Chapter 1 Glistening World, Dawn Star Cluster

This was an area fully controlled by the various legions, and the first stop when entering the Glistening World. Countless fleets from various factions flooded in, making this star cluster many times more lively, and began to slowly transform this new territory into an interstellar society.

Now, the Glistening World was full of opportunities. Various star clusters had a huge shortage of business opportunities, mainly depending on where the foreign forces chose to develop.

The transfer stations at the star域 entrances had huge profits. As soon as many forces and interstellar citizens entered the star域, they scattered to the transfer stations in the immigration area to look for opportunities and businesses, while more forces hurried on their way to develop the star clusters further ahead.

Among them, the Modo Civilization's fleet was also one of the members heading to the star clusters further ahead, with the goal of developing the third and fourth phases of the territory.

The reason was simple. The further back the star cluster, the shorter the development time. Not only were there more business gaps in various fields, but the empire's control was not as strong as the early development star clusters—this was especially important for super-star cluster civilizations.

Super-star cluster civilizations were well aware that the empire would never let them develop comfortably, so almost all super-star cluster civilizations abandoned trying to stir up trouble in the first and second phases of the territory to a certain extent, and set their sights on the ongoing fourth phase plan.

Now, anyone with a clear mind could see that the several star clusters to be explored in the fourth phase would be an important competitive stage for foreign forces.

In the command room of the main ship, a tall figure stood in front of the command table, looking up at the star chart. His facial features were deep, revealing a cold and resolute temperament. He had a serious expression and pursed his lips tightly.

Roddick, a high-ranking general of the Modo Civilization, currently served as the supreme commander of the "Expeditionary Fleet."

The Expeditionary Fleet was the name of this fleet. It was a new numbered force specially established by the Modo Civilization for the Glistening World. A large number of elites were transferred to it. Roddick was able to stand out and command this important force with a mission, which showed that he was highly regarded by the Modo Civilization's upper echelons.

"Commander, how long will it take us to cross the areas of the first and second phases?" A Modo person in an official uniform next to him spoke.

This person was a senior civil official of the Modo Civilization. His name was transliterated into the universal language of the universe as Lagos. He served as the inspector of the Expeditionary Fleet and was responsible for supervising Roddick.

Lagos had no real power and could not interfere with Roddick under normal circumstances. His main responsibility was to report the situation to the higher authorities and contact the temporary rear base established by the Modo Civilization in the Shattered Star Ring. He was in charge of resources and troop supplies, and his role was similar to that of a supervisor, one civil and one military, which complemented Roddick perfectly.

Hearing the inspector's question, Roddick stared at the star cluster without turning his head and said in a deep voice: "The construction time for the first and second phases is the longest. The Crimson Empire and their allies have already built a complete star cluster long-distance channel, and the transportation is very convenient. It will probably take about seventeen days for us to reach the territory of the third phase. Most of the time is spent in the transfer zone between the stargates."

As he spoke, Roddick narrowed his eyes and added: "Actually, the fastest route is through the Gorol Star Cluster. The Black Star Army's territory is connected in a line through the stargates, and the transportation is more convenient, which can save a lot of transfer time. But you also understand that the risk of passing through the Black Star Army is too great. We can't take the risk and can only take a detour."

"This can be regarded as a taste of their own medicine." Lagos said helplessly.

The Modo Civilization knew very well that they had offended the empire on the Kunde Race issue and were well aware that the empire would target them in the Glistening World.

The preferred route to the rear star clusters was through the Black Star Army's territory, but Roddick did not dare to approach the Gorol Star Cluster at all and could only take a detour along another relatively unpopular stargate route.

Shaking his head, Lagos said again: "The empire may send people to actively attack us, so we must be vigilant."

"I know. It is precisely because the military is aware of this that it has equipped the Expeditionary Fleet with such a strong escort force. There are many armed fleets and advanced Supers. Such a large scale is enough to fight an interstellar war."

"Well, that's true..." Lagos pondered, "However, in the Glistening World, the empire cannot send regular troops to attack foreign forces like us. If anyone really comes, they must be allies of the empire."

Roddick frowned, "I'm not afraid of ordinary enemies. I'm just afraid that there will be Super As, which are difficult to deal with."

"Don't worry about this. The higher-ups have reached private agreements with some Super As and will provide us with assistance." Lagos smiled slightly, with a confident expression.

"Who are they?"

Roddick was not surprised. It was not new for super-star cluster civilizations to conduct short-term transactions with Super As, and this was also an important business for some Super As.

The Glistening World was so important that it was impossible for the super-star cluster civilizations to be unprepared. They all took out many resources to hire top combat power, allowing some Super As to make a fortune. Many people accepted several employments at the same time.

"The Starry Sky Black Market group represented by Beast Ancestor and Secret Master, and some neutral Super As... Oh, some Super As from the Church of Light and the Arcane Church also made deals with us privately... Hey, it is estimated that there is authorization from the higher-ups behind the scenes, wanting to use us as pawns to divert the empire's attention and consume their energy." Speaking of the last sentence, Lagos couldn't help but sneer.

Everyone knew about the Church of Light and the Arcane Church. The super-star cluster did not mind being used, because it was also temporarily beneficial to them.

"Even if there are allies, we have to wait until we cross the territory explored in the first and second phases. I am worried that the empire will launch an attack before that." Roddick said in a deep voice, "You must know that most forces are taking the Black Star Army's route, and there are not many allies taking detours like us."

"One of the hired Super As is rushing over from the rear to protect us. The higher-ups used benefits to persuade him to take a detour."

"Who is it?"

"Garozell, a neutral Super A in the Black Hole Edge, nicknamed the Chief of Golems."

"That summoner? I've heard of him."

Roddick operated the star chart a few times, and Garozell's fleet's location was marked. It was not far behind the Expeditionary Fleet, following remotely.

This scene made him feel a lot more at ease.

"In this case, we don't have to worry about someone attacking us." Roddick's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he said coldly: "With our armed forces, as long as the empire dares to send someone over, it's hard to say who will beat who."

At this moment, a communication request was connected, which was a call from the three kings of the Modo Civilization.

The two of them straightened up and connected to the communication with solemn expressions. Three figures appeared on the virtual screen.

"Your Excellencies, the Three Kings." The two immediately saluted.

"How is the situation now?" One of the three kings, the leader of the Modo race, asked in a deep voice.

The Expeditionary Fleet had not entered the Glistening World for long, and as the leader of the civilization, it was obviously too impatient to come over and ask at this time, but the significance of the Glistening World to the super-star cluster civilization was too great. This was a strategic opportunity to completely turn over, and no matter how much they valued it, it was not an exaggeration.

Moreover, they had long offended the empire, and now they had run to the other party's territory, the three kings of Modo were even more unable to sit still.

"We are still on our way." Roddick answered solemnly.

"Have you encountered any trouble?"

"Everything is normal."

"Well, no matter what happens, we must focus on protecting the logistics team." The leader of the Modo race instructed.

The armed fleet existed to protect the logistics. The logistics team carried supplies, which were necessary resources and equipment for developing the star area. Armed spaceships could be consumed, but if something went wrong with these important resources, it would be troublesome. Although it could be replenished from the temporary rear base of the Shattered Star Ring, it would greatly slow down the speed of development and construction.

The forces in the Glistening World were all competitors. Being one step slower would lead to huge losses, which would affect the Modo Civilization's strategy.

Roddick nodded to show that he understood, with a serious face, and said earnestly:

"Your Excellencies, the Three Kings, please rest assured that I will not let the enemy succeed..."

Boom!

Before he could finish speaking, the entire main ship suddenly shook violently, and the crew in the command room fell to the ground!

Roddick also staggered, grabbed the table to steady himself, and was filled with shock and anger.

"What happened?!"

"Report Commander, many unknown fleets are approaching rapidly and have launched an attack on us."

Radar showed that fleets appeared from all directions at the same time, forming an encirclement and opening fire on them.

Moreover, the alarm also indicated that the opponent had deployed a large number of space stabilization anchors in this area. They crashed into this trap, and the warp state was directly interrupted. The vibration was caused by this. Even the internal neutral stabilization device of the spaceship could not completely resolve the impact of this high-speed sudden stop. Countless crew members fell on their backs.

"There is still a distance from here to the next stargate. Is it an ambush?!" Lagos was shocked.

Just now, they were still discussing that someone might attack, but they didn't expect the enemy to arrive so quickly. His mouth was simply blessed.

"What is the enemy's identity?" Roddick asked loudly.

"I... I don't know. The other party's spaceships are of a common type, and there are no signs on the outer armor. I don't know which force they belong to." The observer looked nervous.

The communication with the Three Kings had not been cut off, and they also saw this scene. They all frowned.

The leader of the Modo race had a solemn expression and said in a deep voice: "Roddick, I'll leave it to you to deal with. Be sure to repel the enemy."

"Understood." Roddick's expression was resolute, and he immediately began to command the fleet. One order after another was issued.

The Expeditionary Fleet immediately responded, contracting its formation to protect the logistics team while firing back, fighting each other. The scale of the two fleets was not much different, and even the Modo Civilization had the advantage.

Roddick showed his superb command and dispatching skills. Soon, the Modo Civilization stabilized its position.

Although he was ambushed, Roddick did not choose to break through, but adopted a positional warfare tactic.

His confidence came from the fact that his armed fleet was stronger, and from the Super A Garozell who was following not far away. As long as Garozell arrived at the battlefield quickly, he could rely on the Super A's advantage to launch a counterattack.

Roddick's fighting style was fierce and vindictive. He was talking to the Three Kings when he was suddenly attacked by the enemy. The anger in his heart surged, and he preferred to beat back the enemy rather than escape.

"I'll let Garozell join the battle immediately." Lagos also reacted and hurriedly took out the communicator and went to the side to call for help.

"Okay, hurry up." Roddick sneered, "No matter who they are, don't even think about leaving easily once they come."

...

At the same time, Garozell's fleet not far away also discovered that the Modo Civilization's troops were under attack.

"Someone really attacked them? I thought it was paranoia."

In the command room, Garozell couldn't help but mutter.

It was not the first time he had accepted employment from a super-star cluster civilization. As a neutral Super A without a backer, this was an important source of his income. Not only the Modo Civilization, but he had also accepted employment from six or seven other companies to protect the troops of these forces.

The competition among foreign forces in the Glistening World would not be without force. Everyone knew that this place would soon become a paradise for mercenaries, and even many Super As had joined the fray.

"Mr. Garozell, what should we do now? Should we rush over to help?" The deputy next to him said.

Garozell nodded. He had no objection to taking people's money and helping them eliminate disasters.

But just as he was about to give the order, the communicator in the room suddenly rang.

"Beep beep beep!"

Garozell looked down and was immediately surprised.

It turned out to be his personal communicator ringing!

Who would be calling at this time?

Taking out the communicator and looking at it, Garozell's pupils suddenly shrank.

The caller ID on the screen was actually Black Star!

The two had not had any contact before, but had only met at the God's Conference and exchanged personal numbers.

I wonder what he wants from me...

Suppressing the doubts in his heart, Garozell went to the side, connected the communication, and asked cautiously:

"Mr. Black Star, what can I do for you?"

"I do need your help with something." Han Xiao's laughter came from the communicator.

"Please speak."

"I need you to stand by and watch."

"Watch? What do you..."

Garozell didn't react for a moment, but suddenly his expression changed and he suddenly understood.

"The fleet attacking the Modo Civilization, could it be..."

Han Xiao interrupted him and asked calmly: "Can you do it?"

Garozell secretly felt bitter. With the Black Star Army's intervention, things would not be so simple. The Modo Civilization was probably going to suffer, and he didn't want to get involved in this matter from the bottom of his heart.

However, he was on the edge of the battlefield. If he didn't take action, it would definitely damage his reputation.

Garozell looked a little embarrassed, "Mr. Black Star, I have already accepted the employment of the Modo Civilization. It seems unreasonable to do nothing."

Han Xiao said blankly.

"You can't interfere in this matter. If you don't want to cause trouble, just back away obediently."

After saying that, he hung up the communication directly without waiting for Garozell to answer.

—Since you're in my territory, you have to listen to me. Han Xiao didn't argue with the Modo Civilization, he just beat you up!

What? You're not convinced? Okay, then don't come to the Glistening World!

The legion has been operating in the Glistening World for so long and is currently the largest force. If we're not domineering, who is qualified to be domineering?!

Garozell's face froze and he was secretly surprised. In his impression, Black Star was an accommodating and very friendly guy, but he didn't expect that this time his tone was so uncharacteristically tough.

—It seems that things are more serious than I thought. If I rashly intervene with my small body, I'm afraid I won't be able to withstand it.

And there's Black Star's threat. If I don't take it seriously, wouldn't I be following in the footsteps of that Seven Eyes? Garozell couldn't help but shudder.

At this time, the deputy came over and asked, "Your Excellency, Lagos is urging us. Should we give the order?"

Garozell hesitated for a few seconds, then suddenly waved his hand, "Don't help, just watch from here."

The deputy was taken aback. Seeing Garozell's firm attitude, he had no choice but to let the fleet stand by on the edge of the battlefield with a belly full of doubts, becoming a spectator.

"Alas, I lost this time." Garozell smiled bitterly to himself.

He was just an ordinary Super A, who couldn't afford to offend giants like Black Star, whose strength and power were beyond comparison.

Being forced back by a few words was very embarrassing, and Garozell also had the dignity of a strong man, and he didn't want to be a coward.

However, facing the extremely fierce Black Star, his spine couldn't straighten up at all!

Having been a Super A for many years without much progress, Garozell had long been aware of his own limitations. He was unwilling to provoke peak Super As—he was just a neutral party without a backer. If someone wanted to kill him, they wouldn't have any scruples!

Moreover, at the recent God's Conference, Black Star took on the task of maintaining the communication platform for all Super As. With just this identity, he had to give Han Xiao some face in order to make it easier to cozy up to him in the future.

...

Time passed by second by second, and the Expeditionary Fleet and the ambushers were fighting fiercely, and the battle was at a stalemate.

The command room of the main ship was busy. Roddick issued a few orders and finally had some time. He immediately turned around and roared at Lagos:

"What's going on with Garozell? We're about to miss the opportunity. Why hasn't he arrived yet?!"

Lagos was sweating profusely, "They just stopped. I've urged them many times, but they just won't join the battle. I... I don't know why!"

He was dumbfounded by the fact that the reinforcements who were close at hand retreated at the last moment, and he couldn't figure it out.

"Outsiders are not reliable at all!"

Roddick was furious and slammed the table, "I won't wait for him! Listen to the order, change the tactics, and charge into the enemy's formation!"

However, before the order could be issued, a sudden change occurred!

The logistics troops of the Modo Civilization, who were heavily protected by the armed fleet, suddenly broke out in chaos.

One logistics spaceship after another madly crashed into the surrounding armed spaceships, moving in all directions, instantly creating chaos on their own side!

"What's going on?!"

Roddick's face changed drastically. When something went wrong with the important logistics team, he was immediately anxious.

"Re-report, the operating intelligence of those logistics spaceships has been breached. They are out of control, and we have lost contact with those crew members!"

Roddick suddenly woke up, became furious, gritted his teeth, and squeezed out his voice from between his teeth:

"Damn it, a Super A virtual mechanic!"