Chapter 885 - Brewing Influence, Rising Waves (1/2)
Han Xiao only narrowed his eyes, not speaking. In actual fact, he had also shared the same suspicions, but Risda had replied in the same manner each time he asked, making him unable to verify it.
Manison crossed his hands and calmly spoke.
“Just based on their ability, they would never be able to break through my firewall. Behind them was another Beyond Grade A Mechanic that was coveting my Indestructible Mechanic Empire and wished to wreck my trump card troops while I was not within my base. They secretly guided these two little guys that knew nothing and quietly opened the virtual data channels for them.”
“A pity that his cheap trick was spotted by me, and his scheme thus failed. I actually knew that the little fellow who had turned itself into an indestructible mechanic soldier had always been residing in Floating Dragon Island. She borrowed my energy transmission channel and stole my recombination material, so I could naturally track her.
“But I didn’t go and recollect it. That’s mainly because I don’t care about these two fellows who were wandering outside, but I also decided not to make contact with Ames due to my past relationship with Aesop. However, since I’m here today, it’s just as well. You can hand both of them back over to me.”
Han Xiao rubbed his temples, feeling a little helpless. Twenty years ago when he first recruited Aroshia, he had been but a Grade B Super. He was just a nobody in the universe, so naturally, Manison would not place him in his eyes.
When he discovered the origins of Aroshia later on, he had once worried about whether Manison would pursue them, but Aroshia had never met any danger, so he had thought that Manison did not know of Aroshia’s position.
When he reached the Beyond Grade A level, his Virtual Technology knowledge grew deeper, and he also started to doubt the given description of their escape, but because of his preconceived notions and added to the fact that twenty years had gone by peacefully, he took it for granted.
To think that Manison had always known…
Han Xiao’s brain quickly moved.
Obviously, with Manison’s status, he did not care about Aroshia and Risda escaping. After all, he had an entire AI civilization as his army; just two escapees did not mean anything.
But the reason he had mentioned this was not to take Aroshia and Risda back but rather because Han Xiao had rejected his request to obtain the amber, so he decided to attack him!
This old thing… God only knows just how many cards he still has on hand.
Han Xiao frowned, pausing for a moment, before replying solemnly.
“Aroshia is a comrade of mine who has followed me for over twenty years. She has free will and is not a slave of mine. I can’t just pass someone who is respected and was involved in the establishment of Black Star Army together with me. How would I answer to my officers in this manner?”
Manison wished to reclaim its escaped soldiers, but Han Xiao tweaked the situation, emphasizing Aroshia’s position within the Black Star Army. Thus, he could firmly reject.
“Your Excellency Black Star, you’re a really tough nut.” Manison still remained calm, and he only sighed.
From the time they had met up till now, Han Xiao had always been courteous, but regarding any crucial issues, he had never given way and always had hidden needles to retaliate.
Want the amber? Not selling!
Want my people? Not giving!
Han Xiao was apprehensive of Manison’s strength, but he was not afraid of the other party. It would have been one thing if he did not have any support, but the dynasty was backing the Black Star Army, while the Federation backed Manison. Both of them had prestigious backers, and there was no need to be afraid.
Since he was the one to obtain the Spacetime Amber, the dynasty did not force him to hand it over because as long as it was in his hands, it was equivalent to the dynasty’s strength.
However, if he chose to deal with the Mechanic Empire, this would mean that the method of production of the Spacetime Amber would be passed onto the Federation of Light’s hands. This would cross the bottom line of the dynasty, and he would suffer the consequences. Thus, not even a guarantee from Manison that he would only research it privately could persuade him.
The reason Han Xiao did not make the transaction was not just to maintain the deterrence of the Spacetime Amber but also because of the problem of their opposing factions. Even if he would end up offending the other, he could only reject. This even applied to the worst case where they turned hostile.
The atmosphere was a little heavy for a moment. Han Xiao only stared at Manison, not speaking, while Manison did the same, his mechanical host not showing any emotions.
After silence reigned for a period, Manison finally opened his mouth again. “Alright then, it seems that my request was a little overboard.”
He did not insist on reclaiming the duo, maybe because he did not wish to turn hostile with Han Xiao over such a small matter. However, Han Xiao could not know if that was what he thought.
“Many thanks for understanding, Your Excellency Mechanic Emperor.” Han Xiao’s tone also softened. Since the other party had given him face, there was a need to respond appropriately.
“However…” Manison’s words took a curve. “While I don’t care if they have their own lives, there’s something I need to remind you of.”
“Please speak.”
“Those two fellows have always wanted to free their clansmen. I hope you will not be fooled by them. The Beyond Grade A Mechanic who helped them the other time ended up as my trophy, and I don’t wish to be enemies with you… or else the result won’t be nice to see.” Manison’s tone remained calm.
Han Xiao’s pupils needled. This was a pure warning!
At this moment, Manison stood up, and he expressed his intention to leave.
“No matter what, being able to come into contact with you, Your Excellency Black Star, has made this a worthwhile trip. It was pleasant getting to know you.”
Han Xiao remained expressionless and stood up, shaking hands with the other.
After exchanging communicator numbers, they walked out of the room. Han Xiao personally escorted Manison back to the Federation of Light’s spaceship.
Before the hatch closed, Manison turned back to look at Han Xiao.
“Since you are coming over to the Primeval Star River to deal with EsGod, if time permits, come over to my place for a visit.”
“Sure, I’ll try to do so.” Han Xiao nodded.
Ka!
The hatch sealed itself, and the spaceship’s thrusters ignited, taking off into the vast universe.
Sending them off with his eyes, Han Xiao secretly heaved a sigh of relief and murmured, “Old fox.”
Dealing with Manison was really not a pleasant thing.
Han Xiao could not determine Manison’s true thoughts. His attitude was also ambiguous, his every move seemingly carrying probing intentions.
This guy is not just a person who purely pursues benefits. His thinking was hard to predict, and even with Manison’s deeds from his previous life as a gauge, Han Xiao still found it hard to figure out the character of this old fox.