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

Chapter 466 Only One Chance!
Surprisingly, many Kara residents were not resistant to the arrival of Virtual Universe, and some even welcomed it.

“We’ve had enough of Carax’s dictatorship,” a Carax resident told Rowan. “He waged war only to satisfy his own ambitions. We ordinary people never wanted war.”

"Then why didn't you resist?" Rowan asked.

“Resistance?” The citizen gave a bitter smile. “Under Carax’s iron-fisted rule, any resistance is suppressed. We just want to survive, that’s all.”

These words made Rowan think deeply. He realized that this war was not only a clash between civilizations, but also a confrontation between dictatorship and freedom.

A week later, Virtual Universe held a press conference in the capital city of Kara.

Morris, as commander of the expeditionary force, announced the decision regarding the treatment of the Kara civilization:
"Following a decision by the top brass of the Virtual Universe Corporation, the following actions will be taken against the Kara civilization: First, the Kara civilization's military will be disbanded, retaining only essential police forces. Second, all war criminals will be transferred to the Cosmic Court for trial. Third, the Virtual Universe Corporation will dispatch an inspection team to oversee the Kara civilization's political reforms. Fourth, the Kara civilization will compensate Earth for its war losses. Fifth, the Kara civilization will establish a democratic government to guarantee the freedom and rights of its people."

This decision caused a huge reaction on the planet Kara. Some die-hard militarists protested, but the majority of the population expressed their support.

With the help of the Virtual Universe Corporation, the Kara civilization began a difficult transformation. The old government institutions were dissolved, and a new democratic system began to be established.

Rowan and his two companions stayed on the planet Kara for two weeks, helping to maintain order. Two weeks later, they received orders to return to Earth.

As Rowan boarded the return warship, he looked back at the main planet of Kara. This planet, which had once launched an invasion, was now being reborn from the ruins.

"I hope they can get back on track," Rowan silently wished in his heart.

The warship started up, burst out of the Kara system, and flew towards Earth.

This intergalactic war has finally come to an end. Although the process was arduous and the sacrifices were immense, peace has ultimately arrived.

Luo Wen and the other two sat by the porthole, looking at the starry sky outside, their hearts filled with mixed feelings.

This expedition showed them the vastness of the universe and the cruelty of war. They grew from naive young warriors into seasoned fighters who had faced life-or-death trials.

But they knew this was just the beginning. The universe was vast, and powerful beings were everywhere. They still had a long way to go.

"After returning to Earth, we must cultivate even more diligently," Rowan said. "If it weren't for the help of a cosmic-level powerhouse, we wouldn't have survived this time."

“That’s right,” Hong nodded. “We must become stronger, strong enough to stand on our own.”

"Then let's keep working hard," Thor clenched his fist, "One day, we too will become cosmic-level powerhouses!"

After sailing through the dark universe for three days, the warship finally returned to Apokolips, the headquarters of Virtual Universe Company in the Milky Way.

This is an administrative planet entirely controlled by the Virtual Universe Corporation. The entire planet is filled with various office buildings, training bases, and research facilities. From space, Apokolips is dazzling, with countless spacecraft shuttling across its surface, showcasing the prosperity of a top-tier cosmic power.

"Finally back," Thor said, looking out the porthole at Apokolips with a sigh of relief.

The warship landed at the military port. As Rowan and his two companions stepped off the gangway, they were surprised to find a group of people waiting for them.

The leader was a middle-aged man in a black uniform with three gold stars pinned to his chest—the insignia of a senior executive at Virtual Universe Company.

“Welcome back, three of you,” the middle-aged man said with a smile. “I am Carol, the Deputy Minister of Military Affairs on Apokolips. The company’s higher-ups are very satisfied with your performance in the Kara campaign and specifically asked me to receive you.”

"Vice Minister, you're too kind," Rowan said, somewhat flattered. They were just three lowly sixth-level stellar martial artists, yet they were personally received by a vice minister.

“You’re welcome, you deserve this treatment,” Carroll said. “Come with me, the company has prepared some things for you.”

The three followed Carol and arrived at the central region of Apokolips in a spaceship. There stood a colossal building, tens of thousands of meters tall—the headquarters of Virtual Universe Corporation.

The aircraft flew directly to the 800th floor, which is the Hall of Honor, specifically responsible for awards and promotions.

Upon entering the hall, Rowan and his companions found themselves in a spacious circular space. Floating in the center of the hall was a massive logo of the Virtual Universe Corporation—a vortex composed of countless stars. The walls were inscribed with the names of powerful figures who had rendered outstanding service to the company throughout history, including many renowned figures in the universe.

“Please have a seat, all three of you,” Carol said, gesturing to three chairs in the center of the hall.

After the three sat down, the lights in the hall suddenly dimmed. The huge logo began to glow, projecting a holographic image.

An elderly man appeared in the image. He wore a purple-gold robe, had a full head of silver hair, and his eyes were as deep as the starry sky. Although it was just an image, the aura he exuded still made Luo Wen and his companions feel immense pressure.

"This is..." Hong gasped.

“That’s right, this is one of the company’s thirteen Cosmic Venerables—Venerable Azure Sky,” Carol said respectfully.

The Cosmic Venerables are beings beyond immortality; there are only thirteen of them in the entire Virtual Universe Company. Each one is a top powerhouse in the universe, controlling countless star fields.

"Rowan, Hong, and Thor," the Azure Sky Venerable's voice echoed in the hall, "the three of you performed exceptionally well in the Kara campaign, making invaluable contributions to the company. Although your strength is still weak, the courage, wisdom, and potential you have displayed give us hope for the future."

The three quickly rose and bowed, with Rowan's heart pounding even faster. To receive praise from a cosmic sage—what an honor!

"Based on your merits, the company has decided to grant you the following rewards," Venerable Azure Sky continued. "First, each of you will be promoted to a full-fledged employee of the Virtual Universe Company, enjoying the benefits of a Level One Elite. Second, each of you will receive a reward of one billion Universe Coins. Third, each of you can enter the company's treasury and select one treasure below the Universe level. Fourth, the company will assign you the most outstanding mentors to guide your cultivation."

These rewards made the three of them widen their eyes.

One billion cosmic coins—that's an astronomical figure. On Earth, an average family's annual expenses are only tens of thousands of cosmic coins. One billion is enough for them to squander for several lifetimes.

More importantly, there are the latter two rewards. Being able to enter the company's treasury to select treasures means they can obtain top-tier equipment or cultivation resources. And having the best mentors to guide them will allow their cultivation to advance by leaps and bounds.

"Thank you, Venerable One!" the three said in unison.

"No need to thank me, this is what you deserve," the image of the Celestial Venerable smiled slightly. "Work hard, the future universe belongs to you young people."

The images disappeared, and the lights in the lobby came back on.

“Congratulations, you three,” Carol said with a smile. “Now, let me take you to complete the formalities, and then we’ll head to the vault.”

Over the next few hours, the three were busy completing various formalities. Their identities were officially registered as top-tier elite employees of the Virtual Universe Company, and each received a special badge—a symbol of their status and proof of access to various privileges within the company. One billion cosmic coins were directly transferred into their respective accounts. Looking at the long string of numbers suddenly appearing in their accounts, all three felt a sense of unreality.

“Let’s go to the vault,” Carol said, leading the three of them to the basement of the headquarters building.

The treasure vault was located three hundred levels underground and had extremely tight security. After passing through seven security checks, they finally arrived at a huge metal door.

The door was engraved with complex patterns of laws, radiating a terrifying pressure.

“This door was personally set up by one of the company’s immortal powerhouses,” Carol explained. “Even a ninth-tier cosmic-level powerhouse couldn’t break it open by force.”

He entered a password on the control panel in front of the door, then scanned his iris and genes before the door slowly opened.

Behind the door lay a vast space, several kilometers wide. Countless orbs of light floated within, each containing a sealed treasure. These included weapons, armor, martial arts manuals, and all sorts of rare and precious items.

“This is an area below the cosmic level,” Carol said. “Further in, there is the cosmic level area, which you cannot enter. Each person can choose one treasure; please choose carefully, as this opportunity is only available once.”

The three split up and began searching the treasure vault.

Rowan walked among rows of spheres of light, carefully examining the information on each treasure. There were simply too many treasures here; it was dazzling.

“This sword is not bad,” Rowan said, stopping in front of a ball of light. Floating inside the ball was a longsword that was entirely black, with dark gold patterns flowing across its blade.

【Shadow】, a second-tier Force weapon, is forged from meteorite iron. It is incredibly sturdy, weighs 36,000 jin, and is best suited for martial artists who cultivate metal or earth elemental laws.

Rowan shook his head. He cultivated the Storm Law, and although this sword was powerful, it was not suitable for him.

He continued walking forward, when suddenly a ball of light caught his attention.

Floating inside the sphere of light was an ancient book with three large characters written on its cover: "The Profound Meaning of Wind".

Rowan immediately checked the information.

【The Profound Meaning of Wind】, a cosmic-level cultivation technique, provides a detailed explanation of the cultivation methods for wind-based laws, outlining the complete path from the stellar level to the ninth rank of the cosmic level. Practicing this technique can greatly enhance one's understanding of wind-based laws.

“This is it,” Rowan’s eyes lit up.

Cultivation techniques are more valuable than weapons, because weapons can only increase combat power, while cultivation techniques can make one stronger. With this "Profound Meaning of Wind," his cultivation speed will greatly increase.

Rowan selected the treasure, and Hong and Thor each found something suitable for themselves.

Hong chose a set of golden armor—the [Earth Guardian], a third-tier Force armor with astonishing defensive capabilities. Thor, on the other hand, chose a lightning-based cultivation technique—the [Purple Heaven Nine Heavens Technique], the same choice as Luo Wen, both aiming to enhance their understanding of the laws.

“Excellent choice,” Carol nodded approvingly, looking at the treasures the three had selected. “It seems you all know what’s most important to you.”

After completing the formalities, the three of them emerged from the vault, each with a face beaming with excitement.

“Next, I’ll take you to the rest area,” Carol said. “The company has arranged accommodations for you; please rest well for a few days. As for your mentors’ arrangements, we will inform you in three days.”

The three were assigned to the elite residential area on Apocalypse Star. Each villa here had its own independent courtyard, a beautiful environment, and abundant spiritual energy, making it very suitable for cultivation.

Rowan's villa is a three-story building with a simple yet grand interior design. Standing on the balcony, one can overlook the entire elite district, with a continuous mountain range in the distance, its peaks shrouded in mist year-round.

"Is this the treatment of the company's elite?" Rowan exclaimed. "It's a world of difference compared to life on Earth."

For the next three days, Luo Wen devoted himself entirely to studying "The Profound Meaning of Wind." This cultivation method was indeed extraordinary; its explanations of the wind-based laws were both profound and easy to understand, giving him a deeper understanding of the storm laws he cultivated.

He realized that his previous cultivation methods were still too crude. Although he could unleash powerful techniques, his understanding of the essence of the laws was still very shallow.

"Laws are not merely forces for attack," Rowan murmured to himself in the villa's training room. "They are the laws governing the universe, the foundation of all existence. Only by truly understanding the essence of laws can one unleash their true power."

He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and fell into deep thought. The laws of wind flowed around him, forming a small vortex. This time, he no longer deliberately pursued power, but tried to sense the essence of the wind.

The wind is flowing, free, invisible yet omnipresent.

Time passed second by second, and Rowan was completely immersed in comprehending the laws.

Three days later, the voice of the smart home assistant interrupted his cultivation.

"Mr. Rowan, Deputy Minister Carol is informing you that your mentorship arrangements have been finalized. Please proceed to the 900th floor of the headquarters building immediately."

Luo Wen opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing within them. The past three days of study and reflection had deepened his understanding of the wind elemental laws.

He washed up, changed into his formal uniform, and headed to the headquarters building.

The 900th floor is the office area for the company's senior management, and it's difficult for ordinary employees to enter. Luo Wen showed his badge, passed through security, and arrived at a spacious conference room.

Hong and Thor are already inside.

“We’re here,” Hong waved. “We just arrived too.”

The three had just sat down when the conference room door opened. Carol walked in, followed by three other people.

“Let me introduce you three,” Carol said. “These three are temporary consultants the company has assigned to you. They will assess your situation and then decide what kind of mentors will be assigned to you.”

Those three were all cosmic-level powerhouses, and the aura emanating from each of them put pressure on Rowan and his companions.

“I’ll assess Rowan,” said a tall man with long silver hair and sharp, eagle-like eyes.

“I’m in charge of the flood,” said another burly man.

(End of this chapter)