Chapter 1 The First Elementary Academy

Hai Lan Federation, Mother Planet, Federation First Elementary Academy.

In the classroom, many seven- or eight-year-old students were reading aloud from textbooks with the teacher on the podium.

"...In the Star Sea Calendar 694, the 'Great Unification of Political Power' movement occurred on Hai Lan Star. Under the impetus of Black Star, the social structure underwent drastic changes, and the former six countries were replaced by the current Hai Lan Federation. This was a turning point in the civilization process of Hai Lan Star, and the same year was also the first year of the Hai Lan Federation..."

"Black Star, whose real name is Han Xiao, is a native of Hai Lan Star, a former member of the Germination Organization. Later, he abandoned the darkness for the light and is now the protector of Hai Lan Star civilization. He has the highest veto power in the Federation Council and is our greatest backer in the distant starry sky. He guided the nearly twenty years of civilization change on Hai Lan Star and brought us the entry ticket to interstellar society. To this day, the Black Star Army still maintains close cooperative relations with the Federation..."

A male student with freckles on his face raised his hand and asked curiously, "Is Black Star still alive?"

The classroom burst into laughter.

"Of course, Nilo. Black Star is a strongman in the universe with a long lifespan. Even after we all grow old and die, he will still be alive." The teacher smiled and nodded.

"I...I thought only the dead were considered great men..." The student named Nilo blushed.

The teacher shook his head. "Black Star and Federation Chairman Bennett are close friends. The landmark statue in the Central Garden is a statue erected by Bennett for Black Star. If you are curious, you can log on to the Interstellar Network and search for Black Star's deeds. There is public information on it. He is the most powerful person to come out of Hai Lan Star and is the glory of our entire planet."

The afternoon classes ended quickly, and the students went home. Nilo followed the crowd and arrived at the school gate.

The school was located in the middle of a high-rise building. Standing on the wide platform at the school gate and looking around, the view was wide and the entire city could be seen. High-rise buildings were scattered, like a science-fiction-filled steel forest, and anti-gravity hovercrafts flowed endlessly along the tracks planned by the buoys.

Over the past decade, Hai Lan Star has been constantly exposed to interstellar technology, and some of the equipment commonly found in the Star Sea has entered all aspects of people's lives. Today, Hai Lan Star has built a number of high-tech cities, and the style of the cities has gradually changed under the influence of interstellar consortia.

Flourishing and full of vitality.

Private anti-gravity hovercrafts of various styles were waiting outside the school for their children. Nilo got into an unlicensed hovercraft and shuttled through the city, finally entering the Hai Lan Federation's political building.

Nilo followed a secretary-like man to an office. Bennett was buried in paperwork inside. Compared to ten years ago, his wrinkles had increased and he was gradually showing signs of aging. At this moment, he raised his head when he heard the sound and smiled when he saw Nilo.

"School's out? Sit down first, and I'll finish what I'm working on before taking you out to eat."

"Okay, Dad." Nilo put down his small schoolbag, sat obediently on the sofa, swayed his legs, and looked around.

Ten years ago, under Han Xiao's instruction, Bennett took office as Chairman of the Hai Lan Federation and completed the unification of the planet's political power. After the initial period of turmoil, Hai Lan Star entered a period of stability and development, and the people recuperated and recovered from their past traumas.

The Mother Planet ushered in peace, and Bennett's wish was fulfilled. As the Chairman of the Federation, he needed to start a family, so he married and had children. He was also a martial artist, so his body was very strong and there was no problem with procreation. Nilo was his child.

"Dad, the teacher told us about Black Star today," Nilo said lively.

"Oh? What did he teach you?" Bennett asked with interest.

Nilo repeated it in a childish voice and asked curiously, "Is Black Star your friend, Dad?"

"Yes, I've known him for almost twenty years." Bennett was quite nostalgic.

"Is he really that powerful? Is he even more powerful than you, Dad?"

Nilo's eyes widened. In his heart, his father, as the Chairman of the Federation, was the most powerful person in the world.

"He's much more powerful than me." Bennett chuckled.

* * *

Beep beep—

At this moment, the communicator rang.

Bennett saw who was calling and was slightly surprised. He beckoned to Nilo.

"Come here. Aren't you very curious about Black Star? Come and see him."

He picked up Nilo and put him on his lap before connecting the video. Han Xiao's face appeared on the screen.

"Long time no see, it's been almost ten years, right?" Bennett said with a smile.

"Yes." Han Xiao nodded and his eyes lit up when he saw Nilo. "This child is..."

"Yes, this is my child, Nilo."

Bennett smiled, touched Nilo's head, and urged, "Quick, call him uncle."

"Hello, Uncle." Nilo greeted obediently.

Han Xiao looked surprised. "When did you get married? Why didn't you tell me?"

"You're so busy. I didn't want to bother you with such a small matter."

"What are you saying? We're old friends. You didn't even tell me about your happy news. I'm very disappointed." Han Xiao looked displeased.

Bennett laughed and didn't take it to heart.

Although he didn't say it, he knew that he and Han Xiao were no longer on the same level.

The daily affairs of Hai Lan Star were undoubtedly trivial matters to Han Xiao, and Bennett didn't want to bother him with these trivial matters. The two of them were contacting each other less and less.

"Are you the person written in the textbook..." Nilo stared at Han Xiao curiously.

"Textbook?" Han Xiao was stunned.

Bennett smiled and explained it again, and Han Xiao suddenly laughed.

He didn't expect to be written into history textbooks.

This feeling of being remembered... seemed quite good.

After chatting for a few words, Bennett suddenly said, "I want Nilo to be your godson. What do you think?"

Han Xiao was a little surprised. He and Bennett had a good friendship and were willing to be the child's godfather.

Bennett patted Nilo. "Quick, call him godfather."

"God...father." Nilo's tone was a little stiff. Han Xiao was a stranger to him, so he couldn't quite bring himself to call him godfather.

Bennett smiled, put Nilo down, and let him go to play, before starting to talk about serious matters.

"What can I do for you?"

Han Xiao: "Nothing, I just want to ask about the current situation of Hai Lan Star."

Hai Lan Star was one of the birthplaces of the players, supplying manpower to the Black Star Army, which was equivalent to his rear base and was very important.

Before opening up a new farm, he wanted to confirm the situation of the old farm.

Bennett nodded and explained the current situation of Hai Lan Star in detail.

Thanks to the Black Star Army, Hai Lan Star was transitioning from a surface civilization to an interstellar civilization and had been trying to colonize nearby uninhabited planets in recent years.

A considerable number of 3.0 version newbies were born on Hai Lan Star and recruited by the Black Star Army's branch.

Overall, the situation was very good.

Han Xiao was very satisfied and asked, "You've done a good job. Now Hai Lan Star doesn't need you to worry about it anymore. Do you want to come and see the universe?"

If he remembered correctly, Bennett also yearned for the universe, so Han Xiao extended an invitation.

However, to his surprise, Bennett shook his head and refused.

"I've decided to stay in the Hai Lan Federation. The universe... I don't want to go anymore."

"Why? I remember you used to..."

"I have a new wish. The Hai Lan Federation is still very young, and I hope to nurture it and dedicate the rest of my life to it." Bennett smiled, his wrinkles deep. "I'm old, I have a family, I have children, and I don't want to fight anymore. I'm very satisfied with my current life. Although the universe is vast, having you is enough. Please help me see the world."

Han Xiao heard this and dispelled the idea of dissuading him.

Everyone has their own ambitions. Bennett had spent the first half of his life in war and turmoil, and now he had found a home. Home is where the heart is. He didn't need to change other people's wishes.

"I understand."

"Actually, there's something else I want to ask you." Bennett said.

"Go ahead."

"The only thing I'm worried about is Nilo. He has a great future and shouldn't stay here with me. After I die, I hope you can take him with you, take care of him, and nurture him." Bennett's eyes were full of love.

"Are you going to die?! Why are you suddenly entrusting your orphan to me for no reason?!" Han Xiao's scalp tingled.

"After all, I'm not like you. My lifespan is limited, and I don't know when I'll die, so it's better to tell you sooner." Bennett smiled magnanimously. "Can you promise me?"

"No problem, I still have the money to support someone." Han Xiao raised his eyebrows and joked to ease the atmosphere, "When you die, do you want me to take care of your widow by the way?"

"...That won't be necessary." The corners of Bennett's mouth twitched.

* * *

After chatting for more than half an hour, Han Xiao hung up the communication, his smile faded, and he sighed.

Not everyone has a long lifespan like him.

Birth, old age, sickness, and death are the fate of normal people.

Bennett was getting older and would eventually die of old age.

Still, a little sad.

However, even if one day he passes away, the cause he loves will remain.

"Hai Lan Federation..."

Han Xiao nodded secretly.

With his protection, Hai Lan Star civilization would go further and further than in his previous life...

* * *

With the foundation of fame laid by the first two versions, 3.0 became a boom period for new players. According to statistics, more than ten million new players have poured in so far, and the number is still growing.

Due to the impact of China's victory in the last professional league, the Shattered Star Ring region attracted the most players, and the number of new players has reached nearly two million about three months after the opening of 3.0.

Half a month later.

Goron Star Cluster, Dild Star.

The public airport hall has become a player square, with stalls, team requests, carry requests, power leveling, and everything else.

Countless players gathered here, noisy and crowded. The walls were transparent viewing windows, from which you could overlook the surface of Dild Star or admire the magnificent cosmic starry sky.

As an interstellar transit station, Dild Star has a lot of job opportunities. These one million or so newbies have gone through three months of training, and with the mission rewards of level 3.0, their initial levels have been raised very quickly. Now, the average level is above 30, and the first echelon has reached level 40 or so.

Different from the bitter Hai Lan Star players in version 1.0, the Dild Star players were interstellar citizens from birth, with rich information channels, and could check the information of the interstellar at will.

After three months of exploration, the Dild Star players found a variety of development directions.

At this moment, in the noisy public airport hall, a player team was discussing the future direction.

"We should join the Odegon Consortium and help them fight against the nearby Star Thief groups. This is the main quest of the planet and must be the best choice."

"What future is there in joining a consortium? It's better to be a free mercenary. I saw the strategies of those old players on the forum, and they all said that being a mercenary is the best."

"I checked the information, and the largest mercenary organization in the Shattered Star Ring is the Mercenary Alliance. I heard that someone triggered a new main quest in it, so we should be a mercenary in this organization."

"It's better to go to Colton's side and hug the thighs of those old players and join the Black Star Army to participate in the secret war main quest."

"The Black Star Army is good, but the inter-star cluster flight is a bit expensive."

"I think it's better not to go there. We have new main quests here, so why bother going far away."

"Why not do something challenging? As the saying goes, killing people and setting fires earns you a golden belt, let's be Star Thieves..."

"Hehe, do you think we can afford a spaceship?"

"You're stupid. Since we want to be Star Thieves, if we can't afford it, can't we just rob it."

This player team discussed for a long time and suddenly realized that the noisy environment around them had quieted down.

The players turned their heads in astonishment.

They saw that the entire hall, whether it was a player or an NPC, millions of people were raising their heads and looking at the domed viewing window of the airport hall, their mouths wide open, with shocked expressions on their faces.

What's going on?

The players also raised their heads and saw the scene outside the viewing window clearly, and their eyes suddenly widened.

A huge armed satellite fortress appeared at some point, occupying the entire view of the viewing window. The volume of the public airport was less than one-twentieth of this satellite fortress!

Thousands of warships escorted the satellite fortress, slowly approaching and stopping in the outer space orbit of Dild Star.

These warships' outer armor had the same mark painted on them, and any player who often goes to the forum to post would not be unfamiliar with this mark.

This is the symbol of the Black Star Army!

The Black Star Army directly moved a satellite branch over!

Millions of newbie players in the airport hall were in disbelief and at a loss.

Isn't the Black Star Army fighting in another star cluster... why did they come here?!