Densely packed fleets surrounded a pale green planet. Colorful searchlights passed through the planet's artificial atmosphere, making the sky of this planet appear as beautiful as the aurora.
This was a desolate planet in the army's territory. It had been transformed into one of the Blackstar Cup venues. Countless arenas, low-altitude vehicle tracks, large stadiums, and other competition facilities were built on the surface. They were visible to the naked eye from outer space. Other than the buildings on the surface, there were also floating platforms in midair. Some were VIP seats for army members of Grade C and above, and some were also arenas. Due to the large number of events and participants, there was a need to increase the competition venue as much as possible to increase the efficiency of the qualifiers.
At this time, all the media and army spaceships in outer space locked their sights on the largest floating platform. There was a podium set up there.
Today was the opening ceremony. As the army's leader and the initiator of the Blackstar Cup, Han Xiao would be speaking to the entire universe here.
Countless galactic residents of the various Star Fields in the explored universe waited in front of their communicators, watching the time pass by. Finally, it was time for the opening ceremony to officially begin.
Hu!
Under everyone's gazes, a black figure gradually slowed down like a meteor falling from outer space, accurately stepping on the edge of the platform. With a light spin, the black gilded coat was like a black gust of wind, shaking off the sparks that covered his body when he broke through the atmosphere.
Han Xiao slowly walked to the podium and looked up at the sky. The searchlights of countless spaceships in the sky were like stars in the distance. Who knew how many pairs of eyes were watching him through the media?
With his hands on both sides of the podium, Han Xiao looked around at the stars in the sky and slowly spoke. His voice echoed on the planet through the special loudspeaker.
"October 2nd, Year 688 of the Galaxy Calendar. This is the day the Black Star Mercenary, the predecessor of the army, was established. At that time, I was just a native of a surface civilization that had just walked out of the Blue Star. In order to save my mother planet, I was like an ignorant cub, charging into the vast universe. At that time, this was a world full of unknown dangers, but for the survival of the Mother Planet and the safety of my friends on the Mother Planet, I did not hesitate … "
The speech was broadcasted simultaneously on the internet channels of various Star Fields. When the Blue Star citizens who were waiting in front of the channel heard the speech, the memories of this period of history in their minds faded away and came alive again. A sense of pride involuntarily rose in their hearts.
No matter what Black Star's status was in the universe, in the eyes of the Blue Star people, he only had one identity, and that was that he was worthy of being called the great man of the planet. The first Blue Star to step into the universe was a small step for Black Star, but it was a big step for Blue Star.
In the Aquamarine Federation's government building, Bennett pushed away an administrative meeting and stayed in front of the television to watch the broadcast.
Now, his hair was completely white, but it was still neatly combed. There were more wrinkles on his face, and he already looked like an old man. After holding the power of the planet in his hands for many years, he had a dignified temperament.
But at this time, the corners of Bennett's mouth were raised high, and his face was full of wrinkles. The corners of his eyes were twinkling.
When he first met Han Xiao decades ago, the thin figure that remained in his memory seemed to slowly overlap with the tall and burly Black Star now.
Thousands of words were used in his heart, but in the end, they all turned into a sigh of satisfaction.
Fortunately, I met you …
The speech continued, and Han Xiao's tone gradually became louder and louder.
"When I was weak, I encountered dangers and also met benefactors. Along the way, there were enemies who were at odds with me, but there were also like-minded friends. The initial period is still vivid in my mind, but now that I think about it, it seems to have been a lifetime ago.
I spent more than forty years building the Black Star Corps from nothing, allowing it to grow to what it is today and have a place in the universe. I think I have the right to be proud of it … "
Many members of the army nodded with admiration.
Basically, all the members of the army had attended ideological classes and understood the experience of the rise of the army. Even those who joined the army for the sake of their future also admired Black Star's achievements in the past forty years.
Looking at the history of the universe, how many people could start from scratch and create such a huge foundation in such a short period of time? The answer was no!
Of course, some people had greater achievements than Black Star, but they had spent a much longer time on it. Black Star was the only one who had risen in the universe at an unprecedented speed, leaving behind a thick and colorful stroke of his own.
In the frontline stronghold of the exploration stronghold in the free competition zone, Hella looked at Han Xiao on the screen. The scenes of adventures together flashed through her mind, and her eyes gradually became as gentle as water.
Manison, Kasuyi, Sorokin, and the other Beyond Grade As were also watching the broadcast. Even the Dynasty Ruler Uranril took time out of her busy schedule to pay attention. Hearing Han Xiao's words, these people sighed in their hearts.
Perhaps Black Star had some conflicts with them in terms of benefits, but from the bottom of their hearts, they also admired Black Star's achievements. If it were them, no one felt that they could have done better than Black Star.
"What was I doing when I was less than a hundred years old … It seems like I was still helping the former leader manage the military logistics?"
Manison could not help but reminisce.
At the scene, Han Xiao listed the achievements of the army so far, and his tone became more and more formal.
"… As mentioned above, the Black Star Corps has achieved many brilliant results, but its contribution to the universe is too insignificant. I feel deeply ashamed, so I feel that I should make a public report to the entire universe, let everyone see our current glory, and strive to give everyone with potential a chance to show it. This is the reason why I organized the Blackstar Cup …"
"That's not bad …" Uranril nodded approvingly.
She liked to see Beyond Grade As enjoy their privileges while also contributing to the entire universe. Unfortunately, most people did not have such awareness. In her eyes, although Black Star was also a profit-seeker, it was already rare for him to have such awareness.
As the speech came to an end, Han Xiao's lips curled up as he said with a smile, "I've said enough. Next, this stage will be handed over to the young lads of the Black Star Army … Then, I hereby announce that the first Black Star Cup Army League officially begins!"
As soon as he said that, the crowd burst into thunderous applause!
There was no doubt that this was the sound effect added at the end.
He still had to have some prestige. If no one applauded after the speech, how awkward would that be? Furthermore, the members of the army were all in the spaceship, so the applause could not be heard.
Amidst the cheers and applause, Han Xiao teleported and disappeared. The organizers of the competition immediately appeared and began to mobilize the players for the opening match.
The audience took their seats one after another, and the scene immediately became extraordinarily lively with a boiling cauldron of voices.
According to the plans of the group of professional event planners that Sylvia had found, there would be a large-scale performance for the opening ceremony on the first day, and only a few of the more important events would be selected for the competition.
There would definitely be combat events. Referring to the style of the Pro League in his previous life, Han Xiao also set up individual competition, team competition, champion mode, capture the flag, and so on. He even took out the playstyle of the Pro League in his previous life in advance and used it for the Blackstar Cup.
From ordinary people to Calamity Grades, there was also an exclusive group for Immortals. Each group would pick a representative to fight in the opening ceremony.
As for sports, entertainment, and so on, they would choose to fight in the more important events.
Quite a number of sports and entertainment events were not divided into groups, and Wayne Cards was one of them. Because it was not divided into groups, it had the largest number of participants. Thus, it was chosen to perform in the opening ceremony.
The two Wayne Cards players that were going to fight in the opening ceremony were Herlous, who was highly respected in the army's circle of card players, and Hardaway, who was a deadbeat in the army's gambling circle.
A Wayne Cards chessboard was set up in an indoor arena. As soon as the two players entered the arena, they received completely different treatment.
As soon as Herlous entered the arena, the teasing and cheering of countless card players could be heard. He was extremely popular. On the other hand, Hadavy had only taken two steps on the stage before the crowd booed loudly, showing the most sincere respect to this old fogey with terrible gambling skills.
"A bunch of idiots." Hardaway rolled his eyes.
This time, Herlous looked over. The two of them, who had sparred many times, looked at each other across the air. It was as though sparks were flying between them. They could see the same thoughts in each other's eyes.
Fu Ding and Nero are not participating. I'm definitely going to be the king of cards in the army!
At the same time, the other arena had already reached the Grade D group, and the figures of the players had already appeared. A graduate of the Super Academy was facing a newbie player who had only entered in Version 4.0. The two of them looked at each other from afar.
"Remember the rules. When the opponent loses the ability to fight, you are not allowed to continue attacking. You are not allowed to intentionally injure the opponent, and you are not allowed to intentionally kill the opponent. The moment one of you falls out of the arena or surrenders, the match will be decided …"
The mechanical referee explained the rules at the side. Other than not being allowed to intentionally injure the opponent, there were basically no restrictions. As long as one did not injure the other party, they could do whatever they wanted.
However, there was a special rule for the players. If one did not admit defeat, the other party could beat the player to death. In any case, the player would not die.
"If there are no problems … let the match begin!"
Following the referee's order, the graduate did not hesitate. He stomped on the ground and charged toward his opponent's face like an arrow released from a bow.
This newbie player was obviously lacking in combat experience. Facing such an aggressive opponent, he immediately panicked. He raised his hands and summoned his pistols. The high-quality mechanical suit he had bought from the logistics department instantly covered his body. He turned into a ghost-like phantom and moved around his opponent. His pistols kept firing, creating streaks of blue flames. He was a Cannon Master.
"Shield up!"
The graduate also activated his mechanical suit. A foldable alloy shield unfolded on his arm. A thin layer of energy on the shield deflected all the blue lasers fired by the newbie player.
At the same time, his other hand pulled out an intricate mechanical spear. The tip of the spear split open, revealing the muzzle of the cannon. Explosive bullets shot out one after another, chasing after his opponent's high-speed figure, creating a trail of fire and smoke on the arena.
This person's class was a Mechanical Pugilist.
Because the Black Star Corps Logistics Department provided a large number of high-quality faction exclusive mechanical weapons, many Mechanic Supers under the army, regardless of whether they were players or normal members, were willing to change their class to Mechanic. This was because they could directly purchase the best weapons that matched their level.
As long as they had money in their pockets, they could even directly skip the gunpowder weapons stage and equip themselves with energy weapons.
Facing the legendary Immortals, this graduate was actually even more nervous.
In the army, the players were a group of special existences that were almost deified. They were extremely mysterious in the eyes of most of the basic army members. There were different versions of rumors that said that they all had unique skills and were insane.
It would be fine if they were just immortals. However, in the rumors, the Immortals were a group of lunatics who did not care about their own lives. This was very scary …
The two of them fought for a while, creating sparks along the way.
The graduate was cautious, but he was surprised to find that his opponent was obviously lacking in combat experience. This gave him a boost of confidence, and he attacked with all his might. Gradually, he gained the upper hand.
"Looks like I'm going to lose …"
The newbie player looked at his steadily decreasing health, pouted, and took out the Black Star Corps badge to evolve …
"Roar!"
The next moment, a mutant whose brain was filled with muscles instantly appeared on the stage!
This crooked muscular bully pounced and pressed the stupefied graduate under its body in a split second, making him unable to move.
A mutant with Grade B combat strength could be said to be invincible in Grade D!
At this time, the mutant opened its bloody mouth, revealing a mouthful of sharp teeth, as if it was going to bite down.
"I admit defeat! Help … help! "
The graduate was scared out of his wits. Seeing the big mouth that was spewing out smelly gas getting closer and closer, he subconsciously closed his eyes in fear.
However, the expected bite did not come. Instead, he felt a thick, soft, and wet tongue lick him from head to toe.
"The duel is over. Blue side wins!" The referee came online at the right time.
"Ah, I won!"
The newbie player jumped up excitedly, shaking his butt seductively twice. Then, he ran to the edge of the floating arena and jumped down, using the fastest speed to get rid of this ugly image.
The dance steps of the mutant were too beautiful. The audience who saw this scene only wanted to poke their eyes out.
However, at the same time, countless audience members felt a chill run down their spines.
The rumors were indeed true. These Immortals were really a bunch of lunatics.
On the arena, the graduate covered in saliva lay on the ground, his eyes lifeless. He began to doubt his life.
The situation that was supposed to be a sure win was instantly turned around by the opponent's suicidal transformation.
It's too difficult for me …
As long as no additional damage was caused, items could be used at will in the Blackstar Cup. The players were extremely satisfied with this rule.
In the Pro League, the army's various powerful weapons were tightly restricted. Now that they could finally use them without reservation, it was quite comfortable.
Although it was a little unfair to the army members in the low-level division, this was the effect that Han Xiao wanted to achieve. He had several intentions. First, it was to let the outside world see how terrifying the players were. Even low-level players could erupt with exaggerated combat strength.
Second, it was to stimulate the sales of the Evolution Badges. When the players in the low-level division saw that the Evolution Badges could be used to kill anything in their path, would they not be eager to buy them?
Furthermore, the Evolution Badge was not designed to be a one-time use item. It had to be recharged after one use.
The third reason was that Han Xiao actually wanted the players to get the rewards of the low-level regions. After all, normal members did not have much to gain from them. Only by giving the rewards to the players would he be able to maximize the benefits. It was like fertilizing the fields.
What? The normal members were not convinced? It was not like they were not allowed to use powerful items. If they had the ability to joke with their lives, then they could learn from the players and carry a nuclear backpack.
Even if someone really wanted to do that, the referee would not agree. Friendship first, competition second. Suicide on stage was not allowed … Oh, except for those who could not die.
You say it's unfair? There was no choice. Not dying was their talent, just like those self-healing ability users. You could not prohibit them from using their own abilities, right? That would be unfair to them.
If you wanted to blame someone, then blame yourself for not being an Immortal. In any case, the final interpretation of the rules belonged to the Army Commander. If you had any objections, go to him.
With this set of rules, even if the low-level members had objections, they would not be able to do anything. They might even feel that it made sense.
There was no need for underhanded manipulation. With this rule, the Great Mechanic Han would be able to achieve the desired result.
…
Just as the opening ceremony of the Blackstar Cup was in full swing, at the same time, in the Ancient Star Desert Star Field, a civilian archaeological exploration team landed on a desolate planet that no one had cared about for many years.
Although they were called an archaeological exploration team, they were actually a group of scavengers.
The Ancient Star Desert was very old. Many places were ancient battlefields, and there were many mysterious ruins and ruins. Thus, this Star Field was filled with scavengers trying their luck. They wanted to dig out something good and sell it on the black market to earn a large sum of money.
An acidic and corrosive sandstorm swept across the land. In the midst of the hazy sand, a group of scavengers wearing bulky protective suits were setting up various mechanical instruments to explore the underground situation of the planet.
A short and skinny monkey-like member operated on the screen for a while. Suddenly, he shouted in surprise, "Boss!
"Haha, we're in luck! There are ancient rock formations on this planet, and we can't find anything when we trace the age. This proves that the age has exceeded the limit of my instrument's long-range detection range. We need more precise tests to find out. I'll use seismic detection to get the underground structure … Got it! "
The screen showed a complicated underground cavity that extended in all directions. It seemed to have dug many puzzling paths. At a glance, the scale was not small.
"There are no traces of outsiders!" The short and skinny member was extremely excited. "Maybe we've found an unopened ancient civilization ruin!"
"Or maybe there's only a pile of rust left." Another member shrugged.
"No matter what, let's dig first." A member who looked like the captain said calmly, "Let the spaceship launch the drill. We'll dive."
Just as everyone was preparing to move, one of the team members pulled on the captain's arm. He used his other hand to wipe off the dust on his mask, revealing a young and delicate face. His brows were tightly furrowed, and he was deeply worried.
"Don't go down yet …"
This person's tone was hesitant.
"I'm a little uneasy. I feel like I'm going to dig up something bad …"
If Han Xiao was here, he would definitely recognize this face.
This was a famous explorer during the World Tree version.
The first person to discover the true body of the World Tree!
PS: (I've been out for the past two days, so I'm free today. I'll be back to normal tomorrow after a day of rest.
PS2: (You can also use the WX public account and search for "Qi Peijia". Occasionally, they'll sort out plot guesses and post character pictures. If you're interested, please follow.)
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