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

Chapter 406 Accepting New Members

“Agreed, but be careful,” Silvermoon cautioned. “If they are indeed investigating a murder, our involvement could be seen as a threat.”

“This requires us to demonstrate sufficient goodwill and professionalism,” Rowan said, “to make it clear that our goal is to maintain peace, not to fight for interests.”

“Then let’s divide the work,” Silvermoon suggested. “You go and contact the Star Knights, and I’ll contact the Shadowblade Legion.”

"Why is it allocated this way?" Rowan asked.

“The Starlight Knights are more direct and straightforward, which suits your style,” Silvermoon explained, “while the Shadowblade Legion is more insidious and cunning; I might be better suited to handle them.”

“That makes sense,” Rowan agreed to the division of labor. “We’ll split up this afternoon and gather information tonight.”

“One more thing,” Silvermoon added, “If we encounter an emergency, contact them immediately. Two ninth-tier Stellar-level experts are not to be trifled with; we cannot let our guard down.”

“Understood,” Rowan nodded in confirmation.

At 3 p.m., Rowan arrived at the Blue Star Hotel, located in the center of the port area. This is one of the most luxurious hotels in Port Reno, and guests who can stay here are usually people of extraordinary status and power.

The exterior design of the Blue Star Hotel is distinctly characteristic of the Silver Blue Empire. Its streamlined architecture, combined with a blue and white color scheme, exudes both elegance and modernity. Clearly, the Star Knights of the Silver Blue Empire chose this location not only for its ambiance but also to showcase their status and prestige.

"Welcome to the Blue Star Hotel," the doorman greeted Rowan politely. "How may I help you?"

"I want to see the head of the Silver Blue Empire's Star Knights," Rowan stated directly, "I'm a mediator from the Virtual Universe Company; I have important matters to discuss."

Upon hearing the name Virtual Universe Company, the doorman immediately became respectful. "Please wait a moment, I'll contact them for you right away."

Soon, a young warrior dressed in a silver-blue uniform stepped forward. Judging from the energy fluctuations emanating from him, he possessed at least the strength of a fifth-tier stellar-level warrior, likely a mid-level officer in the Star Knights.

"A mediator from Virtual Universe Corporation?" The young warrior was somewhat surprised. "I am Alan Clark, the vice-captain of the Star Knights. May I ask what business you have with us?"

“I would like to meet with Mr. Carlos Vega, the head of your delegation,” Rowan said politely. “There are some important matters concerning the current situation in Port Reno that need to be discussed.”

Allen considered for a moment, then said, "Please wait a moment, I need to report to the commander."

Ten minutes later, Allen returned. "The commander has agreed to meet with you. Please come with me."

Rowan followed Allen into the hotel and took the elevator to the top-floor luxury suite area. The Star Knights had clearly booked the entire floor, and several fully armed knights could be seen standing guard in the corridor.

"The commander is inside," Allen said, stopping in front of a luxurious suite. "Please come in."

Pushing open the door, Rowan saw a tall, imposing middle-aged man. This was Carlos Vega, the commander of the Silver Blue Empire's Starlight Knights, a top-tier powerhouse at the ninth level of the Stellar Realm.

Carlos possessed the typical features of a nobleman from the Silver Blue Empire: blond hair, blue eyes, and deep-set features. He wore an exquisite military uniform, adorned with various medals of honor, and exuded a natural charisma as a leader. Most striking was the subtle radiance emanating from him, a result of his long-term cultivation of the laws of light.

“A mediator from Virtual Universe Corporation,” Carlos stood up, “I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Carlos Vega, it’s an honor to meet you.”

“It’s an honor for me, Commander Vega,” Rowan shook his hand. “I’m Rowan, thank you for taking the time to see me.”

“Please have a seat,” Carlos gestured for Rowan to sit on the sofa. “What would you like to drink? We brought the best Nebula Coffee from the Silver Blue Empire.”

"Thank you, coffee is fine," Rowan accepted the kind offer.

While Vice-Captain Allen was preparing coffee for the two of them, Carlos started a conversation.

“To be honest, I’m a little surprised,” Carlos Stan said frankly. “I didn’t expect Virtual Universe Corporation to send a mediator to contact us.”

“Actually, we were originally on vacation in Port Reno,” Rowan decided to be candid, “but the company received a report about the current situation and requested our assistance in maintaining order here.”

"A vacation?" Carlos was somewhat surprised. "That's certainly a coincidence."

“Yes, but since we’ve encountered this situation, it’s our responsibility to play a role,” Rowan explained. “Virtual Universe Corporation has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the universe.”

“We are well aware of this, and we admire it,” Carlos said sincerely. “The Silverblue Empire and Virtual Universe Corporation have always maintained a good relationship.”

"Then, could you please explain the purpose of your delegation's visit to Port Reno?" Rowan asked directly. "We hope to understand the intentions of all parties in order to better maintain order."

Carlos considered for a moment, seemingly weighing how much information he should reveal.

“Since you’re being so frank, I won’t hide anything either,” Carlos finally decided to be open. “We are indeed here for the sake of the Storm King Severus, but our purpose isn’t entirely treasure hunting.”

"Oh?" Rowan looked interested.

“We’ve received some peculiar intelligence,” Carlos said in a low voice, “regarding the true cause of Severus’s death. We suspect he didn’t die accidentally while exploring the ruins.”

"You mean he was murdered?" Rowan feigned surprise, though he had actually heard the news yesterday.

“Very likely,” Carlos nodded in confirmation, “and the murderer is extremely powerful, capable of killing a King-level Immortal expert; this is definitely not something an ordinary person could do.”

“This is indeed very serious,” Rowan said understandingly. “If that’s the case, the killer could pose a threat to the safety of the entire galaxy.”

“That’s right,” Carlos agreed. “Although the Silver Blue Empire has limited strength, it still has a responsibility to maintain the security of the universe. We are here to investigate the truth.”

"So, does your organization have any specific investigation plans?" Rowan asked.

“We’re going to start our investigation from the location where Severus was last seen,” Carlos explained. “According to our intelligence, he was last active in the deep-sea area of ​​Port Reno.”

“Deep-sea research is indeed a good direction,” Rowan agreed, “but I would like to remind you that the situation in Port Reno is currently quite complex.”

"You mean the involvement of other forces?" Carlos was clearly aware of this as well.

“Yes, from our observation, besides your delegation, there are delegations from several other large organizations,” Rowan reminded them, “especially the Shadow Blade Legion of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire.”

Upon hearing that name, Carlos's expression immediately turned serious. "Mordred Blackstone is here too?" Carlos's tone carried a hint of hostility. "That treacherous fellow."

“It seems you know Mr. Blackstone quite well,” Rowan probed.

“We’re old rivals,” Carlos said without hesitation. “We’ve clashed no fewer than ten times in the past decade. That man is skilled in assassination and intrigue; he’s extremely dangerous.”

“In the current complex situation, if a conflict were to break out between you, it would be a disaster for the ordinary people of Port Reynolds,” Rowan expressed his concern.

“Of course I understand,” Carlos assured him. “The Knights of the Stars have always considered it their duty to protect the innocent, and we will not launch attacks in areas where civilians gather.”

"That's good," Luo Wen breathed a sigh of relief. "Actually, I had another idea I wanted to discuss with you today."

"What are your thoughts?" Carlos asked curiously.

“Since our shared goal is to uphold peace and justice, why not consider cooperation?” Rowan suggested. “Virtual Universe Corporation can provide assistance to your organization to the best of its ability.”

This suggestion caught Carlos's eye.

"What do you mean?" Carlos needed more details.

“For example, intelligence sharing,” Rowan explained in detail. “Virtual Universe has its own information network in Port Reno, and we can provide you with relevant intelligence in a timely manner. In addition, if you need technical support or logistical assistance during your investigation, we can also provide that help.”

“This offer is very attractive,” Carlos admitted, “but why would Virtual Universe Corporation be willing to help us?”

"Because our goals are aligned," Rowan said sincerely. "If there truly is a murderer capable of killing the King of Immortals, then uncovering the truth will benefit everyone. Furthermore, we know the reputation of the Star Knights well; you are the true force of justice."

Carlos was deeply moved by these words.

“Well said, justice knows no boundaries,” Carlos stood up and extended his hand. “On behalf of the Star Knights, I accept your offer of cooperation.”

“It’s a pleasure to work with you,” Rowan said, shaking his hand again. “I’m confident our collaboration will be very successful.”

"So what are the specific details of the cooperation?" Carlos inquired about the specifics.

“I suggest establishing a direct communication channel,” Rowan proposed. “We can stay in touch at any time. Additionally, if your investigation requires coordination, we can assist with communication with local authorities.”

“This is very useful,” Carlos agreed. “To be honest, we don’t know enough about the situation in Port Reno, and local coordination is indeed a problem.”

“One more thing,” Rowan added, “If we encounter interference from other forces, especially provocations from the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, we can provide mediation services to avoid unnecessary conflict.”

“This is even more important,” Carlos said gratefully. “To be honest, I was worried Mordred might deliberately stir up trouble. With Virtual Universe's mediation, we can focus on the investigation.”

After his meeting with Carlos, Rowan left the Blue Star Hotel.

Back in his hotel room, Yin Yue was already waiting for him. Judging from her expression, she had clearly also made an important discovery.

"How's it going?" Rowan asked, taking the initiative. "What's the situation with the Shadow Blade Legion?"

“It’s complicated,” Silvermoon shook her head. “Mordred Blackrock is more cunning than I thought. He’s cooperative on the surface, but he hasn’t revealed any useful information.”

"What exactly happened?" Rowan sat down, ready to hear a detailed report.

“They’re staying in a private club in the lower city, and the whole place is under their control,” Silvermoon began. “I requested a meeting as a mediator for Virtual Universe Corporation, and they made me wait two hours before arranging it.”

"It seems they are rather indifferent to us," Rowan analyzed.

“It wasn’t just coldness, it was full of wariness,” Silvermoon corrected. “When Mordred saw me, his eyes were constantly on guard, as if he suspected our true purpose.”

Did he reveal their action plan?

“Not at all,” Silvermoon said with a wry smile. “He only said that the Shadowblade Legion came to Reno Harbor to carry out a secret Imperial mission, the details of which involve state secrets and cannot be disclosed.”

“That answer is quite in line with their style,” Rowan nodded. “The Shadow Blade Legion of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire is known for its mystery.”

“What’s more troublesome is that I sense his attitude towards Virtual Universe Corporation isn’t friendly,” Silvermoon said worriedly. “He has repeatedly implied that our involvement is superfluous and might even hinder their operations.”

After listening to Silvermoon's report, Rowan fell into deep thought. The starkly different attitudes of the two imperial delegations further complicated the situation.

“It seems we need to change our strategy,” Rowan finally said. “Conducting diplomatic contacts solely in an official capacity yields far too limited information.”

"What do you mean?" Silver Moon immediately understood Rowan's thoughts.

“We need to understand the situation more deeply,” Rowan explained. “The best way to do that is to get involved in the exploration operation ourselves.”

"You mean joining an exploration team?" Silvermoon's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea. As a member of the team, we can get firsthand information."

“And we can also better protect the ordinary explorers,” Rowan added. “If there were a real danger capable of killing a King-level Immortal, these people would likely become victims.”

“Then we need to conceal our true identities,” Silvermoon analyzed. “We can’t let others know that we are mediators from the Virtual Universe Company.”

“Yes, we can disguise ourselves as ordinary high-level martial artists,” Rowan agreed, “and participate in the exploration activities in our own names.”

"The question is which team to join," Silvermoon began, considering the specific operational details. "From what we've observed, there are at least dozens of different exploration teams in Port Reno right now."

“We need to choose a suitable team,” Rowan analyzed, “someone strong enough to ensure our safety, but not so strong that we can't integrate.”

"And ideally, it should be a team that's open-minded and willing to accept new members," Silvermoon added.

(End of this chapter)