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

Chapter 404 The Representative of Virtual Universe Company?
Pushing open the heavy metal door, a whiff of aromas mingled with alcohol, tobacco, and various spices wafted out. The bar was dimly lit, illuminated only by a few dim, yellowish lamps. A diverse array of customers sat in various corners, most of them exuding an air of mystery.

"Welcome to Dark Star Bar," said the bartender, a middle-aged man who appeared to be experienced. "What would you two like to order?"

"Two Nebula Specials," Silvermoon ordered skillfully. "Also, we'd like to gather some information."

The bartender's eyes immediately sharpened. "What kind of news?"

"Regarding the recent rumors about being crowned an immortal king," Rowan said directly, "we want to know the truth."

The bartender glanced around, then lowered his voice and said, "This level of information isn't cheap, and..."

“Money isn’t the issue,” Yin Yue interrupted him, “the key is that the information must be accurate.”

“Then you’ve come to the right place,” the bartender said with a professional smile. “But this isn’t the place to talk. Follow me.”

The bartender led them through the main hall of the bar to a small private room at the back. The room was well-soundproofed and equipped with anti-eavesdropping devices to ensure the privacy of their conversation.

“Now you can speak,” the bartender said after closing the door. “I do have firsthand information about the news of the Immortal King title.”

“Tell me,” Rowan said, preparing to pay the information fee.

“First of all, the news itself is true,” the bartender began, “a King-level Immortal did indeed perish near Port Reno. But not recently, but about three months ago.”

"Three months ago?" Silvermoon asked疑惑地, "Then why is the news only coming out now?"

“Because the person who found the body was keeping it a secret, wanting to keep all the belongings for themselves,” the bartender explained, “but recently, for some reason, the news leaked out.”

"Do you know who discovered it?" Rowan asked.

“An expedition team called ‘Deep Sea Hunters’,” the bartender revealed, “discovered it by chance during a deep-sea expedition three months ago.”

"Has the identity of that immortal king been confirmed?" Silver Moon continued to ask.

"Judging from the items beside the body, it should be 'Storm King' Severus," the bartender said, uttering a name that shocked both of them. "He was a renowned powerhouse in the northern region of the galaxy."

Severus, the Storm King, is a name that is very famous in the martial arts circles of the galaxy. He is known for his mastery of the laws of storms and possesses extremely powerful strength, making him one of the top beings among the immortal kings.

"How did Severus end up in Port Reno?" Rowan wondered. "This place is far from his area of ​​operation."

"He's supposedly tracking clues about some ancient ruin," the bartender continued, "that ruin might be connected to a higher level of secrets."

"What kind of secret?" Silver Moon pressed.

“I don’t know about that,” the bartender shook his head. “That level of information is not something I have access to.”

"Where are those relics now?" Rowan asked the crucial question.

“That’s the problem,” the bartender’s expression turned serious. “The Deep Sea Hunters team mysteriously disappeared three months ago, along with all their belongings. These treasure hunters are actually looking for the missing Deep Sea Hunters team.”

"Missing?" Silvermoon was even more confused. "Where did they go?"

“Nobody knows,” the bartender said, shrugging. “They just vanished from the face of the earth. Some guess they’re dead, others think they’re in hiding.”

"So, what's the progress of the search?" Rowan asked.

“There haven’t been any substantial discoveries so far,” the bartender replied, “but I’ve heard that several large organizations have sent specialized teams whose equipment and capabilities far surpass those of ordinary treasure hunters.”

"What kind of organization?" Silvermoon asked warily.

"There are rumors that Virtual Universe Corporation has also sent people," the bartender said in a low voice, "along with several other large forces."

Upon hearing the name Virtual Universe Company, Rowan and Silver Moon exchanged a glance. If the company had indeed sent someone, it meant the matter was far more important than they had imagined.

"Is there any other relevant information?" Rowan continued to inquire.

"That's all for now," the bartender said. "But I'll update you as soon as there's any new information."

Rowan paid a hefty information fee, and then the two left Dark Star Bar.

On their way back to the hotel, both of them fell into deep thought.

"It seems this matter is more complicated than we imagined," Silvermoon concluded. "The fall of a King-level Immortal, the mysterious disappearance of an expedition team, and the involvement of a large organization."

“And we’re even on vacation here,” Rowan said with a touch of self-deprecation. “What a coincidence.”

"Do you think we should get involved?" Silvermoon asked. "After all, this might involve the company's interests."

“Let’s observe the situation first,” Rowan said cautiously. “If the company does send someone, we can contact them. But if not, it’s best not to get involved in such a complicated matter.”

“That makes sense,” Silvermoon agreed. “We still have a few days of vacation left, let’s see how things develop first.”

Back at the hotel, both of them felt that their vacation had become even more interesting. They had originally just wanted to relax and unwind, but they hadn't expected to encounter such complicated events. However, as experienced martial artists, they also understood that sometimes trouble just happens to find you.

“Let’s go pick up your gift this afternoon as planned,” Silvermoon suggested. “No matter what happens outside, we must keep our promise.”

“Of course,” Rowan smiled, “I’m looking forward to your gift.”

The next day.

In the morning, while Rowan and Silvermoon were discussing their plans to pick up the custom-made ring in their hotel room, Rowan's private communicator suddenly rang with a special ringtone. This ringtone indicated an urgent communication from within the Virtual Universe Company.

"Company communications?" Yin Yue understood the meaning behind the ringtone. "Receiving this kind of communication during our vacation means there must be something special."

Rowan immediately connected the call, and a familiar figure appeared in the holographic projection—Victor, the senior manager of the company's security department. Victor was a meticulous middle-aged man responsible for the company's security affairs in various star systems, and he rarely took the initiative to contact the frontline mediators.

“Rowan, Silvermoon,” Victor’s voice sounded urgent, “I’m sorry to disturb your holiday, but we need your assistance.”

“What happened, Director Victor?” Rowan immediately got to work. “Is it a new mission?” “Not entirely,” Victor explained. “We know you’re currently on vacation in Port Reno, and recent events there require the company’s attention.”

"Are you referring to the fall of the Immortal King?" Silver Moon asked directly.

"You already know?" Victor asked, somewhat surprised. "It seems the news spread faster than we anticipated."

“We learned some information from local intelligence yesterday,” Rowan reported. “It’s said that the Storm King Severus fell near Port Reno three months ago, but the person who found him has disappeared.”

“The intelligence is accurate,” Victor confirmed, “but things are more complicated than they appear. We need your cooperation in our operation at Port Reno.”

"What kind of operation?" Silvermoon inquired.

“First, we need to clarify a misunderstanding,” Victor said seriously. “We sent a team to Port Reno not to seize the legacy of the King’s Immortality, but to maintain order there and protect the company’s interests.”

Rowan and Silver Moon exchanged a glance; this account was quite different from the rumors they had heard yesterday.

"Could you explain in more detail?" Rowan asked.

“Reno Port is a major commercial port in the Milky Way, where Virtual Universe Corporation has significant investments and operations,” Victor began to explain, “including three large commercial complexes, two high-tech research and development centers, and a vital logistics hub.”

“I recognize those facilities,” Silvermoon recalled some of the buildings they’d seen in Port Reno, “those buildings with company logos.”

“That’s right,” Victor confirmed. “The influx of treasure hunters into Reno Port is already disrupting normal business operations. Port authorities anticipate that if the situation continues to worsen, it could lead to even more serious problems.”

"What kind of problem?" Rowan asked.

“First and foremost is the issue of security,” Victor stated. “Many of these treasure hunters are powerful martial artists, and some are even from unknown organizations. If a conflict were to break out between them, ordinary citizens would face enormous risks.”

“Secondly, there are economic issues,” Victor continued. “Normal business activities have been disrupted; many merchant ships are afraid to enter the port, fearing they'll get involved in unnecessary trouble. This directly impacts our business revenue there.”

“There’s also the issue of reputation,” Victor emphasized. “As the top organization in the galaxy, Virtual Universe Corporation has a responsibility to maintain peace and order in the universe. If we do nothing in this situation, it will damage the company’s reputation.”

After hearing these explanations, Luo Wen and Yin Yue both understood the company's position.

"So what do you want us to do?" Silvermoon inquired about the specific tasks.

“Our official team will need another day to arrive in Port Reno,” Victor said. “Until they arrive, we need you, as the company’s representatives, to coordinate with the local government, understand the details, and assess the development of the situation.”

“Understood,” Rowan nodded in agreement. “We will begin immediately.”

“There’s another important point,” Victor added, “that your roles as the company’s mediators are very advantageous in the current situation. You can operate under the guise of maintaining peace, which aligns with the company’s image and gains the approval of all parties.”

“That’s certainly a good strategy,” Silvermoon agreed. “The identity of a mediator is more readily accepted than that of a security official.”

“Furthermore,” Victor’s expression grew more serious, “if anyone is found attempting to disrupt order in Port Reno, especially actions that threaten the safety of company assets, you have the right to take necessary measures.”

"What is the scope of necessary measures?" Rowan inquired about authority.

"All reasonable means may be used without escalating the conflict," Victor authorized, "including but not limited to diplomatic and economic means, and, if necessary, the use of force."

"Received," Luo Wen and Yin Yue confirmed in unison.

“Finally,” Victor said, “your operations must be discreet; do not reveal too much of your strength. Our goal is to maintain order, not to display power.”

“Understood, we will proceed with caution,” Silvermoon assured.

After the communication ended, the two immediately began to formulate an action plan.

"It seems our vacation is coming to an early end," Silvermoon said with some regret. "But in this situation, work is definitely more important than leisure."

“Yes, and it’s our responsibility as company members,” Rowan agreed. “But let’s go pick up your custom-made ring first; we can’t break that promise.”

"You're still thinking about the gift?" Yin Yue was touched. "Work is so urgent."

“The more urgent the situation, the more important it is to maintain a normal rhythm of life,” Rowan smiled. “Besides, retrieving the ring at three in the afternoon won’t delay our operation.”

Around noon, the two went to the Port Reno government building to meet with local officials. Located in the heart of the central business district, the modern building symbolizes the port city's prosperity.

“We need to see the head of the Port Authority,” Rowan explained to the receptionist. “We are representatives of Virtual Universe Company regarding the recent unusual situation.”

Upon hearing the name Virtual Universe Company, the receptionist immediately became respectful.

"Please wait a moment, I will contact the Port Authority Director for you immediately," the receptionist quickly made the contact.

Soon, a middle-aged woman who looked very capable stepped forward. She was Elena Marquez, the director of the Reynolds Port Authority, who was responsible for the day-to-day management of the entire port.

"A representative from Virtual Universe Company?" Elena asked, somewhat surprised. "We desperately need your company's support. Please come to my office to discuss this further."

In Elena's office, she gave a detailed account of the current situation.

“Starting three days ago, the number of outsiders has surged,” Elena said, pointing to the statistics report on her desk. “It has now exceeded our port’s normal capacity.”

"How many people exactly?" Silver Moon asked.

“Conservative estimates put the number at over 100,000, and it’s still increasing,” Elena said gravely. “Our accommodation facilities, catering services, and transportation system are already operating beyond capacity.”

"What about security?" Rowan asked with concern.

“This is our biggest concern,” Elena sighed. “There were three clashes last night, all between different treasure hunting teams. While there were no serious injuries, the trend is worrying.”

"Is the local security force sufficient?" Silvermoon asked.

“Completely insufficient,” Elena shook her head. “Our security forces are only responsible for maintaining normal port order; they are simply inadequate to handle an adventure of this scale. Moreover, many of these treasure hunters are high-level martial artists, whom our regular security personnel cannot cope with.”

(End of this chapter)