"Agreed. But we need to be careful," Silvermoon reminded him. "If they're truly investigating a murder, our involvement could be seen as a threat."
"Then we need to show them enough goodwill and professionalism," Rowan said. "They need to understand that our goal is to maintain peace, not compete with them for the spoils."
"Then let's divide the work," Silvermoon suggested. "You contact the Starlight Knights. I'll contact the Shadowblade Legion."
"Why divide it that way?" Rowan asked.
"The Starlight Knights are more direct and straightforward. That suits your style," Silvermoon explained. "The Shadowblade Legion is much more secretive and calculating. I may be better suited to dealing with them."
"That makes sense."
Rowan agreed with the arrangement.
"We'll act separately this afternoon and compare our information tonight."
"One more thing," Silvermoon added. "If you run into an emergency, contact me immediately. Ninth-stage Stellar warriors aren't people we can afford to underestimate."
"Understood."
Rowan nodded.
At three in the afternoon, Rowan arrived at the Blue Star Grand Hotel in the center of the harbor district.
It was one of the most luxurious hotels in Reno Harbor.
The guests who could afford to stay there usually possessed extraordinary identities and considerable strength.
The exterior design of the Blue Star Grand Hotel was filled with the distinctive style of the Silverblue Empire.
Its streamlined architecture was paired with blue and white colors, creating an appearance that was both elegant and modern.
Clearly, the Starlight Knights had chosen this hotel for more than its luxurious surroundings.
Their accommodation also served to display the status and prestige of the Silverblue Empire.
"Welcome to the Blue Star Grand Hotel."
The doorman greeted Rowan politely.
"How may I assist you?"
"I'd like to meet the person in charge of the Starlight Knights of the Silverblue Empire," Rowan said directly. "I'm a Mediation Officer from the Virtual Universe Company. I have an important matter to discuss with them."
The moment he heard the name Virtual Universe Company, the doorman immediately became more respectful.
"Please wait a moment. I'll contact them right away."
It did not take long.
A young warrior wearing a silver-blue uniform soon walked out.
Judging from the energy fluctuations radiating from his body, he possessed at least the strength of a fifth-stage Stellar warrior.
He was likely a mid-ranking officer within the Starlight Knights.
"A Mediation Officer from the Virtual Universe Company?"
The young warrior looked surprised.
"I'm Allen Clark, Vice Captain of the Starlight Knights. May I ask why you've come to see us?"
"I'd like to meet Captain Carlos Vega," Rowan said politely. "There are several important matters regarding the current situation in Reno Harbor that I would like to discuss with him."
Allen thought for a moment.
"Please wait. I need to report this to the captain."
Ten minutes later, Allen returned.
"The captain has agreed to meet you. Please follow me."
Rowan followed Allen into the hotel.
They took an elevator to the luxurious suite area on the top floor.
The Starlight Knights had clearly booked the entire floor.
Several fully armed knights could be seen standing guard along the corridor.
"The captain is inside."
Allen stopped in front of a luxurious suite.
"Please go in."
Rowan pushed open the door.
Inside, he saw a tall, imposing middle-aged man.
This was Carlos Vega, the captain of the Silverblue Empire's Starlight Knights.
A top-tier ninth-stage Stellar warrior.
Carlos possessed the classic appearance of a Silverblue Empire noble.
He had golden hair, blue eyes, and sharply defined features.
He wore an exquisite military uniform decorated with numerous medals of honor.
His entire presence radiated the natural authority of a leader.
Most striking of all was the faint glow surrounding his body.
It was the result of years of cultivating the Laws of Light.
"A Mediation Officer from the Virtual Universe Company."
Carlos immediately stood up.
"I've heard a great deal about you. I am Carlos Vega. It is an honor to meet you."
"The honor is mine, Captain Vega."
Rowan shook his hand.
"I'm Rowan. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me."
"Please, have a seat."
Carlos gestured toward the sofa.
"Would you like something to drink? We brought some of the finest Nebula Coffee from the Silverblue Empire."
"Thank you. Coffee would be fine."
Rowan accepted the courteous offer.
While Vice Captain Allen prepared coffee for them, Carlos began the conversation.
"To be honest, I was somewhat surprised."
Carlos spoke frankly.
"I didn't expect the Virtual Universe Company to send a Mediation Officer to contact us."
"We were actually on vacation in Reno Harbor," Rowan decided to take an honest approach. "But the company received reports about the current situation and asked us to help maintain order here."
"Vacation?"
Carlos looked genuinely surprised.
"That certainly is quite a coincidence."
"Yes. But since we've encountered a situation like this, we naturally have a responsibility to do what we can."
Rowan smiled.
"The Virtual Universe Company has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability throughout the universe."
"We're well aware of that, and we respect it greatly," Carlos said sincerely. "The Silverblue Empire has always maintained a good relationship with the Virtual Universe Company."
"Then may I ask about the purpose of your visit to Reno Harbor?" Rowan asked directly. "We want to understand the intentions of all parties so we can better maintain order."
Carlos fell silent for a moment.
He was clearly weighing how much information he should reveal.
"Since you've been so honest with me, I won't hide anything from you."
Carlos eventually decided to speak openly.
"We did come here because of Storm King Severus."
"But our objective isn't entirely about treasure hunting."
"Oh?"
Rowan showed interest.
"We received some special intelligence," Carlos said, lowering his voice. "Information concerning the true cause of Severus's death."
He paused.
"We suspect he didn't die accidentally while exploring an ancient ruin."
"You mean he was murdered?"
Rowan deliberately acted surprised.
In reality, he had already heard the same rumor the previous day.
"It's very possible."
Carlos nodded.
"And the killer must possess extraordinary strength. Killing a King-Level Immortal is not something an ordinary person could accomplish."
"That is indeed a serious matter," Rowan said thoughtfully. "If that's true, then the killer could pose a threat to the security of the entire galaxy."
"Exactly."
Carlos nodded.
"Although the Silverblue Empire's strength is limited compared to the great super-organizations, we still have a responsibility to contribute to the security of the universe."
He looked serious.
"That's why we've come here to uncover the truth."
"Then does your team have a specific investigation plan?"
"We intend to begin with the last known location of Storm King Severus," Carlos explained. "According to the information we possess, he was last active in the deep-sea region near Reno Harbor."
"Investigating the deep sea is certainly a good direction."
Rowan nodded.
"However, I'd like to remind you of something. The situation in Reno Harbor is currently quite complicated."
"You're referring to the involvement of other forces?"
Carlos clearly already knew about the situation.
"Yes. Based on our observations, several other major organizations have also sent delegations here."
Rowan paused.
"Most notably, the Shadowblade Legion of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire."
The moment he heard that name, Carlos's expression immediately became serious.
"Mordred Blackstone came too?"
There was a trace of hostility in his voice.
"That treacherous bastard."
"It seems you're quite familiar with Mr. Blackstone," Rowan said carefully.
"We're old rivals."
Carlos did not hide anything.
"Over the past ten years, we've fought each other more than ten times."
His eyes narrowed.
"That man specializes in assassination and intrigue. He's extremely dangerous."
"In the current situation, if the two of you were to clash, it would be disastrous for the ordinary citizens of Reno Harbor."
Rowan expressed his concern directly.
"Of course I understand that."
Carlos gave him a firm assurance.
"The Starlight Knights have always considered protecting the innocent our duty. We will not launch an attack in an area crowded with civilians."
"That's good."
Rowan visibly relaxed.
"Actually, there's another matter I wanted to discuss with you today."
"What matter?"
Carlos looked curious.
"Since our objectives are both centered around peace and justice, why don't we consider cooperating?"
Rowan presented his proposal.
"The Virtual Universe Company can provide assistance to your team within the limits of what we can reasonably do."
The suggestion immediately caught Carlos's attention.
"What exactly do you mean?"
Carlos wanted more details.
"For example, intelligence sharing."
Rowan explained the proposal.
"The Virtual Universe Company has its own intelligence network in Reno Harbor. We can provide you with relevant information as soon as we obtain it."
He continued.
"If you require technical support or logistical assistance during your investigation, we can also help."
"That proposal is quite attractive," Carlos admitted. "But why would the Virtual Universe Company be willing to help us?"
"Because our goals are the same."
Rowan spoke sincerely.
"If there really is a murderer capable of killing a King-Level Immortal operating in this region, then uncovering the truth benefits everyone."
He smiled slightly.
"Besides, we know the reputation of the Starlight Knights. You are a genuine force for justice."
Carlos was deeply moved by those words.
"You're right."
He stood up and extended his hand.
"Justice belongs to no single faction."
"On behalf of the Starlight Knights, I accept your offer of cooperation."
"I'm glad we can work together."
Rowan shook his hand again.
"I believe our cooperation will be a pleasant one."
"Then what form will this cooperation take?"
Carlos asked for the details.
"I suggest we establish a direct communication channel."
Rowan presented his proposal.
"We can maintain constant information exchange. In addition, if your investigation requires coordination, we can help you communicate with the local government."
"That would be extremely useful."
Carlos nodded.
"To be honest, we don't know Reno Harbor well enough. Coordinating with the local authorities is indeed a problem."
"There's one more thing."
Rowan continued.
"If you encounter interference from other forces, especially provocation from the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, we can provide mediation services and help prevent unnecessary conflict."
"That may be even more important."
Carlos spoke with genuine gratitude.
"To be honest, I'm worried that Mordred may deliberately provoke a confrontation."
He smiled.
"With the Virtual Universe Company's mediation officers involved, we can focus on our investigation instead."
After the meeting with Carlos ended, Rowan left the Blue Star Grand Hotel.
When he returned to the hotel room, Silvermoon was already waiting for him.
Judging from her expression, she had clearly made an important discovery as well.
"How did it go?"
Rowan asked first.
"What happened with the Shadowblade Legion?"
"It's complicated."
Silvermoon shook her head.
"Mordred Blackstone is even more cunning than I expected."
"On the surface, he appeared cooperative, but he didn't reveal any useful information."
"What exactly happened?"
Rowan sat down, preparing to hear her full report.
"They're staying in a private club in the lower district. The entire place is under their control."
Silvermoon began explaining.
"I requested a meeting as a Mediation Officer from the Virtual Universe Company."
"They made me wait for two hours before finally arranging it."
"Sounds like they were rather cold toward us."
Rowan analyzed the situation.
"Not merely cold."
Silvermoon corrected him.
"They were extremely wary."
"When I met Mordred, he kept watching me with suspicion. It was as if he was trying to determine our true objective."
"Did he reveal anything about their operational plans?"
"Absolutely nothing."
Silvermoon gave a bitter smile.
"He only said that the Shadowblade Legion had come to Reno Harbor to carry out a secret mission for the empire."
"According to him, the details involved state secrets and could not be disclosed."
"That answer certainly fits their style."
Rowan nodded.
"The Shadowblade Legion of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire has always been known for its secrecy."
"The more troublesome part is that I don't think he has a friendly attitude toward the Virtual Universe Company."
Silvermoon looked concerned.
"He repeatedly implied that our involvement was unnecessary."
She paused.
"He even suggested that we might interfere with their operations."
After listening to Silvermoon's report, Rowan fell into deep thought.
The two imperial delegations had displayed completely different attitudes.
That made the already complicated situation even more difficult to understand.
"It seems we need to change our strategy."
Rowan finally spoke.
"Official diplomatic contact alone won't get us enough information."
"You have an idea?"
Silvermoon immediately understood what he was thinking.
"We need to gain a deeper understanding of the situation."
Rowan explained.
"The best way is to personally participate in the exploration."
"You mean joining one of the exploration teams?"
Silvermoon's eyes lit up.
"That really is a good idea. As members of a team, we can obtain information directly from the source."
"And we can also better protect the ordinary explorers."
Rowan continued.
"If there truly is a dangerous existence capable of killing a King-Level Immortal, those people could easily become sacrifices."
"Then we'll have to hide our true identities."
Silvermoon analyzed the situation.
"We can't let anyone know that we're Mediation Officers from the Virtual Universe Company."
"Exactly."
Rowan nodded.
"We can disguise ourselves as ordinary high-level warriors and participate in the exploration as independent individuals."
"The question is which team to join."
Silvermoon began considering the practical details.
"Based on our observations, there are at least several dozen different exploration teams in Reno Harbor right now."
"We need to choose the right one."
Rowan analyzed the situation.
"It needs to be strong enough to keep us safe, but not so powerful that we can't blend in."
"And preferably an open team that's willing to accept new members."
Silvermoon added.
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