Ancient Star Desert, somewhere in the desolate universe belt, Planet Magnetic Cloud.
This was one of the settlements of the Machinery Faith. The ground was yellowish-black, and heavy bases in the Machinery Faith style were rooted on the surface, arranged neatly, forming a circular industrial city. Around it were open-air mines with countless large industrial cranes hanging on them. The streets of the city extended in all directions, all flattened gray roads. Fleet after fleet of transport vehicles roared past, sweeping past the pedestrians in heavy power armor on both sides of the street.
In the center of the circular city was a towering mountain, cut off from the middle into a platform where the Machinery Faith community sat. Right above it was a floating island, emitting a gentle artificial light.
The Machinery Faith had many believers, with many internal factions, loose management, and wandering nature. Usually, with the Grand Priest and the various bishops as the core, they gathered a group of believers from different factions to form a fleet, searching for planets in the universe and constantly migrating. Their goal was to excavate the minerals and underground mechanical wreckage of the planet, hoard them, or sell them. Therefore, most of the planets occupied by the Machinery Faith were only temporary strongholds, somewhat like a wandering sect.
The Machinery Faith did not have many fixed strongholds. Some were branches of different factions, some were long-term settlements of believers like Planet Magnetic Cloud, and some were recognized as holy lands by all believers.
Now, the three Universal Civilizations' heavy-armored fleet was hovering in the blue-black sky of Planet Magnetic Cloud. The believers on the surface were not surprised, occasionally glancing up before lowering their heads and continuing with what they were doing.
The three Universal Civilizations had already greeted the Machinery Faith. This kind of loose religious organization had always been difficult to manage. The three Universal Civilizations did not trust the Machinery Faith's ability to execute orders, so they simply sent a fleet to station here, using it as a trap node.
At this moment, on the open-air platform at the top of the Machinery Faith temple, the Grand Priest in the bishop armor looked up at the fleet in the sky and whispered to himself.
Seeing this, the priest beside him walked over and asked, "Grand Priest, are you worried about the three Universal Civilizations' fleet?"
The Grand Priest shook his head. "We're just a civilian association, following the law. We don't have much interaction with the three Universal Civilizations, so they won't do anything to us. I'm just glad that the three Universal Civilizations are here."
"Glad?"
"That's right. Ever since the outbreak of the Intelligent Plague, the number of zealots in the church has been increasing day by day. Not only are they secretly researching the Virtual Mutiny Virus, but they even want to spread it. This goes against the original intention of the Machinery Faith to be neutral. Their twisted beliefs will bring disaster to the church. Now that the three Universal Civilizations' fleets are here, they've indirectly suppressed those zealots," the Grand Priest mumbled.
Now that he thought about it, his heart still felt heavy.
After the three Universal Civilizations developed the antivirus, there were even some fanatics who used the banner of 'promoting God's Revelation', wanting to modify the virus and crack the antivirus so that the Intelligent Plague could continue. They insisted that this was a great artificial intelligence revolution.
Thus, he had no choice but to mobilize the Guardian Legion and lock these people up. However, this thought remained and continued to spread throughout the settlement.
"Well, maybe." The priest paused for a moment before asking in confusion, "I still don't understand why the three Universal Civilizations are temporarily requisitioning our settlement."
"It seems to have something to do with the Intelligent Plague. I'm not too sure either …" The Grand Priest shook his head.
Before he could finish his sentence, the armor's built-in radar suddenly reacted.
"Abnormality detected in the magnetic field of the planet, creating a vortex phenomenon. Coordinates …"
The Grand Priest was stunned. He turned around with his companions and looked in the direction of the magnetic vortex.
The magnetic field of Planet Magnetic Cloud was very special. The armor of the Machinery Faith believers here had specialized monitors for the magnetic field. Now that they all heard the report from the radar, the pedestrians on the street stopped and looked in the same direction.
Everyone switched to their electromagnetic vision, and the flow of the magnetic field was clearly visible. In the distant sky, the electromagnetic field seemed to have formed a tornado. Bright electric arcs appeared out of thin air, quickly forming an energy field.
At this time, something unexpected happened!
Boom!
Dazzling meteors flew out from the three Universal Civilizations' fleets in outer space, rapidly falling in the direction of the electromagnetic field vortex.
Although the shooting stars were not large in size, they were all emitting astonishing energy waves. Dazzling electric arcs were left behind and did not disperse in the retina for a long time. Together with the rumbling of thunder, it was as if the sky was collapsing.
"What's that?"
Including the Grand Priest, the Machinery Faith believers on Planet Magnetic Cloud were all shocked.
At this time, this batch of meteors had reached the position of the electromagnetic field vortex and stopped. The flames on their bodies dissipated, revealing the appearance of mechanical bodies. They were all the Lord's Avatars of the Beyond Grade A Mechanics.
Manison, who was in the lead, was the fastest. He raised his eyes and glared, and the electromagnetic vortex stopped for a moment. Then, he raised his hand and grabbed the electric arc field in the center of the vortex. It was sucked into a miniature triangular container the size of a head.
In the next moment, the abnormal electromagnetic vortex phenomenon disappeared, as if the wind and rain had stopped and the sky was clear. It was as if the electromagnetic tornado just now was just an illusion.
"Those are the Lord's Avatars of the Beyond Grade A Mechanics?"
Seeing this, although they did not know what had happened, the Machinery Faith believers were instantly excited.
In their eyes, the appearance of so many Beyond Grade A Mechanics was no less than the descent of gods.
However, before they could be surprised, the situation changed again.
The other Beyond Grade A Lord's Avatars, who were one step behind, attacked Manison at the same time, raising their hands and stabbing him in the back.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Light exploded in midair, reflecting in the eyes of countless Machinery Faith believers.
The next second, Manison's Lord's Avatar flew out of the explosion and was surrounded by everyone.
Seeing this, a look of surprise flashed across the eyes of every believer.
These Beyond Grade A Mechanics are going to fight here? Then, aren't we involved in a 'war of gods'?
…
Rewind time to ten seconds.
In the three Universal Civilizations' fleets outside Planet Magnetic Cloud, mechanical troops of different Mechanics floated. Some of the mechanical troops surrounded their respective Lord's Avatars.
The moment the virus core left the quantum network, everyone's Lord's consciousness chased after it, and the eyes of the mechanical bodies suddenly lit up.
"Target locked!"
As soon as Han Xiao arrived, the sound of the detection radar rang in his ears.
At the same time, a black shadow fell rapidly not far away. It was Manison's avatar, and it rushed toward the virus core first.
"This old thing is so fast!"
This thought flashed through Han Xiao's mind. Just as he was about to use his skills, he realized that Void Hyperdrive and other Flash abilities were all in a state where he could not use them.
His eyes narrowed, and he immediately understood something. Without any delay, he immediately fell to the ground. Behind him, meteors followed one after another, all of which were other people's avatars or troops.
Bang!
The group passed through the atmosphere one after another, and the friction created a layer of flames.
Han Xiao stared at the target closely. The electromagnetic vortex expanded rapidly in his sight, and the distance between them was instantly shortened.
The virus core had just left the quantum network and was in the middle of gathering electromagnetic energy to form a body. At this time, it noticed a group of Beyond Grade A Lord's Avatars approaching, so it immediately gave up on materializing and escaped into the quantum network again.
However, at this moment, Manison's eyes shot out a strong electric light, and he activated [Virtual Paramount] first!
Buzz!
The virtual soul of the virus core was instantly suppressed, unable to leave the body that had not yet fully formed.
Manison's movements were smooth, and he did not stop at all. He quickly took out a special containment device and sucked the virus core into it.
This kind of container was specially made to contain the virus core's ability. As long as it was caught, the virus core would definitely not be able to escape.
"Old Manison got it!"
Han Xiao's eyes narrowed.
However, at the next moment, the other Lord's Avatars followed closely behind and attacked at the same time. Highly concentrated beams brushed past his body and went straight for Manison's back.
Bang! Bang!
Manison had expected this. Layers of shields appeared and blocked everyone's attacks, causing a violent explosion.
Using this push, he quickly pulled away and turned to face everyone, still holding the virus core container in his hand.
Everyone surrounded Manison and confronted him.
"Be careful. If you destroy the container, my efforts will be in vain."
Manison wasn't angry at all as he spoke calmly.
The direct descendant of the Radiant Federation, Protector Romo, said with a deep voice, "Manison, hand over the virus core. You know very well that this kind of thing cannot be leaked."
The remote projections of Schidrunn and the other people in charge appeared beside him and said with a serious tone, "That's right, Your Excellency Mecha Empire. You're a reasonable person. Our three Universal Civilizations will definitely reward you for capturing the virus core. However, this thing cannot be allowed to remain in the hands of others."
"Hehe, no need to be so nervous. When I'm done, not only will I hand over the virus core, but I'll also share the technology I've analyzed."
Manison was very casual and did not panic.
Han Xiao did not say anything. He looked around and nodded. He had expected this situation long ago.
In his previous life, someone had intercepted the virus core and probably obtained it secretly. However, the current situation was completely different. The virus core was a hot potato. No matter which Mechanic obtained it, they would immediately face difficulties and become the target of other Mechanics. At the same time, the three Universal Civilizations would definitely ask for it in public.
Battleships were of no help in capturing the virus core, so why did the three Universal Civilizations set up a fleet at the trap nodes? Obviously, this was not to deal with the virus core but to deal with Beyond Grade A Mechanics like them!
The Lord's Avatars present basically all had short-range hyperdrive abilities. Han Xiao even had Void Flash, but no one used it. This was because the fleet had already activated the spacetime stabilization anchor at the trap nodes to prevent anyone from escaping.
It was precisely because the spacetime around Planet Magnetic Cloud was locked that Manison stayed here to talk. Otherwise, he would have disappeared with a hyperdrive the moment he got it.
If he wanted to leave with the virus core … he could only fight his way out!
However, although the three Universal Civilizations and the other Mechanics tried to take the virus core, they were worried about destroying the container, so they restrained themselves.
The three Universal Civilizations hoped to get the virus core back from Manison through negotiations. They were even mentally prepared for the other party to raise the price.
"Mecha Empire, the Virtual Mutiny Virus is a strategic weapon technology that can threaten the entire universe. Only the three Universal Civilizations have control of it will not cause any problems. We will not allow any risks to exist, so no matter what, we have to get the virus core today. You should understand the seriousness of this problem."
The supervisor of the Arcane Church said with a firm tone.
Manison did not respond immediately. Instead, he glanced at the other Mechanic avatars and slowly said, "Do you see it?
"Do you see that? Whoever obtains the virus core will have to face such a situation. Do you still want to continue fighting?"
"To be honest, I'm not that interested in the virus core. After all, I'm not a Virtual Mechanic … However, I don't mind using this bargaining chip to exchange for more good stuff." Kant chuckled.
"Don't look at me. As long as I get the virus core, I can regain my freedom. I'm now on Ethereal's side," Francisco said.
"As long as there's a chance, we have to fight for it with all our might … Teacher, this is what you taught me," Mechanical Queen Mornisa said calmly.
Everyone expressed their stance. Although their reasons were different, they all expressed their determination to get the virus core.
In the end, Manison's gaze stopped on Han Xiao.
"Black Star, what about you?"
Han Xiao did not answer directly. Instead, he raised his tone and said, "You've asked around. It's not just a casual conversation, right? Are you stalling for time, or are you trying to find an ally?"
Hearing this, Manison smiled.
"Black Star, you know me best …
That's right, I need an ally to deal with this tricky situation with me. You and I both understand the situation of the Beyond Grade As. We're on the same side. I'm researching the Virtual Mutiny Virus technology not only because of the technology but also to fight for a guarantee for the Beyond Grade As. If you're willing to help me, I don't mind you researching this technology with me. "
As soon as he said that, everyone looked at Han Xiao. Some were curious, some were wary, and some were mocking him.
Han Xiao was indifferent and said casually, "That's right.
"Sounds good, but I think you'll go back on your word."
"Hehe, you might not believe me, but I need someone to take this risk with me. It's more beneficial for me to have two people control this technology, so I won't go back on my word this time."
"Tsk tsk, you have no proof. It's useless no matter how nice your words sound."
"Then, how do you want me to prove it?"
Han Xiao pointed at the container in Manison's hand and smiled.
"Since you're willing to research it together, it doesn't matter who has the virus core. You give me the device, I'll take the risk, and you'll help me break out. This way, I'll believe your sincerity. Otherwise, you'll be cheating my feelings."
"I have no problem with that, but you're willing to research it together with me now that it's in your hands? How can I be sure that you won't go back on your word? "Manison asked.
"Just like what you said earlier, I'll attract too much attention alone. I also need a shield." Han Xiao shrugged.
Manison was silent for a few seconds. Just as the atmosphere was getting more and more tense, he slowly opened his mouth. His attitude immediately shocked everyone.
"If that's the case … why can't I give it to you?"
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