Thor could not suppress his curiosity any longer.
"Since we're all part of the same team," he said, leaning forward slightly, "can you tell us what exactly we're transporting this time?"
Shadow's expression shifted ever so slightly.
"Well… that…"
"Thor," Hong interrupted calmly before he could continue. "Some things are better left unknown."
"Hong is right," Rowan added with a faint smile. "Our job is simply to complete the mission."
Thor clicked his tongue in mild annoyance, but he did not press the matter further.
"Very good." Shadow nodded with satisfaction. "Your rooms have already been arranged. Please make yourselves comfortable. The ship is equipped with complete facilities. If you need anything, you may call for the service robots at any time."
After saying that, he turned and walked away.
"That man isn't simple," Hong said quietly as he watched Shadow's departing figure.
"Indeed." Rowan nodded thoughtfully. "There's a kind of danger about him. It's hard to explain, but you can feel it."
The four of them were assigned to the VIP section of the spacecraft, each receiving a luxurious private suite. Inside the room were not only soft beds and elegant furnishings, but also a personal training chamber and various entertainment facilities.
"Not bad at all," Thor said as he flopped onto the soft bed. "This is better than where we usually stay."
Just then, a service robot rolled into the room with a dining cart.
"Honored guests, this is your prepared lunch," the robot said in a pleasant, gentle voice.
The cart was filled with a dazzling variety of dishes. There were delicacies imported from distant star systems, as well as specially designed energy meals meant for cultivators.
"This is way too luxurious," Thor said in surprise.
"It seems the Third Prince places great importance on this mission," Hong said thoughtfully.
Over the next few days, the four of them lived quite comfortably aboard the spacecraft. Aside from their daily training, they enjoyed the ship's various services. Still, none of them lowered their guard. They constantly paid attention to the ship's movements and surroundings.
On the third night, Rowan was practicing the Law of Fire inside the training room when he suddenly felt a powerful aura coming from the direction of the cargo hold.
"What is that…"
His eyes snapped open, his expression turning serious.
Almost at the same time, Hong and Luo Feng sensed it as well. The three of them stepped out of their rooms and met each other in the corridor.
"You felt it too?" Hong asked.
"Yes," Luo Feng nodded. "A very strong energy fluctuation."
"Should we take a look?" Rowan asked.
The three exchanged glances. In the end, they decided against it. Since Brolin had deliberately kept the cargo a secret, there must be a reason.
However, the next morning at breakfast, Thor brought it up.
"Did you guys feel that last night? There was a huge energy surge near the cargo hold."
"Thor," Hong said, giving him a warning look.
"I'm just curious," Thor muttered. "Something that secretive definitely isn't ordinary cargo."
"Curiosity can be dangerous," Rowan reminded him calmly. "Some secrets are better left undiscovered."
At that moment, Shadow suddenly appeared at the entrance of the dining hall.
"Everyone, we will soon be entering the Meteor Belt. Please prepare yourselves."
The casual conversation ended immediately. Everyone's expressions turned serious.
The Meteor Belt was the first natural barrier of the Chaotic Star Region. Countless meteors of all sizes rushed through the area at terrifying speeds. One mistake could easily result in the destruction of an entire ship.
"All personnel report to the control room," Shadow ordered through the communicator.
Soon, all combat personnel, including Rowan and his companions, gathered inside the control room. Through the panoramic observation window, they could see an endless swarm of asteroids drifting ahead.
"The Meteor Belt stretches for approximately three light-years," Shadow explained while pointing at the star map. "We must pass through the most dangerous central region. Estimated time is six hours."
"Why not take a detour?" Thor asked.
"There isn't enough time," Shadow replied briefly. "And there are pirate monitoring stations along the outer edges. That route is even more dangerous."
The spacecraft began slowing down as it cautiously entered the meteor field. The pilot was clearly an experienced veteran, skillfully maneuvering the vessel through the chaotic storm of rock and debris.
Suddenly, alarms blared.
"Unidentified flying objects detected!" the radar operator shouted.
The holographic screen displayed three small warships emerging from the asteroid field, rapidly approaching them.
"They belong to the Meteor Gang," Shadow said grimly. "They specialize in robbing passing ships here."
"Should we fight?" Ironwall asked.
"No. Maintain course," Shadow ordered decisively. "Our mission is to deliver the cargo, not engage in battle."
Unfortunately, the pirates had no intention of letting them pass peacefully. The three warships began launching missiles, attempting to force the transport ship to stop.
"Activate the defense system!" Shadow commanded.
The ship's shields lit up, blocking most of the attacks. However, fighting inside the meteor belt was extremely risky. Any large explosion could trigger a devastating chain reaction.
"Let me handle it," Rowan said, stepping forward. "I can clear a path using the Law of Fire."
Shadow hesitated briefly, then nodded.
Rowan moved to the combat platform on top of the spacecraft, the Starflare Riftblade gleaming in his hand.
"Law of Fire: Meteoric Flame Rain!"
Countless blazing fireballs erupted from the blade, shooting through space and precisely destroying the meteors that threatened the ship. At the same time, several blazing fire dragons spiraled around the spacecraft, forming a moving shield.
"Well done!" the pilot praised as he accelerated through the newly cleared path.
The Meteor Gang warships tried to pursue them, but the dense asteroid field blocked their advance. All they could do was watch the transport ship disappear into the distance.
"That's the first hurdle cleared," Shadow said with relief.
But Rowan knew the real challenges were still ahead. The Magnetic Storm Zone and the Pirate Nest were both far more dangerous than the meteor belt.
The next two days were relatively calm. The ship sailed steadily through the starry void while everyone prepared for the coming dangers.
Rowan noticed that although their mysterious teammates appeared friendly on the surface, they always kept a certain distance. Shadow in particular rarely spoke to them beyond necessary commands.
"These people definitely have secrets," Thor whispered to Rowan privately.
"Everyone has secrets," Rowan replied with a light smile. "As long as they don't interfere with the mission, it doesn't matter."
On the fifth day, the spacecraft entered the Magnetic Storm Zone.
Powerful magnetic storms raged throughout the region, capable of disrupting almost all electronic equipment.
"From this point forward, we must rely on manual piloting," Shadow announced. "Everyone stay alert."
The magnetic storms affected not only machines but also cultivators. Rowan could feel the Law of Fire within his body becoming unstable, forcing him to concentrate harder to maintain control.
"This place is awful," Thor complained. His lightning abilities were affected more than anyone else's.
At that moment, a massive magnetic storm suddenly struck. The entire spacecraft shook violently as alarms rang everywhere.
"Hold steady!" Shadow shouted.
At the critical moment, Hong stepped forward. He activated the Origin of Light, forming a unique energy field that neutralized part of the magnetic interference.
"It's working!" the pilot exclaimed. "The interference is weakening!"
With Hong's help, the spacecraft finally managed to struggle through the magnetic storm zone.
"Thanks to you," Shadow said, offering them a sincere smile for the first time.
"It's nothing," Hong replied modestly.
After that crisis, Rowan noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere aboard the ship. The mysterious teammates now looked at them with a little more respect.
But the greatest test still lay ahead: the Pirate Nest.
It was the most dangerous part of the Chaotic Star Region, a gathering place for the most ruthless pirates.
"Tomorrow we will enter the Pirate Nest," Shadow announced during dinner. "This will be the most difficult battle. Prepare yourselves."
Everyone nodded silently, the mood turning heavy.
Early on the seventh morning, the spacecraft entered the most dangerous area of the Chaotic Star Region.
The Pirate Nest.
This was the core territory of three major pirate factions. Countless modified warships drifted among the asteroids like hungry wolves searching for prey.
"All personnel to battle positions," Shadow ordered through the communicator. "We must pass through this region as quickly as possible."
Rowan stood before the observation window. Through the enhanced scanner, dozens of suspicious energy signals flickered in the distance.
"They've already noticed us," Hong said with a frown. "There's no way we'll slip through quietly."
Sure enough, ten minutes later the alarms sounded again.
"Enemy ships detected! More than twenty!" the radar operator reported nervously.
The holographic display showed pirate warships approaching from every direction. Leading them was a massive modified carrier, its hull painted with a blood-red skull symbol.
"The Blood Skull Pirates," Shadow said gravely. "They're the most vicious force in this sector."
"Should we fight?" Ironwall asked, clenching his fists.
"No. Protecting the cargo is our top priority," Shadow replied decisively. "Full speed ahead. Avoid combat whenever possible."
The ship's engines roared as it attempted to break through the encirclement.
But the pirates had clearly prepared in advance.
"They've deployed a magnetic net ahead!" the pilot cried.
A massive magnetic field spread across the entire area, forcibly slowing the spacecraft.
"Damn it!" Shadow cursed. "Prepare for battle!"
Missiles and energy beams poured toward them as the pirate fleet opened fire. Although the ship's shields were strong, cracks began appearing under the relentless assault.
"Let me go out there," Thor suddenly said. "I can deal with those pests."
"That's too dangerous," Shadow replied, shaking his head. "One mistake in space combat could cost your life."
"Relax. I know what I'm doing." Thor grinned confidently. "Besides, if we keep taking hits like this, we're finished anyway."
Shadow hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.
"Be careful."
Thor put on a specially designed space battle suit and entered the airlock. When the hatch opened, he shot directly out into space.
"That guy is insane," Windblade muttered while watching him leave.
Floating above the spacecraft, Thor was surrounded by crackling lightning. In the vacuum of space, his thunder powers became even easier to unleash.
"Come on," he shouted. "Let me show you the true power of thunder!"
He raised both hands as the Law of Thunder erupted from his body. Countless bolts of lightning gathered around him, forming a vast storm domain.
"Thunder Law: Heavenly Judgment!"
Massive pillars of lightning shot from the domain, striking pirate warships with terrifying precision. Ships hit by the blasts immediately lost power, and some exploded outright.
The pirates had clearly not expected such a powerful opponent. Their formation quickly fell into chaos.
At that moment, Thor noticed several pirate squads approaching the transport ship using jetpacks. They carried cutting tools, clearly planning to force their way aboard.
"Trying to sneak in? Not happening!"
Thor flashed forward instantly. In the vacuum of space, his speed was even faster, like living lightning.
"Thunder Chain Strike!"
He transformed into a streak of electricity, weaving through the pirates. Each pirate he passed received a glowing lightning mark.
When Thor finally stopped, every marked pirate erupted in brilliant electric explosions.
Their screams came through the communicator, though in the vacuum of space no sound could truly be heard. Dozens of pirate bodies drifted silently through the void.
"This guy…" Shadow stared at the monitor, swallowing hard. "He's even stronger than our intelligence reports said."
Rowan and Hong exchanged amused glances. They were not surprised at all.
After Thor's devastating attack, the pirate assault weakened dramatically. The remaining warships began retreating, clearly frightened.
"Excellent work!" Shadow said through the communicator. "Get back here. We're breaking through!"
Thor returned to the ship with a smug smile.
"See? I told you there wouldn't be a problem."
"Impressive," Ironwall said sincerely. "You destroyed an entire pirate fleet by yourself."
Taking advantage of the pirates' confusion, the spacecraft accelerated and finally broke through the blockade.
"Ten light-years ahead lies a neutral port," Shadow said while checking the star map. "We can resupply and rest there."
Two hours later, a massive space city appeared in the distance.
This was the famous Freeport, one of the few neutral zones within the Chaotic Star Region.
"Welcome to Freeport," the harbor controller's voice came through the communicator. "Please state your identity and purpose."
"Transport ship XH-779 requesting docking for resupply," Shadow replied.
After several inspections, the spacecraft was cleared to enter.
Freeport was built inside a modified asteroid. Its massive interior could accommodate thousands of spacecraft. Merchants, adventurers, and even former pirates gathered here from across the galaxy.
"We'll stay here for six hours," Shadow announced. "You may move freely, but don't cause trouble."
Rowan and his companions stepped out of the spacecraft together, immediately drawn to the bustling atmosphere.
"It's livelier than I expected," Rowan said while looking around.
Shops lined both sides of the street, selling goods from countless star systems. Rare minerals, high-tech equipment, exotic medicinal herbs, and even some restricted items were openly displayed.
"Look over there," Thor said excitedly. "A weapons shop. Let's check it out."
The four entered the shop and were immediately dazzled by the variety of weapons.
"Welcome," said the shop owner, a middle-aged man with a thick beard. "What can I get for you?"
"We're just browsing," Hong replied.
Rowan's eyes were drawn to a uniquely shaped short sword. The blade glowed with a faint crimson hue, and mysterious runes were carved along its surface.
"Good eye," the shop owner said with a smile. "That's the Fire Spirit Sword, forged from volcanic meteorite iron. It's especially suitable for cultivators who train in fire-type laws."
"How much?" Rowan asked.
"Five million universe credits."
Rowan shook his head. It was indeed a fine weapon, but he already possessed the Starflare Riftblade.
After browsing for a while, the four of them headed to the food district of the port. Dishes from countless star systems filled the air with mouthwatering aromas.
"Let's try that place," Thor said, pointing at a barbecue shop. "I heard they use star beast meat."
They sat down and ordered a large table full of food.
"This mission is more exciting than I expected," Thor said between bites. "Dangerous, sure… but pretty fun too."