Marvel: A Portal to the World of Swallowed Star

Chapter 302 302: Entering Alert Mode

"We'll transport it to the planet's surface using a dedicated levitation platform," Shadow said, operating a control panel. "The three of you stay on guard. Make sure no one gets close."

A metallic levitation platform descended from the ceiling and settled steadily beside the stone chest. Under Shadow's guidance, the chest was lifted onto the platform and securely fastened.

"Follow me," Shadow ordered, pushing the platform toward the cargo bay exit.

The four of them escorted the chest to the spaceship's landing pod. This small craft was designed for planetary landings, capable of touching down safely in a variety of environments. Rowan noticed that both the exterior and interior far exceeded standard commercial models, resembling high-end military equipment.

"Everyone aboard," Shadow instructed. "The landing will take about twenty minutes. Prepare yourselves. We might encounter some… resistance."

Rowan caught the subtle implication in Shadow's words. "Resistance? You mean someone on Planet Brant might oppose our arrival?"

Shadow gave him a cold glance. "As long as you follow my instructions, you'll be fine."

The landing pod disengaged from the main ship and began its descent toward Planet Brant. Through the observation window, Rowan took in the planet's full view: a blue-green orb covered in vast clouds. It bore a resemblance to Earth, but the continents were arranged differently.

"Planet Brant," Hong whispered to Rowan and Thunder, "its surface area is roughly 80% of Earth's, with slightly weaker gravity. The atmosphere is similar and suitable for human habitation. According to our data, the indigenous population resembles humans, but their civilization has developed more slowly. Technologically, they're roughly at Earth's medieval level."

Shadow sat at the pilot's seat, fully focused on controlling the pod. As they approached the planet's atmosphere, he suddenly spoke to the three of them. "Fasten your seatbelts. The landing could be rough."

The descent proved far more violent than expected. The craft shook violently, as though it might break apart at any moment. Rowan gripped the armrest tightly, wondering if the turbulence was simply atmospheric friction or something else entirely.

"This isn't right," Shadow muttered, frowning as his fingers moved swiftly over the control panel. "Some kind of energy field is interfering with our descent."

"Is it the planetary defense system?" Thunder asked. "I thought this was a low-level civilization. They shouldn't have that kind of tech."

Shadow didn't answer, keeping his attention on piloting. The pod rocked violently but maintained its general trajectory toward the designated landing site.

Through the window, Rowan could see they were approaching a vast plain. In the distance lay a medium-sized city, its architecture unmistakably medieval: stone walls, towers, and a castle. Yet at the edge of the city stood a metallic structure, entirely out of place, like a high-tech fortress.

"What is that?" Rowan asked, pointing.

Shadow glanced briefly, his expression subtly changing. "That's our destination."

As they descended further, Rowan noticed more details. The metallic fortress was surrounded by an energy barrier, a faint blue glow enveloping the area. Fully armed guards patrolled nearby, their equipment clearly far beyond what the planet's low-level civilization could produce.

"Those are universe-class warriors," Hong whispered. "Judging by their gear and stance, they're professionally trained, likely from an advanced civilization."

The landing pod finally touched down on a clearing in front of the fortress. Shadow shut down the engines and turned to the three of them. "Stay close, and don't act on your own. If a conflict arises, protecting the chest takes priority."

The four of them moved the levitating platform with the chest out of the pod. The air on Brant was slightly dry, the sunlight gentle, and an unusual stillness hung in the surroundings. The guards didn't approach immediately, maintaining their vigilant watch.

"Captain Shadow," a tall figure in full-body armor emerged from the fortress. Through the helmet's speakers, a voice came. "You're thirty-six hours late. What happened?"

"Encountered some minor trouble along the way," Shadow replied calmly. "Nothing that affects the mission."

The armored figure nodded and looked at the chest. "This is it?"

"Yes," Shadow confirmed. "As agreed, we delivered it to the designated location. What's next?"

The armored figure paused briefly, as if communicating through some hidden system. Finally, he said, "Follow me. The Commander is waiting for you."

Rowan noticed a flicker of subtle displeasure cross Shadow's eyes at the mention of the word "Commander," but he quickly masked it. The four pushed the levitation platform and followed the armored figure into the metallic fortress.

Inside, the fortress matched its exterior, brimming with advanced technology: metal walls, holographic displays, complex devices, and weapons systems. Everything here starkly contrasted with the planet's medieval surface environment.

"This is an outpost," Hong whispered to Rowan. "Some advanced civilizations establish bases on lower-level planets for resource extraction, scientific research, or military purposes. Cosmic law allows this, as long as the local civilization isn't directly interfered with."

They were led to the central area of the fortress, a spacious circular hall. At its center lay a recessed platform surrounded by intricate equipment and control panels. Several staff in black uniforms were busy at work. They didn't appear to be ordinary humans; some had obvious alien features.

A tall figure in ornate robes stood at the edge of the platform with his back to them. As he turned, Rowan felt a shock of awe. This was an Immortal-class being. The aura and authority he exuded marked him as at least a Marquis-level powerhouse, far stronger than Shadow.

"Shadow," the Immortal said in a low voice. "You've finally arrived."

Shadow bowed slightly in acknowledgement. "Marquis Astor, I delivered the cargo as promised."

Marquis Astor stepped forward slowly, inspecting the chest. "How did it go? Any trouble?"

"Just minor incidents," Shadow replied. "A band of pirates tried to intercept us, but it's been handled."

Astor nodded, eyes scanning Rowan, Thunder, and Hong. "And these three?"

"Escort team," Shadow answered briefly. "Hired by the Third Prince of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire."

Astor's gaze lingered on Rowan a little longer, unsettling him, as though his thoughts were being read. "Interesting. Do you three know what you are escorting?"

Rowan shook his head cautiously. "We're only responsible for ensuring the cargo reaches its destination safely. We do not inquire into its contents."

Astor chuckled softly. "A wise answer. Very well, your task is complete. Shadow, place the chest on the central platform."

Shadow pushed the levitation platform forward but paused before positioning the chest. He looked directly at Astor. "Not until I confirm the payment."

Astor's expression hardened. "Are you bargaining with me?" The temperature in the room seemed to drop sharply. Rowan felt an immense pressure wash over him, almost suffocating.

Shadow didn't back down. "I'm following the agreement. Payment first, delivery second."

Tension crackled between them. Rowan, Thunder, and Hong sensed a palpable pressure, as if a catastrophic clash could erupt at any moment.

Finally, Astor waved lightly. An assistant stepped forward, handing Shadow a small data cube. "As agreed. This contains the coordinates and access keys. You may retrieve your 'special materials.'"

Shadow inspected the cube, confirming its contents, then nodded. "Pleasure doing business."

He pushed the platform forward and placed the chest on the central platform. Astor signaled his assistants to begin their work. Equipment activated around the chest, scanning beams illuminating it as data was collected.

"Excellent," Astor said, examining the holographic readouts. "The seal is intact. Energy fluctuations within the chest are within controllable limits. Begin preparation for release."

Rowan stared in surprise. "Release? You're going to open the chest?"

Astor seemed slightly taken aback by Rowan's blunt question but answered. "Yes. The chest contains a tool we require."

Shadow's eyes snapped upward. "A tool? Our agreement was to deliver it safely for study. No one mentioned opening it."

Astor smirked coldly. "The agreement is fulfilled, Shadow. You got what you wanted. Now the chest is mine, and I can do whatever I please with it."

Shadow's expression grew stern. "Marquis Astor, I must warn you. Opening the chest could have unpredictable consequences. It is sealed for a reason."

Astor waved it off. "I know what I am doing. This planet's environment is perfect for my experiment. A low-level civilization no one will notice."

"Experiment?" Hong interjected. "What do you plan to do with what's inside the chest?"

Astor glanced at him, weighing whether to answer. "Simply put, I need it for a critical research project. This project could fundamentally change how energy is utilized across the universe."

Shadow said coldly, "You mean it could push you beyond your current limits, into a higher realm of power."

Astor's eyes gleamed sharply. "Every Immortal seeks breakthrough. What's wrong with that?"

At that moment, an assistant hurried over and whispered into Astor's ear. His expression darkened. "What? Are you sure?"

The assistant nodded, handing over a data pad. Astor scanned it quickly, his face growing increasingly grim. "Alert everyone. Enter defensive mode. Activate all systems. Prepare for a possible attack."

Rowan sensed the shift immediately. "What's happening?"

Astor didn't answer. Instead, he turned to Shadow. "You've been tracked. A warship is approaching Planet Brant, carrying at least three universe-class powerhouses."

Shadow's expression turned deadly serious. "Who?"

"A patrol vessel of the Central Galactic Alliance," Astor said coldly. "This planet lies on the periphery, outside their usual patrols. Someone told them we're here. Was it you, Shadow?"

Shadow shook his head. "I have no reason. Completing this mission is as important to me as it is to you."

Astor paused to consider, then decided. "No matter who leaked the information, we must accelerate. Begin the release immediately!"

Assistants moved quickly, operating complex equipment. Energy ripples appeared around the chest, mysterious patterns lighting up, casting a brilliant blue glow.

"Are you insane?" Shadow shouted. "Releasing it now? You can't control what happens next!"

Astor's determination was unwavering. "I have to take the risk. If the Alliance arrives, this chest will be confiscated. All my research will be lost. I'd rather gamble."

Rowan, Thunder, and Hong stepped aside, unwilling to interfere in the struggle between these two powerful beings. But the mysterious voice in Rowan's mind echoed again:

"Rowan. The moment is coming."

Suddenly, alarms blared throughout the fortress. An assistant reported nervously: "Marquis, a large warship has entered planetary orbit and is deploying landing pods toward our location!"

Astor's face darkened. "How long before they arrive?"

"About ten minutes," the assistant replied. "They're moving fast."

"Speed up the process!" Astor commanded. "We must complete the release before they reach us!"

Energy waves around the chest intensified, shaking the entire hall. Rowan felt an unprecedented pressure, as if something incomparably powerful was about to descend.

Shadow suddenly drew his energy pistol, aiming at Astor. "Stop, Astor! You don't know what you're doing!"

Astor turned, a cold smile on his face. "You think you can stop me? A minor player who isn't even Immortal?"

Before Rowan could react, Astor waved, sending a massive energy wave toward Shadow. Despite his reflexes, the overwhelming difference in power hurled him against the wall.

"Shadow!" Rowan shouted, but Thunder pulled him back.

"Don't act rashly," Thunder warned. "This is Immortal-level combat. If we intervene, we're dead."

Shadow slid off the wall, surprisingly not seriously injured. He rose quickly, his gaze icy, fixed on Astor. "It seems negotiations are over. Don't blame me for being ruthless."

To everyone's shock, Shadow activated a hidden device. His body began to transform, a metallic substance seeping from beneath his black uniform, quickly covering him entirely. When the process completed, Shadow was clad in advanced combat armor, far more powerful than the suit he had worn against the pirates.