Chapter 739 The Establishment of the Association

Numerous forces held a burning passion for the Shattered Star Ring. As the exploration and development of the new Star Field progressed, the Free Competition Zone delved deeper into the hinterlands, far exceeding the efficiency of the previous three phases of closed development.

Feinn Star, a pivotal planet within the Emerald Star Cluster, was strategically located at the intersection of the outer and inner star systems.

Originally, this territory was occupied by the Modo Civilization. However, the aftershocks of a conflict between two Super A Grade powerhouses unfortunately “affected” this area. The Modo Civilization’s forces stationed here encountered an “accident,” and the planet reverted to a state of being unclaimed.

Shortly afterward, the Black Star Army’s fleet occupied the territory and generously “contributed” it to serve as the future headquarters of the Shattered Star Ring Super-A Grade Development Federation.

Today, this barren planet had been completely transformed, bearing countless traces of artificial modification. Numerous Black Star Army engineering ships rose and fell, constructing various surface and satellite structures on a grand scale.

The most conspicuous landmark was a towering building, the Federation's headquarters parliament building. Its overall shape resembled a trophy, with a massive sphere suspended at the top, like a floating fortress. The interior of the sphere also contained extensive facilities, including a dedicated round table conference room for Super A Grades to convene.

At this very moment, an important meeting was being held within.

With a slight blurring of his vision, Han Xiao's remote projection descended into the round table conference room. He scanned the room, noting that many seats were already occupied, with new remote projections continuously arriving.

This was Han Xiao's first time attending a meeting since his return. It was a general assembly, summoning all Super A Grades willing to join, not just the initiators like Ménélaus.

Soon, all the seats were filled. Ménélaus tapped on the table, silencing the murmurs.

"Everyone, Black Star is the main initiator of the Development Federation. Now that he has returned, all members are finally present. This is our first general meeting. Some of you may not be familiar with each other, so let's begin with introductions."

Even if the Super A Grades present hadn't interacted with each other, they all knew each other's reputations. This was merely a formality, and everyone briefly stated their names.

Han Xiao surveyed the assembly. Most were individuals from the Gods' Meeting, but there were also many new faces, including direct descendants of the three Universal Civilizations.

However, some familiar faces were missing, such as those unfortunate souls trapped in amber. Surprisingly, the number of attendees was even greater than at the Gods' Meeting.

Seeing his gaze, each person gave Han Xiao a slight nod.

"The direct descendants of the three Universal Civilizations are here as well…" Han Xiao mused to himself.

The reason was not difficult to guess. The Development Federation had been at odds with the three Universal Civilizations for months, and both sides had made secret concessions and compromises. These direct descendants joining the Federation must be one of the conditions of the exchange. While the association would never allow the direct descendants to control high-level power, it could not exclude Super A Grades from joining, even if they were affiliated with the three Universal Civilizations, since it was calling itself a Super A Grade association.

The original intention of the group was to form a unified Super A Grade front, elevating the status of the entire class. However, achieving that in one fell swoop was unrealistic. In the early stages, no one wanted to truly tear apart the facade, and concessions to the three Universal Civilizations were inevitable. This would not deviate from the original intention, as long as this platform was built, it would form a new web of interests and serve as a mediator for conflicts, allowing Super A Grades to ignore some of the struggles originating from their faction affiliations.

As for more rights, those would have to be gradually earned in the future.

Han Xiao had been away for several months, but he had been following the Development Federation's progress closely and had a good grasp of information. He was well-versed in the association's basic regulations and personnel situation.

After the round of introductions, Ménélaus looked at Han Xiao and said slowly,

"The Development Federation has been preparing well these past few months. Black Star, you only recently returned and are participating in your first meeting. Do you have anything to say? You are one of the main initiators, and we would like to hear your opinions."

All eyes immediately focused on him.

Han Xiao cleared his throat and began with platitudes,

"I have no objections. Everyone has done a great job. We discussed this issue during the Gods' Meeting, and I was tasked with building a communication platform, which has now yielded results. As everyone knows, the primary purpose of the Development Federation is to mediate conflicts between Super A Grades. I've heard that many of you have had less-than-harmonious relationships recently, so I hope this platform can be established as soon as possible. The entire universe desperately needs such an organization to bring them peace."

"Black Star speaks well," Ménélaus interjected. "As everyone here knows, the Development Federation encountered some obstacles during its establishment. These obstacles have now been largely eliminated, leaving only the negotiations regarding the Ultimate Knowledge unresolved. We need to set this matter aside temporarily. The more critical issue at the moment is to decide on the candidates for the management team so that the Development Federation can be officially established as soon as possible."

Without a doubt, the three Universal Civilizations were unyielding on the issue of the Ultimate Knowledge. After a series of intense clashes, both sides had maintained a degree of restraint, deciding to transfer the issue to a secret negotiation process. However, neither side could produce sufficient bargaining chips, and they were temporarily unable to do anything to each other, so there would be no results in the short term.

Therefore, some of the peak Super A Grades, including Ménélaus, had changed their minds, unwilling to delay the establishment of the Development Federation over this issue. They decided to temporarily set aside this demand and not publicly regard the Ultimate Knowledge as a faction benefit of the association… As for whether it would be taught privately, that was another matter.

The last hurdle to the formal establishment of the association was the long-delayed decision on the management team, which had been held up by Black Star's absence. Now that Han Xiao had finally arrived, everyone was eager to resolve this crucial issue.

"Indeed, it's time to decide on the candidates for the president…" An Ancient One scanned the room and spoke proactively, "For the past few months, His Excellency Ménélaus has represented the Development Federation and shouldered immense pressure. His performance has been evident to all. I propose that Ménélaus be the first president."

Once this topic was broached, many supporters echoed the sentiment. For a moment, Ménélaus's momentum surpassed everyone else's.

Ménélaus had not been idle for the past few months. He had leveraged his accumulated network of connections over the years, gaining the support of not only more than half of the peak Super A Grades, but also many of the other Super A Grade members, especially those from the Ancient Ones faction, most of whom agreed with Ménélaus becoming president. His momentum had already been established.

The other two candidates had been completely overshadowed during these months and, realizing they had no chance, had basically withdrawn from the competition.

At this moment, everyone intentionally or unintentionally turned their gaze to Han Xiao. He had been missing for several months, and the only thing people were uncertain about was his thoughts.

Ménélaus couldn't help but look at Han Xiao as well. This was the final variable that could prevent him from becoming president, and he couldn't afford to underestimate it.

However, Han Xiao simply smiled silently, showing no intention of speaking.

Kressia's eyes shifted between the two, and he tentatively asked, "If there are no objections, let's vote. Do you all agree to Ménélaus serving as the first president of the Development Federation?"

"I agree." "Seconded." "Abstain." "I agree."

Because everyone present was a person of their word, and the number of people was small, there was no need for complicated selection ceremonies. A simple vote was sufficient.

Everyone expressed their views, and Han Xiao also cast an abstention vote.

Seeing this, Ménélaus was completely relieved. As long as Black Star didn't make trouble, his position would be secured.

The direct descendants of the three Universal Civilizations all abstained, indicating that an agreement had been reached long ago. In the end, Ménélaus secured overwhelming support.

Seeing this, Kressia took a breath and said in a deep voice, "Then it is decided. His Excellency Ménélaus, the Ancient One Papaki, will officially serve as the first president."

"Good."

Ménélaus's facial muscles remained still, revealing no emotion. He did not engage in empty pleasantries, nor was there any need to be humble.

Clap clap… Everyone clapped a few times as a formality.

After the applause died down, Kressia looked around the room and asked, "Then, as for the position of vice president, who…"

At this moment, Han Xiao suddenly spoke, smiling, "The association was able to be established thanks to the Black Star Army's influence in the Shattered Star Ring. My contributions are not small. This position is more suitable for me, what do you all think?"

Hearing this, everyone exchanged glances, their expressions unsurprised.

With Black Star's strength and status, the worst he could get was a seat as a director. Coupled with the important assistance provided by the Black Star Army, he was naturally qualified to sit in the vice president's seat.

In fact, there was a reason why Han Xiao was not competing with Ménélaus. When he learned that the president's position was based on a rotating system, he gave up the idea of serving as the first president.

On one hand, his foundation was slightly weaker, and he couldn't compete with Ménélaus's network of connections. On the other hand, he had re-analyzed the pros and cons and didn't want to bear the main pressure in the early stages of the association. If he was replaced later, it would be as if he had been used as a pawn.

Han Xiao had run off to the secondary dimension to hide for a few months, partly with this idea in mind. He couldn't do everything and then not be elected as president. So, he simply let Ménélaus and the others bear the main pressure, while he ran back to reap the rewards… Anyway, he was the main initiator, and the Black Star Army's strength had helped the Development Federation. This contribution was significant enough.

Since there was an opportunity for rotation, Han Xiao was not in a hurry. He didn't want to directly confront Ménélaus. Instead, he would settle for second best, aiming for the vice president's position, and then strive for the presidency later.

In reality, even if he chose to confront Ménélaus head-on, he wouldn't be able to steal Ménélaus's big peach. Han Xiao had never intended to rely on connections. Instead, he had used Kant and Old Dragon to convey the benefits of him serving as president. The fact that the people present still supported Ménélaus meant that they had already made their choice based on their interests. Therefore, even if he openly challenged Ménélaus just now, he would not have received the support of these people.

Although he had some resources in his hands, such as opportunities to use the Evolution Cube, to exchange for the support of some people, he couldn't do this every time there was a change of leadership. Furthermore, many resources were one-time deals. Once they were used, it would be difficult to say what would happen in the next election.

Having understood the situation, Han Xiao did not force the issue. Only when his qualifications, connections, and influence reached a higher level could he confidently contend with someone like Ménélaus. After repeated consideration, he decided to let Ménélaus, the tall one, hold up the sky, while he enjoyed the shade under the big tree, continuing to accumulate his resources and slowly undermine Ménélaus and others.

After all, he had韭菜 (jiǔ cài, leeks, slang for people who are exploited) to harvest, and his growth rate far exceeded others. With this unique advantage, a strategy similar to 韬光养晦 (tāo guāng yǎng huì, hiding one's capacities and biding one's time) was more suitable for him.

Many people had designs on the vice president's position, but unfortunately, there were no strong competitors. Kressia and the others had no interest in competing. Because Han Xiao was a local overlord, most people gave him face, and Ménélaus, who was in a good mood, reciprocated. Therefore, there were no complications, and the position of vice president ultimately fell to Han Xiao.

Having secured this position, Han Xiao was relieved.

This was the embodiment of status! He had obtained the position of vice president without spending much effort, which was more cost-effective than fighting for the presidency.

The subsequent election of directors was unremarkable, as it had been decided long ago. They were all a group of peak Super A Grades. In addition to these, three honorary director positions were established, without any actual administrative power. These were given to the direct descendants of the peak Super A Grades from the three Universal Civilizations. This was naturally one of the conditions of the compromise, and its purpose was self-evident.

The first leadership team was established, and the founding date of the Development Federation was set accordingly. After discussing these important matters, the meeting ended, and the remote projections disappeared one by one, leaving only the remote projections of Ménélaus and Han Xiao.

"Congratulations on becoming the president," Han Xiao said casually.

Ménélaus revealed a long-absent smile and said earnestly, "Don't be discouraged. It's still too early for you. The future belongs to you."

Han Xiao blinked, his expression playful.

Although the specific plot was different in his previous life, Ménélaus's goals should not have changed. He knew a thing or two about it.

In his previous life, Ménélaus had both ambition and personal desires. He wanted to make the cake bigger, also to turn the power of the entire Super A Grade class into his backing, to help him take it a step further.

Their views were different, but there were also overlapping parts. At least for a very long time, Ménélaus's ambitions could not be realized. If he wanted a strong enough backing, he had to wait for the entire class to grow stronger over time.

Han Xiao put away his thoughts, pondered for two seconds, and asked, "Regarding the Ultimate Knowledge negotiations, what is the offer from the three Universal Civilizations?"

Upon hearing this question, Ménélaus's smile faded, and his tone was meaningful.

"Super Star Cluster Civilization."

Han Xiao immediately understood and shook his head helplessly.

So it was a move to drive away the wolf by using the tiger, combined with a tactic of undermining from below. It was to both use the association to deal with a more important opponent and destroy the association's credibility.

"Will you agree to it?"

"I don't know. We'll see."

Ménélaus did not answer. After saying these words, his projection also went offline, leaving Han Xiao alone in the conference room.

Han Xiao looked at Ménélaus's empty seat and suddenly chuckled twice.

Big director, this position is not easy to sit in…

…

On July 11, Star Sea Calendar 730, a sudden news bomb exploded in the Shattered Star Ring.

Nearly a hundred Super A Grades jointly announced that, in light of the frequent friction incidents in recent days, they had decided to form a guild-like organization to mediate armed conflicts between Super A Grades and reduce public losses caused by battles.

It was reported that the organization's headquarters was located on Feinn Star in the Emerald Star Cluster of the Shattered Star Ring, with Ménélaus the Mech Emperor as the president and Han Xiao the Black Star as the vice president. There were nearly a hundred Super A Grade members.

The three Universal Civilizations publicly stated that they did not deny the organization's legitimacy and called on superhumans from all walks of life to follow this example and reduce the abuse of power.

The Shattered Star Ring Super-A Grade Development Federation was officially established on this day!

After several months, following the explosive news of the Hela Rescue Operation, countless citizens and forces in various star fields were once again in an uproar!