Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 297 Mysterious Runes

Thor, however, couldn't contain his curiosity: "Since we're all on the same team, can you tell us what we're transporting this time?"

Ying's expression changed slightly: "This..."

“Thor,” Hong interrupted promptly, “there are some things it’s better not to know.”

“Hong is right,” Rowan added, “We just need to complete the mission.”

Thor pursed his lips, but didn't ask any further questions.

“Very good.” Ying nodded in satisfaction. “Your rooms have been arranged, please make yourselves at home. The spaceship is fully equipped, and you can call the service robots at any time if you need anything.”

After saying that, he turned and left.

"This person is not simple," Hong said, watching Ying's retreating figure.

“Indeed.” Rowan nodded. “There’s an indescribable aura of danger about him.”

The four were assigned to the spaceship's VIP area, each with a deluxe suite. The rooms not only had comfortable beds, but also training rooms and entertainment facilities.

"The treatment is pretty good," Thor said, lying on the soft bed. "It's even better than what we usually stay in."

Just then, a service robot pushed a food cart in.

"Honorable guest, this is your lunch," the robot said in a sweet voice.

The food cart was filled with all kinds of delicacies, including delicacies from different star systems, as well as energy meals specially prepared for cultivators.

"This is too lavish!" Thor exclaimed in surprise.

"It seems the Third Prince takes this mission very seriously," Hong said thoughtfully.

For the next few days, the four of them lived comfortably on the spaceship. Their days consisted mainly of cultivation and enjoying various services. However, they remained vigilant, constantly monitoring the spaceship's movements.

On the third night, Rowan was practicing the Law of Fire in the training room when he suddenly sensed a powerful aura coming from the direction of the cargo hold.

"This is..." He opened his eyes, his expression grave.

Almost simultaneously, Hong and Luo Feng also sensed it. The three of them walked out of the room at the same time and met in the corridor.

"You felt it too?" Hong asked.

"Yes, a very strong energy fluctuation." Luo Feng nodded.

"Shall we go take a look?" Rowan asked.

The three exchanged a glance and ultimately decided not to disturb them. Since Brolin didn't want them to know what the goods were, he must have his reasons.

But Thor brought it up at breakfast the next day.

"Did you feel it last night? There was a very strong energy fluctuation coming from the cargo hold."

“Thor.” Hong gave him a warning look.

"I'm just curious," Thor muttered. "This is all so mysterious; it's definitely not ordinary cargo."

"Curiosity killed the cat," Rowan warned. "Some secrets are more dangerous if you know them."

Just then, Ying suddenly appeared at the restaurant entrance.

"Everyone, we are about to enter the meteor belt. Please be prepared."

The four immediately stopped chatting and their expressions became serious.

The meteor belt is the first natural barrier in the chaotic star field. Countless meteorites of all sizes move at high speeds here, and the slightest carelessness can lead to the destruction of ships and the loss of life.

"Everyone assemble in the control room," Shadow ordered via communicator.

Soon, all the combat personnel, including Rowan and his three companions, gathered in the control room. Through the panoramic window, they could see a dense cluster of meteorites ahead.

“The meteor belt is about three light-years long, and we need to cross the most dangerous central region,” Shadow said, pointing to the star map. “It is expected to take six hours.”

"Why not take a detour?" Thor asked.

“Time doesn’t allow it,” Shadow replied curtly. “Besides, there are pirate monitoring stations on the outskirts, making it even more dangerous.”

The spaceship began to decelerate, cautiously entering the meteor belt. The pilot, a seasoned veteran, skillfully maneuvered the spaceship, weaving through the asteroids.

Suddenly, the alarm blared.

"Unidentified flying object detected!" the radar operator shouted.

The holographic screen showed three small warships emerging from the meteorite cluster and approaching them.

“It’s the Meteor Gang.” Shadow’s face darkened. “They specialize in robbing passing ships here.”

"Shall we fight?" Ironwall asked.

“No, keep moving,” Shadow ordered decisively. “Our mission is to transport cargo, not to fight.”

But the other side clearly wasn't going to let them go. Three warships began launching missiles in an attempt to force the transport ship to a stop.

"Activate the defense system!" Shadow commanded.

The spaceship's shields lit up, blocking most of the attacks. However, in the environment of the meteor belt, intense fighting could easily trigger a chain reaction.

“Let me go,” Rowan stepped forward. “I can use the Law of Fire to clear a path.”

Ying hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

Rowan arrived at the combat platform at the top of the spaceship, the Starburst Blade gleaming in his hand.

"The Law of Fire - Meteor Shower!"

Countless fireballs shot from the blade, accurately striking the meteorites that threatened the spaceship. At the same time, several fire dragons coiled around the spaceship, forming a mobile protective shield.

"Well done!" the driver exclaimed, speeding through the cleared passage.

The Meteor Gang's warships attempted to give chase, but were blocked by a dense barrage of meteors. They could only watch helplessly as the transport ship sailed away.

"I've passed the first hurdle." Ying breathed a sigh of relief.

But Rowan knew the real test was yet to come. The magnetic storm zone and the pirate lairs were each more dangerous than the meteor belt.

The next two days were relatively peaceful. The spaceship cruised steadily through space, and everyone prepared for the challenges to come.

Rowan noticed that while his mysterious teammates appeared friendly on the surface, they always maintained a distance. Shadow, in particular, rarely communicated with them except for necessary instructions.

“These people definitely have secrets,” Thor said to Rowan privately.

“Everyone has secrets,” Rowan chuckled. “As long as they don’t interfere with the mission.”

On the fifth day, the spaceship entered a geomagnetic storm zone. This area was filled with powerful magnetic storms that would interfere with all electronic equipment.

“From now on, we will be driving manually,” Shadow said. “Everyone, stay alert.”

The magnetic storm zone not only affects equipment but also the energy circulation of cultivators. Luo Wen felt that the fire element within his body had become unstable, requiring more effort to control.

“This place is awful,” Thor complained, his lightning powers being the most affected.

Just then, a massive magnetic storm struck. The entire spaceship shook violently, and alarms blared incessantly.

"Hold on!" Shadow shouted.

At the critical moment, Hong stepped forward. He activated the essence of light, creating a special energy field that counteracted some of the effects of the magnetic storm.

"It works!" the driver exclaimed in delight. "The interference has lessened!"

With Hong's help, the spaceship struggled through the geomagnetic storm zone.

“Thanks to you.” Ying smiled genuinely at them for the first time. “It’s my pleasure,” Hong said modestly.

After this crisis, Rowan sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere on the ship. His mysterious teammates looked at them with a newfound respect.

But the greatest challenge lies ahead—the pirate's lair. It's home to the most ruthless pirates of the chaotic star system, making it the most dangerous place on the entire voyage.

"Tomorrow we'll be entering the pirate's lair," Shadow announced at dinner. "This will be the toughest battle yet, so I hope everyone is prepared."

Everyone nodded, and the atmosphere became heavy.

On the morning of the seventh day, the spaceship entered the most dangerous area of ​​the Chaotic Starfield—the pirate lair. This was the core area of ​​the three major pirate forces, where countless modified warships roamed among the asteroid belts, searching for prey like hungry wolves.

"Everyone to battle positions," Shadow ordered via communicator. "We need to get through this area as quickly as possible."

Rowan stood in front of the observation window, and through the enhanced detector, he could see dozens of suspicious energy signals in the distance.

“They’ve spotted us,” Hong said, frowning. “It seems impossible to sneak through.”

Sure enough, the alarm sounded ten minutes later.

"Enemy ships detected! More than twenty in number!" The radar operator's voice was tense.

The holographic projection showed a large number of pirate warships surrounding them from all directions. Leading the way was a massive modified mothership, its hull painted with a blood-red skull and crossbones symbol.

“It’s the Blood Skull Pirates.” Shadow’s expression was grave. “They are the most ruthless force in this area.”

"Shall we fight?" Iron Wall clenched his fist.

“No, our primary task is to protect the cargo,” Shadow said decisively. “Full speed ahead, avoid obstacles if possible.”

The spaceship's engines roared to life, attempting to break through the encirclement. But the pirates were clearly prepared, having already laid a trap.

"They've set up a magnetic net ahead!" the driver exclaimed.

A massive magnetic field enveloped the entire airspace, forcibly reducing the spaceship's speed.

"Damn it!" Shadow cursed. "Prepare for battle!"

The pirate warships began firing missiles and energy beams, unleashing a barrage of fire. Although the ship's shields were strong, cracks began to appear under such intense attack.

“Let me out,” Thor suddenly said. “I can get rid of those troublesome guys.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Shadow shook his head. “In space combat, one mistake can be fatal.”

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Thor smiled confidently. "Besides, if we keep taking this beating, we'll be finished sooner or later."

Ying hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Be careful."

Thor donned his specially designed space armor and entered the airlock. As the hatch opened, he flew directly out of the spaceship.

"What a madman." Windblade looked at Thor's figure and shook his head in amazement.

In space, Thor hovered above the spaceship, his body crackling with lightning. In the vacuum of space, his lightning power was actually easier to unleash.

"Come on, let me show you what true thunderous power really is!"

He raised his hands high, and the lightning laws within his body erupted in full force. Countless bolts of lightning condensed around him, forming a massive lightning domain.

"Thunder Law - Heavenly Punishment!"

Thick bolts of lightning shot out from the domain, accurately striking the pirate warships. The hit warships instantly lost power, and some even exploded.

The pirates clearly hadn't expected to encounter such a powerful opponent, and their formation began to crumble.

Just then, Thor noticed several groups of pirates using jetpacks to stealthily approach the hull of the transport ship. They were carrying cutting equipment, clearly intending to force their way onto the ship.

"Trying to ambush me? No way!"

Thor flashed and instantly appeared before the pirates. In space, his speed was even greater, like real lightning.

"Thunderbolt Strike!"

He transformed into a bolt of lightning, weaving through the pirates. Each pirate he passed left a lightning mark. When he stopped, all the marked pirates simultaneously erupted in a dazzling burst of electricity.

Screams came through the communicator, but no sound could be heard in the vacuum. Dozens of pirate corpses floated in space, a truly shocking sight.

"This guy," Ying watched the surveillance footage, swallowing hard, "is even stronger than the intelligence reports."

Rowan and Hong exchanged a smile, not surprised by Thor's performance.

After Thor's efforts to clear the area, the pirates' offensive noticeably weakened. The remaining warships began to retreat, clearly frightened.

"Well done!" Shadow said through the communicator. "Come back quickly, we need to break through while we have the chance."

Thor returned to the spaceship, a smug smile on his face: "See? I told you there wouldn't be any problems."

"Indeed impressive," Ironwall exclaimed sincerely. "He single-handedly defeated an entire pirate fleet."

Taking advantage of the pirates' confusion, the spaceship sped forward and finally broke through the encirclement.

"The neutral port is ten light-years ahead," Shadow said, checking the star map. "We can rest and replenish our supplies there."

Two hours later, a massive space city came into view. This was the famous Freeport, one of the few neutral regions in the Chaotic Starfield.

"Welcome to the Free Port," the port manager's voice came through the communicator. "Please state your identity and purpose."

"Transport ship XH-779, requesting to dock for resupply," Ying responded.

After a series of checks, the spacecraft was cleared to enter the port.

Freeport is built on a terraformed asteroid, with a vast interior capable of accommodating thousands of spaceships of various types. It's a hub for merchants, adventurers, and even some laundered pirates from all star systems.

“We’ll be here for six hours,” Ying instructed. “Everyone is free to do as they please, but please don’t cause trouble.”

Rowan and his three companions stepped out of the spaceship and were immediately captivated by the bustling scene of the port.

"It's more lively here than I expected." Rowan looked around.

The streets were lined with various shops selling goods from different star systems. There were rare ores, high-tech equipment, precious medicinal herbs, and even some contraband.

"Look, there's a weapons shop over there." Thor's eyes lit up. "Shall we check it out?"

The four entered the weapon shop and were immediately attracted by the dazzling array of equipment.

"Welcome." The shop owner, a middle-aged man with a thick beard, asked, "What would you like?"

"Just browsing," Hong said.

Rowan's gaze was drawn to a strangely shaped short sword. The blade was fiery red and covered with mysterious runes.

"Good eye," the shopkeeper chuckled. "This is the Fire Spirit Sword, forged from meteorite iron from the Volcano Star. It's especially suitable for those who cultivate fire-based laws."

"How much?" Rowan asked.

Five million cosmic coins.

Rowan shook his head. Although the sword was indeed good, he already had the Starburst Sky-Splitting Blade.

After strolling around, the four arrived at the port's food court. The food here came from various star systems, and its aroma filled the air.

“Try this,” Thor said, pointing to a barbecue restaurant. “I heard it’s made with Star Beast meat.”

The four of them found a place to sit down and ordered a table full of delicious food.

"This mission was more exciting than I expected," Thor said between bites, "but it was also quite interesting."

(End of this chapter)