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

Chapter 398: Seeing the True Face of War
"This is impossible!" The soldiers on Planet Tana I were speechless with shock at this terrifying power.

"Retreat! Retreat immediately!" the flagship commander ordered in a panic. "We've encountered no ordinary enemy!"

But Rowan clearly wasn't going to let them escape so easily.

"Since you dare to attack a diplomatic mission, you must bear the corresponding consequences!"

He moved swiftly through space, chasing after the fleeing fleet. He was much faster than the ships, catching up with the last few almost instantly.

The energy blade was swung again, and another wave of light swept across, causing all five warships to explode simultaneously.

"Please spare us! We surrender!" some warships began to plead for mercy. "We were just following orders, please forgive us!"

Rowan stopped, hovering in space, coldly watching the remaining fleet of warships.

"Acting under orders?" His voice traveled through every warship via telekinesis. "Is attacking a diplomatic mission also acting under orders?"

“We…we were really just following orders,” a trembling voice replied. “We didn’t know it was wrong.”

“Ignorance is no excuse,” Rowan said sternly, “but considering you are merely soldiers following orders, I’m giving you one last chance.”

“What chance?”

“Return to Tana One immediately and tell your superiors,” Rowan’s voice carried an unyielding authority, “The Galactic Peace Organization will not tolerate any act of disrupting peace. If they dare to engage in similar provocations again, the consequences will be far beyond their means.”

"Yes, yes, we'll relay that immediately!"

The remaining warships, as if granted a pardon, immediately turned and fled towards Planet Tana I. In their sensors, the terrifying humanoid figure still hovered in space, watching them depart like the Grim Reaper.

Rowan turned and returned to the conference spaceship, where everyone looked at him with awe. What had just happened was completely beyond their comprehension.

"Mediation Commissioner, who exactly are you?" Prime Minister Mohsen stammered.

“I am a mediator from the Galactic Peace Organization, that’s enough,” Rowan replied calmly. “Now we need to discuss the next steps.”

"The actions of Planet Tana 1 constitute a provocation of war," the Defense Secretary said angrily. "We must retaliate immediately!"

“No,” Rowan stopped him, “violence will only lead to more violence. What we need is a peaceful solution.”

“But they just attacked us!” Prime Minister Mohsen said, puzzled.

"That's precisely why we must demonstrate our commitment to peace," Rowan said earnestly. "Only in this way can the entire universe clearly see who the true guardians of peace are and who the instigators of war are."

Silvermoon nodded in agreement: "The mediator is right. Our goal is to stop the war, not to participate in it."

"So what should we do next?" Prime Minister Mohsen asked.

Rowan pondered for a moment: "First, we need to announce today's events to the entire galaxy, letting everyone know the true nature of Planet Tana 1. Second, we must continue to seek the possibility of a peaceful resolution, even if the other side is unwilling to cooperate."

"Do you think there is still a possibility of a peaceful resolution?" the Foreign Minister asked pessimistically.

“As long as there is a glimmer of hope, we cannot give up,” Rowan said firmly. “This is our duty as guardians of peace.”

Upon returning to Tana II, Rowan immediately requested an emergency meeting. Prime Minister Mosen, heads of various departments, and senior military officers all attended. The atmosphere in the meeting room was extremely serious; everyone was still immersed in the thrilling battle they had just witnessed.

“What happened today has completely changed the situation,” Rowan stated bluntly. “The actions of Planet Tana I constitute serious war crimes. Attacking diplomatic missions, framing, and attempting a surprise attack are all explicitly prohibited by international law.”

"Mediation Commissioner, the capabilities you just displayed were truly impressive," the Defense Minister said, still savoring the moment. "Are you really just a mediation commissioner?"

"My identity is unimportant; what matters is the organization and the ideals I represent," Rowan replied solemnly. "The Galactic Peace Organization will never tolerate any act that disrupts peace, regardless of who the perpetrator is."

Silvermoon added from the side, "Today's events have proven to the entire galaxy who the true guardians of peace are and who the instigators of war are."

"So what should we do next?" Prime Minister Mohsen asked. "Planet Tana 1 has clearly broken off relations; they will continue to attack us."

“No, they won’t dare,” Rowan said confidently. “After today’s lesson, they should understand the consequences of continuing to provoke. Now it’s time for them to take responsibility.”

"What do you mean?" the Foreign Minister asked curiously.

Rowan stood up and walked to the large screen in the conference room: "I'm issuing an ultimatum to Planet Tana One. They must take full responsibility for their actions today and begin peace negotiations immediately."

"An ultimatum?" Prime Minister Mohsen asked with some concern. "Won't this further escalate the conflict?"

“No,” Silvermoon explained, “they’re already intimidated. The warships that fled back will give their superiors a detailed report of today’s events, and the leadership of Planet Tana I will reassess the situation.”

“Moreover,” Rowan added, “this is not a typical negotiation request; I demand that their supreme leader personally come to sign the peace treaty.”

"The supreme leader?" Everyone present looked surprised.

“Yes,” Rowan said firmly, “the highest decision-makers on Tana I must personally take responsibility for this incident, apologize to Tana II in person, and sign a permanent peace agreement.”

"Is this even possible?" Prime Minister Mohsen asked, somewhat incredulously. "To have the highest leader of a planet personally apologize is almost unprecedented in diplomatic history."

“Today’s situation is unprecedented,” Rowan calmly analyzed. “Their attack on the diplomatic mission violated all international norms. If I hadn’t stopped them in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable.”

“The mediator is right,” the Defense Secretary agreed. “They owe us an explanation, and more importantly, an apology.”

Rowan walked to the communication equipment: "I'm going to issue them an ultimatum now. Please take notes; this will be a historic moment."

He activated the interstellar communication system, sending the signal directly to the government headquarters on Planet Tana I. Soon, a familiar voice came through, but this time Carlisle's tone was noticeably less arrogant than before.

“Mediator. We need an explanation regarding today’s events.” Carlisle’s voice sounded tense.

“No explanation needed,” Rowan interrupted him coldly. “I am now, on behalf of the Galactic Peace Organization, formally issuing an ultimatum to Planet Tana I.” Silence fell on the other end of the communicator; Carlisle clearly hadn’t expected this opening.

"First, Planet Tana I must take full responsibility for today's attack on the diplomatic mission and issue a formal apology to Planet Tana II."

"Secondly, the supreme leader of Planet Tana I must personally travel to Planet Tana II within seventy-two hours to sign the permanent peace agreement in person."

"Third, Planet Tana I must bear the responsibility for compensating for all losses caused by this conflict."

"Fourth, both sides must establish a permanent peace mechanism, and neither side shall provoke another military conflict."

Every word Rowan said struck the hearts of those on the other end of the communicator like a heavy hammer.

“If Planet Tana I cannot meet these demands within the stipulated time,” Rowan’s voice grew more stern, “the Galactic Peace Organization will take all necessary measures to uphold justice and peace.”

Urgent discussions could be heard from the other end of the communicator; clearly, the officials on Planet Tana I were having an emergency meeting.

A few minutes later, Carlisle's voice came through again, but noticeably more cautious than before: "Mediator, we need time to consider your request."

“There’s no time to consider,” Rowan said firmly. “I’ve made myself clear: seventy-two hours. The countdown begins now.”

"But sending the highest leader to Planet Tana II in person is diplomatically problematic."

"Did you consider diplomatic protocol when you attacked the diplomatic corps today?" Silvermoon interjected coldly. "Don't you think it's too late to start thinking about diplomatic protocol now?"

Silence fell again on the other end of the communicator.

“I’ll say it one last time,” Rowan said, his tone leaving no room for argument, “the highest leader of Planet Tana I must personally arrive at Planet Tana II within seventy-two hours, or face the consequences.”

After saying that, Luo Wen immediately cut off the communication.

The atmosphere in the conference room became extremely tense, as everyone realized that the next seventy-two hours would determine the fate of the two planets.

"Mediation Commissioner, do you think they will accept these conditions?" Prime Minister Mohsen asked worriedly.

“They have no choice,” Rowan replied confidently. “After today’s events, they should understand the cost of continuing the confrontation.”

“What if they refuse?” the defense minister inquired.

“Then we’ll show them what real power is,” Rowan said, a dangerous glint in his eyes, “but I don’t believe it will come to that.”

For the next few days, the entire Tana system awaited a response from Tana I. News quickly spread to both planets, and the people watched this historic moment with bated breath.

On planet Tana I, a heated debate is taking place within the government.

"We cannot accept such humiliating terms!" the military general slammed his fist on the table in anger. "To expect the highest leader to personally apologize is an utter disgrace!"

“But you saw the power of that mediator,” Carlisle said bitterly. “He single-handedly destroyed fifteen of our warships. If war really breaks out, we have no chance of winning.”

“Then let’s bring in advanced weapons from alien arms dealers!” another official suggested. “Let’s use high-tech weapons against him!”

"Do you think the Galactic Peace Organization will only send two people to mediate?" Carlisle countered. "If they really decide to use force, our entire planet could be destroyed."

The debate lasted a full day, but as time went on, reason gradually prevailed. Especially after the returning warship commander described Rowan's terrifying strength in detail, everyone realized the harsh reality.

“We have no choice,” President Alexander Caesar, the supreme leader of Tana I, finally decided. “We must accept their terms.”

"Mr. President"

“Enough,” President Caesar waved his hand to silence the dissenting voices. “Continuing the confrontation will only cause our people greater suffering. As the leader of this planet, I have a responsibility to consider the safety of our people.”

With only six hours remaining in the seventy-two-hour deadline, Planet Tana I finally sent a reply.

"Mediator of the Galactic Peace Organization," it wasn't Carlisle speaking this time, but President Caesar himself, "on behalf of the government of Planet Tana I, I formally accept all your terms."

"I will personally travel to Planet Tana II tonight to formally apologize to the people of Planet Tana II for this conflict and to sign a permanent peace agreement."

Upon hearing this reply, enthusiastic applause erupted inside the government building on Planet Tana II. Everyone realized that peace had finally arrived.

“You succeeded, Mediator,” Prime Minister Mohsen said excitedly. “You really did it.”

“This is just the first step,” Rowan said calmly. “The real challenge is ensuring that the peace agreement is upheld in the long term.”

That evening, President Caesar arrived at Planet Tana II by special plane. This marked the first time in the history of the two planets that the highest leader of one side had personally made a state visit to the other.

Tens of thousands of people gathered at the airport, all eager to witness this historic moment. But surprisingly, their expressions weren't of triumphant joy, but rather of a longing for peace and hope for the future.

The first person President Caesar saw after getting off the plane was Rowan.

“Mediation Commissioner,” President Caesar extended his hand, “thank you for letting me see the true face of war.”

“Mr. President, your arrival proves your sincere pursuit of peace,” Rowan shook his hand, “which takes great courage.”

"Courage?" President Caesar said with a wry smile. "If I had had that courage earlier, perhaps this wouldn't have happened."

A formal apology ceremony was held in the grand hall of the government building. Thousands of representatives from both planets attended the ceremony, which was broadcast live on television to both planets.

"On behalf of the government and people of Tana I," President Caesar solemnly declared from the podium, "I offer my sincerest apologies to the government and people of Tana II for our wrongdoings in this conflict."

(End of this chapter)