Marvel: A Portal to the World of Swallowed Star

The two of them decided to begin with a field investigation of the harbor district and learn more about the various expedition teams operating there.

By evening, the harbor district was even livelier than it had been during the day.

Various expedition teams were making their final preparations, while the bars and restaurants around the harbor were filled with discussions about exploration plans.

"We'll split up," Rowan suggested. "We'll investigate different teams separately, then compare what we learn before making a decision."

Silvermoon nodded in agreement, and the two of them walked off in different directions.

Rowan first arrived at a temporary camp on the eastern side of the harbor.

A fairly large expedition team had gathered there.

Judging from their equipment and organization, they appeared to be the team of a professional exploration company.

"Excuse me, my friend," Rowan said, taking the initiative to approach a middle-aged man who looked like the person in charge. "I'm very interested in your expedition. Could I learn a little more about it?"

The middle-aged man looked Rowan over carefully.

He was clearly evaluating Rowan's strength and potential value.

"I'm Marcus, captain of the Interstellar Explorers Company," the man introduced himself. "Our goal this time is to conduct a comprehensive search of the deep-sea region. What about you?"

"My name is Ron. I'm an independent warrior."

Rowan used an alias.

"I have the strength of a sixth-level Stellar Rank warrior, and I've had some experience with deep-sea exploration."

The moment Marcus heard that Rowan was a sixth-level Stellar Rank warrior, his eyes immediately lit up.

"Excellent! We need powerful warriors of that level," Marcus said enthusiastically. "Our team already has thirty members, but we still lack enough high-level warriors."

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

"We have five Stellar Rank warriors. I'm the strongest among them, at the seventh level," Marcus explained in detail. "The rest are elite Planetary Rank warriors, and all of us are equipped with advanced gear."

"What about your exploration plan?"

"We'll begin tomorrow by conducting a systematic search of the waters surrounding Rena Port," Marcus explained. "We'll divide the area into different sections each day and explore them methodically."

"That sounds like a very professional plan," Rowan said approvingly. "However, I'd also like to ask about the distribution of the rewards."

"That can be discussed easily."

Marcus answered without hesitation.

"We use an investment and dividend system. Participants receive a corresponding share based on their strength and contribution. Someone with your strength, a sixth-level Stellar Rank warrior, could receive a five percent share."

"Five percent?"

Rowan felt that the percentage was somewhat low.

"What are the conditions offered by the other teams?"

"You can ask around if you want, but I can guarantee that our terms are already very generous," Marcus said confidently. "Our success rate is also the highest, and we're the most professional."

Rowan politely said that he needed some time to consider the offer before leaving the camp.

After that, he investigated several other types of teams.

Some were temporary groups formed by several high-level warriors.

Others were private forces belonging to powerful families.

There were also professional mercenary organizations.

On the western side of the harbor, Rowan encountered a particularly interesting team.

The camp had been arranged with a distinctly artistic touch, and the members appeared far more relaxed and easygoing than those from the other teams.

"Hello."

A young female warrior took the initiative to greet Rowan.

"I'm Amy, the vice-captain of the Wings of Freedom Expedition Team. You look like someone searching for a suitable team?"

"Yes."

Rowan immediately had a favorable impression of her friendly attitude.

"I'd like to learn more about your team."

"We're a relatively free-spirited team," Amy enthusiastically explained. "We're not like those large corporations with strict hierarchies. Everyone here is an equal partner."

"How large is your team?" Rowan asked.

"We currently have fifteen members, and all of them are quite capable," Amy replied. "Our captain is a powerful eighth-level Stellar Rank warrior named Rex Windwalker. He's a very experienced explorer."

"Eighth-level Stellar Rank?"

Rowan was slightly surprised.

That level of strength was already extremely high.

"Yes. Captain Rex is quite famous in the exploration circles of the galaxy," Amy said proudly. "He has successfully explored more than a dozen dangerous ancient ruins."

"Could I meet your captain?"

"Of course. Come with me."

Amy led Rowan toward a tent in the center of the camp.

The interior of the tent was comfortably furnished.

A man who appeared to be around forty years old was studying a map of the surrounding waters.

He was lean, with sharp eyes, and possessed the unique air of an experienced explorer.

"Captain, this friend wants to learn more about our team," Amy introduced him.

Rex raised his head and carefully examined Rowan.

"I'm Rex Windwalker. It's a pleasure to meet you. Judging from your aura, you should be a Stellar Rank warrior?"

"Sixth-level Stellar Rank."

Rowan continued using the identity he had established earlier.

"My name is Ron. I'm very interested in deep-sea exploration."

"Sixth level? Not bad."

Rex nodded in approval.

"We're looking for someone at precisely that level. However, I'd like to know more about your experience and your motivation first."

"As for my experience, I've participated in several ruin explorations before, although they were all small-scale operations."

Rowan invented a reasonable background for himself.

"As for my motivation, I'm mainly interested in the inheritance left behind by the King-Sealed Immortal. Of course, I also hope to gain something from the expedition."

"That's a very honest answer."

Rex clearly appreciated it.

"I don't like people who lie through their teeth. So, do you have any special skills or resources that could help with this expedition?"

"I have some understanding of Water Laws, so I can play a relatively important role in a deep-sea environment," Rowan replied.

"Additionally, I possess some relatively advanced detection equipment."

"Water Laws? That would indeed be very useful."

Rex's eyes brightened.

"We're currently lacking an expert in that area."

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

Rex pointed toward the map on the table.

"According to the information we've gathered, the King-Sealed Immortal's final known location was probably somewhere in this region."

He pointed to a marked location on the map.

"We plan to begin here, then expand outward in a spiral pattern while conducting our search."

"That's a very scientific approach," Rowan said in agreement.

"However, this region is enormous. Other teams will definitely search here as well, so the competition is going to be fierce."

"That is indeed a problem."

Rex admitted it without hesitation.

"But we have a few unique advantages."

"What advantages?"

"I've explored similar deep-sea ruins before, so I have a good understanding of the kind of locations a King-Sealed Immortal might choose as a final place of refuge."

Rex's expression became serious.

"That kind of experience is something most other teams don't possess."

"That makes a great deal of sense."

Rowan was becoming increasingly impressed by the team's professionalism.

"How do you distribute the rewards?"

"We use a contribution-based system," Rex explained. "All discoveries and gains are divided according to each person's actual contribution. There are no fixed percentages."

He smiled faintly.

"It's fairer that way, and it also encourages everyone to give their best."

Rowan was immediately interested in this system.

Compared to the fixed percentages offered by the other team, a contribution-based system was indeed more reasonable.

"Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Rex asked.

"How do you ensure the team's safety?"

Rowan raised a crucial question.

"If we encounter danger, what countermeasures do you have in place?"

"That's a good question."

Rex's expression became more serious.

"We've prepared a detailed emergency plan. First, every team member is equipped with an emergency teleportation device. If we encounter a danger we cannot handle, we can immediately retreat."

"Second, we'll establish several safe points throughout the search area to ensure that everyone has a way out."

"Finally, my own strength is sufficient to deal with most dangers we might encounter."

"Emergency teleportation devices?"

Rowan was slightly curious.

"Those things must be extremely expensive, right?"

"They certainly aren't cheap, but safety comes first."

Rex's tone was firm.

"Our philosophy is to act within our limits. We don't insist on finding treasure at all costs."

He looked at Rowan seriously.

"The most important thing is ensuring that every member of the team returns safely."

That responsible attitude further improved Rowan's impression of the team.

"If I wanted to join, what would I need to do?" Rowan asked directly.

"First, you'd need to pass a strength test. Although I've already roughly sensed your level of strength, we still need to perform a simple verification."

Rex paused briefly.

"Second, you'll need to provide a certain amount of equipment deposit. That is mainly to cover the emergency teleportation device."

"How much is the deposit?"

"Five hundred thousand credits."

Rex explained the arrangement.

"If you return safely, the entire amount will be refunded."

"It's mainly to ensure that everyone takes the issue of safety seriously."

Five hundred thousand credits was completely insignificant to Rowan.

However, he still felt that he should compare his options before making a final decision.

"Can I think about it?" Rowan asked. "I'd like to learn more about the other teams first."

"Of course. That's a wise choice."

Rex did not seem offended.

"We'll be gathering tomorrow morning at ten. If you decide to join us, you can contact us before then."

After leaving the Wings of Freedom Expedition Team's camp, Rowan investigated several more teams.

However, none of them seemed particularly suitable.

Some were too weak.

Some had overly demanding conditions.

Others simply did not appear trustworthy.

At the same time, Silvermoon was conducting a similar investigation on the other side of the harbor.

The types of teams she encountered were even more varied.

Among them were joint teams formed by explorers from different planets, as well as several groups of scholars dedicated to studying ancient civilizations.

At eight that evening, the two of them reunited in their hotel room and began comparing their discoveries.

"I spoke with eight teams in total," Silvermoon reported first. "Three of them have real potential."

"Tell me about them."

Rowan prepared himself to hear her analysis.

"The first is the Abyss Hunters."

Silvermoon began her explanation.

"Their captain is an experienced eighth-level Stellar Rank explorer named Caspar Deep Abyss. The team is highly professional and possesses extremely advanced equipment, but their conditions are rather strict."

"What kind of conditions?"

"They require every member to sign a strict confidentiality agreement, and the distribution of rewards is entirely decided by the captain."

Silvermoon shook her head slightly.

"Although they are very powerful, their management style is too restrictive."

"And the second?"

"The second is the Starlight Explorers Alliance."

Silvermoon continued.

"It's a coalition formed by five exploration teams from different planets. They have more than eighty members in total, and their overall strength is formidable."

"However, their internal relationships are complicated."

"How complicated?"

"Every team has its own agenda."

Silvermoon analyzed the situation.

"On the surface, they cooperate with one another, but in reality, each group is wary of the others. Teams like that can easily run into trouble at a critical moment."

"And the third?"

"The third is more interesting. It's called the Treasure Hunters Alliance."

Silvermoon smiled faintly.

"It's a relatively loose organization. Their philosophy is information sharing, shared risks, and rewards distributed according to contribution."

"That sounds pretty good. How strong is the team?"

"Their captain is a seventh-level Stellar Rank female warrior named Leia Stardust."

Silvermoon continued her introduction.

"The strength of the other members varies, but their overall level is decent."

"Their greatest advantage is their atmosphere. Everyone is very united."

After listening to Silvermoon's report, Rowan shared what he had discovered.

"I also spoke with several teams. The one I'm most interested in is the Wings of Freedom Expedition Team."

He gave Silvermoon a detailed explanation of Rex's team.

"An eighth-level Stellar Rank captain who places a strong emphasis on safety?"

Silvermoon nodded after hearing everything.

"That really is an excellent choice. They sound more reliable than any of the teams I encountered."

"How do you think we should choose?" Rowan asked for her opinion.

"I suggest that we join different teams."

Silvermoon presented a new idea.

"That way, we can obtain more information while also reducing the risk."

"Act separately?"

Rowan considered the suggestion.

"It does make sense. However, that means we won't be able to watch each other's backs."

"With our strength, we shouldn't encounter too much danger during an expedition of this level," Silvermoon analyzed.

"Besides, we can stay in contact through our communicators."

"Then which team are you leaning toward?"

"I prefer the Treasure Hunters Alliance."

Silvermoon thought about it for a moment.

"Leia Stardust gave me a very good impression, and the atmosphere of that team is more suitable for gathering information."

"All right. Then I'll join the Wings of Freedom Expedition Team."

Rowan made his decision.

"We'll complete the joining procedures separately tomorrow."

"There's one more thing we need to be careful about."

Silvermoon reminded him.

"We must avoid appearing in the same place at the same time. Otherwise, someone might discover our relationship."

"I know."

Rowan nodded.

"We need to act like complete strangers who have never met."

The following morning at nine, Rowan arrived at the Wings of Freedom Expedition Team's camp on time.

By then, quite a few people had already gathered there, and everyone was making their final preparations.

"Ron, you're here."

Amy greeted him enthusiastically.

"The captain is waiting for you."

Inside Rex's tent, Rowan underwent a simple strength test.

The test mainly involved demonstrating basic combat skills and the use of Laws.

By the standards of a sixth-level Stellar Rank warrior, Rowan's performance was completely satisfactory.

"Excellent. Welcome to the Wings of Freedom Expedition Team."

Rex looked satisfied.

"Now, let me introduce you to the other members."

Over the next half hour, Rowan became acquainted with every member of the team.

Apart from Captain Rex and Vice-Captain Amy, there were thirteen other warriors with different specialties.

The team included fighters, mages, technicians, medics, and various other professions.

The Wings of Freedom Expedition Team was clearly much more diverse than Rowan had initially expected.

And as he looked at the people around him, Rowan began to realize that this expedition might be far more interesting than he had originally imagined.

-------------------------------

Already hooked? Tell me what reeled you in leave a review, spark the fire with a comment, and if we hit every 250 Power Stones, a bonus chapter drops!

The evolution's just begun. Dive deeper into Unbound Evolution and stay leagues ahead!

[email protected]/_tey

Change @ to a.