Chapter 360 Strategic Significance

Three thrones floated in the air, each occupied by a Super-A Grade, forming a tripartite balance that surrounded the Red Empire's special envoy, Suei.

"If we help you, what do we get in return?"

After a moment of consideration, Austin was the first to speak.

Those present were all respectable figures; even a special envoy from the Red Empire couldn't issue empty promises.

Asking them, Super-A Grades, for help with just a sentence and no offer of exchange was simply treating them like fools.

"New territories represent opportunities. A blank slate is easier to paint upon. If the newly discovered star cluster can serve as the starting point for a new star region, then the areas explored and expanded in the future will be incorporated into the new star region's territory. In time, the new star region might become as vast as the Shattered Star Ring, with immense potential benefits."

Suei spoke eloquently, waving his hand to project a virtual star map from the miniaturized communicator on his wrist, marking the location of the new region.

Beyond the edge of the Shattered Star Ring lay the unexplored universe, marked as a dark expanse.

Crossing a long, desolate stretch of space, a new bright area appeared in the dark region, the location of the new star cluster identified by the Glorious Federation's explorers.

Cosmic regions, from smallest to largest, were roughly divided into planets, star sectors, star systems, star clusters, and finally, the largest—star regions.

The Red Empire sought the new star cluster not only to seize a piece of territory, but to transform it into a bridgehead for outward exploration, defining it as a new frontier star region to be incorporated into the Red Empire's domain. In this way, the Red Empire could use it as a starting point to explore outwards, continuously expanding the new star region's territory, with all later discoveries belonging to the new star region, and thus to the Red Empire.

The Glorious Federation controlled the Shattered Star Ring, while the Red Empire sought another adjacent frontier star region, unwilling to allow the Glorious Federation to exclusively dominate the unexplored universe in that direction.

Suei was explaining the stakes, while Ames and Austin listened attentively.

Han Xiao's attention, however, was drawn to the new star cluster itself.

No matter how he looked at it, the star map location of the new star cluster seemed strangely familiar.

After a careful examination, a flash of insight struck Han Xiao, and a storm brewed in his mind.

"Damn it, isn't this part of the Flickering World?!"

The Flickering World was a major storyline in a later version, a completely new star region where trillions of stars shone brightly, illuminating the dark universe.

An uncultivated star region, incredibly rich in resources.

Virtually all players in the entire galaxy would accept main quests from various factions, gathering in the Flickering World to pioneer its development. Countless races and civilizations would migrate from the known universe into the Flickering World, leading to a major reshuffling of power and widespread conflict.

The new star cluster that Suei presented was a part of the Flickering World in Han Xiao's memory, just the tip of the iceberg.

He never expected that content from a later version was already beginning to surface.

Han Xiao's thoughts raced.

"Only a small area has been discovered so far. It will take many years to fully explore it, several version updates before 2.0..."

In the past, players fought for various factions, completing pioneering missions. This time, there might be an opportunity to become a player, just as the special envoy said. New territories meant the best opportunities, and this might be a chance to rise to a higher level...

Although the Black Star Army was not strong enough, far inferior to behemoths like the Crimson Dynasty, Han Xiao had a major advantage: he knew the general course of events.

To gain the qualifications to influence events, a more powerful force was needed. The stronger the force, the greater the benefits. He was far from that point, but fortunately, there were still several versions to go.

Han Xiao couldn't help feeling a sense of urgency, and secretly pondered his next moves.

The emergence of the Flickering World, at the very least, demonstrated that the Red Empire ultimately succeeded, seizing the new star cluster from the Glorious Federation and defining it as a new star region.

While he was pondering, Suei had finished explaining his terms. In summary, the Red Empire would provide comprehensive support in secret.

Receiving backing from a civilization at the cosmic level was a very tempting offer. Although the Glorious Federation controlled the Shattered Star Ring, it rarely interacted with the forces within the Shattered Star Ring, maintaining a lofty and detached attitude.

Austin frowned, his expression serious, but paired with his childish face, it looked somewhat comical, even endearing.

"I'm not very interested in this sort of thing. I'd rather stay home and study incantations, so… I'm sorry, but I want to remain neutral. I can only promise you that I won't help the Glorious Federation either."

After a moment's thought, Austin gave his response, wanting to stay out of the matter and remain neutral.

"I understand."

Suei wasn't surprised. They were all Super-A Grades, and it was difficult to force them. Securing his neutrality was still a decent outcome. He had only managed to win over Herber after a long discussion. This private meeting was mainly to convey the Empire's position and reduce the Glorious Federation's potential allies.

"What about you, Ames?" Herber asked.

Ames wasn't very interested in this sort of thing, and was about to follow Austin's example and decline, but suddenly paused, looking at Han Xiao.

"Black Star, what do you think?"

"Huh?"

Han Xiao, who had been zoning out in contemplation, was suddenly cued and momentarily stunned.

Seeing everyone's attention focused on him, Han Xiao pondered for a few seconds and nodded, saying, "The Red Empire's credibility is naturally trustworthy. The special envoy is right, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, containing immense potential benefits. Personally, I think the Red Empire has a greater than sixty percent chance of success."

Suei's eyes lit up, a smile spreading across his face as he secretly wondered when he had bribed this guy. He nodded towards Han Xiao. "Good eye."

Han Xiao also nodded in acknowledgment, continuing, "So I think there's no need to rush to refuse. It's not a bad thing."

Upon hearing this, Ames thought for a moment and didn't directly refuse, changing her words to, "I'll consider it further."

Herber and Austin exchanged subtle glances.

They had known Ames for many years. Initially, Ames had clearly expressed a desire to decline, but after hearing Han Xiao's suggestion, she immediately changed her mind.

Black Star's importance in the Dragon Emperor's eyes seemed to exceed their expectations.

"Not just a fighter, but an advisor as well?"

Austin, with his chubby little hand, pinched his chin, a thoughtful look on his face. "That's right, with Ames' personality, if she wants to develop a faction, she does need a reliable strategist. Black Star seems quite capable."

Herber was more direct, saying, "Black Star, Maz克斯 (Ma Zha Ke Si) mentioned that he tried to recruit you, but you refused."

Han Xiao's eyes flickered, and he slowly nodded.

"I rarely try a second time, but I want to personally ask you one more time."

Herber turned to face Han Xiao, extending his hand, his tone solemn.

"Black Star, become my subordinate."

*Boom!*

Ames' long hair billowed, her aura filling the entire space, and oppressive force sweeping outwards.

Her tone was icy.

"Wanting to poach my people in front of me, do you even see me?!"

The terrifying pressure squeezed Herber from all directions, but he was completely oblivious, ignoring Ames and staring only at Han Xiao, saying in a deep voice, "Yes or no?"

Han Xiao's mouth twitched.

Good heavens, showing off an ntr (netori) scene in my face, causing my scalp to tingle!

He hadn't expected Herber to personally invite him at this time. This guy didn't care about the occasion at all when he did things. Did stronger martial artists have harder heads!

"Sorry, my answer is still the same." Han Xiao felt like he was being passionately pursued, suppressing his chaotic emotions and shaking his head helplessly.

Herber nodded, not angered by the rejection, as if he hadn't brought up the topic at all, dropping it right there.

He liked talent, but he didn't force those who were unwilling to join him.

The force field was still increasing. Herber finally turned to look at Ames, asking, "Aren't you going to withdraw your ability? Do you want to fight?"

Ames remained expressionless, her aura gradually rising, vaguely on the verge of eruption, almost throwing Iso's instructions to the wind.

Helpless, Austin had to intervene, preventing the two from actually fighting, pinching his fingers to cast a series of mind-calming spells on Ames.

"Alright, alright, it's not like you just met him today. Don't mess around."

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(There will be another chapter later)