Chapter 1 War Mechanic

After transferring to the War Mechanic class, five new abilities appeared on his personal panel. Even without looking at the attribute descriptions, Han Xiao was familiar with the effects of these skills.

[Application-Level Mechanical Affinity] provided an even higher bonus than [Advanced Mechanical Affinity]. As the core ability system of the Mechanic class, it was definitely worth upgrading. With only 300 million experience points left, he only upgraded it to Lv5, each level granting +5%, further increasing his mechanical affinity by 25%.

The prerequisite for [Scrap Modification] was [Basic Mech-Generation], one of the three skills granted by Compression Technology. The effects were somewhat similar. [Scrap Modification] allowed him to consume some energy to restore a destroyed mech (one with zero durability) back to its original state using the scrap parts. However, the quality would be reduced by one to two levels, and the base attributes would also be reduced by 25%. This skill could be used multiple times on the same target until the quality reached the lowest gray level, or the attributes had been reduced by 75%, meaning the skill could be used up to three times on the same target.

As the name suggested, the skill's effect was efficient waste utilization. Its practical use in combat was far greater than the description suggested, and it was one of the reasons the War Mechanic class was given the "War" prefix, granting the Mechanic class more tactical options. In his previous life, players reaching the fifth or sixth phase of their main class in Version 3.0 marked the time when the Mechanic class made a comeback. War Mechanics were both stable and complex, with flashy combos and a need for strong tactical thinking, making it the most difficult of the five classes to operate.

[Mech-Force Overload] was a normal mechanic enhancement skill, similar to [Mech-Force Surge] and [Overload], but with higher bonus values. The difference between this skill and the other two was that Mech-Force Surge had no side effects, Overload reduced durability, while the side effect of Mech-Force Overload was to put the mech into a cooldown period, rendering it unusable. This made it a rather impractical skill. However, it could be combined with [Overload]. When both were used on the same mech, the bonus would increase by another 40%, but the mech's durability would plummet by 33%. Han Xiao used this skill frequently in the past, but only on "disposable units," or mechs that he considered cannon fodder.

The most special skill was [Practical Mech-Force Technique], which had an "unlocked" suffix, requiring him to learn an advanced knowledge [Advanced Electromagnetic Field]. The special thing about this skill was that it was not a skill that functioned through mechs, but rather a combat ability for the Mechanic himself.

Mech-Force was energy transformed from electromagnetic-attribute energy, and it also possessed electromagnetic properties. This practical technique utilized the properties of Mech-Force, allowing the Mechanic to have some combat power even without mechs, just like every mage had some melee ability.

The last ability was the specialization [Battlefield Sanity], a fixed specialization for the Mechanic class. After entering a combat state, Intelligence increased by 1% every minute, capped at 15%. This specialization, combined with the main class's previous-stage specialization [Mechanical Analysis Comprehension] (10 Intelligence = +1% Mechanical Affinity), made the Mechanic class more rewarding the higher the level.

During normal PvP, a Mechanic's mechs would gradually decrease as the fight went on. This specialization somewhat compensated for the late-game stamina of the Mechanic class. After the Mechanic class matured, it became very well-rounded, capable of both fast attacks and late-game endurance. A common tactic was to use a bunch of trap mechs to stall for fifteen minutes, and after obtaining the maximum bonus, release all the mechs for a final rush… commonly known as the Bladder Match.

Han Xiao only leveled up his Mechanical Affinity skill a few times, leaving the others untouched, spending only 40 million experience points. He had about 250 million left, which he planned to save. He also had 96 free attribute points on his panel, which he continued to allocate entirely to Intelligence.

Actually, when looking at the lonely line for the Luck attribute, he hesitated for a moment, but still didn't add any Luck. Although 1 point of Luck was an eyesore, adding Luck was useless to him. Luck was related to drop rates and certain skill judgments. He wasn't a player who relied on luck to get by, and he had almost no skills that required Luck judgments. Adding Luck would have little effect on his combat power. Moreover, adding only one or two points of Luck was useless. If he wanted to go the Luck route, he would need at least dozens of points of Luck, and throwing so many free attribute points into it would be like throwing money into the water. It was better to continue stacking Intelligence.

Unless you're a dog, a Luck player won't go far.

After adding the points, his attributes after advancement were clear at a glance.

[Total Level: 116]

[Main Class: Mechanic]

[Race: Void Shadow (Human Form)]

[Strength: 163, Agility: 349, Stamina: 306, Intelligence: 872, Mystery: 102, Charm: 41, Luck: 1]

[Free Attribute Points: 0]

[Potential Points: 55]

[Health: 27038]

[Energy: 25880]

[Energy: 7700 [Lv9]]

[Lv9 Energy Total Bonus: Strength +53, Agility +72, Stamina +80, Intelligence +90, Mystery +55, Energy Limit +7520, Mechanical Affinity +60%]

[Energy Level: 7637 Ounas]

[Rank: B]

[You are a skilled and stable interstellar warrior. Even B-rank experts are unwilling to provoke you easily.]

"Seven thousand six energy level, not yet B+. But my actual combat power is not weaker than a B+ player. The standard for A-rank is ten thousand energy level. According to this level increase, I can have Calamity Grade power around level 140, two or thirty levels earlier than the players."

Han Xiao nodded secretly.

"I'm already level 116, and I still have a mission settlement card. All that's lacking is experience. The most efficient way to get experience is through players. If I want to level up quickly in the short term, I can only rely on players. So, as long as my plan in the Heteromorphy Disaster event goes smoothly and I guide the Aquamarine Star players to join my camp, I can reach A-rank in the next version!"

After letting the cleaning robot take care of the blood stains on the ground, Han Xiao walked out of the simulated combat room. As soon as he returned to the hall, everyone looked at him, revealing expressions of astonishment.

"Am I hallucinating? You seem... different?" Melos said with a suspicious look.

Sylvia walked around Han Xiao a few times, patted her developing chest, and breathed a sigh of relief: "You scared me to death. I thought I had mistaken you for someone else."

"Is it that exaggerated?" Han Xiao's mouth twitched. After the racial evolution, his appearance had also changed, but he himself didn't think the changes were that big.

"The appearance is actually okay, it's mainly the temperament that's different. You seem to have become more mysterious and unpredictable, and I remember you didn't have this crystal on your forehead..." Melos shuddered and said: "Weird, I actually feel a sense of oppression from you. We should be evenly matched in strength. What did you do in the room just now?"

They naturally didn't know that Han Xiao could quickly complete racial evolution through the panel, while normal people needed to strengthen their cells over time to complete the sublimation of their life level. The time spent by the two was completely different.

"I'm stronger than before." Han Xiao smiled and waved his hand, "I won't go into the specific details, anyway, I'm still me."

Melos said helplessly, "You don't have some special training skills like Fording, do you?"

Fording, who was meditating, opened his eyes, "Who called me?"

"Shut up!"

"Oh."

Melos had always disliked Fording. He snorted, looked at Han Xiao, and asked: "Are we going to Norios next?"

Han Xiao nodded, "Yes, I've finished my business. Ames asked me to scout Norios and find her teacher."

He had become much stronger, but it would take a long, long time to reach Ames's level. Before that, Han Xiao didn't mind having a backer. After all, the universe was so big, and there were too many powerful people and forces. Moreover, Ames had rescued him once. He would naturally help with this small favor. It was always beneficial to have a good relationship with a Super-A Grade powerhouse, and he was nominally under the command of the Dragon Emperor.

At this time, Melos interjected: "Before going to Norios, I want to go back to Sunil Star first and retrieve my armor [Shattered Rift Light]. Anyway, Sunil Star is nearby, it won't take long."

Han Xiao's eyes lit up.

He had long been envious of General-Grade Armor. He didn't have enough knowledge to study it before, but now he met the requirements.

"No problem, let's go back together."

…

The spaceship slowly landed on the plain outside the Senil City. This used to be the battlefield against the calamitous beasts, where blood flowed like rivers. Now it has long been cleaned up and is a bare patch of scorched earth.

The six defense lines of Senil City have been repaired, and pairs of armored guards patrol. War chariots occasionally drive out, venturing deep into the forest to hunt wild beasts.

As soon as it landed, a large number of guards surrounded them, lined up to welcome them. Before arriving, Melos had already notified Sunil's officials. As soon as they got off the spaceship, the guards shouted a Sunil phrase in unison, a show of great momentum, roughly expressing their respect for Melos.

"Let's go back, I've already contacted the officials, let's go directly to the research institute to get the armor." Melos laughed.

Everyone followed the soldiers into Senil City. It hadn't changed much compared to a year ago, but there were even fewer people on the street. It was estimated that more young people had joined the army.

"Are you Melos? Oh my god, a great hero!" At this time, the surrounding pedestrians spotted Melos, looking surprised and rushed up. Han Xiao and the others were squeezed to the side.

Melos quickly put on a friendly smile and chatted for a while. More and more people surrounded him. He couldn't stand the enthusiasm of the residents, so he quickly squeezed out. The group turned a few corners and got rid of the crowd.

"You're very popular." Han Xiao laughed.

Melos's face was awkward, "The officials need a role model to boost the confidence of the residents, so they promote my deeds and play them on TV and radio every day. No one in this city doesn't know me."

"National hero, so amazing." Sylvia's eyes lit up.

"Amazing my ass, the ending of a hero is a heroic sacrifice."

Melos said unhappily, he still remembered Han Xiao's "prediction."

The group sneaked to the gate of the government in the center of the city, and only then could they not see the residents. Melos went forward to report, and soon a few officers came out to greet him. This was a matter for the Sunil ethnic group, and Han Xiao was not interested in listening. He was absent-minded all the way, just going through the motions.

After chatting for a few words, Melos gestured to everyone, then followed the officers into the military restricted area. After passing through a series of metal doors, they arrived at a closed research institute. The space was very spacious, and there were even hangars with fighters being modified.

The group came to a laboratory. Melos's General-Grade Armor was placed on the experimental table, and a dozen researchers were surrounding it, testing the parameters.

"This is General Melos, he is here to take away his armor, here are the credentials." The officer stepped forward to negotiate.

Han Xiao raised his eyebrows, poked Melos in the back, and asked in a low voice: "When did you become a general?"

Melos grinned and replied in a low voice, "Honorary."

The person in charge of the research was excitedly conducting experiments. Hearing this, he turned his head, raised his eyelids, glanced at everyone, revealing an impatient expression. He came to the door and said dissatisfied, "Didn't you say you would let me study it? Why do you suddenly want to take it away?"

Melos said: "I heard that you have already made progress, so I want to take back my armor. This will be of great help to me."

The person in charge of the research looked reluctant and complained: "How can I return this to you? This armor concerns Sunil's top technology and is a treasure of the country, not just yours."

"Uh... but this was originally given to the country by me, it's okay for me to take it back, right."

"Aren't you a national hero? Are you unwilling to make this contribution?" The person in charge of the research frowned.

Melos helplessly winked at the officer next to him. The officer immediately showed the documents, roughly meaning that Melos's application had been approved by the higher-ups. The researchers next to him could only obey the order, picked up the armor, put it in a metal box, and handed it to Melos.

"The thing is in hand, let's go." Melos touched the box and smiled.

The person in charge of the research trembled with anger and said angrily: "If we keep the armor, we will definitely be able to research more results, which will be of greater help to the ethnic group. You are too selfish!!"

Melos's expression changed slightly, but he didn't say anything. Just as he was about to leave, he noticed that Han Xiao had stopped.

Turning around, Han Xiao came to the person in charge of the research, grabbed his head with his big hand, forced the panicked person in charge of the research to look at him, and said lightly:

"I remember him fighting with me and being covered in scars. I remember him losing his arm and looking sad. I remember him implanting a mechanical arm and being in pain. If it weren't for your damn ethnic group, with his strength, he could live comfortably in the interstellar world. I don't know, where is he selfish?

Is it because he is a good person that you dare to talk nonsense, because you know he won't hurt you, right?"

Han Xiao suddenly transformed into a Void form, his dark eyes gazing at the person in charge of the research, his tone gentle, and said: "But I'm not the same as him. If you dare to say another word to my subordinate, I'll shove your head up your ass."