As soon as they pushed open the heavy metal door, a mixture of alcohol, tobacco, and exotic spices washed over them.
The interior of the bar was dimly lit, with only a few yellow lamps casting faint pools of light across the room. Strange-looking patrons occupied every corner, most of them carrying an air of secrecy.
"Welcome to Dark Star Bar," the bartender greeted them. He was an experienced-looking middle-aged man. "What can I get for you?"
"Two Nebula Specials," Silvermoon ordered smoothly. "And we'd also like some information."
The bartender's eyes immediately became sharper.
"What kind of information?"
"About the recent rumors concerning the fallen King-Level Immortal," Rowan said directly. "We want to know the truth."
The bartender glanced around before lowering his voice.
"Information of that level isn't cheap, and..."
"Money isn't an issue," Silvermoon interrupted. "The important thing is accuracy."
"Then you've come to the right person." A professional smile spread across his face. "But this isn't the place for such a conversation. Follow me."
The bartender led them through the main hall and into a small private room at the back of the bar. The room was soundproof and equipped with anti-surveillance devices, ensuring complete privacy.
"Now we can talk," he said after closing the door. "As for the King-Level Immortal, I do have firsthand information."
"Let's hear it," Rowan said, ready to pay.
"First of all, the rumor itself is true," the bartender began. "A King-Level Immortal did indeed die near Reno Harbor. But it didn't happen recently. It was around three months ago."
"Three months ago?" Silvermoon frowned. "Then why is the news only spreading now?"
"Because the people who found the body kept it secret. They wanted the treasures for themselves," the bartender explained. "But for some reason, the news leaked recently."
"Do you know who discovered it?" Rowan asked.
"An exploration team called Deep Sea Hunters," the bartender replied. "They stumbled upon it during a deep-sea expedition three months ago."
"Has the identity of the fallen Immortal been confirmed?" Silvermoon continued.
"Based on the items found near the body, it should be the Storm King, Severus."
Both Rowan and Silvermoon were stunned.
"He was a famous powerhouse from the northern regions of the galaxy."
The name Storm King Severus carried tremendous weight among martial artists. He was renowned for mastering the Laws of Storms and was considered one of the strongest among King-Level Immortals.
"Why would Severus come to Reno Harbor?" Rowan wondered. "This place is far from his usual territory."
"Apparently, he was following clues about an ancient ruin," the bartender continued. "A ruin that may involve secrets of an even higher level."
"What kind of secrets?" Silvermoon asked.
"That much is beyond my reach." The bartender shook his head. "I don't have access to information of that caliber."
"Where are the relics now?" Rowan asked the most important question.
"That's the problem." The bartender's expression turned serious. "The Deep Sea Hunters disappeared mysteriously three months ago, and all the relics vanished with them. The treasure hunters flooding into Reno Harbor aren't looking for the Immortal's remains. They're searching for the missing Deep Sea Hunters."
"They disappeared?" Silvermoon looked even more confused. "Where did they go?"
"No one knows." He spread his hands helplessly. "It's as if they vanished from the world. Some think they're dead. Others believe they're hiding."
"Has the search produced any results?" Rowan asked.
"Nothing substantial so far. But I heard that several major organizations have already dispatched professional teams. Their equipment and strength far exceed those of ordinary treasure hunters."
"What kind of organizations?" Silvermoon asked warily.
"There are rumors that the Virtual Universe Company has also sent people."
He lowered his voice even further.
"And several other major powers as well."
At the mention of the Virtual Universe Company, Rowan and Silvermoon exchanged a look.
If the company had truly become involved, then this matter was far more significant than they had imagined.
"Any other information?" Rowan asked.
"That's all for now," the bartender said. "If anything new comes up, I'll know immediately."
After paying a considerable information fee, the two left Dark Star Bar.
As they walked back to the hotel, both of them sank into thought.
"This situation is more complicated than we expected," Silvermoon summarized. "A fallen King-Level Immortal, a mysteriously vanished expedition team, and the involvement of major organizations."
"And we're here on vacation of all times." Rowan laughed at himself. "What a coincidence."
"Do you think we should get involved?" Silvermoon asked. "This might concern the company's interests."
"Let's observe for now," Rowan replied cautiously. "If the company really has representatives here, we can contact them. Otherwise, it's best not to get dragged into something this complicated."
"Agreed." Silvermoon nodded. "We still have a few days left on our vacation. Let's see how things develop."
Back at the hotel, both felt that their holiday had suddenly become far more interesting.
They had come here simply to relax, yet they had stumbled into a mystery of galactic proportions.
Still, as experienced martial artists, they knew that trouble often had a habit of finding them.
"This afternoon, we should still pick up your gift as planned," Silvermoon suggested. "No matter what's happening outside, we shouldn't break our promise."
"Of course." Rowan smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."
The next morning, while discussing the arrangements for collecting the custom-made ring, Rowan's private communicator suddenly rang with a distinctive tone.
This ringtone represented an emergency communication from inside the Virtual Universe Company.
"A company call?" Silvermoon immediately recognized it. "Receiving one during our vacation means something serious has happened."
Rowan answered at once.
A familiar figure appeared in the holographic projection.
Victor, a senior executive from the company's Security Department.
He was a stern middle-aged man responsible for security affairs across multiple star systems and rarely contacted field mediators directly.
"Rowan, Silvermoon," Victor said apologetically, though his voice carried urgency. "Sorry for interrupting your vacation, but we need your assistance."
"What happened, Director Victor?" Rowan immediately entered work mode. "Is there a new mission?"
"Not exactly," Victor replied. "We know you're currently vacationing in Reno Harbor, and the recent events there require the company's attention."
"Are you referring to the fallen King-Level Immortal?" Silvermoon asked directly.
"You already know?" Victor looked surprised. "The news has spread faster than we expected."
"We learned some details through local intelligence channels yesterday," Rowan reported. "Apparently it's Storm King Severus, who died near Reno Harbor three months ago, and the discoverers have since disappeared."
"Your information is accurate," Victor confirmed. "But the situation is more complicated than it appears. We need your cooperation in our operations at Reno Harbor."
"What kind of operation?" Silvermoon asked.
"First, I need to clear up a misunderstanding."
Victor's expression became serious.
"We're not sending people to Reno Harbor to fight over the inheritance of a King-Level Immortal. We're there to protect order and safeguard the company's interests."
Rowan and Silvermoon exchanged another look.
That explanation was different from the rumors they had heard.
"Could you explain in more detail?" Rowan requested.
"Reno Harbor is one of the galaxy's major commercial ports," Victor began. "The Virtual Universe Company has enormous investments and operations there, including three large commercial complexes, two advanced research centers, and a major logistics hub."
"I remember those facilities," Silvermoon said. "The buildings with the company emblem."
"Exactly," Victor confirmed. "The massive influx of treasure hunters has already begun disrupting normal commercial order. The port authorities predict that if the situation worsens, it could lead to serious consequences."
"What kind of consequences?" Rowan asked.
"First, security issues."
Victor began listing them.
"Many of these treasure hunters are powerful martial artists, and some belong to organizations with unknown backgrounds. If conflicts break out between them, ordinary civilians will be placed at enormous risk."
"Second, economic problems."
He continued.
"Normal trade has already been disrupted. Many merchant vessels are afraid to dock, worried about getting caught in unnecessary trouble. This directly affects our revenue."
"And finally, reputation."
Victor emphasized this point.
"As one of the galaxy's top organizations, the Virtual Universe Company has a responsibility to maintain peace and order. If we remain inactive in this situation, the company's reputation will suffer."
After hearing his explanation, Rowan and Silvermoon fully understood the company's position.
"What would you like us to do?" Silvermoon asked.
"Our official team won't arrive for another day," Victor replied. "Until then, we need the two of you to act as the company's representatives. Coordinate with the local government, gather detailed information, and assess the direction in which the situation is developing."
"Understood." Rowan nodded. "We'll begin immediately."
"There's one more important point," Victor added.
"Your identities as company mediators give you a significant advantage in this situation. You can act in the name of maintaining peace, which fits the company's image and will earn the trust of all sides."
"That's actually a very good strategy," Silvermoon agreed. "People are more likely to accept mediators than security personnel."
"Furthermore..."
Victor's expression became even more serious.
"If you discover anyone attempting to disrupt the order of Reno Harbor, especially anyone threatening company assets, you are authorized to take necessary measures."
"What are the limits of those measures?" Rowan asked.
"So long as you don't create a larger conflict, you may use any reasonable means necessary," Victor authorized. "Diplomatic measures, economic measures, and if required, force."
"Understood."
Both Rowan and Silvermoon answered in unison.
"Finally," Victor said, "keep your actions low-profile. Do not reveal too much of your strength. Our goal is to maintain order, not display power."
"We understand," Silvermoon assured him.
The communication ended.
The two immediately began making plans.
"Looks like our vacation is ending early." Silvermoon sighed regretfully. "But in a situation like this, work comes first."
"Agreed," Rowan said. "It's also our responsibility as company employees. But let's still pick up your custom-made ring first. We shouldn't break that promise."
"You're still thinking about the gift?" Silvermoon asked, touched. "Even with something this urgent happening?"
"The more urgent the situation, the more important it is to maintain a normal rhythm of life," Rowan replied with a smile. "Besides, picking up the ring at three o'clock won't interfere with our work."
At noon, they headed toward the Reno Harbor Government Building to meet with local officials.
Located in the heart of the central business district, the modern structure symbolized the prosperity of the port city.
"We need to meet the director of the Harbor Authority," Rowan told the receptionist. "We are representatives of the Virtual Universe Company and wish to discuss the recent situation."
The moment she heard the company's name, the receptionist became visibly respectful.
"Please wait a moment. I'll contact Director Elena immediately."
A short while later, a capable-looking middle-aged woman emerged.
She was Elena Marques, Director of the Reno Harbor Authority and the person responsible for the port's daily operations.
"Representatives of the Virtual Universe Company?" Elena said in surprise. "We were just hoping for your company's assistance. Please, come to my office."
Inside her office, she laid out the current situation in detail.
"Starting three days ago, the number of incoming visitors skyrocketed."
She pointed at the reports on her desk.
"The current population has already exceeded our port's normal carrying capacity."
"How many people exactly?" Silvermoon asked.
"Conservative estimates place the number above one hundred thousand, and it's still increasing."
Her expression was grim.
"Our accommodations, restaurants, and transportation systems are all operating beyond their limits."
"What about security?" Rowan asked.
"That's our biggest concern."
Elena sighed.
"Last night alone, we had three separate conflicts between different treasure-hunting groups. Thankfully there were no serious casualties, but the trend is extremely worrying."
"Are the local security forces sufficient?" Silvermoon asked.
"Not even close."
Elena shook her head.
"Our security personnel are trained to maintain normal port order. They simply cannot handle an event on this scale. And many of these treasure hunters are high-level martial artists. Our conventional forces are completely outmatched."
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