Chapter 1 The Satellite Fortress

Orbiting Jinmen Star was a satellite resembling a steel fortress.

This was the current headquarters of the Black Star Army, relocated from the surface of Jinmen Star to become a mobile satellite fortress. Its area had increased many times over, and it had a richer variety of functional facilities.

The interior of the satellite was the main body of the base, a space station similar to the Juberly Hub. The surface was covered with defense facilities and port channels.

Han Xiao had spent three years turning most of the base into a satellite fortress. Although the cost was high, he was now a man with resources and did not feel the slightest bit of heartache.

At this moment, in a large port terminal inside the base, a tall, purple-haired beauty was pacing back and forth, frequently looking toward the port as if waiting for someone. Her hands were clasped in front of her, fingers intertwined, and she was squeezing them tightly. Her beautiful face was full of nervousness and anxiety.

It was Virna.

A dozen days ago, she had followed Izo's orders to come to the Black Star Army headquarters to wait for a meeting with Han Xiao.

Today was the day Han Xiao was returning. Virna had arrived at the terminal early to wait. The thought of personally seeing the great figure known as the "closest to Super-A in the Shattered Star Ring" filled her heart with nervousness.

Before this, Virna had never seen Han Xiao in person, nor had she spoken to him directly. She couldn't help but conjure up various mental images of this mysterious senior.

The Black Star Army had risen so quickly. Perhaps Black Star was an ambitious schemer? She had heard that many of the forces he had defeated had fallen into his traps. Perhaps he was a gloomy conspirator? And he had terrifying combat achievements that shocked the entire Star Field. Maybe he was a domineering warrior?

Various thoughts flashed through her mind like fireworks. Virna was uneasy, rehearsing in her mind what attitude she should adopt when meeting Black Star.

Just then, streaks of light appeared from afar, outside the skylight of the port terminal. A huge Black Star fleet appeared, slowly decelerating and entering the port entrance of the satellite base.

The bottoms of the warships embedded themselves in the tracks, and they drove along the channels into the base, stopping at various docks.

The flagship stopped at the large dock where Virna was. With a hiss, the hatch opened, the pressure pump emitted a venting sound, and the folding ramp automatically unfolded, resting on the edge of the dock.

Han Xiao, cloaked in a black windbreaker, strode out. He surveyed the surroundings casually before stepping onto the alloy surface of the dock. The crowd behind him followed him out in droves.

Virna composed herself and hurried over, taking the initiative to stop in front of Han Xiao.

"B-Black Star, Your Excellency, my name is Virna. I am a new cadre from Longtan. Izo asked me to find you..."

Han Xiao paused, looking down at Virna with a deep, appraising gaze.

Virna's heart leaped into her throat. She swallowed. Han Xiao didn't speak, and her mind went blank for a moment. She didn't know how to answer and fell silent. The two stared at each other, wide-eyed.

After a good while, Han Xiao finally spoke, smiling faintly, "Izo has already told me. He wants me to help you build a second field team. Don't worry, I will provide you with assistance."

As he spoke, Han Xiao reached out and squeezed Virna's slender shoulders, speaking earnestly, "Now that you've joined Longtan, work hard. I have high hopes for you."

Virna's face flushed slightly, and her tense body relaxed a little. Han Xiao's friendly attitude made her less nervous.

It seemed that Black Star was an easy person to get along with. She really didn't understand why Jenny always emphasized that Black Star was a rude, aloof, and heinous bastard.

"Come with me."

Han Xiao snapped his fingers, then turned and strode away. Virna came back to her senses and hurried to follow, keeping close behind.

After turning down corridor after corridor, the others took their leave, leaving only Han Xiao and Virna. The two walked in silence, one in front of the other.

Without turning his head, Han Xiao suddenly asked, "Have you met Ames? What do you think of her?"

Virna was stunned. She thought for a moment, staring at Han Xiao's back, and replied softly, "She is very gentle. I have always admired her. It is my honor to work for her."

"Hmm… Does she know that your job is to establish a second field team?"

"She should know…" Virna recalled. It seemed that Ames hadn't asked about her position, so she added, "Izo must have told her."

"Then what was her attitude?"

"It seemed…" Virna pondered, carefully saying, "There wasn't any particular reaction."

Han Xiao stroked his chin and said nothing.

He knew that finding a successor was probably Izo's idea. Ames wouldn't care about such things, but he didn't reject it. Longtan had given him a lot of help over the years, and he also wanted to give back to Longtan and leave something behind.

He was seeking better development for himself, choosing to part ways amicably, so there was no such thing as quitting without notice. He really did plan to train Virna, pave the way for her, and complete the job handover in these seven years.

Moreover, Virna was also an acquaintance from his previous life. Without his existence, Virna would be the legitimate field cadre of Longtan in the future.

In the end, she would also perish along with Longtan.

Various memories flashed through his mind. The office was already in sight. Han Xiao gathered his thoughts and led Virna into the room, summoning Leonard, Melos, and Sylvia.

"Let me introduce you. This is Virna. She is a new cadre from Longtan and is preparing to establish a second field team, so she has come to seek my help. You will help her recruit people. Don't worry about the expenses. Also, select ten of our cooperative consortia and, in my name, persuade them to invest in the new Longtan field team. You must pay attention to this task, help her build the field team according to her ideas, and provide as much support as possible."

Han Xiao spoke rapidly, preparing to use the current resources and influence of the Black Star Army to cultivate a new team for Longtan, without seeking returns and regardless of cost.

"Understood." Leonard nodded seriously, then reached out and shook Virna's hand, saying in a deep voice, "Tell me your requirements later, and I will try my best to meet them."

"Oh, oh… okay." Virna hadn't yet recovered from her shock.

The extent of Han Xiao's help exceeded her imagination. He was giving money and giving people. She only needed to open her mouth, and everything else would be taken care of by the Black Star Army.

Too rich!

Virna was dumbfounded, a shallow blush appearing on her face. She overturned the negative image that Jenny had instilled in her and established a new image of Han Xiao in her heart, an extremely tall one.

Friendly, steady, reliable, rich, strong, and handsome… This kind of senior is so great!

Jenny is always lying!

Virna secretly felt annoyed.

No wonder he was able to build such a large foundation in just ten years or so. Although Virna didn't want to admit it, after a short time together, Han Xiao gave her a much more reliable feeling than Ames.

"Then you go and get busy…" Han Xiao waved his hand.

Leonard nodded, turning to look at the others, "Okay, you guys go out and wait for me first. I have something I want to say to Black Star alone."

Han Xiao was a little surprised, his gaze shifting to Leonard's face. He saw that he had a worried expression. Han Xiao thought for a moment and nodded to the others, signaling them to go out first.

Seeing this, the group left, taking Virna with them, leaving only Han Xiao and Leonard in the room.

"What do you want to talk to me about?"

Han Xiao narrowed his eyes and stared at Leonard, his mind racing.

"Actually… I didn't want to bring this up, because no one can help, but you can help me now. I have something I want to ask for your help with." Leonard looked serious, his tone sincere.

Han Xiao's eyes lit up, sensing the scent of a mission.

In the past few years, he had been probing in various ways, trying to trigger a mission from Leonard, but he had never succeeded. He had even thought that this person had no missions, but now Leonard had actually brought it up on his own initiative, which was beyond his expectations.

He didn't expect to have good news as soon as he got back.