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

Chapter 407 Joining the 'Wings of Freedom' Exploration Team

The two decided to first conduct an on-site investigation of the port area to understand the specific situation of each exploration team.

As evening fell, the port area became even more bustling than during the day. Various exploration teams were making their final preparations, and the ports' bars and restaurants were filled with discussions about their exploration plans.

“Let’s split up,” Rowan suggested, “to find out about the different teams, then gather the information and make a decision.”

Yinyue nodded in agreement, and the two walked off in different directions.

Rowan first arrived at a temporary camp on the east side of the port. A large exploration team was gathered there; judging from their equipment and organization, they were likely a team from a professional exploration company.

“Friend,” Rowan initiated a conversation with a middle-aged man who appeared to be the team leader, “I’m very interested in your exploration activities. Could you tell me more about the details?”

The middle-aged man sized up Rowan, clearly assessing his strength and value.

“I’m Marcus, the captain of the ‘Interstellar Explorers’ company,” the middle-aged man introduced himself. “Our objective this time is a comprehensive search of the deep-sea region. Which side are you with?”

"My name is Ron, an independent warrior," Rowan said, using a pseudonym. "I possess sixth-tier Stellar-level strength and have some experience in deep-sea exploration."

Upon hearing that it was a sixth-order stellar-level astronomical ...

“Excellent! This is exactly the kind of expert we need,” Marcus said enthusiastically. “Our team already has thirty people, but we still don’t have enough high-level martial artists.”

"Could you tell me about your team's composition?" Rowan asked.

“We have five stellar-level warriors, the strongest of whom is me, a stellar-level seventh rank,” Marcus explained in detail. “The rest are planetary-level elites, and their equipment is very advanced.”

"What about the exploration plan?"

“We plan to begin a thorough search of the waters surrounding Port Reno tomorrow,” Marcus explained. “We’ll divide the area into different zones each day and explore them systematically.”

“This plan sounds very professional,” Rowan said approvingly, “but I’d like to know more about the profit distribution.”

“That’s easy,” Marcus readily replied. “We’ll use an investment-based profit-sharing model. Participants will receive a share based on their strength and contribution; someone like you, a sixth-tier stellar-level powerhouse, will receive 5%.”

"5%?" Rowan felt this percentage was a bit low. "What about the other teams' conditions?"

“You can ask around, but I assure you our terms are already very favorable,” Marcus said confidently. “And we have the highest success rate and the strongest professionalism.”

Rowan politely said he needed to think about it and then left the camp.

Next, he examined several different types of teams. Some were small groups temporarily formed by a few high-level martial artists, some were private armed forces of certain large families, and others were specialized mercenary organizations.

On the west side of the port, Rowan encountered a particularly interesting group. Their campsite was decorated with an artistic flair, and the members seemed more relaxed and easygoing than the other groups.

“Hello,” a young female warrior greeted Rowan, “I’m Amy, the vice-captain of the ‘Wings of Freedom’ exploration team. You seem to be looking for a suitable team?”

“Yes,” Rowan said, impressed by the proactive and friendly attitude, “I’d like to know more about your team.”

“We’re a relatively free team,” Amy enthusiastically explained. “Unlike those big companies with their rigid hierarchies, everyone is an equal partner.”

"How big is the team?" Rowan asked.

“There are fifteen of us so far, and they’re all quite strong,” Amy replied. “Our captain is an eighth-tier stellar-level expert named Rex Windrunner, a very experienced explorer.”

"Eighth-tier Stellar level?" Rowan was somewhat surprised; this level of strength was already quite high.

“Yes, Captain Rex is quite famous in the galactic exploration community,” Amy said proudly. “He has successfully explored more than a dozen dangerous ancient ruins.”

"Can I meet your captain?" Rowan asked.

“Of course, come with me,” Amy led Rowan toward a tent in the center of the camp.

The tent was comfortably furnished, and a man who looked to be about forty years old was studying a map of the sea. He was lean, with sharp eyes, and exuded the air of a seasoned explorer.

“Captain, this friend wants to know about our situation,” Amy explained.

Rex raised his head and carefully examined Rowan. "I am Rex Windrunner, it's a pleasure to meet you. Judging from your aura, you should be a Stellar-level martial artist?"

"Sixth-tier stellar-level," Rowan stated, still using his previous setup, "My name is Rowan, and I'm very interested in deep-sea exploration."

"Sixth tier? Impressive strength," Rex nodded in approval. "We need a teammate of this caliber. But I'd like to first understand your experience and motivations."

"In terms of experience, I've participated in several ruin explorations before, all on a small scale," Rowan fabricated a plausible background. "As for my motivation, it's mainly because I'm interested in the inheritance of the title of King and Immortal, and of course, I also hope to gain something."

“A very honest answer,” Rex said, showing his appreciation. “I don’t like people who lie all the time. So, regarding this expedition, do you have any special skills or resources?”

"I have some expertise in the laws of water systems, which can be very useful in deep-sea environments," Rowan stated, mentioning a practical skill. "In addition, I have some relatively advanced detection equipment."

“Water system laws? That’s really useful,” Rex’s eyes lit up. “We’re in dire need of experts in this area.”

"Could you tell me more about your exploration plan?" Rowan asked.

Rex pointed to the map on the table. "Based on the information we have, the last known location of the King-level Immortal is roughly in this area," he said, pointing to a marked location on the map. "Our plan is to start from here and expand the search outwards in a spiral pattern."

“This search method is very scientific,” Rowan agreed, “but the area is large, and other teams will definitely search there as well, so the competition will be fierce.”

“That is indeed a problem,” Rex admitted, “but we have some unique advantages.”

"What advantages?"

“I’ve explored similar deep-sea ruins before, and I know what kind of locations powerful beings at the King-level Immortal realm typically choose as their final resting place,” Rex explained. “This kind of experience is something other teams don’t have.”

“That sounds reasonable,” Rowan said, impressed by the team’s professionalism. “So, how will the profits be distributed?”

“We use a contribution-based distribution system,” Rex explained. “All profits are distributed according to each person’s actual contribution, without a fixed percentage. This is fairer and more motivating.”

Rowan was very interested in this distribution method; compared to a fixed ratio, a contribution-based system was indeed more reasonable. "Is there anything else you need to know?" Rex asked.

"How is the team's safety guaranteed?" Rowan raised a crucial question. "What are the contingency plans in case of danger?"

“That’s a good question,” Rex said approvingly. “We have a detailed safety plan. First, each team member is equipped with an emergency teleportation device so they can evacuate immediately in the event of an insurmountable danger. Second, we will establish multiple safe points to ensure there is an escape route. Finally, I personally am capable of handling most dangers.”

"An emergency teleportation device?" Rowan asked curiously. "Shouldn't that kind of equipment be very expensive?"

“It’s certainly not cheap, but safety is our top priority,” Rex said earnestly. “Our philosophy is to act within our capabilities; we don’t insist on finding the treasure. Ensuring the safe return of all team members is the most important thing.”

This responsible attitude made Rowan have a better impression of the team.

"So what conditions are required if I want to join?" Rowan asked directly.

“First, there’s the strength test. Although I’ve roughly sensed your strength, I still need to do a simple verification,” Rex said. “Second, there’s the requirement to provide a certain equipment deposit, mainly to obtain that emergency teleportation device.”

How much is the deposit?

“Five hundred thousand credits, fully refunded if you return safely,” Rex explained. “This is mainly to ensure everyone takes security seriously.”

Five hundred thousand credits was no problem for Rowan, but he felt he needed to compare other options.

"Can I think about it?" Rowan requested. "I'd like to find out about the other teams first."

“Of course, that’s a wise choice,” Rex said understandingly. “We’ll be having a team meeting at 10 a.m. tomorrow. If you decide to join, you can contact us before then.”

After leaving the Wings of Freedom expedition camp, Rowan inspected several more teams, but none of them were particularly suitable. Some teams were too weak, some had too demanding requirements, and others seemed unreliable.

Meanwhile, Silvermoon was conducting a similar investigation on the other side of the port. The teams she encountered were more diverse, including joint teams from different planets, as well as several teams of scholars specializing in ancient civilizations.

At 8 p.m., the two met again in the hotel room and began to share their findings.

“I contacted a total of eight teams,” Silvermoon reported first, “and three of them showed promise.”

“Tell me in detail,” Rowan said, ready to hear her analysis.

"The first is the 'Abyss Hunters' team. Their leader is a veteran explorer at the eighth tier of the Stellar level, named Kasper Abyss," Silvermoon began her introduction. "This team is characterized by its high level of professionalism and extremely advanced equipment, but their requirements are quite demanding."

"What kind of conditions?"

“They require all team members to sign strict confidentiality agreements, and the distribution of profits is entirely decided by the captain,” Silvermoon explained. “Although they are very strong, the management is too strict.”

"And the second one?"

“The second is the ‘Star Explorers’ Alliance, a consortium of exploration teams from five different planets,” Silvermoon continued. “It has over eighty members in total, making it a powerful organization, but its internal relationships are complex.”

"How do you make it complicated?"

“Each team has its own agenda; they appear to be cooperating, but in reality, they're all wary of each other,” Silvermoon analyzed. “Such teams are prone to problems at crucial moments.”

"And the third one?"

“The third one is quite interesting, called the ‘Treasure Hunters’ Alliance,’ which is a relatively loose organization,” Silvermoon said. “Their philosophy is information sharing, risk-sharing, and profit distribution according to contribution.”

"Sounds good. How's the team's strength?"

"The captain is a seventh-tier stellar-level female warrior named Leah Stardust. The other members vary in strength, but their overall level is decent," Silvermoon introduced. "The biggest characteristic is the great atmosphere; everyone is very united."

After listening to Yin Yue's report, Rowan shared his own findings.

“I’ve also been in contact with several teams, and the one I’m most interested in is the ‘Wings of Freedom’ exploration team,” Rowan explained in detail about Rex’s team.

"A captain at the eighth rank of the Stellar level, and one who prioritizes safety, is indeed a good choice," Silvermoon agreed after listening. "They're more reliable than any of the teams I've encountered."

"What do you think we should choose?" Rowan asked Silver Moon for her opinion.

“I suggest we join different teams,” Silvermoon proposed a new idea. “This way we can gather more information and reduce the risk.”

"Splitting up?" Rowan considered the suggestion for a moment. "That makes sense, but then we can't look after each other."

“With our capabilities, we shouldn’t encounter too much danger in this level of exploration,” Silvermoon analyzed. “And we can maintain communication.”

Which team do you prefer to join?

“I prefer the ‘Treasure Hunters’ Alliance,’” Silvermoon said. “I was very impressed with Lydia Stardust, and the team atmosphere is more conducive to information gathering.”

“Alright, then I’ll join the ‘Wings of Freedom’ exploration team,” Rowan decided. “We’ll each complete the joining procedures tomorrow.”

“There’s one more thing to be careful about,” Silvermoon cautioned, “we need to avoid being in the same place at the same time, so that people don’t discover our relationship.”

“I know that. We need to act like complete strangers,” Rowan agreed.

At nine o'clock the next morning, Rowan arrived at the Wings of Freedom Exploration Team's camp on time. By then, quite a few people had already gathered at the camp, and everyone was making final preparations.

“Ron, you’ve arrived,” Amy greeted him warmly. “The captain is waiting for you.”

Inside Rex's tent, Rowan underwent a simple strength test. The test mainly demonstrated basic combat skills and the application of laws, and by the standards of a sixth-tier stellar level, Rowan's performance was perfectly adequate.

“Very good, welcome to the Wings of Liberty Exploration Team,” Rex said with satisfaction. “Now let me introduce the other members.”

Over the next half hour, Rowan got to know all the members of the team. Besides Captain Rex and Vice-Captain Amy, there were thirteen other martial artists of different professions, including warriors, mages, technicians, medics, and more.

(End of this chapter)