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

Chapter 457 When it's time to retreat, you must retreat!

“I saw everything,” Morris nodded, looking at Hong Shuizhu, Rowan, and the others. “You did a great job, really great. Now, get some rest. Leave the rest to us.”

He turned to face the fleeing Kara fleet, a cold glint in his eyes.

"You scum of the Kara civilization, daring to invade the Virtual Universe Corporation's protected planet is your biggest mistake," Morris said coldly. "Now, pay the price!"

With a wave of his hand, the Virtual Universe Corporation's fleet immediately opened fire. Countless energy projectiles rained down, covering the entire Kara fleet.

Despite their valiant counterattack, the Kara fleet was no match for the elite fleet of the Virtual Universe Company. In just ten minutes, half of their warships were destroyed.

“Damn it, that’s the main fleet of Virtual Universe Corporation,” Barton gritted his teeth, watching his men retreat. “Send a message to General Caron, ordering the main fleet to retreat immediately. We’ve failed.”

"But, Vice General, you..."

"Never mind me, send the message now!" Barton roared.

Just then, Morris appeared before Barton. He looked at the battered Barton, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"To be able to command the fleet even while severely wounded, you are a competent commander," Maurice said calmly, "but unfortunately, you chose the wrong enemy."

“Virtual Universe Corporation. It truly lives up to its reputation,” Barton said with a wry smile. “I concede. But the Kara civilization won't give up so easily; one day, we will return.”

“Then come back another time,” Morris said calmly, “if you dare to come again.”

He struck out with his palm, and silver energy enveloped Barton. Barton didn't even have a chance to resist before he was sealed away.

Meanwhile, in the main fleet of the Kara in the asteroid belt, Karon received a message from Barton.

"The Virtual Universe Corporation's fleet has arrived?" Caron's face was grim. "It seems our retreat order has indeed failed."

"General, what should we do?" the adjutant asked.

"What else can we do? Retreat," Karon said through gritted teeth. "With our current strength, we can't withstand the main fleet of the Virtual Universe Company. Pass down the order: a full retreat, back to the Kara Starfield."

"Yes!"

The massive Kara main fleet began to turn around and retreat towards the outer reaches of the solar system. They came with great fanfare, but left in disarray.

Morris watched the Kara fleet depart without giving chase. The Virtual Universe Corporation's mission was to protect Earth, not to wage war against the Kara civilization. Once the enemy retreated, the mission was complete.

"The battle is over," Morris announced. "Earth has been defended."

This message was transmitted throughout the entire globe via communication systems.

The next second, the whole Earth was in an uproar.

"We won!"

"Earth has been saved!"

"Thank you to those soldiers!"

"Thank you, Virtual Universe Company!"

Cheers, cries, and laughter mingled together. People took to the streets, embracing and weeping, celebrating this hard-won victory.

On the moon, Hong Shuizhu finally breathed a sigh of relief, his body going limp. Luo Wen quickly helped him up.

"Master, are you alright?"

"It's nothing, I'm just too tired," Hong Shuizhu smiled weakly. "But we won, right?"

“Yes, we won,” Rowan said, his eyes welling up with tears. “Master, thank you.”

“Silly child, this is what I should do,” Hong Shuizhu patted Luo Wen on the shoulder. “You young people are the hope of the earth. I’m getting old, and I’ll rely on you from now on.”

“Master, please don’t say that,” Hong also came over, “You still have to watch us grow up.”

“Yes,” Thor chuckled, “once we become cosmic-level powerhouses, you’ll have to give us your guidance.”

“Good, good,” Hong Shuizhu said with satisfaction, looking at her three disciples. “Then I will wait for that day.”

Morris flew over, and seeing this heartwarming scene, he smiled as well.

“Senior Hong Shuizhu, I have long admired your name,” Morris bowed respectfully. “Your strength and will are truly admirable.”

“Lord Morris, you are too kind,” Hong Shuizhu said, barely managing to stand up and return the greeting. “Thanks to your timely arrival, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable.”

“This is what we should do,” Morris said. “Earth is the company’s protected planet, and we won’t let it be harmed.”

He looked at Luo Wen and the other two, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"You three young people are quite impressive," Morris said. "Especially that technique involving the fusion of laws; it's rare even in the universe. Given time, you will surely become cosmic-level powerhouses."

"Thank you for the compliment, sir," Rowan said modestly.

“This isn’t a compliment, it’s a fact,” Morris said earnestly. “The company values ​​you highly. If you’d like, you can join the company’s core development program to receive better resources and guidance.”

The three exchanged glances, each seeing expectation in the other's eyes.

“We are willing,” Rowan replied on behalf of the three, “but we have one condition.”

"What conditions?"

"No matter where we go, Earth will always be our home," Rowan said solemnly. "If Earth faces another crisis, we must be able to return and protect it."

“Of course,” Morris smiled, “the company fully understands that. In fact, the company encourages the strong to protect their homeworld.”

“Then we’re all set,” the three said with smiles.

Three days after the battle ended, Earth gradually recovered from the shadow of war. Although the Kara fleet had withdrawn, unease lingered in people's hearts. After all, this was merely a repulsion of the enemy, not a complete elimination of the threat. Inside the joint command center of the Huaxia base city, an important meeting was being held.

Besides Earth's high-ranking officials and martial arts representatives, senior officials from the Virtual Universe Corporation also attended the meeting. Morris sat in the main seat, flanked by two other universe-level powerhouses—Eric and Leah.

"Gentlemen," Morris began, his voice loud and authoritative, "first, on behalf of Virtual Universe Corporation, I salute all the warriors who fought to protect Earth. Your courage and sacrifice deserve to be remembered."

Applause rang out in the conference room. Luo Wen, Hong, and Lei Shen sat in the front row; although they were still wrapped in bandages, their spirits had improved considerably.

“However,” Morris changed his tone, “I must tell everyone a reality—this victory is only temporary.”

The atmosphere in the meeting room immediately became heavy.

“Although the Kara civilization has retreated, they haven’t given up,” Morris said. “According to our intelligence, the Kara civilization is amassing a more powerful fleet, preparing to attack again. Moreover, they have sought alliances with several neighboring civilizations, attempting to form a coalition.”

"What?" Elena exclaimed in shock, "They're coming again?"

“Yes,” Morris nodded, “and next time, they will be larger and stronger.”

"What should we do then?" someone asked anxiously.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to say,” Morris stood up and walked to the holographic projection. “After discussion, the top management of Virtual Universe Corporation has made a decision—to impose sanctions and launch a campaign against the Kara civilization.”

He waved his hand, and the holographic projection showed an image of the planet Kara. It was a beautiful blue-green planet with advanced cities and military facilities on its surface.

“This is Kara Prime, the political and military center of the Kara civilization,” Morris explained. “The company has decided to launch a military operation against Kara Prime.”

“Military operation?” Hong Shuizhu frowned. “You mean an attack on Kara Prime?”

“That’s right,” Morris said seriously, “but please note, this is not a destructive campaign. Our goal is not to destroy the Kara civilization, but to overthrow their current belligerent government and demilitarize them.”

He pulled up a detailed battle plan on the holographic projection.

“According to Article 37 of the Covenant of Universal Civilizations, any civilization that launches an unprovoked invasion of another civilization and refuses to repent is entitled to military intervention by a higher civilization,” Morris explained. “The Kara civilization’s invasion of Earth this time has violated the Covenant. As the protector of Earth, Virtual Universe Corporation has both the obligation and the right to sanction the Kara civilization.”

"What are the specific sanctions?" Rowan asked.

“First, we will send a fleet to blockade the Kara system, cutting off their communication with the outside world,” Morris said. “Then, we will launch a precision strike on Kara Prime, destroying their military facilities, including spaceports, weapons factories, and military bases.”

“At the same time,” Eric added, “we will send special operations teams to storm the capital of Kara Prime and capture their top leaders.”

"Capture the leader?" Thor's eyes lit up. "And then?"

“Then a trial will be held,” Leah continued, “and they will be punished according to their crimes. Those with serious offenses will be sent to the Cosmic Court for trial.”

“What will happen to Kara Civilization after the trial?” Hong asked worriedly.

“We will help them establish a new government, one based on peaceful development,” Morris said. “At the same time, we will demilitarize the Kara civilization. They can retain necessary self-defense capabilities, but they can no longer possess aggressive armies and weapons.”

“How long will this process take?” Elena asked.

“At least ten years,” Morris said. “During those ten years, the Virtual Universe Corporation will send an inspection team to oversee the transformation process of the Kara civilization. We will only withdraw when they truly abandon expansionism.”

A brief silence fell over the meeting room. Everyone was processing the news.

“This plan sounds very comprehensive,” Hong Shuizhu pondered, “but implementing it will probably not be so easy.”

“It’s certainly not easy,” Morris admitted. “The Kara civilization is militarily strong; they’ve deployed a large defensive force on their home planet. And, as their homeworld, the Kara people will definitely fight to the death.”

“Therefore, this operation requires sufficient troops and powerful individuals,” Eric said. “The company has already mobilized three elite fleets, totaling over five hundred warships. Additionally, fifteen cosmic-level powerhouses will participate.”

"Fifteen cosmic-level powerhouses?" Thor exclaimed in shock. "So many?"

“Although the Kara civilization is only considered a mid-level civilization in the universe, they have a considerable number of powerful individuals,” Lia explained. “According to intelligence, there are at least twenty cosmic-level powerhouses on the Kara home planet. If you include Karon and Barton, the number is even greater.”

"More than twenty cosmic-level powerhouses." Hong gasped. "This level of strength is indeed formidable."

“Therefore, we need absolute superiority,” Morris said. “In addition to fifteen cosmic-level powerhouses, the company will also send thousands of stellar-level warriors and tens of thousands of elite soldiers.”

He turned to Rowan and the other two, his gaze softening.

"And this is what I want to tell you three specifically today," Morris said earnestly. "Although you are currently only at the Stellar level, your combat capabilities and potential have already been recognized by the company's higher-ups. Therefore, the company wishes to invite the three of you to participate in this expedition against the main planet of Kara."

The three of them exchanged glances and saw the surprise in each other's eyes.

“Lord Maurice,” Rowan said cautiously, “we are honored to receive the invitation. But with our current strength, can we truly play a role in a battle of this caliber?”

“Don’t underestimate yourselves,” Morris smiled. “The combined power of the three of you has reached a cosmic level. Among stellar-level martial artists, you are absolutely top-tier.”

“Furthermore,” Eric added, “this operation isn’t just about frontal combat. We also need to carry out some special missions, such as disrupting the energy core of the Kara Prime, rescuing imprisoned prisoners of war, and assassinating key military commanders. These missions require strong, well-coordinated, and highly mobile teams. The three of you are the most suitable candidates.”

"I see," Hong said, suddenly realizing, "You want us to carry out a special mission."

“That’s right,” Morris nodded. “The main battlefield will be handled by cosmic-level powerhouses and the main fleet. You, on the other hand, will be responsible for crucial special missions. These missions, though dangerous, are vital to the success or failure of the entire campaign.”

“We are willing to participate,” Rowan agreed without hesitation.

“Me too,” Hong followed closely behind.

“Count me in,” Thor grinned. “Perfect for settling scores from last time.”

“Very good,” Morris nodded with satisfaction. “However, there’s one thing I must point out beforehand—this operation is extremely dangerous. Even with our support, you may encounter cosmic-level powerhouses during the mission. If you do, you must learn to assess the situation and retreat when necessary.”

“We understand,” Rowan said solemnly.

“Alright,” Morris said, taking out three badges and handing them to the three men. “These are badges for the Virtual Universe Corporation’s Special Operations Team. From this day forward, the three of you are officially members of the company’s Special Operations Team.”

The three accepted the badge. The badge was hexagonal, with the logo of Virtual Universe Corporation—a rotating galaxy—engraved in the center. The edges of the badge shimmered faintly, clearly containing some kind of energy.

(End of this chapter)