Chapter 1 The Black Shrine

A colossal black hall of metal and machinery sat atop a solitary peak. Two mechanical sky islands, resembling orreries, slowly revolved above the hall. An artificial sun, as red as blood, hung in the sky like a bloodshot eye, illuminating the desolate land.

Around the solitary peak, countless large mechanical mining platforms dotted the landscape. Centered on the black hall, they formed a circular mechanical city with a heavy industrial style. Ant-like black dots moved about in the city – countless members of the Mechanical Faith clad in powered armor. Waves of heat rippled through the city as armored transport vehicles roared along the wide roads. Armor plates collided in the bumpy ride, emitting a series of clangs that faded into the distance with the exhaust. The air was thick with the smell of metal, oil, and industrial fumes, adding to the city's heavy industrial feel.

This was a branch of the Mechanical Faith, located on an ancient battlefield relic planet in the Far Ancient Star Desert. Day and night, the mines dug up mechanical wreckage, which was sent to the Mechanical Faith's priests for reverse engineering to retrieve lost technologies.

The black hall in the center of the city was the Mechanical Faith's temple. Each mountain bearing a mechanical temple was called a Holy Mountain. Eight obsidian-like floating stairways extended upwards from eight directions at the foot of the Holy Mountain, connecting to the mechanical temple's gate. According to the tenets, unless in an emergency, ordinary believers who wished to worship at the temple had to climb the path of pilgrimage on their own two feet, without using flying vehicles.

Along both sides of these eight paths of pilgrimage stood mechanical statues and metal monuments. The statues depicted discarded ancient machines of various models, progressing slowly from ancient to advanced. The metal monuments were engraved with the doctrines of the faith.

The fusion of mechanics and theology created a unique atmosphere.

The Mechanical Faith was a loose cult, not a unified religious organization. The common thread was the worship of mechanical technology and powerful mechanics. However, based on different beliefs, the Mechanical Faith was divided into many factions, specializing in different fields, such as the Mechanical Biochemical faction focused on bio-modification, the War Destruction faction obsessed with super-destructive weapons, the Firepower Supremacy school that believed "big is beautiful, more is better," the Virtual faction that liked to study cognitive technology and mind alteration, and the Natural Modification faction that loved to create planets, etc.

This branch belonged to the Lost faction, also known as the Archaeological faction, which was keen on finding and restoring lost ancient mechanical technologies and was one of the oldest factions of the Mechanical Faith.

At this moment, in the main hall of this mechanical temple, the local branch's priests gathered, and many priests from other branches participated via remote projection. They formed a circle, and in the center was a virtual screen playing the recording of Black Star's battle with the Overlord.

"As you have all seen, a new Mechanical God has descended upon the world, spreading the gospel throughout the universe."

The Lost faction's High Priest, clad in luxurious heavy-duty powered armor that only revealed his head, raised his arms as if in pilgrimage.

"So magnificent, so beautiful!"

"What a great creation..."

"It has been so many years since a Mechanical God descended. I can hardly remember."

The priests whispered among themselves, their eyes gleaming with excitement and fervor.

"Silence." The High Priest pressed his hands down, looking solemn, signaling everyone to be quiet.

The crowd fell silent and looked at him in unison.

The High Priest took out a mechanical scepter shaped like a twisted tree branch and pressed a button. Suddenly, a metal altar rose from the ground behind him.

He turned around, walked onto it, turned his back to the crowd, faced the other side of the hall, and began to speak in a deep, majestic voice:

"Following the ancient tenets, in the name of the first god, Nif迦di, I announce to all believers of the Mechanical Faith that we have jointly witnessed the birth of a new god. From this moment on, we will offer our devotion to the new god. All beings, please remember the name of the new god..."

As he recited the prayer, the High Priest opened the altar's operating panel and entered the combat recording and parameters. The next moment, the entire temple shook violently!

Rumble!

In front of everyone, countless metal and nano-particle streams surged from the ground, combining to form a statue, sculpted in the image of Black Star as a Mechanical God.

Next to the Black Star statue were other statues, including one of Manison – all Mechanical Gods of past eras, standing beneath the towering dome of the temple.

The largest and most prominent statue was the mechanic named Nif迦di. He was the first, the first Mechanical God to be worshiped by the Mechanical Faith. He even formulated the Mechanical Faith's doctrine of worshiping Mechanical Gods.

As the first God Seat Mechanic, Nif迦di discovered the effect of the [Mechanical Faith Key], and he interfered with the Mechanical Faith at the time. The development of the Mechanical Faith into its current form was largely influenced by him. The God Seat Mechanics who were later enshrined were actually enjoying the benefits he had left behind.

The Mechanical Faith does not need to communicate with the object of worship. Sometimes... worshiping you is none of their business.

However, only living God Seat Mechanics can give believers the added benefits. The deceased Mechanical Gods of the past only have commemorative significance. Nowadays, the vast majority of Mechanical Faith believers worship Manison of the Mechanical Country.

Now, Black Star's rise has torn a small hole in the solid faith, something even Manison cannot prevent.

Facing the statues of the past gods, the High Priest and the crowd behind him prostrated themselves in worship, completing the ritual.

"Welcome, Black Star!"

...

"I always feel like someone is saying I'm handsome behind my back..."

In the warship's cabin, Han Xiao rubbed his nose, suddenly feeling something.

"Hey, hey, don't be distracted when you're talking to me." Tarrokov's voice came from the communicator, sounding helpless.

Han Xiao came back to his senses and joked, "Sorry, I was just thinking about what to eat tonight. Where were we?"

"You need to think? Do you think I don't know you only eat nutrient paste?"

"Who leaked the secret!"

"Alright, let's get back to the main topic." Tarrokov shook his head, speechless. "I can reveal to you that the Empire's development plan for the Flickering World has already reached the fourth phase. Only the first phase will give you enough time for construction. After that, more foreign capital will be introduced to build and develop simultaneously."

"In other words, only after all the construction in these three star clusters is completed will the Empire start the next phase. There aren't many opportunities for us allies to lay the groundwork in the Flickering World in advance." Han Xiao stroked his chin.

Tarrokov remained noncommittal. "In any case, the development progress in the three star clusters is exceeding expectations and is going very smoothly. We estimate that the construction plan will be completed in 5-7 years, at which point the second phase of development will begin."

5 to 7 years, that's acceptable... Han Xiao nodded inwardly.

When Version 4.0 opens, the Flickering World will be in the fourth phase of development. That means my [Flickering World] main storyline will have to go through several more stages, and completing the [Pioneering Vanguard] milestone won't be a problem... He chatted with Tarrokov to get some inside information.

After chatting for a while to build rapport, Han Xiao hung up the communication and pondered.

More than a month has passed since the defeat of the Overlord, and the impact is gradually becoming apparent. The number of new recruits applying to join the Black Star Army has increased by 43% during this period, the total amount of investment from major consortia has increased by about 35%, and the expansion momentum in the War Realm has been hit, gradually slowing down.

Vienne's, the news trendsetter, made changes, issuing a statement announcing that the next version will feature an epic buff to the Black Star Army card set and an all-around nerf to the War Realm card set. They also updated the strongest in the Starfield series of commemorative decks, adding Black Star, showing off their skilled technique of蹭re du (riding the hype).

Some Super-A Grade friends also sent congratulatory messages, including Solokin, once again refreshing Han Xiao's knowledge of the thickness of his skin.

So, it really is true that being shameless can make you very happy...

Now that the Black Star Army has established its position as the strongest in the Starfield, the competition on the Infinite Consortium side has fallen into a long-term stalemate, and they can't do anything to each other in the short term. He has completed his level 300 advancement, and the accumulated experience is not enough for the next advancement, so the focus will be on building up his territory.

After wandering around the Empire for so long, he has met almost all the potential recruits he needed to see. Han Xiao now plans to return to the Shattered Star Ring for a while. First, to oversee the headquarters, digest the impact of this battle, and adjust the details of the territory's construction. Second, to use [Mechanical Tinder Propagation] to convert more first-generation mechanical lifeforms and accelerate the development of mechanical civilization.

Third, he wanted to take advantage of the main base's logistical capabilities to start building a secondary dimension factory and a new generation of mechanical legions. Although he could build them within the Empire, the legion only had a branch here, and the efficiency was far inferior to the main base.

"Phillip, set the course, back to the Shattered Star Ring."

"Okay, buzzing!"

...

"The strongest in the Starfield? Heh..."

In a retro-style tavern, the customers were few and far between. A tall, thin man at the wooden bar looked up at Han Xiao's figure on the virtual screen, revealing a playful smile, and gently put down his wine glass.

The man was a cosmic human with unhealthy pale skin, as if he had been chronically malnourished and deprived of sunlight. He had an ordinary appearance, the kind that would disappear into a crowd.

Staring at Han Xiao on the screen, the tall, thin man's eyes revealed a look of reminiscence.

"To have a pillar of the nation like Black Star is a blessing for the Empire." The bartender, wiping a glass, looked up at the screen and sighed.

"Yes, it's a blessing for the Empire. If I have the chance, I'd really like to see him again."

"Have you met Black Star before?" The bartender was interested.

"Sort of. Speaking of which, he took some things from me, heh. I just wonder if he still remembers a... nobody like me."

The tall, thin man smiled slightly, stood up, picked up the clothes on the seat next to him, and turned to walk towards the door.

"Still on credit?" The bartender put down the glass in his hand, his tone indicating he was familiar with the man.

"Yeah, same as always. I'll settle it next month when I get paid."

He casually replied, and the tall, thin man walked out of the bar and put on his clothes... an Empire low-ranking military officer's uniform.

...

Star Ocean, somewhere.

In a room, a dozen creatures of various races surrounded a long table, discussing something fiercely. On the long table were a dozen printed physical books without titles on their covers.

"Start from the Central Star Sea? Are you crazy? There are better ways to die!"

"Starfields that are too remote don't have enough influence. The territory ruled by Super Star Cluster civilizations should be the most suitable for development."

"We can only use physical books to spread our ideas. The quantum network is monitored by countless civilizations. Not only can't we enjoy the convenience, but we'll also attract attention."

"If you ask me, we should wait and see for a while. Maybe now isn't a good time..."

Listening to these people's discussion, Rosellin, leaning against the sofa not far away, yawned.

Edmund turned his head to look, thought for a moment, knocked on the table to quiet everyone down, and turned to face Rosellin.

"What do you think? Give us your opinion."

Rosellin smiled faintly. "You guys look like a bunch of rabble."

Hearing this, many people present frowned, somewhat displeased.

Edmund waved his hand, not angry at all. "You're right. We haven't accomplished anything yet, so of course we're all rabble. I'd like to hear your opinion."

Rosellin clicked her tongue, sat up, and said slowly, "The current cosmic environment is still relatively stable. The friction between the three major civilizations will not turn into direct conflict for the time being, but there are undercurrents, and every civilization is on edge. The reason lies in the Flickering World and the Evolutionary Totem. The essence of the matter... My manifesto has already made it clear. The root of the problem is the internal strife within the three major civilizations themselves, and their opposition to many Star Cluster civilizations.

The Flickering World is an opportunity for a reshuffle. While the entire universe's attention is on the Flickering World, we can quietly develop, spread our ideas in a low-key but gradual way, package it with religion, lie dormant first, and then patiently wait for the opportunity."

"What opportunity?" someone asked.

Rosellin said indifferently, "Star Cluster civilizations hope to obtain channels for advancement through the new Starfield, but the three major civilizations will definitely firmly grasp the benefits of the new Starfield, leaving only very little profit for these Super Star Cluster and Star Cluster civilizations. The three major civilizations have suppressed them for too long since the Exploration Era. There's a limit to everything, and one day it will reach a critical point. Those Star Cluster civilizations can't wait forever. After all, civilizations that give up on progress are in the minority, and gaining hope only to lose it again may trigger conflict. So, the Flickering World has the potential to become a fuse, and that's the soil for our development."

Edmund nodded. "That's what I think too. Now is the best time. Our cause can't be delayed any longer."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Rosellin chuckled.

To be honest, she looked down on the people in front of her. Among them were agitators like Edmund who insisted on their own twisted ideas, ambitious people with ulterior motives, and herself, who wanted nothing more than to see the world in chaos.

Breaking the three major civilizations' restrictions on the development channels of other races? Sounds good, but she didn't care. Overthrowing the three major civilizations themselves was her motive, which she found exciting – no force was more suitable as an opponent than the three major civilizations.

Edmund may believe in his own ideas, but in her opinion, it was just a good entry point.

In the interstellar era with abundant resources, no one would worry about survival anymore. The struggle for interests was the eternal theme. This was a revolution not caused by survival. Rosellin saw the unsolvable conflict between the three major civilizations and the Super Star Cluster civilizations, and she could take advantage of Edmund's ideas to act accordingly.

The world often stood on the edge of a cliff, struggling to maintain its balance. All it needed was someone to push it, just like pushing the lever at the fork in the railroad track, guiding history to another unknown path... If there was no such era, then try to create one. She herself just wanted to dance freely on the stage.

"If we're going to start our cause, we need a name," Edmund said in a deep voice.

Rosellin glanced at his silver skin and smiled playfully.

"How about... the Silver Revolutionary Army?"