"What plans does the government have to deal with this?" Rowan asked.
"We've already requested reinforcements from higher authorities," Elena explained. "But that will take time. And to be honest, we have no experience dealing with a situation like this. A King-Level Immortal falling in our territory is something that's never happened here before."
"Then what special security measures have been taken to protect the Virtual Universe Company's assets?" Silvermoon asked, raising the most critical question.
"We've increased security personnel around all of your company's major facilities," Elena confirmed. "However, if someone is truly determined to cause trouble, I'm afraid our forces still won't be enough."
"We understand your difficulties," Rowan said sympathetically. "The Virtual Universe Company is willing to provide whatever assistance is necessary."
"Really?" A look of hope flashed across Elena's face. "That would be wonderful."
"However, we need more detailed information," Silvermoon continued. "For example, the specific origins of these treasure hunters, their organizational structures, and their true objectives."
"That..." Elena hesitated. "Our investigative capabilities are limited. We can only provide basic statistical data."
"That's fine. We'll conduct our own investigation," Rowan said understandingly. "But we'd appreciate your cooperation."
"Of course. As long as your requests are legal and reasonable, we'll fully cooperate," Elena agreed without hesitation.
After the meeting ended, Rowan and Silvermoon had obtained valuable information and established a cooperative relationship with the local government.
"It looks like the situation really is more serious than we expected," Silvermoon concluded as they left the government building. "A hundred thousand people. That's practically a small-scale migration."
"And the numbers are still growing," Rowan added. "If this isn't brought under control soon, it could turn into something much worse."
"After we pick up the ring this afternoon, we should begin a deeper investigation," Silvermoon suggested. "Let's start with the major treasure-hunting groups."
At precisely three in the afternoon, the two returned to the Law Workshop.
The elderly craftsman had already completed the Void Crystal ring, and the finished product exceeded all their expectations.
The ring itself was a deep blue-black color, with intricate spatial law runes engraved across its surface. Under the light, it produced strange refractive effects, creating the illusion that infinite space existed within it.
"This is one of the finest pieces I've ever created," the old man said proudly. "The properties of the Void Crystal have been brought out perfectly. It should greatly assist in understanding the Laws of Space."
Silvermoon carefully accepted the ring and examined the exquisite craftsmanship.
Its appearance was understated, yet even a martial artist of her level could sense the profound power of spatial laws contained within it.
"It's perfect," she said with satisfaction. "Exactly what I wanted."
She handed the ring to Rowan.
"Try it on."
The moment Rowan put it on, he immediately felt the fluctuations of spatial laws flowing through the ring.
The sensation was extraordinary.
It felt as though an invisible teacher had begun quietly guiding his comprehension of space itself.
"The effect is far beyond what I expected," Rowan said sincerely. "Thank you for putting so much thought into this gift."
"As long as you like it." Silvermoon smiled brightly. "Now our gift exchange is officially complete."
That evening, Rowan and Silvermoon began conducting preliminary investigations around the harbor district.
Disguised as ordinary tourists, they moved through bars, restaurants, and temporary gathering points, collecting information about the treasure hunters.
"We learned quite a lot today," Silvermoon said as she organized the intelligence they had gathered. "The composition of these treasure hunters is far more complicated than we thought."
"Definitely," Rowan agreed. "It's not just independent adventurers and small teams. There are also several highly professional groups that clearly belong to major organizations."
Back in their hotel suite, the two began carefully analyzing the day's findings.
Rowan categorized the collected intelligence using a holographic display, attempting to identify patterns.
"Based on their equipment and behavioral patterns, there are at least thirty professional teams," Silvermoon analyzed. "Their gear is highly advanced. They clearly have strong financial backing."
"And I noticed that several of those teams use very distinctive equipment designs," Rowan said, pointing at several holographic images. "This kind of standardized equipment isn't something ordinary organizations can provide."
At that moment, Rowan's communicator rang again with the distinctive tone of an internal company transmission.
"Director Victor again?" Silvermoon asked in surprise. "At this hour?"
Rowan accepted the call.
Victor's holographic projection appeared once more, but this time his expression was even more serious.
"Rowan, Silvermoon, we have important intelligence updates," Victor said without preamble. "We've just confirmed several critical pieces of information."
"What happened?" Rowan asked immediately.
"First, the scope of this incident is much larger than we anticipated."
Victor projected a star map.
"Beyond the local situation in Reno Harbor, we've confirmed that two major interstellar empires have also dispatched personnel."
Seeing the symbols marked on the map, both Rowan and Silvermoon immediately understood the gravity of the situation.
"Which empires?" Silvermoon asked.
"The Silverblue Empire and the Black Dragon Mountain Empire," Victor replied, naming two powerful forces whose influence extended across large regions of the galaxy. "Both have sent official expedition teams."
The Silverblue Empire and the Black Dragon Mountain Empire were major galactic powers.
Although neither could compare to a super-organization like the Virtual Universe Company, both wielded enormous influence within their respective territories.
"What are their objectives?" Rowan asked. "The King's inheritance?"
"Officially, yes," Victor replied. "But we suspect they have deeper motives."
He enlarged several data files.
"The Silverblue Empire has recently been expanding its influence in the eastern galaxy. Meanwhile, the Black Dragon Mountain Empire has been seeking advanced technologies to strengthen its military."
"The inheritance of a King-Level Immortal could certainly satisfy those goals," Silvermoon said, understanding their motivations. "The Storm Laws inheritance of Storm King Severus would tempt any major power."
"More importantly," Victor continued, "their involvement greatly complicates matters. We can no longer treat this as a simple treasure hunt. We have to consider broader political consequences."
"What exactly are you suggesting?" Rowan asked.
"Our priorities have changed," Victor said firmly. "Maintaining order in Reno Harbor remains important, but your primary objective is now to monitor the representatives of these two empires and ensure they do not engage in activities that threaten galactic peace."
"Understood," Silvermoon nodded. "We'll focus our attention on their strongest members."
"Precisely."
Victor appeared pleased.
"According to our intelligence, the Silverblue Empire's delegation is led by the Starlight Knights, commanded by Carlos Vega, a ninth-stage Stellar warrior."
"The Black Dragon Mountain Empire's delegation is led by the Shadowblade Legion, commanded by Mordred Blackstone, who possesses comparable strength."
The names alone created enormous pressure.
Ninth-stage Stellar warriors were among the strongest beings in the galaxy, standing only one step below the Universe Level.
"We have detailed records on both men," Victor continued.
"Carlos Vega specializes in Light Laws and favors direct, overwhelming attacks."
"Mordred Blackstone specializes in Dark Laws and excels in assassination and covert operations."
"Do they have any history with each other?" Silvermoon asked.
"They're long-time rivals," Victor revealed. "They've clashed multiple times in the past. The Silverblue Empire and the Black Dragon Mountain Empire already have territorial disputes, and these two men have their own personal grudges as well."
"That's bad," Rowan said immediately, realizing the implications. "If they fight in Reno Harbor, the consequences would be catastrophic."
"Exactly our concern," Victor confirmed.
"A battle between two ninth-stage Stellar warriors could destroy most of Reno Harbor. We absolutely cannot allow that to happen."
"What are our exact operational directives?" Silvermoon asked.
"First, monitor both teams and determine their movements," Victor said. "Second, prevent direct contact whenever possible and avoid any escalation."
"And if they insist on fighting?" Rowan asked the crucial question.
"If warnings fail," Victor said coldly, "you are authorized to use all necessary measures to stop the conflict."
He paused.
"That includes revealing your true strength if necessary. The deterrent power of the Virtual Universe Company must be demonstrated when required."
"Understood."
The two responded simultaneously.
"One more thing," Victor added.
"Our official team will arrive tomorrow afternoon. It will consist of an elite squad from the Security Department. Until then, you are the company's only representatives in Reno Harbor."
"The responsibility is yours."
The communication ended.
The atmosphere in the room immediately became heavy.
"Our mission is far more complicated than we thought," Silvermoon summarized. "We're not only maintaining order, we're also preventing a potential conflict between two empires."
"And we have to intimidate powerful opponents without revealing too much of our strength," Rowan added. "That requires careful handling."
"We should begin first thing tomorrow morning," Silvermoon suggested. "We'll locate both teams and establish a detailed surveillance plan."
"I agree," Rowan said. "But before that, we need more intelligence on both delegations."
He paused.
"I think we should visit Dark Star Bar again. Their information brokers are likely to know much more."
The next morning, they returned to Dark Star Bar.
This time, the atmosphere was noticeably more tense.
Every corner of the establishment was occupied by wary-looking customers. Clearly, everyone had heard the latest developments.
"We meet again," the bartender said, recognizing them immediately. "I take it you're interested in the newest developments."
"That's right," Silvermoon replied. "We've heard that delegations from two empires have arrived. We want the details."
"That information won't be cheap," the bartender warned. "Imperial-level intelligence commands a high price."
"Money isn't the issue," Rowan said calmly. "Accuracy is."
"Very well."
The bartender led them back to the same private room as before.
"The Starlight Knights of the Silverblue Empire arrived last night," he began. "They brought fifty elite warriors and are staying at the Blue Star Grand Hotel in the harbor district."
"What about the Black Dragon Mountain Empire?" Silvermoon asked.
"The Shadowblade Legion also arrived last night. Their numbers are similar, but they're much more discreet."
He lowered his voice.
"They're staying in a private club in the lower district. Not easy to approach."
"Have the two groups made contact?" Rowan asked.
"Not directly," the bartender replied. "But tensions are high. I've heard both leaders are actively investigating each other's movements."
"Any information on their operational plans?" Silvermoon continued.
"The Starlight Knights are taking a very public approach. They've announced a large-scale deep-sea search operation."
"And the Shadowblade Legion?"
"They're a mystery," the bartender answered. "They haven't revealed anything."
"Anything else?" Rowan asked.
The bartender leaned forward.
"There's one rumor you might find interesting."
"What is it?" Silvermoon asked immediately.
"There's a rumor that both empires received special intelligence regarding the true cause of Storm King Severus's death."
Both Rowan and Silvermoon stiffened.
"What kind of intelligence?" Silvermoon pressed.
"The rumor claims that Storm King Severus didn't die while exploring a ruin."
The bartender lowered his voice to a whisper.
"He was murdered."
"And possibly not by a single person."
"But by an organization."
The revelation shocked both of them.
If Storm King Severus had truly been assassinated, then the entire nature of the incident changed completely.
"Is there any evidence?" Rowan asked cautiously.
"At the moment, it's only a rumor," the bartender admitted. "But both empires clearly take it very seriously."
He paused.
"I suspect they're not really here to search for treasure."
"They're here to uncover the truth."
"If that's true," Silvermoon said quietly, "then this situation is even more dangerous than we thought."
After paying another enormous intelligence fee, the two left Dark Star Bar.
"The situation just became much more chaotic," Silvermoon said during the journey back to the hotel. "If Storm King Severus was really murdered, then the killer may still be nearby."
"And the true objective of those two empires is probably to identify the murderer," Rowan analyzed. "That would explain why they've sent such high-level teams."
"We need to reassess the threat level," Silvermoon said seriously. "If there's truly a force capable of killing a King-Level Immortal operating in this region, then the danger we're facing is far beyond our original estimates."
After returning to the hotel, they immediately began drafting a new operational plan.
"We should contact both imperial delegations separately," Rowan suggested.
"As representatives of the Virtual Universe Company's Mediation Department, we'll determine their true intentions firsthand."
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