Chapter 1 Aftermath

After this victory, the No. 0 Sanctuary did not launch any new counterattacks for the time being. After Han Xiao obtained the contact information of Moried and the others, he left the main force.

The Purple Crystal Civilization quickly delivered the rewards for his contribution this time. They were extremely generous, with a full 27 million Enas, as well as various rare resources, fully demonstrating their importance to him.

After this battle, Lefay had already regarded Han Xiao as a treasure and was reluctant to use him indiscriminately.

Lefay ordered Han Xiao to stand by for the time being. Only for important tactical missions would he consider using the Black Star card. Good steel should be used on the blade, and there was no need to use a trump card for ordinary guerrilla missions.

Han Xiao couldn't wait to slack off, taking the opportunity to replenish his mechanical legion and digest the wave of resources from the Purple Crystal Civilization. Moreover, Lagi was on his way.

At the same time, the impact of this battle also began to gradually spread and ferment.

...

The No. 0 Sanctuary reaped a great victory in the Kaya Star System, destroying twelve strongholds. This news finally perked up the civilizations and forces in the Shattered Star Ring that were paying attention to the secret war. Since the start of the war, this was the first successful counterattack by the No. 0 Sanctuary, finally stopping the decline.

All parties were well aware of the tactics adopted by the Purple Crystal Civilization—strategically abandoning a portion of the area and using strategic depth to disperse the military strength in the war zone. From this point of view, the secret war would sooner or later enter a protracted war. The civilizations and forces in the Shattered Star Ring had a consensus that the Klent and Purple Crystal would have to love and kill each other for at least a few more years before the war could end.

The talents that emerged in the secret war became the focus of attention for all parties.

War has always been a stage for the strong, a shortcut to making meritorious achievements. There would always be people who would become famous in one fell swoop through war. In the eyes of all observers, Black Star-Han Xiao was the most dazzling star born on this stage, and everyone else paled in comparison.

Counting Black Star's performance since the start of the war, the turning point was his feat of taking on eight Pioneer Officers head-on. With this, Black Star made a name for himself with the moniker of "Undying Body", which spread throughout the star field and became known to everyone.

Two months later, he once again achieved an astonishing record, killing ten Calamity Grades, including Tameria, the adjudicator of the war zone, once again causing a shock among the various forces.

He was in the limelight for a while!

The Super-A Grade seeds of the past had not been active for a long time. Most of them had fallen silent. For so many years, no one had become a new Super-A Grade. And when these Super-A Grade seeds first made it onto the list, it was their most glorious moment. This seemed like a cycle, and now it was Black Star's turn.

It had not been long since Black Star became a Super-A Grade seed, and these two records were his most shocking signature achievements, causing countless discussions. The two unbelievable records produced a chemical reaction, making Han Xiao the latest star field-level hot figure. His reputation in the Shattered Star Ring skyrocketed, and his status rose steadily.

Before this, Black Star was not considered a big figure in the Shattered Star Ring. His status came more from the protection of the Dragon Emperor. But now, he was gradually shaking off the title of Longtan, and his own status was beginning to stand out. It could be said that he became famous overnight.

After this record, Han Xiao showed not only potential, but also actual combat strength. He could hardly find an opponent of the same level. In the eyes of many forces, Black Star was almost half a Super-A Grade, and it seemed that he really had hope of winning the throne of Super-A Grade.

The rise of every Super-A Grade was a sensational event. If the Shattered Star Ring really gave birth to a fifth Super-A Grade, the friction between Klent and Purple Crystal would not be important.

When Han Xiao was taking on the eight Pioneer Officers, the major forces were still watching. But after the news of him killing the Calamity Grades was released, many people couldn't sit still.

Some wanted him dead, and some wanted him alive.

More people wanted to contact him.

Many onlookers decided to enter the game personally.

Han Xiao did not know that the storm stirred up by his little butterfly had gradually caused the influence of the secret war to exceed its original scope.

A vortex hidden beneath the secret war was gradually brewing.

At this time, the Klent and Purple Crystal were unaware of this, and they would never have imagined that this war would eventually escape their control.

...

War Zone Headquarters, Herberla Star, Tyrant Palace.

The mountain-like Herberla sat on the hovering throne, overlooking the trembling Chode at his feet.

"Tameria... is dead?"

Chode's body trembled. He didn't dare to look up, and looked at the ground. He said in a deep voice, "She died in Black Star's hands. I'm also responsible. There was a problem with my intelligence..."

Those Calamity Grades who had been recruited died, but Tameria was different. She was one of the core members who had followed the War Zone's conquest from the very beginning, and had even personally received guidance from Herberla. The death of a senior adjudicator was definitely a major loss.

"Hmm, I know."

Herberla's tone was indifferent.

Chode stood for a while, but did not wait for further instructions. He could not help but be slightly stunned and asked cautiously, "What... are you planning to do?"

"Dying in war is the destination of a warrior." Herberla said slowly, "Since it's war, of course you can kill people, and others can kill you."

Chode was stunned. Judging from what he said, the Tyrant was not prepared to take revenge?

"Uh, I thought you..."

"Thought I would be furious and immediately avenge Tameria?" Herberla frowned slightly. "Then what do I need you for?"

Herberla acted domineeringly, but that did not mean he was impulsive and reckless. He was calm and would not casually change his plans because of the death of one or two subordinates.

The other party did not have a Super-A Grade participating in the war, so he would not easily take action. This was something he had agreed with Klent long ago.

If it were normal times, Herberla would protect his own. However, in war, his heart was as hard as iron.

War was a trial of blood and fire. Herberla would not protect his subordinates. He needed his cadres to grow in the flames of war. Even if they all died, he would not feel bad—power was a tool in his hands, not his weakness.

Chode was speechless.

"However, this matter will not be left at that." Herberla changed the topic.

"What do you mean?" Chode asked honestly.

"This debt will be settled sooner or later. There will be a battle between me and Black Star."

Herberla said lightly, "He has the potential of a Super-A Grade, but he is still a Calamity Grade. It's too boring for me to kill him now, so I'll give him time to grow."

"If he remains a Calamity Grade during the war, I won't attack him. But as long as he becomes a Super-A Grade, I will personally take action and kill him!"

After a pause, Herberla continued, "If he fails to become a Super-A Grade, I will still kill him after the war ends."

"But... Black Star is very strong. He will cause heavy casualties to our high-level combat forces."

Chode couldn't help but make a suggestion. He hoped that Herberla could change his mind and nip Black Star in the bud.

"I know the casualties will be heavy..." Herberla looked down at Chode and said slowly, "So, Black Star is an enemy I left for you. Try your best to survive in his hands. Either become stronger or die. Those who don't even have this belief can apply to return to headquarters and won't need to go to the battlefield in the future."

There was no growth without casualties. Herberla knew that Han Xiao was powerful and wanted to use him as a whetstone to hone his cadres.

There was a reason why his subordinates were almost all war fanatics.

Now, all the major forces were paying attention to Black Star. With his strength as a Super-A Grade, personally taking action just to deal with a Calamity Grade was too petty. Even if he was a Super-A Grade seed, he would still die without a doubt.

Herberla disdained to nip Black Star in the bud. In his eyes, this was not only a petty act, but also a short-sighted approach.

Killing Black Star in advance would at most clear the obstacles in this war and reduce the casualties of the forces. In Herberla's eyes, it could not be compared to the gains of killing a Super-A Grade.

He preferred to give Han Xiao time to grow.

The reason why the War Zone was a behemoth was that the core cohesion was his Super-A Grade powerhouse.

As long as he was around, all casualties could be made up for.

As long as he was strong, the War Zone could develop rapidly.

He needed an opponent worthy of a battle. If Black Star really became a Super-A Grade, the entire star field would be shocked by it. If he took action again at this time, no one would be able to find fault with him—I won't bully you when you're weak. I'll wait until you reach the same level before killing you!

So domineering!

The resulting impact would be even more sensational. Black Star's death could once again forge the glory of his name as the Tyrant.

"I understand. I will convey your meaning to everyone." Chode's voice also became louder, feeling impressed by Herberla's magnanimity.

Although, in Chode's view, letting Black Star grow was not a wise choice.

But...

How domineering!

He had absolute confidence in Herberla. Even if Black Star became a Super-A Grade, he would not be the Tyrant's opponent.

'His Excellency the Tyrant's perspective on things is not at the same level as mine. He saw a bigger opportunity, while my vision is only limited to this war. I'm too petty.' Chode thought to himself.

...

"Black Star has become stronger again."

In Longtan Palace, Ison looked at the news and sighed slightly, looking at Ames on the hovering throne.

"I still underestimated him. At the time, I wanted Black Star to be your arm, but I didn't expect him to grow so fast. Sooner or later, he will ask to leave Longtan."

Ames was silent. She hoped that Han Xiao would become stronger, but she didn't want Han Xiao to leave her side.

Ison sighed, "He has always been dedicated to Longtan, but I have dealt with many Super-A Grades. Except for the official powerhouses cultivated by the three Universal Civilizations, no one else is willing to be subservient... I know you value him, but the Shattered Star Ring is very big. He won't always be your subordinate."

"He can't leave." Ames said coldly.

Ison frowned, "Don't be willful. No matter what, Black Star is also your friend. With this relationship, you must be allies. There's no need to have conflicts with him..."

"I said, he can't leave!"

Ames raised her voice, interrupting Ison, and lowered her eyes.

"... Unless I can't stop him."