Chapter 1 Information Spreads

Interstellar society transmits information extremely fast. This explosive news spread throughout the various star fields. Nowadays, players have a communicator in hand, and they didn't miss this news either.

At this time, in the Shattered Star Ring section of the forum, many legion players were excitedly discussing this matter.

Having experienced three versions, players were already familiar with the elusive whereabouts of NPCs. Apart from functional characters like merchants, many characters would not stay in the same location. Sometimes, when players contacted a character and went back after a while, the character might have gone somewhere else.

Although it was inconvenient at times, most players still liked this characteristic. Each character had their own business to do, which made them feel highly realistic.

As the Black Star Army expanded, Han Xiao reduced his daily contact with the players. From version 2.0 onwards, he established the identity of a faction leader in the players' hearts. Until now, the legion players were used to the faction leader only appearing occasionally, used to not seeing the commander for a period of time, and then suddenly discovering that he had created a big news story.

Discussing the commander's achievements had also become one of the legion players' pleasures.

Many players posted and spammed on the forum, discussing the Heteromorph's fall. At this stage, the players' level was too far from the Heteromorph. The Heteromorph was a character from the mid- to late-game versions and had not yet had large-scale interactions with the players. For most star field players, they only knew that the Heteromorph's background introduction was particularly awesome, and he was a proper villain. They knew little else.

Only the players in the three star fields of the Central Star Sea knew a little more about the Heteromorph. A very small number of players who had awakened the Chaotic Evil attribute did not do any plotline quests, burned, killed, looted, and mixed themselves into wanted criminals. They ran to the Frowny Universe Belt to defect to the Fallen Ark, but they were not qualified to see the Heteromorph. They only came into contact with the tip of the iceberg of the Fallen Ark's forces.

Because they had limited knowledge of the Heteromorph, the Heteromorph's fall did not touch the players so deeply. Its influence was not as great as the Beacon Star battle. After all, Beacon Star involved two civilizations that ruled the universe and were the ultimate camps in the players' eyes.

As for the Heteromorph's fall, most players did not experience it personally and did not know the significance of this matter. In their opinion, it was just an unfamiliar super-A grade being captured by the three major civilizations. Other than that, they had no other feelings.

The replies that Han Xiao saw were basically routine complaints about him as the faction leader.

"The commander is out doing things again. He's so free."

"Alas, I really want to go to the Central Star Sea to see, but the hateful contractor threw us in the Shattered Star Ring to work and ran out to have fun alone."

"Speaking of which, will this event be a new plotline?"

"Doesn't seem like it. I think this is a supplement to the Beacon Star battle. The Heteromorph participated in the attack at that time, and as a result, he was caught by the three major civilizations. Since no players participated in this event, it should be considered a background story."

"Trash game, all CG (Smirk)."

"Ah, I'm going to die without cutscenes to watch."

"I am the Heteromorph. I was caught by the three major civilizations yesterday and need 5,000 Enas for bail. Please lend me some bail money. When I get out, I'll take you flying. My account is 480xxx…"

"Damn, I'm a player who joined the Fallen Ark. Your faction leader caught my boss. Your Black Star Army can go eat shit!"

"Those from the Central Star Sea, get out of here!"

"The Star Cluster Corridor is shivering."

The players' discussion was quite cheerful, and Han Xiao smiled.

While browsing the posts of the silly players, Han Xiao found that a post was suddenly pushed to the top. The title was "The Significance of the Heteromorph's Fall", and the popularity was rising rapidly.

Opening the post, the poster's ID jumped into view, and it was called 【Commander's JiJi】 (a crude reference to male genitalia).

"...What a pervert!"

Han Xiao's mouth twitched.

Perverts were indeed the players' forte. He admitted his inferiority.

Taking a breath, Han Xiao looked at the content:

"Brothers of the legion, it seems that everyone doesn't pay attention to the Heteromorph's fall. I was the same at the beginning, but today I encountered a magical thing that made me realize that the significance of this event is extraordinary.

The situation is like this. Some time ago, I took on a small legion mercenary mission to act as a temporary guard for a long-distance travel ship, only responsible for escorting them through the Jiberan Star System—you know, now those interstellar travel groups like to hire people from our Black Star Army the most. As long as there are legion members on the ship, most space pirates will not actively attack.

There's nothing to say about the process. It was very easy along the way. I just browsed the forum and it was over. I arrived at my destination smoothly. After settling the reward, I got off the ship at the pier, but at this time, an unexpected event occurred. A few passengers from other star fields stopped me and gave me a few things, instructing me to hand them over to the commander [Picture] [Picture]

As shown in the picture, these things are not valuable things, just some simple handicrafts. The item description says 'This is a gift full of gratitude'. Its nature should be similar to a pennant. The panel also triggered a corresponding errand mission [Picture]

I didn't communicate with them at all. They took the initiative to find me. These passengers said that their civilization had been harmed by the Heteromorph, and many of their people had died. They were extremely grateful to Black Star for eliminating the Heteromorph, so they made these gifts to express their gratitude. Seeing that I was a member of the Black Star Army, they wanted me to hand them over to the commander.

This is just the general meaning. During the conversation, these passengers were very enthusiastic, holding my hand and crying and laughing, thanking our Black Star Army all the time. I recorded the whole process. I suggest everyone take a look. It's very infectious [Video]…

Although this is just a small task, I felt a different meaning from it.

Throughout the universe, how many people have been harmed by the Heteromorph, and how many people are grateful to the commander! Just thinking about this number is terrifying! From this episode, we can understand the true meaning of the Heteromorph's fall. This is not a virtual background story, but a group of races that have been devastated finally waiting for the dawn of justice!

This time, the commander did a great thing. Seriously, looking at the grateful look of these NPCs, I feel great.

Brothers, I won't say much, I'll praise first—Commander is awesome!!

ps: In order to reflect my admiration for the commander like the endless Yangtze River, and like the Yellow River overflowing uncontrollably, I will immediately go to the store to buy a name change card and add a 'Big' character to my ID!"

Han Xiao scrolled down the post. This post attracted many players, and there were many replies below:

"Adding a 'Big' character is okay, the poster is exposed, really a hater.",

"I suspect you are driving, but there is no evidence."

"I just watched the video, full of emotion and affection, I give it a hundred points."

Many players joked, and some players agreed with the poster's point of view.

"I remembered the Alienization Disaster again. The commander took the initiative to enter the interstellar space for the sake of his mother planet and brought back reinforcements. He has always been very responsible."

"Indeed, although the commander used to be a profiteer, he was still reliable in major events. I still remember his speech, so passionate."

Players chose a camp, in addition to interests, they also required the values to be in line. Players did things not only for practical benefits but also needed psychological satisfaction.

Han Xiao's behavior has always left a good impression on the players. Many people stayed in the Black Star Army not only for the high benefits but also because they recognized Han Xiao as the faction leader.

Now that Black Star has received the gratitude of countless races, the players also shared the glory. Looking at the grateful look of the passengers in the post's video, many people felt a sense of honor and accomplishment.

After reading the post, Han Xiao scratched his head and found that he had underestimated the impact of this matter.

Just like what the post said, I don't know how many races in the universe have been ravaged by the Heteromorph. Under the propaganda offensive of the Crimson Empire, these survivors regarded him as a benefactor.

This kind of reputation was different from his previous fame. Before, the interstellar citizens' impression of him stayed on his strength, status, and other aspects. They only knew that he was a powerful figure and took the high-level influence route. However, the "Heteromorph's Fall" event brought him the hearts of the people, the recognition of countless interstellar citizens.

One of the roles of the people's hearts was to attract more talents to take the initiative to defect to him. After all, there were always some people who could not be moved by interests, and these people were often talents.

The universe-level legend was indeed not simple. The Heteromorph was really a treasure boy... Han Xiao was in a good mood.

"The Heteromorph has made enemies all over the universe. I don't know how many people want to take revenge on him. I wonder if those famous NPCs who opposed the Heteromorph in the mid- and late-game versions will come to defect to me."

Han Xiao pinched his chin and muttered to himself.

...

After sailing for a period of time, the spaceship finally returned to the Black Star Army headquarters after more than a month and entered the dedicated pier.

As soon as Han Xiao got off the spaceship, he saw Hela waiting at the pier.

"Yo, you came to pick me up on purpose?" Han Xiao greeted with a smile.

"Hmph." Hela didn't deny it. She flicked her red curly hair that covered one eye and looked Han Xiao up and down as if casually. She slowly said, "It seems that the Heteromorph didn't cause you much trouble. You didn't lose any parts."

Han Xiao raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Are you worried about me?"

"This is the duty of the captain of the guard." Hela said expressionlessly.

Han Xiao smiled, turned back and greeted Fording and the others, letting them leave on their own, then turned to Hela and waved, signaling her to follow him.

"By the way, I brought you a gift."

"I don't care." Hela said so, but her body honestly followed behind Han Xiao, not willing to fall behind a step.

The two came to the combat training room. Han Xiao closed the door and turned to face Hela, who was standing with her arms folded. He smiled and said:

"I got something interesting from the Heteromorph. It seems that it can strengthen abilities. You have the potential to be a Super-A grade. This gift can make your path to Super-A grade smoother and increase your limit."

Hela was enthusiastic about power and was immediately moved. She raised her eyebrows, "Aren't you going to give this good thing to the teacher?"

"Well, she shouldn't be able to use it." Han Xiao shook his head, "And you are my first choice. I thought of you immediately."

The Heteromorph's character card of 【Ability Enhancement】 had three chances to use it. Han Xiao had thought about it on the ship. Hela's ability potential was already extremely high, and she was his confidant. It was very appropriate to use it on her. The sooner he cultivated Hela into a Super-A grade, the more it would be in his interest.

"Hmph."

A happy arc appeared on the corner of Hela's mouth, fleeting. She put down her arms and spread her hands, "Okay, what do I have to do?"

"Don't move, just let me do it."

Han Xiao activated the 【Ability Enhancement】 character card. The Heteromorph's phantom flashed behind him. He raised his palm, and dazzling white energy particles floated in his palm.

He came to Hela, who was more than half a head shorter than him. He lowered his head to look down, and his finger touched Hela's forehead. This energy poured into Hela's seven orifices and swirled in her brain.

Hela groaned and trembled, passing out directly. Han Xiao was quick-witted and hugged her waist, holding her body.

Using Qi to check Hela's physical condition, he estimated that she would not wake up for a while.

"I thought it would be similar to the ability potential enhancement fluid, but she actually fainted."

Han Xiao looked at Hela, who was lying in his arms, shook his head, and used his arm to carry Hela on his shoulder like a sack.

Leaving the training room, he came to the door of Hela's room, hacked the access control, and walked in.

Hela's room layout was as simple as Han Xiao's. Han Xiao put Hela on the bed, casually covered her with a quilt, and turned to leave, but he caught a glimpse of three photo frames on the table.

Han Xiao took a closer look. The three photos were Hela's group photo with Aurora, a group photo with Ames, and a group photo with himself. Apart from that, there were no other decorations in the room.

Standing silently for a while, Han Xiao stretched out his hand, turned the group photo of Hela and himself over, and covered it on the table before turning off the light and leaving the room.

...

After a long time, Hela slowly opened her eyes and found herself lying in the room, covered with a quilt, and fully clothed.

"He sent me here, right?"

The feeling of drowsiness quickly faded, and Hela sat up and rubbed her eyes.

She immediately used her ability to feel the change in her ability, and her eyes flashed with emotion.

"It's as magical as the evolution cube. It's easier to run the ability, and the limit has also been improved... Well, I don't know how long I've slept, I'll go find him again."

Hela lifted the quilt and got up, only to find some discordant places. The three photo frames she had erected on the table, one of them was knocked down.

Putting the photo frame back up, she found that the photo of herself and Han Xiao was knocked down.

Hela's eyes fluctuated, and the good mood of strengthening her ability disappeared.

"...Hmph!"