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

Chapter 355 Bridging the Gap in Strength

"Found it!" Ghost pointed excitedly at the screen. "The key generator is on the ninety-fifth floor of the Meteorite Group headquarters. That's where..."

“The boardroom,” Rowan interjected. “I know that’s where the highest decision-making level of the Meteorite Group works.”

“And more importantly, we’ve tracked down all the terminal devices that received the keys.” Ghost pulled up another data chart. “A total of seventeen devices were using this encryption system for communication.”

Luo Wen carefully examined the location information of these devices: "Let me see. One for the chairman's office, one for the vice chairman's office, three for the finance department, two for the external relations department, and..."

“And there are some places we wouldn’t expect,” Ghost said, pointing to several unusual locations. “Like this one, in the HR department. This one, in the legal department. And this one, surprisingly, in the security department.”

Rowan gasped. "This means that the spy network has infiltrated all the key departments of the Meteorite Group."

"Furthermore, judging from the frequency of their communications, these people are in very close contact," Ghost continued his analysis. "They exchange information almost daily; this is a highly active spy organization."

Just then, the ghost suddenly noticed something unusual.

“Wait a minute, there’s something strange.” She frowned, looking at the screen. “Over the past week, the communication patterns of several terminals have changed.”

"What kind of changes?" Rowan asked.

"The communication frequency has suddenly increased significantly, and the encryption level of the content has also been raised." Ghost pulled up detailed data. "Especially last night, the night you carried out your mission, almost all terminals engaged in emergency communications."

Rowan's heart sank: "This means they've realized someone is investigating them."

“That’s very likely,” Ghost nodded. “And judging from the characteristics of the communications, they’re activating some kind of contingency plan.”

This discovery made Rowan even more worried about Silvermoon's safety. If the Meteorite Group's spy network was already on alert, then Silvermoon's situation was extremely dangerous.

“Ghost, can you decipher the contents of these emergency communications?” Rowan asked eagerly.

“I’ll give it a try.” Ghost began tackling more advanced encryption algorithms. “This level of encryption will take more time, but it’s not impossible.”

Two hours later, Ghost finally cracked part of the communication. When she saw the text displayed on the screen, her face turned deathly pale.

“Starmark, there’s an emergency.” The ghost’s voice trembled slightly. “They’ve discovered Silver Moon’s identity.”

"What?!" Rowan immediately rushed to the screen and saw something that shocked him:
"Target Suya's identity is suspicious; she needs to be apprehended and interrogated immediately." "Her true identity has been confirmed as Field Agent Yin Yue; proceed with the arrest immediately." "Transfer to the safe house and await further instructions."

Rowan clenched his fists, his eyes burning with fury: "When did they send these messages?"

The ghost checked the timestamp: "Three hours ago, shortly after you left the Meteorite Group."

"Damn it!" Rowan wished he could rush back to Meteor Group to rescue Silver Moon, but reason told him that acting rashly now would only harm Silver Moon.

Just then, the observer and Samuel rushed over.

“Starmark, we just received news.” The Observer’s expression was serious. “Silvermoon has lost contact.”

“I understand.” Rowan pointed to the communication log on the screen. “She’s been captured by the Meteor Group.”

Samuel glanced at the deciphered information, his face turning ashen. "The situation is worse than we thought. They've not only discovered Silvermoon's identity, but they're also planning to interrogate her."

“We must rescue her immediately,” Rowan said firmly.

"No, it's too dangerous." The observer shook his head. "The Meteor Group has definitely increased its security measures now; entering rashly will only lead to our deaths."

"So we're just going to stand by and watch Silvermoon suffer?" Rowan's voice was filled with anger.

“Of course not,” Samuel reassured him. “We will find a way to rescue Silvermoon, but we need to develop a meticulous plan.”

The ghost then interjected, "I can continue tracking their communications to find out the exact location where Silvermoon is being held."

“Okay, that’s for the best.” The Observer nodded. “Starmark, calm down. Silvermoon is one of our best agents; she’s capable of protecting herself in danger.”

Rowan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew the observer was right; acting emotionally would only make things worse.

Over the next few hours, Ghost continued to monitor Meteorite Group's internal communications, attempting to locate Silvermoon. Meanwhile, Rowan and the rest of the technical team analyzed the spy network's structure, preparing a comprehensive strike plan.

“I’ve found some clues,” Ghost suddenly said. “According to the latest communications, they mentioned a location codenamed ‘Black Hole.’”

"A black hole?" Rowan asked, puzzled.

“This must be their secret base,” Samuel explained. “Many intelligence organizations use this kind of code name to refer to important facilities.”

The ghost continued its analysis: "Based on the communication routing information, the 'black hole' is not located at the Meteorite Group headquarters, but in another region of Carol."

"Where exactly?" the observer asked.

“Let me pinpoint the location.” Ghost searched the planetary map. “Found it. In the industrial zone of Carol, there’s an abandoned mineral processing plant.”

“An abandoned factory is indeed a good place to hide hostages,” Samuel nodded. “It’s secluded and has many hidden spaces.”

Rowan immediately said, "Then let's go rescue Silvermoon now."

“Wait,” the observer stopped him. “While we’ve found a possible location, we need more information. For example, how many guards are there, what the security measures are like, and exactly where Silvermoon is being held, etc.”

“And we also need to consider another issue,” Samuel said seriously. “If we go to rescue Silvermoon now, we might alert them and cause the entire spy network to relocate prematurely. Then we'll lose the opportunity to capture them all in one fell swoop.”

This dilemma plunged everyone into deep thought. Saving their comrade was human nature, but if it jeopardized the larger mission, it could lead to far more serious consequences. "I have an idea," Rowan suddenly said. "We can split into two groups. One will be responsible for rescuing Silvermoon, and the other will be responsible for the final intelligence gathering on the spy network."

The observer considered for a moment: "The idea is good, but the risks are high. Furthermore, the rescue operation might expose our presence and affect the other group's operations."

Just then, the ghost made a new discovery.

"Everyone, I've just intercepted some important information," she said, her voice tense. "They plan to conduct an 'in-depth interrogation' of Silvermoon tomorrow night."

This news came like a bolt from the blue, making everyone realize the urgency of the situation. Deep interrogation often means torture, and can even be life-threatening.

“It seems we have no other choice.” The Observer made up his mind. “Starscar, you’re in charge of rescuing Silvermoon. Samuel and I will handle the final blow to the spy network.”

"When will we take action?" Rowan asked.

“Tonight.” The observer checked the time. “It’s six o’clock in the afternoon. We have six hours to prepare. We’ll move in simultaneously at midnight.”

In the following days, everyone was busy preparing. Rowan received more detailed rescue training, including how to break through enemy encirclement and how to rescue hostages without alerting the enemy.

Ghost continued to monitor enemy communications, providing the two action groups with the latest intelligence support.

“Starmark, this is your mission gear.” Samuel handed Rowan a special backpack. “It contains everything you might need, including weapons, medical supplies, communication equipment, and escape tools.”

“In addition, we will arrange a stealth spaceship for you,” the observer added. “This spaceship can evade most scanning equipment, but once detected, you will have to rely on your own abilities.”

“I understand.” Rowan checked the equipment, a determination he had never felt before welling up inside him.

At midnight, the industrial zone of Carol was shrouded in darkness. The abandoned factories, like sleeping behemoths, cast vast shadows under the moonlight. Rowan silently landed his stealth ship at a waste dump two kilometers from the target factory.

He wore a specially made black combat suit, a material that not only effectively conceals heat signatures but also provides some protection. His backpack was filled with various rescue equipment, including cutting tools, medical supplies, explosive devices, and emergency escape equipment.

“Ghost, I have arrived at the designated location.” Rowan contacted headquarters through a covert communication channel.

“Received, Starscar.” Ghost’s voice came through the earpiece. “According to the latest surveillance, there are twelve life signals inside the target building, one of which is in the southwest corner of the second basement level; that should be Silvermoon.”

"How strong is the enemy?"

"Most of them are ordinary cosmic-level warriors, but there's one signal that's very special; the energy fluctuations have reached the stellar level." The ghost's voice carried worry. "Starmark, that stellar-level expert should be their leader; his strength far surpasses your current level."

Rowan took a deep breath. Although he was a little nervous, he didn't back down. "I'll find a way to avoid him and focus on rescuing Silver Moon."

"Be careful, I'll continue to provide you with intelligence support."

After ending the communication, Rowan began his stealth approach to the target factory. This abandoned mineral processing plant covered a large area and consisted of multiple interconnected buildings. The main building was five stories high, with three more underground levels, forming the core of the entire complex.

Rowan used his mental powers to survey his surroundings and discovered that the factory's perimeter was fortified with concealed sentry posts, each manned by two armed men. Their equipment was highly specialized, clearly indicating they were not ordinary mercenaries.

"It seems the Meteorite Group really went all out," Rowan thought to himself.

He chose a relatively weak point to break through, where there was only one sentry post, and the guard's attention seemed somewhat lax. Rowan quietly approached to within fifty meters of the sentry post, then focused his mental energy to form two silent, star-shaped sky-splitting blades.

The two Starburst Blades were almost invisible in the night; only careful observation could reveal a faint shimmer of starlight. Rowan precisely controlled them, attacking the back of the necks of the two guards simultaneously from different angles, instantly rendering them unconscious.

After eliminating the outer guards, Rowan successfully infiltrated the factory. The building's interior was complex, filled with massive machinery and pipes, providing excellent cover for his stealth.

According to the information provided by the ghost, Silvermoon was being held in the southwest corner of the second basement level. Rowan cautiously moved down to the next level, encountering several patrolling guards along the way, all of whom he silently dealt with.

The second basement level was even darker and damper, filled with the smells of mildew and engine oil. Following the guidance of his mental energy, Rowan finally found the room where Silver Moon was imprisoned.

This was a converted storage room, with a heavy metal door fitted with a sophisticated electronic lock. Through a small window in the door, Rowan saw Silver Moon's figure. She was tied to a chair, with obvious wounds on her body, but she was still conscious.

Rowan took out a specially made electronic lock-breaking device and began to crack the door lock. This device can quickly analyze the lock's electronic signals and then generate the corresponding unlocking password.

With a soft "click," the door lock was successfully cracked.

Luo Wen pushed open the door and entered. When Yin Yue saw him, a look of surprise immediately flashed in her eyes, but it quickly turned into wariness.

"Rowan? What are you doing here? It's dangerous here!" Silver Moon said in a low voice.

“I’m here to rescue you.” Rowan quickly went to Silvermoon’s side and began to untie her ropes. “Are you hurt?”

"It's just a superficial injury, nothing serious." Silvermoon moved her wrists, which were numb from being bound. "But there's a stellar-level expert here, they call him 'Black Hawk,' and his strength is terrifying."

“I know, we need to find a way to avoid him.” Rowan handed Silvermoon a set of spare equipment. “Can we go?”

“No problem.” Silvermoon quickly put on her gear and checked her weapons. “Which route do we take?”

Just then, footsteps suddenly echoed down the corridor, growing louder and louder. Rowan and Silver Moon immediately became alert, preparing to deal with any unexpected situation.

"Damn it, they found out," Rowan cursed inwardly.

The footsteps stopped outside the room, followed by a deep male voice: "Interesting, someone actually dares to come here to rescue us. Looks like our guest is quite valuable."

The door was flung open, and a tall man appeared in the doorway. He looked to be in his forties, dressed in a black combat suit, with eyes as cold and sharp as an eagle's, radiating a powerful aura. This was the "Black Hawk," the stellar-level powerhouse Silver Moon had mentioned.

"An agent of Virtual Universe Corporation?" Black Hawk sized up Rowan. "To dare come to a place like this at such a young age, commendable courage. Unfortunately, courage cannot compensate for the gap in strength."

(End of this chapter)