Chapter 1 Black Star's Territory in the Shining World

As the exploration of the Star Field progressed, more and more interstellar citizens poured into the Shining World. Various industries rapidly improved, and numerous planets were transformed into transit stations or tourist destinations.

Heimen Star, as the entrance to the legion's territory and one of the ten star gate traffic routes in the Shining World, saw an astonishing daily flow of passengers. Countless entertainment facilities were built on the planet's surface, blurring the line between day and night, making it bustling with activity at all times. Here, one could see visitors from various star fields and races.

Muirickel Street was a famous entertainment street, packed with casinos, taverns, and shops. Tall buildings lined the street, bathed in dazzling lights, and teeming with people.

"It's been a while since I've been here. It's getting more and more prosperous," Feng Yue said, pulling Kuang Dao along the bustling street. She looked around, her face filled with curiosity as she observed the various strange-looking passersby.

Passersby who saw the Black Star Army's Advanced Warrior badge on the two of them revealed looks of awe and quietly detoured. A small open space was squeezed out around them on the bustling street.

"Stop wandering around. We're here to turn in a mission," Kuang Dao said helplessly.

Just then, a huge screen on the outer wall of a distant building lit up, displaying a news broadcast that was clearly visible to pedestrians in the nearby blocks.

"We interrupt this program for an urgent news bulletin. The Glorious Federation, the Crimson Dynasty, and the Void Spiritual Church have jointly issued an announcement to the entire universe regarding the progress of the Intelligent Plague's treatment. The following is the news content…"

After many days of hearing news about the Ancient Star Desert, the pedestrians on the street stopped, as if someone had pressed the pause button. They all looked up and watched.

Kuang Dao and Feng Yue also stopped and looked curiously at the screen.

On the screen, a diplomatic press conference was being held. Spokespersons from the three major civilizations stood side by side, reading the announcement:

"The Intelligent Plague has been raging for months. We have contained the disaster in the Ancient Star Desert and are conducting special disaster relief operations. Because this matter is closely related to the safety of the entire universe, it has received high attention from all sectors of society. Therefore, we are making a special report today to announce the progress of our three parties in controlling the Intelligent Plague."

"The Virtual Rebellion Virus is a highly dangerous information data virus that can rewrite the underlying logic of mechanical intelligence, turning it into a killer of organic life forms. It has amazing penetration, spreadability, and threat. This is a lost information warfare weapon. We originally thought the threat came from the virus itself, but now we have found that the virus core is the real threat…"

The spokesperson explained the mechanism of the virus core, emphasizing the danger of self-evolution and updates, using very exaggerated terms to describe the consequences of the disaster.

Hearing this, the passersby watching on the street couldn't help but shudder.

Because of the news blockade, interstellar citizens only had a superficial understanding of the Virtual Rebellion Virus's mechanism. Now that they knew the true horror of the Virtual Rebellion Virus, they couldn't help but feel a sense of panic, frightened by the virus's destructive power.

At this moment, the spokesperson changed the subject and said:

"If Black Star hadn't discovered the threat of the virus core, we would still be in the dark. After intelligent simulation, we found that the success rate of our antivirus plan, which we made without knowing the truth, was less than 0.1%. In the end, we might not be able to prevent the virus from leaking, leading to a disaster that would sweep the entire universe. Countless lives would die in the disaster, and the interstellar society would regress for many eras.

Black Star's discovery allowed us to avoid this result. He deserves great credit for saving countless lives."

Many people breathed a sigh of relief and secretly felt lingering fear. They were grateful from the bottom of their hearts that Black Star had turned the tide.

The spokesperson continued:

"Because of Black Star's information, we planned an action to hunt down the virus core by disconnecting the entire star field. Everything was going smoothly, but when we captured the virus core, there were some twists and turns…

The virus core was captured by Manison of the Machinery Country, but he disregarded the safety of the universe and refused to hand it over, attempting to reverse engineer the complete technology. In order to maintain universal peace, Black Star seized the virus core, destroyed it, completely eliminated this technology, and prevented the possibility of the Virtual Rebellion Virus reappearing, allowing the entire universe to forever get rid of the shadow of this disaster.

However, the Machinery Country was unwilling to fail and attacked Black Star. The two fought to a draw, and Black Star finally forced him back."

Kuang Dao and Feng Yue heard the surrounding pedestrians stir and let out low exclamations.

This statement first mentioned the unexpected events of the operation, arousing the audience's concern, and then made a contrasting comparison between the actions of the Machinery Country and Black Star, distinguishing between the high and the low. It deliberately promoted Han Xiao's actions to protect interstellar citizens, planting the image of Black Star's boundless love in the hearts of the audience, making interstellar citizens grateful for Black Star's contribution.

In contrast, the Machinery Country was portrayed as an ambitious person who disregarded the overall situation for his own selfishness. Because he violated the common interests of interstellar citizens, he was inherently regarded as a villain, and his image was tarnished.

The spokesperson summarized the process and finally said loudly:

"Now, the treatment of the Intelligent Plague is in its final stages. The disaster is under control and will be completely eradicated soon, lifting the blockade of the Ancient Star Desert. In this incident, Black Star's contribution is irreplaceable. Our three parties have discussed and decided to jointly award Black Star the title of Special Security Consultant of the Three Great Civilizations as a reward."

Special Consultant of the Three Great Civilizations?

Kuang Dao and Feng Yue looked at each other, secretly surprised.

Didn't the Glorious Federation and the Void Spiritual Church have conflicts with our Black Star Army? Have they become friends and been successfully taken down by the legion commander?

Doesn't that mean we have two more thick thighs to rely on?

The news broadcast ended, and the enthusiasm of the crowd had just been aroused. They discussed among themselves, and a buzzing sound immediately rang out on the street.

"Thanks to His Excellency Black Star. He is truly a great man."

"Among all the Beyond Grade A big shots, only Black Star is working for the benefit of us ordinary people. Like the previous Holy Light Envoy Cultivation Plan, which gave ordinary people the opportunity to become Supers, now he has resolutely destroyed this virus technology for the sake of the safety of ordinary people. He even didn't hesitate to go to war with the Machinery Country for this. He is truly full of love. If I were a woman, I might fall in love with him."

"Alas, I didn't expect Manison of the Machinery Country to be this kind of person. I used to admire him."

"With such great功劳 (gong lao, merit), no wonder the three major civilizations invited Black Star to be their consultant. It seems that no one has ever received this honor before."

"To be honest, I can't think of anyone other than Black Star who is qualified to take on this position."

Just then, a cheer suddenly rang out from a neighboring block. Someone ran over, pleasantly surprised, and said:

"Come with me over there. A few wealthy businessmen have booked a tavern and said that today, to express their gratitude for Black Star's功绩 (gong ji, achievements), they have booked the entire venue for free drinks. Hurry over there."

Hearing this, the pedestrians on Muirickel Street swarmed over. When they passed Kuang Dao and Feng Yue, they no longer avoided them. Their attitude became extremely warm, using various strange etiquettes to express their respect for the Black Star Army.

Feeling the enthusiastic atmosphere on the street, Kuang Dao and Feng Yue felt a sense of pride flowing through their hearts. They only felt honored, and a strong sense of belonging to the camp surged into their hearts.

The two hurriedly logged into the forum. As expected, the forum had exploded, and the news was being spammed in the section.

The legion commander had disappeared for several months, and as soon as he appeared, he made a big splash. The three major civilizations were praising him to the heavens, almost saying that Black Star was the savior. The players were also extremely excited.

[Glory War Axe: Eh, so we're the good guys?]

[Cloud Dragon Li: Second Battalion Commander, pull out my spaghetti for Black Star to try!]

[Leng Huijun: To be reasonable, the legion commander is kind of handsome this time.]

[Picture Album Sister: Black Star is still the same Black Star, never letting us down.]

[Fox:《Star Sea Times》, come out and get beaten. Where is the mission you promised? How did it become a cutscene CG again!]

[Daydreamer: Am I the only one who cares that the legion commander fought Manison to a draw…]

Looking at the spamming posts, they were basically full of praise. Some veteran players were popularizing Black Star's past deeds to the newbies, such as solving the异化 (yi hua, Alienation) disaster and destroying the DarkStar organization, all of which caused a sensation at the time.

Over several versions, in the eyes of the players, Han Xiao's image was still considered great and righteous. This time, his功绩 (gong ji, achievements) once again raised the players' perception of him, giving rise to a consensus.

——Black Star is indeed a great man!

In addition to benefits and fun, a camp needs a leader with personality charm to make players feel more identified.

…

The three major civilizations issued an announcement, and everyone in the universe who was concerned about the progress of the Intelligent Plague felt relieved.

This功绩 (gong ji, achievement) allowed Han Xiao's reputation to climb to its peak in a short time, while the reputation of the Machinery Country was impacted by deliberate suppression.

At the same time, Han Xiao's fleet was passing through the dynasty's military star gate, leaving the Ancient Star Desert. He also saw the official announcement from the three major civilizations.

"Tsk tsk, the propaganda departments of the three major civilizations are very skilled at praising one and stepping on the other."

Han Xiao happily read the news. He just liked to see people praising him seriously.

At this moment, he suddenly felt a move in his heart and opened the panel to take a look.

The three major civilizations had basically completed the eradication of the first generation Virtual Rebellion Virus, leaving only the last bit of suspense-free finishing touches. When the announcement was released, the [Intelligent Plague] mission finally prompted that it had been completed.

"This mission is finally settled."

Han Xiao turned his head and glanced at Harrison, who was taken aboard the ship by him. He rubbed his chin and chose to settle the mission.

[S-level mission [Intelligent Plague] completed!]

[Mission evaluation: S+ (Perfect)]

[You have obtained 300 billion experience points, Random Reward x8, Crimson Dynasty Contribution +35000, Glorious Federation Contribution +15000, Void Spiritual Church Contribution +15000]

[You have obtained Political Asset (Crimson Dynasty) x2, Political Asset (Glorious Federation) x1, Political Asset (Void Spiritual Church) x1]

[You have obtained Legend Points x4]

[Star Field Legend Points (Ancient Star Desert): [Black Market Behemoth]--Through various means, you have temporarily unified the black market forces in the Ancient Star Desert, leaving behind a terrifying legend]

[Universe Legend Points: [Intelligent Plague Controller]--The Intelligent Plague, a universe-level disaster rated as world-destroying, you accepted the invitation of the three major civilizations to go and control the disaster. In the end, you made a unique功劳 (gong lao, contribution) and successfully solved the disaster. The entire universe will remember your功绩 (gong ji, achievement) and contribution]

[Universe Legend Points: [Star Sea Watcher]--You chose the latter between selfishness and righteousness, and your choice maintained universal peace and affected the evolution of the universe situation. Perhaps this is a turning point in fate. You watch over the Star Sea, and the world knows.]

[Universe Legend Points: [Three Great Civilizations Security Consultant]--You have been invited to become a special consultant of the three major civilizations. Throughout history, you have pioneered a new era. No matter how the situation evolves, you will leave a strong mark in history.]

[Dungeon generated: [Intelligent Plague (Simulated Disaster)]]

Han Xiao nodded.

Seeing this, the rewards were still within his expectations.

After all, it was a universe-wide S-level mission, and he had achieved a perfect evaluation, so the rewards were definitely generous.

But as he continued to look down, Han Xiao was stunned, and a huge wave was set off in his heart.

[In view of your evaluation reaching S+, you have obtained an additional reward]

[You have obtained a new skill [Blueprint - Domino Virus (Fragment)]!]

[You have completed a special requirement: Personally eliminate the virus core]

[Generating a related specialty, generating... Generation completed]

[You have obtained a new specialty [Virtual Purification - Restoration]!]

"What?!"

Han Xiao's eyes widened, staring blankly at the [Blueprint - Domino Virus (Fragment)] lying quietly in the reward column.

This was not an additional reward for a special requirement, but a normal reward given when the S-level mission [Intelligent Plague] reached the highest level of evaluation, meaning that only those who made great功劳 (gong lao, contributions) in disaster relief could obtain this reward.

After painstakingly solving the Intelligent Plague, the mission gave a fragment of the virus technology blueprint, asking me to recreate it…

He suddenly felt a great irony.

"I didn't expect that after all this, this technology was not destroyed and ended up in my hands… Although it is incomplete."

Browsing the content of this blueprint, Han Xiao's face was complicated, not knowing whether he should be happy or not.