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

Chapter 302 Entering a State of Alert

“We’ll use a specialized hovering platform to transport it to the planet’s surface,” Shadow said, operating a control panel. “The three of you are responsible for guarding the area and making sure no one gets close.”

A metal levitation platform descended from the ceiling and came to a steady stop beside the stone box. Under Ying's control, the stone box was lifted, placed on the platform, and then secured firmly.

“Follow me,” Shadow commanded, propelling the hover platform toward the cargo hold exit.

The four escorted the stone box to the spaceship's landing bay. This was a small spacecraft specifically designed for landing on planets, capable of landing safely in various environments. Rowan noticed that the landing bay's appearance and internal facilities far exceeded those of ordinary commercial models, resembling more advanced equipment used by the military.

"Get on," Shadow instructed. "The landing will take about 20 minutes. Be prepared, we might encounter some resistance."

Rowan astutely caught the implication in the shadowy words: "Resistance? You mean there are people on Planet Brant who will oppose our arrival?"

Ying gave Rowan a cold look: "As long as you follow my instructions, you will be safe."

After the landing capsule activated, it slowly separated from the main spacecraft and flew towards the planet Brant. Through the observation window on the bulkhead, Rowan could see the entire planet: a blue-green sphere covered with large clouds, somewhat similar to Earth, but with a distinctly different distribution of continents.

“Brant,” Hong Xiaosheng explained to Rowan and Thor, “has a surface area about 0.8 times that of Earth, and its gravity is slightly lower, but its atmospheric composition is similar, making it suitable for human habitation. According to the data, the indigenous people here are similar in appearance to humans, but their civilization has developed at a slower pace, currently at a technological level equivalent to Earth's Middle Ages.”

Shadow sat in the pilot's seat, intently controlling the landing capsule. As they approached the planet's atmosphere, Shadow suddenly turned to Rowan and the other two: "Fasten your seatbelts; the landing might be a bit bumpy."

The landing capsule's passage through the atmosphere was far more violent than expected. The entire spacecraft shook violently, as if it might disintegrate at any moment. Rowan gripped the armrests of his seat tightly, wondering if this was just normal atmospheric friction or if there was another reason.

“Something’s not right,” Shadow frowned, his fingers flying across the control panel. “There’s some kind of energy field interfering with our landing.”

"Is it a planetary defense system?" Thor asked. "I thought this was a primitive civilization and wouldn't possess this kind of technology."

Shadow did not answer, continuing to focus on piloting the aircraft. The landing capsule shook violently, but still maintained its general direction, flying towards the designated landing point.

Through the observation window, Rowan could see they were approaching a vast plain. In the distance lay a medium-sized city, its architecture truly reminiscent of medieval times: stone walls, towers, and castles. But on the city's edge stood a metal structure that clashed with its surroundings, resembling a high-tech fortress.

"What's that?" Rowan asked, pointing to the metal building.

Ying glanced at it, her expression changing slightly: "Our destination."

As Rowan descended, he could see more details. An energy barrier surrounded the metal fortress, and a faint blue light enveloped the area. Nearby stood several heavily armed guards, their equipment clearly not belonging to the local, less advanced civilization.

“Those are cosmic-level powerhouses,” Hong whispered to Luo Wen. “Judging from their equipment and posture, they are at least professionally trained warriors, possibly from some advanced civilization.”

The landing pod finally came to a stop on an open area in front of the metal fortress. Shadow shut down the engine and turned to the three: "Remember, stick close to me. Don't act on your own. If a conflict breaks out, prioritize protecting the stone crate."

The four men carried the stone box from the hover platform out of the landing pod. The air on Brant was slightly dry, the sunlight gentle, and the surroundings eerily quiet. The guards did not approach immediately, but remained on alert, observing their every move.

“Captain Shadow,” a tall figure in full armor stepped out of the fortress, his voice coming through the helmet's megaphone, “you are 36 hours late. What happened?”

"We encountered some minor troubles on the way," Ying replied calmly, "but it won't affect the mission."

The armored figure nodded, his gaze falling on the stone box: "Is this it?"

“That’s right,” Shadow confirmed. “As agreed, we delivered it to the designated location. What’s next?”

The armored figure remained silent for a moment, seemingly communicating in some way. Finally, he said, "Follow me, the commander is waiting for you."

Rowan noticed a fleeting, almost imperceptible hint of displeasure in Shadow's eyes when he heard the word "commander," but he quickly concealed it. The four pushed the hovering platform, following the armored figure toward the metal fortress.

The fortress's interior, like its exterior, is incredibly high-tech: metal walls, holographic displays, and a variety of sophisticated equipment and weapon systems. Everything here contrasts sharply with the medieval environment of the planet's surface.

“This is an outpost,” Hong Xiaosheng explained to Luo Wen. “Some advanced civilizations establish such bases on planets of less advanced civilizations for resource extraction, scientific research, or military purposes. According to the laws of the universe, this behavior is permitted, as long as it doesn’t directly interfere with the development of the local civilization.”

They were led to the central area of ​​the fortress, a spacious circular hall. In the center of the hall was a recessed platform, surrounded by various complex devices and control panels. Several staff members in black uniforms were busy at work; they did not appear to be ordinary humans, some even exhibiting distinctly alien features.

A tall figure in a magnificent robe stood at the edge of the platform, his back to them. When he turned around, Rowan was shocked: this was an immortal powerhouse! Judging from the aura and majesty he exuded, he was at least a Marquis-level being, far stronger than Shadow.

“Shadow,” the immortal said in a deep voice, “you have finally arrived.”

Ying bowed slightly, as if in greeting: "Marquis Astor, I have delivered the goods as agreed."

Marquis Astor—that immortal powerhouse—slowly approached, examining the stone box: "How did it go? Did you encounter any trouble?"

“It was just a minor incident,” Shadow replied. “A group of pirates tried to intercept us, but they have been dealt with.”

Astor nodded, his gaze sweeping over Rowan, Thor, and Hong: "And who are these three?"

"An escort team," Shadow answered briefly, "a group of bodyguards hired by the Third Prince of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire."

Astor's gaze lingered on Rowan for a moment, making Rowan feel uneasy, as if his innermost thoughts had been read: "Interesting. Do the three of you know what you're escorting?"

Rowan cautiously shook his head: "We're only responsible for ensuring the goods arrive safely; we don't inquire about their contents."

Aster chuckled softly, "A clever answer. Alright, your mission is complete. Shadow, place the stone box on the central platform."

Shadow propelled the suspended platform forward, but did not immediately place the stone box in the designated position. He stopped, looking directly at Aster: "Before that, I need to confirm the payment."

Astor's expression turned icy: "Are you trying to bargain with me?" The temperature in the room seemed to drop suddenly, and Rowan felt a powerful sense of oppression wash over him, almost making it hard to breathe. Shadow, however, remained unyielding: "I'm just following the agreement. Payment first, delivery later."

A tense atmosphere spread between the two. Rowan, Thor, and Hong all felt an invisible pressure, as if a terrifying conflict could erupt at any moment.

Finally, Aster waved gently. An assistant stepped forward and handed Shadow a small data cube: "As agreed, this contains the coordinates and access key. You can go retrieve your 'special material' now."

Ying checked the data cube, seemingly confirming everything was correct, and nodded: "Pleasure doing business with you."

He pushed the floating platform, placing the stone box on the central platform. Astor immediately signaled to his assistants to begin work. They activated the surrounding equipment, and various scanning beams shone on the stone box, collecting data.

“Very good,” Astor said with satisfaction, looking at the data on the holographic display. “The seal is intact, and internal energy fluctuations are within a controllable range. Begin preparing the release procedure.”

Rowan stared in astonishment at all this: "Release? You're going to open this stone box?"

Astor seemed somewhat surprised by Rowan's direct question, but still answered, "That's right. This stone box seals away a tool we need."

Ying suddenly looked up: "A tool? Our agreement was to transport it safely for your research. Nobody mentioned opening it."

Aster sneered, "The agreement is complete, Shadow. You've got what you wanted. Now this stone box belongs to me, and I can do whatever I want with it."

Shadow's expression turned unusually serious: "Marquis Astor, I must warn you, opening this stone box could have unpredictable consequences. There's a reason it was sealed."

Astor scoffed, "I know what I'm doing. This planet's environment is perfect for my experiments. It's a primitive civilization; nobody will notice what's happening here."

"An experiment?" Hong interrupted. "What do you plan to do with the contents of this stone box?"

Astor glanced at Hong, seemingly assessing whether it was worth answering his question: "Simply put, I need it to complete an important research project. This project could revolutionize the way energy is used in the universe."

Ying said coldly, "You mean, it might allow you to break through your current realm and reach a higher level of strength?"

A sharp glint flashed in Astor's eyes: "Every immortal strives for breakthroughs, what's wrong with that?"

Just then, an assistant rushed over and whispered a few words in Astor's ear. Astor's expression turned serious: "What? Are you sure?"

The assistant nodded and handed over a data panel. Aster quickly scanned the information, his expression growing increasingly grim: "Notify everyone to go on high alert. Activate the defense system and prepare for a possible attack."

Rowan keenly sensed that something had changed: "What happened?"

Aster didn't answer, but turned to Shadow: "You're being followed. A warship is approaching Planet Brant, carrying at least three cosmic-level powerhouses."

Ying's expression turned extremely serious: "Who is it?"

“A patrol ship from the Central Star Region Alliance,” Aster said coldly. “This planet is on the edge, outside their regular patrol range. Someone told them we were here. Was it you, Shadow?”

Ying shook her head: "I have no reason to do this. Completing this mission is equally important to me."

After a moment's thought, Astor made a decision: "Whoever leaked the information, we must speed things up. Initiate the release process, immediately!"

The assistants sprang into action, operating various complex devices. Energy fluctuations began to appear around the stone box, and the mysterious patterns gradually lit up, emitting a dazzling blue light.

"Are you crazy?" Shadow snapped. "Release it in this emergency? You can't control what will happen next!"

Aster said resolutely, "I have to take the risk. If the Alliance arrives, this stone box will be confiscated, and all my research will be for nothing. I'd rather take the gamble."

Rowan, Thor, and Hong stepped aside, not wanting to get involved in the conflict between these two powerful figures. But the mysterious voice in Rowan's mind resounded once more:
"Rowan. The time is coming."

Suddenly, alarms blared throughout the fortress. An aide reported nervously, "My lord, a large warship has been detected entering planetary orbit and is launching landing craft towards our position!"

Astor's face turned incredibly grim: "How long will it take to get there?"

“About ten minutes,” the assistant replied. “They’re very fast.”

"Speed ​​up the process!" Aster commanded. "We must complete the release before they arrive!"

The energy fluctuations around the stone box grew increasingly violent, causing the entire hall to tremble. Rowan felt an unprecedented sense of oppression, as if some extremely powerful being was about to descend.

Shadow suddenly drew his energy gun and pointed it at Aster: "Stop, Aster! You don't know what you're doing!"

Astor turned around, a cold smile on his face: "You think you can stop me? A nobody who isn't even an immortal?"

Before he could finish speaking, Astor waved his hand, and a powerful energy surge shot towards Shadow. Although Shadow reacted quickly, he was still sent flying and crashed into the wall due to the absolute difference in strength.

"Shadow!" Rowan exclaimed, but was immediately pulled back by Thor.

"Don't be impulsive," Thor warned in a low voice, "This is an immortal-level battle; if we interfere, we'll only be killed."

The shadow slid down the wall, but surprisingly, he wasn't seriously injured. He quickly stood up, his gaze icy as he stared at Astor: "Looks like the negotiations are over. Then don't blame me for being impolite."

To everyone's astonishment, Shadow suddenly activated a hidden device. His body began to change; a metallic substance seeped from beneath his black uniform, quickly covering his entire body. When the transformation was complete, Shadow was fully encased in advanced combat armor, appearing far more powerful than the gear he had worn against the pirates.

(End of this chapter)