Chapter 1 An Hour Later

In the dimly lit room, a single, eerie green candle on the table provided the only source of light. The flame flickered and swayed, casting a ghastly pallor across the faces gathered around the table, leaving behind mottled shadows that created a sinister and unsettling atmosphere.

Above the flickering candle, a panel hovered, displaying the Black Star character card's information for all to see.

The leader of the Golden Squad, with the ID "Freedom Flying," a Chinese server legend and a veteran player since version 1.0, wore a worried expression as he spoke in a low voice.

"I never expected we'd discover such a huge secret. Everyone, what should we do now?"

"What else can we do? Release it immediately!"

"But this is our trump card for the finals. If we publish it, won't we expose ourselves?"

"Hey, what time is it? Don't worry about that! Compared to the safety of the entire legion, winning the competition is no longer important. Do you know what's more important?"

As everyone argued, a female player timidly raised her hand to ask a question.

"I have a question. Why don't we turn on the lights and only light candles?"

"When discussing such important matters, we need this dark environment. That's how it is in the movies."

"I understand the reasoning, but why only candles?" another team member asked, scratching his head.

"We might be the only ones who discovered the truth. The atmosphere has to be serious. Do you understand the sense of ritual?"

Another member let out a long "Ohhh," then said, "I see. But why only candles?"

"Enough!"

Freedom Flying couldn't bear it any longer. He stood up, interrupted the repetition, and went to turn on the lights, bringing the straying topic back on track.

After obtaining the Black Star character card, the entire Golden Squad present were shocked to their core and quickly returned to their base to discuss what to do.

The team was divided into two factions on how to handle the situation. One side believed that they should keep the secret and wait until after the finals, while the other side believed that the matter was too important and should be immediately disclosed on the forum to warn all legion players that their legion leader was suspected of being replaced.

Although they had managed to reach the Black Star Cup finals with great difficulty, after accidentally discovering this secret, the competition immediately lost its appeal. Everyone's attention was completely drawn to the mystery of the legion leader's identity.

The character card was marked with the prefix "Black Star," but everyone was unsure if this was the target's disguise. After all, there were similar examples. The names on blank character cards generally only displayed the target's current identity, meaning they didn't have the effect of seeing through disguises.

For example, using a blank character card on Sorokin or an Oathkeeper would only display "Sorokin Character Card" or "Oathkeeper Character Card," and would not reveal their true identities.

So, in everyone's opinion, the ability with the "Manison" suffix was clearly more convincing!

*Thump!*

Freedom Flying slammed the table forcefully and said firmly, "I think we should immediately disclose the information. We had no chance of reaching the finals in the official league, but the Black Star Cup gave us the opportunity. Even if we lose in the finals, we're still in the top four, and we'll still gain a lot of popularity. If it weren't for the Black Star Cup held by the legion, none of this would exist. As the saying goes, 'When you drink water, don't forget the well-digger.' The competition rewards are just a small benefit. Maintaining the entire legion is the greater good!

"Besides, how many benefits has the legion leader brought us over the past few versions? How many people like this character? He may be in danger right now. How can we stand idly by! The opportunity to save the legion is upon us!"

Many of the casual experts present were veteran Chinese players who had deep feelings for the legion and had long regarded it as their own faction.

Iron fans like Freedom Flying were even willing to give up the benefits of the finals in order to protect the legion and Black Star, just to warn everyone—because relying on their own strength was not enough. It was better to gather the power of the legion players and come up with a solution together to break the Machinery Country's "conspiracy"!

Hearing this, everyone thought of the past and suddenly became excited. A belief arose from their hearts.

At this time, Freedom Flying extended his palm, and everyone understood. They all reached out and stacked their hands together, looking at each other and seeing a strong sense of responsibility in each other's eyes.

"Now, it's our turn to save the legion leader!"

After shouting a slogan loudly, Freedom Flying immediately opened the forum and began writing a post, without hesitation giving it the title...

《Century Revelation! Black Star and Machinery Country's Unspeakable Secret!》

...

The fleet rested at Black Gate Star for half a day before quickly setting off again for the final venue of the Black Star Cup.

In the cabin, Han Xiao chatted with Sylvia about work for a long time before waving for her to leave.

With only himself in the room, he leaned back comfortably in his chair, casually opened the forum, and began his daily round of observing the silly netizens.

"Let me see what today's happy meal is..."

Han Xiao hummed a little tune as he entered the forum, but what he saw stunned him.

Looking at it, it was all titles like 《Urgent Request for Spreading! The Legion Leader's Identity is a Mystery!》, 《Machinery Country's Shocking Conspiracy!》, 《Danger! The Black Star Legion May Change Hands!》, 《Save the Legion Leader!》. The entire Shining World section was flooded with similar posts.

What is all this?!

I haven't looked at the forum for half a day. What happened?

Han Xiao was confused. He opened the most popular post, and the poster turned out to be a familiar ID, none other than Freedom Flying, the leader of the Golden Squad.

The beginning of the post was a high-definition, uncensored screenshot, which was the introduction of the Black Star character card. As soon as he saw the ability name [Myriad Machinery Country · Manison], Han Xiao suddenly understood and roughly guessed what was going on. The corners of his mouth couldn't help but twitch.

"Seriously? Out of the thousands of abilities I have, this one was chosen by the blank character card? What kind of luck did these people have... Speaking of which, I just came back. When did they get it? Did someone grope me at the dock?"

He looked down and, as expected, Freedom Flying explained the whole story.

"Dear legion colleagues, hello everyone. I'm Freedom Flying from the Golden Squad. Just over an hour ago, we discovered an amazing secret!

"At the scene where the legion leader returned to the territory not long ago, our team mixed in with the crowd, intending to use a blank character card to record Black Star's ability. We originally wanted to use it as a trump card in the upcoming Black Star Cup finals. However, as you can see in the screenshot, we didn't expect to draw Machinery Country's ability from Black Star! This scared all of us!

"We couldn't understand this situation. After discussion, we came to an amazing conclusion—the current legion leader might be impersonated by Machinery Country! His goal is to replace Black Star and usurp our legion!

"In the end, we unanimously decided to immediately disclose such crucial information. We need everyone to unite to find out the truth and break the conspiracy! Dear colleagues, the future of the legion is in our hands!"

Han Xiao had a constipated expression on his face.

This inference seemed to make some sense, but he still felt that these people were out of their minds...

He looked at the replies below, which had already exploded. Countless people were questioning it.

"Is this real? Could this picture be photoshopped?"

"It must be photoshopped. These young people always want to make big news."

"You're probably thinking that you have no hope of winning, so you want to do something crazy."

"Good job, I'll give you a slap."

"It's over. Someone is going to change their name to Machinery Country's Big Machine (Smiley Face)."

Faced with the suspicion, Freedom Flying added in the popular replies:

"I know everyone must have some doubts. On the day of the finals, we will use this character card and display it to let everyone believe that the legion needs us to save it!"

I'll save your grandma's leg!

Han Xiao gritted his teeth and returned to the forum page, quickly browsing through the relevant posts one by one. He found that in addition to the doubters, there were also many people who posted seriously analyzing this possibility:

【Reinhardt: Maybe it's true. Machinery Country has the motive to do so. Didn't they have a conflict in the Ancient Star Desert some time ago? Could it be that Machinery Country attacked the legion leader afterward!】

【Pika Shy: If this is fake, then where is the real legion leader? Was he murdered?】

【Wolf Fire: It shouldn't be possible. After all, the legion leader is so tanky. I think Machinery Country just exiled him and he can't come back for a while, so he dares to pretend to be Black Star in such a swaggering way!】

【Foot-Picking Hippopotamus: Are you all defaulting to the idea that the legion leader has been replaced? Could it be that Black Star learned Machinery Country's ability by some means?】

【Stinky Foot Nemesis: The possibility is too low. This is the first time in so many years that a blank character card has drawn an ability with an exclusive suffix from Black Star.】

【Zero to the Zero Power: Could it be that they reached a deal and taught each other their best moves?】

【My Dog is Called Laji: Uh, so... if I use a blank character card on Machinery Country now, is it possible to draw "Indestructible Body · Black Star"?】

【Good Brother Touchy: Damn, that's awesome!】

You are really talented... Han Xiao's teeth ached as he watched.

【Ice Dragon Volume: Wait, there are other possibilities! Could it be that Black Star's ability was taught by Machinery Country from the beginning?!】

【Blueberry: Surprised! That makes sense. If Black Star was Machinery Country's secret disciple a long time ago, his rapid rise can be explained!】

【Shadow Stream Execution Song: Looking at it this way, the falling out some time ago may just be a double act. One jumps out to betray and the other pretends to be loyal, but they are secretly in the same group. That's too clever. Hiss... I understand! Machinery Country has a big conspiracy. He is playing a big game of chess!!】

You understand a scrotum!

Han Xiao's forehead bulged with veins.

【Blood-Colored Rose: I can't take it anymore. I can't suppress my curiosity. What exactly happened between Black Star and Machinery Country?】

【Elysium Disco: Just a weak suggestion, if I ask the legion leader directly, will I be silenced? Although I'm not afraid...】

【Meat Bun Beats Dog: Ah, my eyes have seen through everything. A storm is brewing. This secret may lead to a new main quest... I have a feeling that the theme of the next version will be the split of the Black Star Legion! I have more material!】

You're the one who's split, your whole family is split!

Han Xiao felt that if he shook these players, he would definitely hear the sound of liquid sloshing in their heads.

He glanced at it and suddenly a new post caught his eye. The title was "Legion Rescue Plan · Mobilization Post."

He clicked in and saw that it was another post from that Freedom Throwing Excrement:

"Brothers and sisters, the Black Star Legion has been with us for four versions. This is our faction. We cannot allow others to take away the results of our hard work!

"Unfortunately, the legion's executives will not believe us. Our evidence can only be seen by the players themselves.

"For this reason, I have decided to launch a righteous rebellion. During the award ceremony at the end of the Black Star Cup, which will be broadcast live throughout the universe, I will stand up and expose Machinery Country's true face to the entire universe!

"So, I need everyone's strength!

"Although we are far from being the opponents of Super A Grades, we can use our lives to make the entire universe see Machinery Country's conspiracy!

"All the suicide soldiers who are willing to participate in the action, leave your names in this post and contact us.

"Everyone, draw your swords. Now we can only rely on us to save the legion!

"Even if I die, I am still a small soldier under Black Star!

"Machinery Country Manison, show your health bar!!"

Han Xiao was stunned.

Looking down, the replies to this post were increasing at a rate of hundreds per second. Countless people were excited and cheering, signing up... I don't know how many troublemakers were mixed in.

What the hell, are they going to backstab me?!

Han Xiao's expression was extremely tangled and complicated.

He didn't know if he should be pained or touched right now.

Judging from this incident, my achievements in the past four versions are very significant. I have established a deep emotional bond with the Chinese players. These players are willing to do this for me. It's really touching... Touching my ass!

How can there be such a crazy operation?!

After reading the posts two more times, Han Xiao gritted his teeth:

"I have to say, this post makes me feel so passionate... Damn it, these lunatics have such broad minds, and there's so much joy in being crazy!"