Chapter 1172 Aftermath

Soon, the communicator emitted an inverted cone-shaped mimetic projection beam, quickly scanning the room. Wherever it passed, the room's appearance instantly changed into the conference room where Ulan Rier and a group of military executives were located, as if being there in person.

Han Xiao glanced around, finding that everyone present was a high-ranking military official, all staring at him, their eyes filled with curiosity, scrutiny, appreciation, and amazement, showing great interest in him.

"Black Star, you have made a great contribution to this incident, and the Empire will reward your contribution." Ulan Rier, in the main seat, stared at Han Xiao, her tone praising.

"I was just trying to save myself." In such a gathering of high-level Imperial officials, Han Xiao couldn't help but say a polite remark, a comfortable display of humility.

"In any case, you have contributed." Ulan Rier rarely exchanged pleasantries, then got straight to the point, "Talrokov has already described the course of the battle, but I would like to hear your version, and there are some questions that need you to answer."

Han Xiao didn't mind. Viewing the battle from the perspective of a Beyond Grade A, the information he possessed was naturally different. He recounted the entire story, simply glossing over the fragments related to the panel.

Ulan Rier nodded and asked, "I want to know, the method you used to resist and seal the Allfather's Staff, is it a new Universe Treasure?"

"Yes, it's something I accidentally discovered while exploring the Flickering World, a Universe Wonder."

"I see." Ulan Rier didn't press for the name and function of the Temporal Amber. If Black Star was willing to say, he would naturally say it. If he didn't want to, she wouldn't force a meritorious official who had just made a contribution. A Beyond Grade A naturally had the right to keep the secrets of their abilities. She just needed to ensure that Black Star was one of their own.

"I sealed the Allfather's Staff. If there are no accidents, it will be difficult for the EsGod Faction to break my sealing methods, but they don't know it yet... The Allfather's Staff is a Universe Treasure they value, and they may negotiate with the Empire in private."

Upon hearing this, Ulan Rier's eyes flickered slightly, and she asked, "Are you sure it's difficult for them to undo the seal?"

"Nothing is absolute. Perhaps the EsGod Faction can research something, but from a probabilistic point of view, their success rate in breaking it is very low. It's likely that only I can help them undo the seal on the Allfather's Staff."

"I understand. If it's really as you say, we underestimated your contribution. With the EsGod Faction losing the Allfather's Staff, their deterrent force against Beyond Grade A combatants will decrease by a level. I have already decided to counterattack the EsGod Faction. The probability of accidental casualties among the Empire's Beyond Grade A combatants has been reduced by you, very good." Ulan Rier paused, "However, the incident at Beacon Star has strained relations between the two sides. In the short term, the EsGod Faction will not negotiate with us in private, but will pretend that they have already broken the seal."

"Hmm, you're right." Han Xiao thought for a moment, that was indeed the case. The Empire was going to counterattack, and the EsGod Faction wouldn't easily give in. It was likely that they would put on a brave face, secretly racking their brains to break the seal, but outwardly pretending to be a big shot, strong on the outside but hollow on the inside.

"Also, regarding the issue of the Heteromorphy, the EsGod Faction is actually cooperating with the notorious Fallen Ark. The Empire will issue a statement to the entire universe condemning the EsGod Faction's behavior..." Ulan Rier changed the subject, "Rest assured, the Empire has no objections to your use of the Evolutionary Totem to satisfy the Heteromorphy this time."

Han Xiao was stunned for a moment, then understood that his overt scheme against the Heteromorphy had worked, but in essence, it was still a transaction with the Heteromorphy. However, the Empire wasn't unreasonable. If it was a private transaction with the Heteromorphy, it naturally couldn't be justified, but in this critical moment, he had no choice. Publicly engaging in *PY* (pinyin abbreviation for a shady deal) with the Heteromorphy under the eyes of everyone was a forced move. Ulan Rier's statement that she wouldn't pursue the matter meant that it was the Empire's intention to not allow anyone to use this matter to attack Black Star's reputation.

From this sentence, Han Xiao realized that Ulan Rier wanted to win him over to become a member of the Head of State's faction. Personally summoning him was not only a reward, but also a representation of this attitude. The Empire's power was so vast that it naturally couldn't avoid the natural law of internal strife, with factions standing in great numbers. This time, Han Xiao had made a contribution, and there would be no problems while he was in the limelight, but after a while, perhaps some factions would seize the opportunity to make an issue out of it.

'If a Beyond Grade A of the Empire had died this time, or if I hadn't captured Dillon, perhaps someone would have used this to force me to hand over the Evolutionary Totem...' Han Xiao was secretly shocked. He had just finished the battle and hadn't thought it through, but now, after Ulan Rier's subtle reminder, he understood the Head of State's good intentions.

"Thank you, Your Excellency the Head of State." Han Xiao nodded.

Ulan Rier hummed, "Regarding Dillon, what do you plan to do with him?"

"I decided to hand him over to the Empire." Han Xiao slowly said, "The EsGod Faction has returned empty-handed this time, and they won't easily attack the Evolutionary Totem again. However, if I keep Dillon as a prisoner, the EsGod Faction will have to take into account the opinions of their allies and will never sit idly by, they will definitely take rescue measures, and I don't want the incident to repeat itself. If it happens again, I may not be as lucky as I am today, so it's better to hand him over to the Empire and use him as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the EsGod Faction."

Although they had repelled the EsGod Faction this time, imprisoning Dillon in his personal capacity was not just slapping them in the face, but trampling on the EsGod Faction's face on the ground. They were still a civilization at the universe level, so counterattacking was no problem, but completely enraging the other party would not end well for him. Dillon was a hot potato, and keeping him in his hands would do more harm than good, so it was better to hand him over to the Empire, exchange it for greater merit, and obtain a large wave of faction contribution points to exchange for Ultimate Knowledge.

"You're doing the right thing, that's what I was thinking too. I was going to persuade you, but since you're willing to hand him over, that's even better."

A rare smile appeared on Ulan Rier's usually cold face. Knowing that Han Xiao had accepted her olive branch, she smiled faintly, "This time, your contribution is great. In addition to the Empire's rewards and support for you and the Black Star Army, what other needs do you have? You can ask."

The Empire would definitely give the Black Star Army greater resource support this time, which didn't need to be emphasized. Han Xiao then put forward what he hoped for the most.

"I hope to get more Ultimate Knowledge."

"Yes, no problem." Ulan Rier agreed, "I will instruct the director of the Empire's Logistics Department to talk to you directly. You can make your request to him."

Exchanging knowledge was a minor matter, and the busy Head of State of the Empire couldn't possibly be personally responsible for it.

Han Xiao nodded with a smile, secretly calculating. The contribution he had made this time was definitely more than just one Ultimate Knowledge. Every knowledge at this level could bring a huge increase to the combat power of a Mechanic.

However, it was impossible to obtain all the Ultimate Knowledge at once. It was true that he had made a contribution, but there were rules for rewards. Ultimate Knowledge was one of the important means of attracting Beyond Grade As to join. Even a Beyond Grade A directly affiliated with the Empire had to slowly accumulate merit to exchange for it.

"The impact of this incident will affect the situation in the entire universe." Ulan Rier resumed her serious tone of discussing business and said in a deep voice, "The EsGod Faction has provoked us, and the Empire must counterattack. The Radiant Federation has always liked to hedge their bets, so our energy to explore the Flickering World will be constrained. The three great civilizations are vying for each other, and those Super Star Cluster civilizations will take this opportunity to increase their infiltration of the Flickering World. This is exactly what the EsGod and the Radiant Federation want to see, forcing the Empire to deal with multiple problems at the same time, so as to trap us in a quagmire."

Han Xiao knew that Ulan Rier must have a purpose in saying this, and asked in a supportive tone, "Then what are your thoughts?"

"We need to deter the Super Star Cluster civilizations, so we will gradually recall a portion of the Beyond Grade A combatants and troops stationed in the Flickering World. Of course, their forces are still exploring the Flickering World."

Han Xiao didn't speak. He knew what Ulan Rier meant. It was impossible for the Empire to keep so many Beyond Grade As in the Flickering World forever. This idea must have existed for a long time, but he didn't care. His and Herber's territory was in the nearby Shattered Star Ring, so it was unlikely that they would be recalled.

Seeing this, Ulan Rier changed the subject and asked, "Black Star, what do you think of the Empire's current situation?"

"It's not much different from yours. The struggle is mainly centered around the Flickering World. Not everyone can participate in the competition, and the aftermath of the Crimson Tide is gradually cooling down, so the Interstellar Society will not be too affected. Those Star Cluster and Galaxy civilizations will become more peaceful." Han Xiao shrugged.

"Perhaps." Ulan Rier nodded slowly, and suddenly asked, "Do you have any suggestions for the Empire's counterattack plan?"

Han Xiao's heart stirred slightly. The Head of State discussing the Empire's plan with him didn't necessarily mean that she would adopt his suggestion, but this gesture represented the rise of his status and right to speak within the Empire.

After thinking for a while, Han Xiao's eyes flashed, he coughed, and said, "It is necessary for the Empire to take countermeasures, but the focus can be adjusted. The EsGod Faction is also a civilization at the universe level, and counterattacking them is just a necessary attitude. I believe Your Excellency the Head of State also knows that it is difficult to achieve any results."

"Continue."

"If you ask me, we should focus on retaliating against the Heteromorphy. The Heteromorphy also participated in the Beacon Star battle, and he is much easier to deal with than the EsGod Faction. It just so happens that the barren universe belt in the middle of the Central Star Field has always been the default battlefield for the three great civilizations to rub against each other. We can take the opportunity to deal with the Heteromorphy. If we can eliminate the Fallen Ark, the Empire will show a swift and decisive counterattack method, which is more deterrent."

This incident was a good opportunity to persuade the Empire to vigorously deal with the Heteromorphy. If he could get the Empire's help, the chances of killing the Heteromorphy would be even higher.

Ulan Rier remained noncommittal and said faintly, "I will have someone analyze your suggestion. The top priority now is to pursue the fleets of the EsGod Faction and the Heteromorphy. When the reinforcements arrive, you will follow Talrokov's command and cooperate with the Empire's fleet... They want to run away after attacking us, it won't be that easy!"

After saying that, Ulan Rier nodded to Han Xiao, "You can go and rest first. During the pursuit battle, we will still need you to continue fighting."

"Alright."

Ending the call, the mimetic projection of the room disappeared and returned to its original state.

Han Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, feeling secretly delighted. The merit of this battle had allowed him to make a wave of presence in front of the high-level officials of the Empire, and his identity in the hearts of others had changed from a new ally to a reliable Beyond Grade A of the Empire. He had also received the Head of State's solicitation, and his status and influence had increased as a result.

Putting away the communicator, Han Xiao found that a new prompt had popped up on the panel. He opened it and took a look.

[You have gained 1 point of Political Assets]

[Political Assets (1): Crimson Empire]

[You have made great contributions to the Crimson Empire and gained a certain amount of political influence - you can make suggestions to the Crimson Empire, and the Crimson Empire has a certain probability of adopting them depending on the rationality of the suggestions]

[You have a higher status in the Crimson Empire - when interacting with certain forces or characters, Favorability accumulation efficiency +30%]

[You have valuable experience - the efficiency of obtaining experience in all forms +30%]

[Note: The above effects will only be effective if the Crimson Empire faction relationship remains at [Revered]]

"Yo, I thought there would only be Legendary Points rewards, not Political Assets." Han Xiao was surprised, then understood that this was probably an additional reward triggered by Ulan Rier's attention.

However, it was not easy to maintain the effectiveness of this Political Asset. He needed to spend Faction Contribution Points to exchange for Ultimate Knowledge, which meant ensuring that the Contribution Points were not less than 6000 points, which was 50% off the cost of exchanging for an Ultimate Knowledge.

Han Xiao looked at the next prompt, and his brows suddenly twitched.

[You have gained 10,000 points of Crimson Empire Contribution Points]

[You have additionally gained 5,000 points of Crimson Empire Contribution Points]

"I only received the Contribution Points after talking to Ulan Rier..." Han Xiao rubbed his chin. He had an NPC panel and could randomly reward Black Star Army members with Contribution Points. Ulan Rier, as the faction leader, had the same principle, but Ulan Rier was unconscious about it.

The 10,000 Contribution Points were the harvest of this battle, and the additional 5,000 points were probably the merit of handing over Dillon. Adding the 3,000+ Empire Contribution Points that he had saved, it was more than 18,000 points.

"I can exchange for three Ultimate Knowledge." Han Xiao's eyes lit up.

Ultimate Knowledge was different from Advanced Knowledge. The Empire would not give it directly, but would still use the exchange method. The care that Ulan Rier spoke of seemed to be manifested in the form of giving more Contribution Points.

"In that case, I can exchange for two Knowledge, and leave 6,000 points to maintain the effect of the Political Assets. There is no need to exchange for all of them in a hurry."

Closing the panel, Han Xiao felt satisfied in his heart, with a sense of pleasure from finally getting a harvest after hard work.

At this moment, a burst of blue light suddenly lit up outside the porthole, reflecting on his angular, youthful face.

Turning to look out the window, he saw that not far from Beacon Star, the Star Gate was finally assembled and activated. The blue spatial energy vortex was spinning rapidly in the Star Gate ring.

"It's finally here."

...

As time passed, batches of support fleets drove out of the Star Gate, including the Empire's direct fleets, allies from Star Cluster civilizations such as Klent, and Beyond Grade A forces such as the Black Star Army and the Warfare Domain.

Most of these were troops stationed around the edge strongholds of the three Star Clusters. If the EsGod Faction attacked Beacon Star now, the only outcome would be rapid annihilation, being hung up and beaten.

"The battle is already over?!"

In Talrokov's flagship, Herber, who had abandoned the main fleet and rushed back in a high-warp spacecraft, Ravenlaude, who had rushed to support through arcane teleportation and the Star Gate passage, and Maxiloli, who was remotely projected, gathered together, sitting opposite Han Xiao and the others.

Upon learning that the Beacon Star troops had repelled the enemy without support, Herber and the other two couldn't help but show shock.

Under this crushing advantage in combat power, Beacon Star had actually held on?

Black Star had reversed the situation on the Beyond Grade A battlefield, and not only that, he had also captured an opponent alive.

Herber and Ravenlaude had complicated feelings. They had thought that they were saviors, but they didn't expect that Han Xiao had forced the enemy back before they even arrived, as if they were not needed at all...

However, this idea did not last long. Although they were late, they knew that it was precisely because of the pressure of the reinforcements that the EsGod Faction had retreated. Thinking about it this way, they felt much better. They hadn't just made a cameo appearance.

"Black Star, I heard that you obtained a new Universe Treasure in the Flickering World. You used it to block the Allfather's Staff?" Ravenlaude couldn't sit still and asked.

"That's right." Han Xiao smiled.

Hearing this, Ravenlaude had mixed feelings. He and Black Star were both exploring the same Star Cluster, proving that this unknown Universe Treasure was in the Gulu Star Cluster, but Black Star had gotten there first... If there was no Black Star, this Universe Treasure might have been his?

A sense of inexplicable loss arose in Ravenlaude's heart.

Herber turned to look at Austin and frowned, "Why are you here? Have you joined the Empire too?"

"I came here specifically to help Black Star." Austin smiled noncommittally.

Herber's gaze turned back and forth between Han Xiao and Austin, and his heart was not happy. When did the relationship between these two become so good?

Ames and Austin had both become Black Star's friends, and Herber felt that he had become a loner in the Shattered Star Ring.

But on second thought, he thought of Sisko's situation. Without comparison, there would be no harm. His heart immediately became much more balanced.

However, Herber was not happy either. Black Star had achieved a record of capturing a Beyond Grade A alive this time. This was something he had been pursuing for many years, but Black Star, who had only entered the Beyond Grade A level for about a year, had obtained it. Herber was a little depressed and wanted to beat someone up.

At this time, Talrokov spoke:

"I have already transferred troops from all over the place to block the escape routes of the Sagman and Heteromorphy fleets. Lord Maxiloli has not arrived yet, so let's not wait for him. We have already gathered six Beyond Grade As here, and we can launch a pursuit."

The pursuit he was talking about was not simply chasing after them, but transferring the Empire's fleets from all over the Flickering World to delay their journey, block the routes, and, based on the direction of the enemy's escape, send Empire troops in advance to search for the enemy's secret Star Gates. In short, it was to mobilize all the Empire's troops in the Flickering World and use various means to encircle and intercept them.

On the Star Chart, the fleets of the EsGod Faction and the Heteromorphy were displayed as a mass of red, rapidly moving away and fleeing in different directions, and in their escape directions, blue light spots representing the Empire's troops were blocking the way.

At this time, reinforcements had arrived, and with fresh troops, they could pursue them with confidence. Milizaus and Bayoni had no objections this time.

Austin said that he wanted to go home to repair the Arcane Sanctuary and would not participate in the Empire's actions. Talrokov did not force the outsider that Han Xiao had invited.

Herber sorted out his feelings and suddenly realized that this was an opportunity, and maybe he could realize his wish and kill a Beyond Grade A.

Thinking of this, Herber's spirits lifted, and he clenched his fist hard. The power was so great that a sonic boom was emitted with a "bang", and he said in a deep voice, "Hmph, Methes, is it? I've heard of this guy's name. Leave him to me."

"The Empire's dignity cannot be challenged. Milizaus' injuries have not healed, so leave Nigal to me." Ravenlaude's eyes lit up with arcane blue light.

Foreign enemies have always been a good medicine to resolve internal conflicts. As a member of the Empire, after putting down the temporary competitive relationship, he also felt a sense of common hatred.

"Then I will let my remote mechanical troops support you." The only Beyond Grade A Mechanic who had not arrived, Maxiloli, looked at Han Xiao, "Black Star, your mechanical legions have suffered heavy losses. If you need it, my legions can be lent to you temporarily."

"Okay, thank you."

Han Xiao nodded, stood up, and looked around at all the Beyond Grade As present. A cold light flashed in his eyes, and his tone was sharp.

"In that case, let's take action and see if they can easily escape back to the Central Star Field!"

The roles had been reversed.

The hunter had become the prey, and the prey had become the hunter.

The moment of counterattack - had arrived!