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

Chapter 405 New Action Plan
"Does the government have any response plans?" Rowan asked.

“We have already requested reinforcements from higher levels of government, but it will take time,” Elena explained. “And to be honest, we have no experience in this situation. This is the first time we’ve encountered a King-level Immortal falling.”

"So, are there any special protective measures in place regarding Virtual Universe Company's assets here?" Silvermoon asked the crucial question.

“We have already increased security personnel around your company’s important facilities,” Elena confirmed, “but if someone were to deliberately sabotage us, our forces might still not be enough.”

“We understand your difficulties,” Rowan said sympathetically. “Virtual Universe Corporation is willing to provide the necessary assistance.”

"Really?" A glimmer of hope flashed in Elena's eyes. "That's wonderful."

“However, we need to know more details,” Silvermoon said, “such as the specific origins of these treasure hunters, their organizational structure, and their true motives.”

“Well…” Elena hesitated, “our investigative capabilities are limited; we can only provide basic statistical data.”

“It’s alright, we’ll investigate ourselves,” Rowan said understandingly, “but we hope you can provide us with some assistance.”

“Of course, we will cooperate with any legal and reasonable request,” Elena readily agreed.

After the meeting, the two obtained some useful information and established a cooperative relationship with the local government.

"It seems the situation is indeed more serious than we imagined," Silvermoon concluded after leaving the government building. "A scale of 100,000 people—that's equivalent to a small-scale immigration."

“And it’s still increasing,” Rowan added. “If it’s not controlled in time, it could escalate into even greater chaos.”

“Let’s begin our in-depth investigation after we retrieve the ring this afternoon,” Silvermoon suggested. “Let’s start with the major treasure-hunting teams.”

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the two arrived at the Law Workshop on time. The old man had already completed the making of the Void Crystal Ring, and the finished product exceeded their expectations.

The ring is a deep blue-black color with complex spatial runes on its surface. It produces a strange refraction effect under light, as if it contains infinite space inside.

"This is one of the most satisfying pieces I've ever made," the old man proudly stated. "The properties of the Void Crystal have been perfectly brought out, which will greatly aid in understanding the laws of space."

Silver Moon accepted the ring and carefully examined the exquisite piece. Although its appearance was understated, the power of the laws contained within it was something even a martial artist of her level could sense.

“Perfect,” Silvermoon said with satisfaction. “This is exactly the effect I wanted.”

She handed the ring to Rowan, "Try it on and see if it fits."

Rowan put on the ring and immediately sensed the spatial law fluctuations contained within it. This feeling was strange, as if a silent mentor was guiding him in understanding the spatial laws.

"The effect exceeded my expectations," Rowan said sincerely. "Thank you for such a thoughtful gift."

“As long as you like it,” Silvermoon said happily. “Now our gift exchange is complete.”

That evening, Rowan and Silvermoon conducted a preliminary investigation in the port area. They posed as ordinary tourists, moving between various bars, restaurants, and makeshift gathering points, gathering information about the treasure hunters.

"We've had quite a haul today," Silvermoon said, organizing the intelligence she had gathered. "The composition of these treasure hunters is more complex than we imagined."

“Indeed,” Rowan nodded in agreement, “there are not only individual adventurers and small teams, but also some professional teams that are clearly from large organizations.”

The two returned to their hotel room and began to analyze the information they had gathered during the day in detail. Rowan categorized and organized the various intelligence reports on the holographic display, trying to find patterns.

“Based on our observations of their equipment and behavioral patterns, there are at least thirty specialized teams,” Silvermoon analyzed. “Their equipment is very advanced, and they clearly have ample financial support.”

“Furthermore, I noticed that several teams had very distinctive equipment styles,” Rowan said, pointing to several photos on the holographic display. “This standard equipment doesn’t seem like something that ordinary factions could provide.”

Just then, Rowan's communicator rang again for internal company communication.

"Is it Director Victor again?" Silvermoon asked doubtfully. "Is there an emergency this late?"

Rowan connected the communication, and Victor's holographic projection reappeared, but this time his expression was more serious.

“Rowan, Silvermoon, I have important intelligence to report to you,” Victor said bluntly. “We’ve just confirmed some key pieces of information.”

"What information?" Rowan immediately focused his attention.

“First, the scope of this event is larger than we anticipated,” Victor pulled up a star map. “Besides the situation in Port Reno, we discovered that two important cosmic empires have also sent personnel to participate.”

Upon seeing the information marked on the star chart, Rowan and Silver Moon both realized the seriousness of the situation.

"Which two empires?" Silvermoon asked.

“The Silver Blue Empire and the Black Dragon Mountain Empire,” Victor said, citing two names that were quite influential in the galaxy, “both empires have sent official exploration teams.”

Both the Silver Blue Empire and the Black Dragon Mountain Empire are important forces in the Milky Way. Although they cannot compare with super organizations like the Virtual Universe Company in terms of overall strength, they have a strong influence within their respective spheres of influence.

"What is their purpose?" Rowan asked. "Is it also for the relics of immortality?"

“That’s how it appears on the surface, but we suspect they have deeper motives,” Victor analyzed. “The Silver Blue Empire has recently been expanding its influence in the eastern part of the galaxy, while the Black Dragon Mountain Empire is seeking more advanced technology to enhance its military strength.”

“The relics of an immortal king could indeed satisfy these needs,” Silvermoon understood the motives of the two empires. “The Storm Laws legacy of Storm King Severus is a tremendous temptation for any power.”

“More importantly,” Victor continued, “the involvement of these two empires complicates matters. We cannot simply view this as a routine treasure hunt; we must consider the broader political implications.”

"What do you mean?" Rowan inquired about specific countermeasures.

“Our mission priorities need to be adjusted,” Victor clearly instructed. “In addition to maintaining basic order in Reno, it is even more important to monitor the activities of these two Imperial delegations and ensure they do not act in a way that would harm cosmic peace.”

“Understood,” Silvermoon nodded in confirmation. “We need to focus our attention on the powerful figures of these two empires.”

“Exactly,” Victor said with satisfaction. “According to our intelligence, the team dispatched by the Silver Blue Empire is led by their ‘Starlight Knights,’ and the leader is Carlos Vega, a ninth-tier stellar-level powerhouse. The Black Dragon Mountain Empire’s team is led by the ‘Shadow Blade Legion,’ and the leader is Mordred Blackstone, who possesses similar strength.” Hearing these two names, Rowan and Silver Moon both felt the pressure. Ninth-tier stellar-level powerhouses are among the top in the entire galaxy; their strength is already very close to the threshold of the cosmic level.

“We have information on both of them,” Victor continued. “Carlos Vega is skilled in the laws of light, and his fighting style leans towards direct, aggressive attacks. Mordred Blackstone, on the other hand, is proficient in the laws of darkness, specializing in assassination and covert operations.”

"Is there any special relationship between them?" Silver Moon asked.

“These two are old rivals, having clashed on multiple occasions,” Victor revealed. “The Silver Blue Empire and the Black Dragon Mountain Empire have territorial disputes, and these two also have deep personal grudges.”

“This is troublesome,” Rowan realized the complexity of the situation. “If a conflict breaks out in Port Reno, the consequences will be unimaginable.”

“That’s exactly what we’re worried about,” Victor confirmed. “A battle between two ninth-tier stellar-level powerhouses could destroy most of Reno Port. We absolutely cannot let that happen.”

"What are our specific action plans?" Silvermoon asked for detailed instructions.

“First, monitor the movements of both teams and understand their operational plans,” Victor listed. “Second, if possible, prevent direct contact between them to avoid conflict.”

"What if they really do take action?" Rowan asked the crucial question.

“If warnings are ineffective, you have the right to use all necessary means to stop the conflict,” Victor’s tone hardened, “including demonstrating your true strength. The deterrent power of Virtual Universe Corporation must be brought into play when necessary.”

"Received," the two confirmed in unison.

“One more thing,” Victor added, “our official team will arrive tomorrow afternoon, comprised of an elite squad from the security department. But until they arrive, you are the company’s sole representative in Port Reno, and the responsibility is significant.”

After the communication ended, the atmosphere in the room became serious.

"It seems our mission is far more complex than we anticipated," Silvermoon concluded. "Not only must we maintain order, but we must also manage the potential conflict between the two empires."

"And moreover, it requires intimidating these powerful individuals without revealing too much of your own strength," Rowan added. "That demands a high level of skill."

“We’ll begin our operation first thing tomorrow morning,” Silvermoon suggested. “First, we’ll locate the exact positions of both teams, then we’ll develop a detailed surveillance plan.”

“Agreed, but before that, we need more intelligence about the two imperial delegations,” Rowan said. “I suggest we go back to the Dark Star Bar; the intelligence dealers there should have more detailed information.”

The next morning, the two returned to Dark Star Bar. Unlike last time, the atmosphere in the bar was noticeably more tense this time. Vigilant customers sat in every corner, clearly having heard about the new developments.

“We meet again,” the bartender recognized them. “It seems you’re quite interested in the latest developments.”

“Yes, we heard that two delegations from the Empires have arrived,” Silvermoon stated directly, “and wish to learn more details.”

“This information won’t come cheap,” the bartender cautioned. “It involves Imperial-level intelligence, so the price will be very high.”

“Money is not the issue; the key is that the information must be accurate,” Rowan said, expressing his understanding.

“Alright, let’s talk in the private room,” the bartender said, leading them to the same private room from yesterday.

"The Star Knights of the Silver Blue Empire arrived last night," the bartender began to reveal. "They came in groups of fifty, all elite warriors, and are staying at the Blue Star Grand Hotel in the port area."

"What about the Black Dragon Mountain Empire?" Silver Moon asked.

"The Shadowblade Legion also arrived last night, with roughly the same number of members, but they're more discreet," the bartender continued. "They're staying at a private club in the lower city, making them less accessible."

"Have the two teams been in contact?" Rowan asked with concern.

“There hasn’t been direct contact yet, but the atmosphere is tense,” the bartender revealed. “I heard that both tour leaders are trying to find out what the other is up to.”

"Any news on their specific action plan?" Silvermoon asked.

"The Star Knights are quite high-profile; they've publicly announced a large-scale underwater search operation," the bartender replied. "The Shadow Blade Legion, on the other hand, is very secretive and hasn't revealed any plans."

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

“There’s a rumor you might be interested in,” the bartender said in a low voice, “that both empires have received some kind of special intelligence regarding the true cause of the Storm King’s death.”

"What kind of intelligence?" Silver Moon immediately pressed.

"Rumor has it that the Storm King didn't die while exploring the ruins, but was murdered," the bartender revealed a shocking piece of information. "And it might not have been one person who killed him, but an entire organization."

This news shocked Rowan and Silvermoon. If the Storm King was indeed murdered, then the nature of the entire incident was completely different.

"Is there any evidence?" Rowan asked cautiously.

“It’s just a rumor right now, but both empires are clearly taking this news very seriously,” the bartender replied. “I think their real purpose in coming here might not be to find treasure, but to investigate the truth.”

“If that’s the case, things become even more complicated,” Silvermoon realized the seriousness of the problem.

After paying a hefty intelligence fee, the two left Dark Star Bar.

“The situation is even more complicated now,” Silvermoon said on the way back to the hotel. “If the Storm King was indeed murdered, then the killer may still be nearby.”

“Moreover, the true objective of both empires might be to find the murderer,” Rowan analyzed, “which explains why they would send such a high-level team.”

“We need to reassess the threat level,” Silvermoon said. “If there really is a force capable of killing a King-level Immortal, then the danger we face is far greater than we anticipated.”

Back at the hotel, the two immediately began to devise a new action plan.

“Let’s contact the delegations from both empires separately first,” Rowan suggested, “as mediators from Virtual Universe Corporation, to find out their true intentions.”

(End of this chapter)