Han Xiao shook his head helplessly. "Alright, alright, I'll tell you. The Kundu Clan's population numbers in the trillions, reaching the scale of a Star Cluster civilization. Although they need a long period of cultural reform, after the reform is complete, such a large population is a valuable resource. If they can be settled in my territory, I will have a massive labor force, consumers, and soldiers in the future… The Empire is vast and doesn't need the Kundu Clan's population, but for me, it's an opportunity for development."

Hearing this, Tarrokov revealed a 'so that's what it is' smile.

That's the Black Star I know; there's no way he'd be so kind.

You never fail to live up to my expectations.

After thinking carefully, Tarrokov felt that Han Xiao's plan was not a problem. If the Empire kept the Kundu Clan people, then they would need to choose a place to settle them. The population would greatly affect prosperity, and allies would definitely be eyeing this piece of meat. In his opinion, Black Star was requesting it in advance.

As for agreeing to the so-called last wish… he knew Han Xiao's personality too well. This was probably just a formality, used as an excuse.

While Tarrokov was thinking, Han Xiao quietly looked at the notification on his panel.

[You have accepted the S-Rank Mission [The Last Wish of the Kundu Leader]!]

[Mission Introduction: The Kundu Clan was defeated in the war, and the entire clan became prisoners of the Empire, with an uncertain future. In despair, the Kundu Clan leader, with death in his heart, made a final request to you.]

[Mission Requirements: 1. Settle the Kundu Clan and provide them with protection during the cultural reform period.]

[2. Retaliate against the mastermind behind the scenes who used the Kundu Clan against the Red Empire.]

[Failure Condition: The total population of the Kundu Clan is less than 80% of the population at the start of the mission.]

[Completing the first requirement will reward: 6 billion EXP, Kundu Clan Favorability +10,000 (current relationship is -1,500, relationship [Hatred]), Random Reward x2, Political Asset (Kundu Clan) +4.]

[The Kundu Clan enters the [Era of Awakening], Superpower Awakening Rate +10%.]

[Completing the second requirement will reward: 12 billion EXP, Kundu Clan Favorability +15,000, Specified Blank Character Summon Card x1, Talent - [Oath of Vengeance], Talent - [Proof of Leadership], Special Skill - [Kundu Fury].]

[[Oath of Vengeance]: The more cumulative health lost, the higher the damage. The bonus can be stacked up to 25%. Resets after leaving combat. This effect can be applied to summons, mechanical equipment…]

[[Proof of Leadership]: When you are the leader of a faction, you receive an overall bonus, and the bonus increases with the scale and level of the faction, with no upper limit.]

[[Kundu Fury]: State-type skill. When activated, lose 5% of health per second, lasting up to 40 seconds. You gain a total mental resistance bonus coefficient of 2.0x, all damage +5%, Intelligence -5%, Charisma -20%, Luck -10%. At the same time, you are immune to all abnormal mental states other than [Rage]. The skill cooldown is 5 minutes. Let the anger fill your mind!]

When he saw the mission introduction just now, Han Xiao decided that he must do this mission, because the rewards exceeded his expectations and gave him a big surprise!

It was too generous!

Han Xiao's face showed no expression, but he was secretly overjoyed.

Although the Kundu Clan leader was not a superpower, his status as the leader of a Star Cluster civilization gave him a very high reward amount.

The first requirement had relatively normal experience and random rewards, but what Han Xiao valued was the political asset reward of up to 4 points. In addition to improving the efficiency of obtaining experience, it also meant that he had considerable say in the Kundu Clan.

The Empire wanted to transform the Kundu Clan into a vassal civilization, but even if it was crippled, it still had the foundation of a Star Cluster level civilization.

Han Xiao's statement to Tarrokov was not false. If the Kundu Clan was located in his territory, the huge population would provide him with many benefits.

After completing the mission, the Kundu Clan would enter a new era, and the superpower awakening rate would be improved. 10% seemed like a small number, but it was not a small number when applied to trillions of people. The reward also included a high amount of Kundu Clan favorability, and the relationship would directly rise to [Revere], which meant that the Kundu Clan would become his help to a certain extent. A superpower was equivalent to a soldier.

However, most of the introductions of S-level missions were relatively brief. The first mission requirement was to provide shelter, and it didn't mention what level would be considered complete. Han Xiao estimated that it wouldn't be successful until the Empire lifted the closure of the Kundu Clan, so it should take a long time, and it would be relatively passive.

The second requirement was different.

According to the Kundu Clan leader's request, the goal was to retaliate against the mastermind behind them, which was much more active.

What made Han Xiao decide to accept the mission was the reward for the second requirement.

Not to mention the designated character summon card, which was a good thing, but the three abilities rewarded almost blinded him.

[Oath of Vengeance] was a very practical talent and very suitable for him.

For normal people, the scenario in which this talent took effect was that the lower the health, the higher the damage. When the damage bonus was stacked to the highest, there would be almost only a trace of health left, which was equivalent to berserking at death's door.

However, with Han Xiao's health recovery efficiency, after stacking up the damage bonus, his health could be restored to full in minutes, and this 25% damage bonus was like a pie in the sky, almost a freebie!

And it could also be applied to summons and mechanical equipment, directly increasing the output of the entire mechanical legion!

[Proof of Leadership] was the most powerful ability among them. It was very magical. In the previous life, it was very famous among the player groups and had the title of "half-template".

Players could also have this ability!

As a faction leader, one could activate the effect of the talent, which had the meaning of a template. Players could also build their own armed organizations like superpowers, recruit normal npC characters, and the guild itself was also a form of faction and was recognized by the talent.

In the future version, players would have stable channels to obtain [Proof of Leadership]. In order to activate this talent, a large number of players built their own factions or formed gangs, and their careers entered a new stage.

The bonus amplitude of the talent depended on the scale of the faction. For ordinary players who had no money, no time, and no appeal, even if they had this talent, it would not be of much use. Only some local tyrants, studios, and large guilds could give the best play to this talent, and very few people could get considerable bonuses.

In his previous life, Han Xiao, as a lone wolf, had never activated [Proof of Leadership], but he knew very well the bonus amplitude of [Proof of Leadership]… it was quite powerful!

"If I have this talent now, the effect… it's unimaginable!"

Han Xiao was secretly excited. He now had a very high enthusiasm for any ability that could greatly increase his strength.

The last skill, [Kundu Fury], also made his eyes light up. It was also a good skill.

The mental resistance bonus coefficient of 2.0x meant that the resistance was doubled, which was very considerable!

The mental aspect had always been Han Xiao's shortcoming, and any ability that could improve mental resistance would attract his attention.

Moreover, during the duration of the skill, one could be immune to all negative mental states, which was very perverted, and basically meant immunity to all mental control skills.

The skill consumed health, losing 5% of health per second. The blood would be emptied in 20 seconds. The state could last up to 40 seconds. The percentage of health loss was very fierce. Most people could only turn it on for a few seconds.

But Han Xiao's current health recovery efficiency was not low. According to his total health value, under the most ideal circumstances, the health recovery efficiency of blood-blue conversion was equivalent to about 10% health recovery per second. He could hold on. It was not a problem for Han Xiao to open for 40 seconds.

The only thing that puzzled Han Xiao was the name of the skill.

Since he was angry, shouldn't he increase his attack power? Why did he increase his resistance to blows?

Could this be incompetent rage, the legendary 'you have the ability to kill me'?

"These three skills are very practical. As long as I can complete the mission, my actual combat effectiveness can increase a lot, especially [Proof of Leadership]. The sooner I get it, the better." Han Xiao calculated in his mind.

The second requirement was to retaliate against the mastermind behind the scenes. The mission did not explain to what extent the retaliation would be considered successful, and he needed to explore the method himself, just like the Gedora bloodline mission.

However, such a generous reward was really tempting, and Han Xiao decided to try his best to complete this mission.

He was extremely happy in his heart that this trip had such a pleasant surprise.

…

After ending the remote projection and returning to his office, Tarrokov immediately contacted Ulan Riel and sent the interrogation records just now, and at the same time reported Han Xiao's behavior just now to the head of state.

"You mean, after inspecting the prisoners, Black Star changed his attitude and said that he supported indoctrination?"

"Yes."

"Hmm…" Ulan Riel pondered, "What's the reason?"

"He said it was for population resources…" Tarrokov repeated Han Xiao's statement.

Ulan Riel narrowed his eyes and nodded slowly, "Since it is the opinion of an ally, we must give it serious consideration."

On the Empire's scales of interests, Black Star's position was far higher than that of the defeated Kundu Clan. After all, pillars of the country were not common, but there were a lot of vassal races.

Moreover, Black Star was also an important contributor to this war, and his opinions would be valued by the Empire.

In fact, for the Empire, settling the Kundu Clan was just a very ordinary thing and not that important. There was no problem in placing them in the territory of the Black Star Army. Not only would it increase the population of the ally's territory, but it would also allow the ally to help supervise them, which could save a lot of manpower.

However, there was more than just one ally, Black Star. Whether or not to send this piece of meat to Black Star, it was necessary to balance the opinions of all parties before making a decision.

As for dealing with the mastermind behind the scenes, not only was it the idea of the Kundu Clan leader, but the Empire also had the same intention.

Although the opponent in the battle was the Kundu Clan, those Super Star Cluster level and Star Cluster level civilizations that packed and sent the technology were the real culprits. The Empire did not have the habit of letting go of the culprits.

Even if the reason for retaliation was not mentioned… the exploration of the Shattered Star Ring was not over yet. If those secretly planning opponents made up more of the Kundu Clan's tricks and cultivated more indigenous civilizations to cause trouble, it would greatly hinder the Empire's progress.

For both public and private reasons, the Empire could not easily condone the guys behind the scenes to continue causing trouble.

Han Xiao's statement was in line with the Empire's intentions.

"In this case, we have to investigate carefully and find out which force threw the spaceship to the Kundu Clan."

A cold light flashed in Ulan Riel's eyes.