Chapter 175 The Eruption of the Volcano

The current situation in the Shattered Star Ring is extremely tense, like a volcano brewing an eruption.

Since Gorod's attack, the Empire's search operations have attracted the attention of the entire intergalactic society. Nearly a month has passed, and the Empire has made such a big commotion, but still without results, and voices of doubt have gradually emerged from the outside world.

As the rumors from the outside world intensified, the Empire, which had been the focus of countless intergalactic citizens, finally released a new announcement, displaying a complete chain of evidence pointing directly at the Super Star Cluster Alliance. The wording was fierce, sparking heated discussions in public opinion.

This official announcement claimed that after rigorous evidence collection, three Super Star Cluster civilizations were found to be undeniably suspected of plotting the attack on Gorod. Therefore, the Empire questioned them in severe terms, demanding that these three Super Star Cluster civilizations open their databases and unconditionally cooperate with the investigation, otherwise, further measures would be taken.

The Super Star Cluster Alliance originally wanted to blame Manison, but the measures against Manison were repeatedly resolved by mysterious forces, eventually leading to the Empire acting one step ahead. Faced with this blatant attempt at division, the Super Star Cluster Alliance strongly denied it and refused to cooperate with the investigation. It also issued a public statement to defend itself, claiming that the Crimson Empire was simply using the issue as an excuse. Since they had already torn off their masks, they might as well enumerate the injustices suffered by the Super Star Clusters at the hands of the three major civilizations over the years, attempting to seize the high ground of public opinion.

Glow and Astral also joined in the fun, supporting the Empire.

The tearing match between the two sides set off a craze in the intergalactic society. Most people believed the three major civilizations, but a small number of people saw through the Empire's tactics. Even if they knew there was something fishy, they couldn't influence the overall situation.

No matter how much was said, force was still the ultimate determinant. After several days of fermentation, the Empire took further action, claiming that since the Super Star Cluster Alliance had already attacked a Super-A grade, the original agreement was void. The Empire announced that it would mobilize its direct-line Super-A grades to participate in the Shattered Star Ring war, and Glow and Astral closely followed suit.

The Super-A grade Association, which had already communicated with the three major civilizations, expressed its support, claiming that the Super Star Cluster Alliance had broken the rules first.

Soon, the direct-line Super-A grades of the three major civilizations set off, one after another heading to the front lines.

With the addition of the Super-A grades, the intensity of the war quickly escalated. The three major civilizations swept away and broke through one stronghold after another, and the Super Star Cluster Alliance retreated and lost territory at an even faster rate.

The outside world originally thought that the Super Star Cluster Alliance would also send out its direct-line forces to fight, but things didn't develop that way. The Super Star Cluster Alliance was only relying on its existing troops to resist the direct-line Super-A grades of the three major civilizations. Even if they retreated steadily, they did not bring out their hidden Super-A grade powerhouses.

Related questions circulated on the quantum network in a timely manner, secretly guiding more intergalactic citizens to become curious. After this question attracted widespread attention, a mysterious person issued so-called "internal intelligence" to explain the reason.

The intelligence showed that within the Super-A grade Association, there might be a member of the Super Star Cluster Alliance who committed the crime of attacking Gorod. Originally, the Empire intended to thoroughly investigate all neutral Super-A grades, but Black Star, not wanting to offend the Empire, ran to argue with the Head of State, single-mindedly defending the interests of the members, claiming that unless concrete evidence was found, other members of the Association could not be implicated.

Finally, after days and nights of negotiations, the Empire was persuaded by Black Star and dismissed the idea. Because of Black Star's efforts, the Super-A grade Association was not subjected to mandatory searches. And everyone speculated that the Super Star Cluster Alliance's pawn was able to hide as a result, so the Super Star Clusters would rather take a beating than let the pawn be exposed.

This news caused surprise among countless forces. Faced with the Empire's furious search warrant, basically everyone cooperated obediently, but Black Star dared to refuse, and the Empire knew that the murderer might be hiding in the Association, yet still agreed to Black Star. What kind of face was this?!

Numerous intergalactic citizens were shocked.

As expected of the first common advisor of the three major civilizations in history, even the Empire in its rage had to give him face!

...

Super Star Cluster Alliance, remote conference room.

The heads of numerous civilizations gathered together, the atmosphere filled with gloom.

"We guessed right. The three major civilizations really used us as scapegoats... This is all like it was planned!"

The leader of the Star Arc Civilization clenched his fists, furious and unable to calm down.

Originally, Manison alone could not stop so many Super Star Cluster civilizations from shifting the blame together, but they discovered that there was a mysterious force secretly disrupting their scapegoating plan, constantly supporting Manison, causing their actions to be several steps behind.

The mysterious force secretly helping Manison could only be the three major civilizations!

"The three major civilizations had already planned to make us take the blame, so after discovering our intentions, they secretly disrupted it, so that we would not have the opportunity to escape the crime and would have to accept their targeting!" one leader said angrily.

The Super Star Clusters guessed the three major civilizations' plan and were afraid of taking the blame, so they blamed Manison. Manison guessed the Super Star Clusters' plan, so he counterattacked to protect himself. And the three major civilizations were one level higher, guessing that the Super Star Clusters had guessed their plan, so they helped Manison. The ultimate goal was still to target the Super Star Clusters. In their view, the stakes were like this set of Russian nesting dolls.

Everyone's hearts were filled with intense anger and a deep sense of powerlessness, feeling that the three major civilizations had woven a large net, making them unable to escape or struggle.

"What do we do now? The three major civilizations have sent out their direct-line forces, and the intensity of the war has escalated. Our fleet reinforcements are limited. If we don't bring out our direct-line forces, we will undoubtedly be defeated," someone said worriedly.

Everyone looked at each other, revealing expressions of entanglement.

"Forget it, can't everyone see the situation clearly? Even if we bring out our direct-line forces, we won't have a chance to turn the tables. We'll only be exposing our secrets for nothing."

One person sighed, speaking the thoughts in everyone's hearts.

"Rather than that, it's better to let our direct-line forces continue to hide their identities and lie dormant... The situation is different now. Black Star is maintaining the Super-A grade Association. As long as our people are not exposed, they won't be implicated."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

If there was no Super-A grade Association, the three major civilizations would definitely thoroughly investigate most of the neutral Super-A grades, and no one would dare to interfere. The result would probably be another Peak Tragedy, preferring to kill the innocent rather than let one go, wiping out the hidden members of the Super Star Cluster Alliance.

Now that the Super-A grade Association has been established, the three major civilizations cannot do whatever they want. Because of Black Star's existence, the Empire cannot arbitrarily attack neutral Super-A grades. In this way, their Super Star Cluster's hidden pawns are also protected.

"Black Star..."

Many civilization leaders had complicated expressions.

They didn't like this guy, but Black Star's actions indirectly protected their people. This was an undeniable fact.

The leader of the Star Arc Civilization sighed secretly, feeling exhausted, and said helplessly, "The overall situation is gone. Don't make irrational moves. The three major civilizations are forcing us to bring out our direct-line forces. Once we fall for their trick, they will have a reason to thoroughly investigate... Don't waste the safety that Black Star has indirectly gained for us. Let them continue to stay dormant in the Association."

...

Super-A grade Association Headquarters, Feyn Star.

"This time, thanks to Black Star, otherwise we would all have been implicated."

In a large round table conference room, the atmosphere was cheerful and festive. Many ordinary Super-A grade members had relaxed smiles on their faces.

Since the case occurred, many neutral Super-A grades had been worried about being implicated, and now the matter had finally settled. If the information hadn't been leaked, they wouldn't have known that Black Star had once argued with the Empire and successfully defended their interests.

This really moved many Super-A grades. A leader who seeks benefits for his subordinates is a good leader. Although they are not in a superior-subordinate relationship, precisely because of this, they admire Han Xiao even more and have greatly increased their sense of belonging to the Association.

Faced with the enthusiasm of the crowd, Han Xiao waved his hand, wearing a Sorokin-style signature smile.

"I'm the vice president anyway. I just did what I should do. Everyone doesn't need to be polite with me."

"That won't do. I must thank you properly!" Lu Qi suddenly stood up, bowed respectfully to Han Xiao, and said gratefully, "If it weren't for you, I don't know when I would have regained my freedom. Don't be modest."

Because he was discovered tracking Gorod, the Empire arrested him. Lu Qi had a guilty conscience and was worried for many days before he was released not long ago.

With such an experience, Lu Qi knew better than anyone that if it weren't for Black Star's operations and the Association's protection, he would probably have died in the hands of the Empire and would not have regained his freedom. Therefore, although he was a hidden pawn of the Super Star Clusters, his gratitude at this time was not feigned and he was still feeling lingering fear.

Lu Qi's words aroused widespread agreement from the crowd. Everyone had a scale in their hearts. By slightly comparing the roles of the president and vice president, they could discover that the benefits Black Star brought to the Association far exceeded those of the Machinery Country.

Leaving aside those slogans, the goal of everyone joining the Association was to protect themselves and their interests. Whoever could bring more benefits, they would be willing to let him be their representative.

In this incident, President Manison not only did not play any role, but also implicated the Association in suspicion. The contrast was too obvious, and everyone's eyes toward him became even more subtle.

"Alright, alright, everyone, don't be too excited. It's a good thing that you weren't implicated. Manison has at least cleared his suspicion. Don't target him today, let's talk about it tomorrow."

Han Xiao coughed and couldn't help but interrupt.

Although it was a move to brush up his reputation, it was enough. These members were too excited. He was worried that if it continued, there would be a scene of putting on the yellow robe.

Hearing this, everyone suddenly had a look on their faces as if they had seen a ghost.

Black Star actually spoke up for Manison?!

Our youth is over!

Everyone held their heads in disbelief. Manison turned his head to glance at Han Xiao, his expression somewhat complicated, but there was less hostility.

Others didn't know, but he knew that after the Super Star Clusters took the blame, he guessed that the mysterious force that had been helping him was probably from Black Star.

'He's doing this probably for the sake of the overall situation.'

Manison sighed in his heart.

Back then, during the Hela's War, he had helped Black Star, and now Black Star was helping him in return.

The two had been at odds with each other for many years, and at this moment, Manison couldn't help but feel an indescribable feeling in his heart.

Han Xiao also noticed Manison's gaze, turned his head to glance at him, "What are you looking at?"

"...Nothing."

Manison retracted his gaze, closed his eyes, and rested, hiding his emotions.

Han Xiao ignored him, looked past him, and saw Sorokin on the other side.

He saw that Sorokin didn't have his signature fake smile on his face today, but instead had a worried look, and was often distracted.

'Looking at his ghostly appearance, it's estimated that the Empire has taken action secretly.'

Han Xiao chuckled secretly.

The Super Star Clusters taking the blame was just an expedient measure, and his mission didn't show that it was completed, but he wasn't very concerned about it.

With the matter settled, the storm of quietly taking down Gorod had finally come to an end. Overall, he was quite satisfied with the current situation. He had eliminated the hidden danger and hadn't been implicated. This result was already very good.

After everyone had discussed for a while, Han Xiao suddenly looked solemn and said loudly, "Everyone, we can't be too happy too soon. Now the situation is clear. The three major civilizations will definitely win. The Super Star Cluster Alliance won't be able to hold on for long. Once they are defeated, they will have to lie dormant for at least decades. Once the three major civilizations free up their hands, the next target will be us!

"Don't forget, the three major civilizations originally had this intention, but it was delayed by the Shattered Star Ring War. We have developed smoothly in recent years because the real difficulties have not yet arrived. Everyone should be prepared... The suppression of the three major civilizations is not far away."

Hearing this, everyone's expressions became serious and they nodded in agreement.

...

The participation of the direct-line forces of the three major civilizations was like the last straw that broke the camel's back. The war situation quickly turned from a barely maintained stalemate to a one-sided rout.

Most people originally predicted that the war would last for another two or three years, but due to the impact of the Gorod incident, this process was greatly shortened.

In just eleven months, the three major civilizations cleared the Super Star Cluster Alliance's army in the fourth phase of the Shattered Star Ring and recovered all the occupied territories.

The Shattered Star Ring War ended in a crushing defeat for the Super Star Cluster Alliance. They invested countless resources and suffered a great loss of vitality. In the end, they still failed to defy fate and could only silently lick their wounds.

The Crimson Empire redistributed the territories in the fourth phase of the region. The territories seized by its own participants were allowed to be retained, and the remaining territories were either developed independently, rented out, sold, or rewarded to other meritorious forces. This time, all Super-A grade allies received no territory rewards.

Han Xiao successfully bought the player's national war site, Milton Star, allowing the legion to move in. After a little repair, he did not make large-scale modifications, and still retained the terrain left by the players' battles.

The flames of war went out, and the Shattered Star Ring temporarily returned to peace. The three major civilizations began to deal with the aftermath of the war, restore security and order in various places, and recuperate.

However, the impact of the Gorod incident did not disappear with the defeat of the Super Star Cluster Alliance, but rather settled down and fermented in places that no one could see.

As the stars shifted and time passed, another half a year passed in this atmosphere.

And on this day, the Crimson Empire finally ushered in the long-awaited major event.

Ulan Riel stepped down, and the Head of State was replaced!