"No, Master," Rowan quickly explained. "A friend of mine invited me on an expedition to the Mist Forbidden Zone. According to the information we've gathered, there may be ancient ruins there that could help with psychic cultivation."
"The Mist Forbidden Zone?" Aria's expression immediately turned serious. "That is an extremely dangerous place. Are you certain you want to go?"
"I know it's dangerous," Rowan replied honestly. "But I believe this may be a rare opportunity. Besides, my friend is very powerful. Our safety should be reasonably assured."
Aria remained silent for a moment, carefully considering his request.
"Who is this friend? How strong is he?"
"Luo Feng. He's also from Earth," Rowan answered. "He recently completed a successful interstellar expedition. His strength should be at least at the Stellar Rank."
"Stellar Rank is respectable," Aria said with a nod. "But the dangers of the Mist Forbidden Zone aren't limited to powerful enemies. The environment itself is filled with unknown threats."
"I understand, Master," Rowan said sincerely. "But true growth comes through real-world experience. Knowledge learned from books only becomes true strength when tested in practice."
Aria studied him for a long moment.
"You make a valid point."
She slowly folded her arms.
"And the Mist Forbidden Zone may indeed contain relics beneficial to psychic cultivation."
A glimmer of hope appeared in Rowan's eyes.
"Does that mean...?"
"I approve."
Rowan nearly smiled from ear to ear.
"However, I have conditions."
"Please tell me."
"First, you may not be gone for more than one month. Princess Silvermoon will arrive soon, and we still have important duties to carry out afterward."
"No problem. Our expedition is expected to last around three weeks."
"Second."
Aria opened a drawer and retrieved an exquisite silver charm.
"You must carry this."
Rowan accepted it carefully.
"What is it?"
"A Psychic Protection Talisman. In a critical moment, it can shield your mind from spiritual attacks."
"Thank you, Master."
"And finally."
Her expression grew even more solemn.
"If you encounter any danger beyond your ability to handle, retreat immediately. Do not force your way through. No treasure is worth your life."
"I understand."
Rowan nodded seriously.
"Good."
Aria waved her hand.
"Go. Stay safe. And when you return, bring me some interesting stories from your journey."
"I definitely will!"
With a grateful bow, Rowan hurried out of the institute.
Back at his residence, Luo Feng was studying a detailed exploration route map.
The moment he saw Rowan's excited expression, he already knew the answer.
"Well? Did Master Aria agree?"
"She did!"
Rowan couldn't hide his excitement.
"She even gave me a Psychic Protection Talisman. She said it can protect my mind in emergencies."
"That's fantastic!"
Luo Feng practically jumped out of his chair.
"So when do we leave?"
"As soon as possible," Rowan replied. "Although I still need to finish a few preparations first."
"No problem. I need to do one final equipment inspection anyway."
Luo Feng grinned.
"How about tomorrow morning?"
"Deal."
Rowan extended his hand.
"Deal!"
The two clasped hands firmly.
Three days later.
At dawn, within the private starport of Virtual Universe Company Headquarters, a medium-sized exploration vessel was undergoing its final launch preparations.
The ship, named the Starlight, was Luo Feng's personal spacecraft.
It wasn't luxurious, but it was fully equipped and perfectly suited for long-range interstellar travel.
"All systems checked."
Luo Feng sat in the pilot's seat, skillfully operating the controls.
"Fuel reserves are full. Navigation systems are functioning normally. Rowan, we're ready to depart at any time."
Standing beside the co-pilot's seat, Rowan took one last look through the observation window.
The magnificent headquarters of the Virtual Universe Company stretched across space like a shining city among the stars.
Over the past three days, they had prepared thoroughly.
Supplies.
Protective equipment.
Detection instruments.
Emergency medical kits.
Everything they could possibly need.
Meanwhile, Aria's Psychic Protection Talisman rested safely against Rowan's chest, becoming perhaps the most valuable item he carried.
"Let's go."
He sat down and fastened his seatbelt.
"Destination: Mist Forbidden Zone."
"Roger that!"
Luo Feng activated the engines.
The spacecraft slowly lifted off.
With a powerful roar, the Starlight departed the headquarters and entered the endless sea of stars.
Outside the window, the colossal space city gradually shrank until it vanished entirely into the darkness.
"How are you feeling?"
As the ship entered faster-than-light travel mode, Luo Feng glanced over.
"Your first adventure with me. Nervous?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."
Rowan laughed.
"But honestly, I'm more excited than nervous. Places like the Mist Forbidden Zone aren't something you get to explore every day."
"Haha! That's the Rowan I know."
Luo Feng laughed heartily.
"Relax. The place is dangerous, sure, but we've prepared thoroughly. And I've gained plenty of expedition experience recently."
Over the next two days, the Starlight traveled steadily through the cosmos.
The two alternated shifts to ensure the vessel remained on course.
During their free time, they exchanged cultivation insights and discussed plans for the upcoming expedition.
On the evening of the second day, Luo Feng brought up an important topic.
"According to the information I gathered, the fog inside the Mist Forbidden Zone isn't ordinary vapor."
"What is it then?" Rowan asked.
"A special substance infused with unknown energy. It interferes with most detection equipment."
"So once we enter the fog, many of our advanced devices will become useless?"
"Exactly."
Luo Feng nodded.
"That's one of the main reasons the area is so dangerous. Fortunately, I've acquired some specialized navigation equipment. It should help us maintain our bearings inside the fog."
"Let's hope it works."
Rowan crossed his arms.
"Getting lost in a completely unknown environment sounds like a good way to die."
On the morning of the third day, the Starlight finally approached its destination.
Both men stood frozen by the sight before them.
Ahead, an enormous mass of silver-gray fog drifted through space like a living creature.
It covered the equivalent of several star systems.
The edges shifted constantly, expanding and contracting in irregular patterns.
The entire phenomenon radiated mystery and unease.
"So that's the Mist Forbidden Zone."
Luo Feng pointed ahead.
"It's even more spectacular than I imagined."
"Spectacular, yes."
Rowan narrowed his eyes.
"But it also looks incredibly dangerous."
He pointed toward the fog's edge.
"See those strange flashes of light?"
"Probably energy fluctuations," Luo Feng explained.
"Legends say the fog contains powerful unknown energies that can produce all sorts of strange effects on nearby objects."
At that exact moment, a piercing alarm suddenly echoed throughout the ship.
WARNING!
The ship's artificial intelligence activated immediately.
"High-energy signatures detected."
"Large spacecraft approaching."
Luo Feng instantly switched to radar view.
Three enormous light signals appeared on the screen, rapidly closing in on their position.
"Three large warships."
His brows furrowed.
"At least heavy-cruiser class from the looks of them. What are they doing out here?"
"Maybe they're here to explore the Mist Forbidden Zone too?"
"Possibly, but..."
Before he could finish, the communication console lit up.
A rough, intimidating voice filled the cabin.
"This is the Black Shark Mercenary Corps. Small vessel ahead, halt immediately and submit to inspection!"
Rowan and Luo Feng exchanged wary glances.
"Mercenaries?"
"We're legitimate explorers," Luo Feng replied calmly. "On what authority are you demanding an inspection?"
A mocking laugh echoed through the speakers.
"Kid, you clearly don't understand how things work around here."
The voice grew colder.
"In the territory surrounding the Mist Forbidden Zone, the Black Shark Mercenary Corps makes the rules."
"You have two choices."
"Stop your ship peacefully."
"Or let our cannons blast you into dust."
Luo Feng's expression darkened.
"These bastards are basically pirates."
"Stay calm."
Rowan placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Let's assess the situation first."
At that point, the three warships had entered visual range.
Each one was over ten times larger than the Starlight.
Their hulls were painted in black-and-red camouflage patterns that radiated aggression.
More importantly, all three ships had already locked their main cannons onto the Starlight.
They could fire at any moment.
"Damn it."
Luo Feng stared at the targeting alerts on the radar.
"They aren't bluffing."
"No."
Rowan's voice remained calm.
"And fighting three heavy warships head-on would be suicide."
"So what do we do?"
Luo Feng clenched his fists.
"Just bow to these thugs?"
"Pretend to cooperate."
Rowan's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"Let's find out what they really want. Then we'll look for an opportunity to get out."
Though reluctant, Luo Feng knew Rowan was right.
Now was not the time for pride.
Activating the communicator, he responded:
"We agree to stop. But we'd like an explanation for this inspection."
"Hahaha! Now you're talking."
The voice sounded highly pleased.
"As for the reason... you'll find out after boarding our flagship."
"Shut down your engines immediately and wait for our shuttle."
A few minutes later, a small shuttle departed from the largest warship and headed directly toward the Starlight.
All Rowan and Luo Feng could do was watch it approach while quietly considering their options.
"Remember," Rowan whispered, "no matter what happens, don't act recklessly."
"Our priority is staying alive and completing the expedition."
"I know."
Luo Feng nodded.
Though his fists remained tightly clenched.
"But if they push things too far, I won't just stand there and take it."
After docking with the Starlight, several heavily armed mercenaries boarded.
Leading them was a burly middle-aged man with a thick beard.
A high-powered laser pistol hung from his waist.
One glance was enough to tell he was a veteran soldier.
"So you're the two kids?"
The bearded man looked them over.
"You seem pretty young. What organization are you from?"
"We're independent explorers," Rowan answered calmly.
"We came here to explore the Mist Forbidden Zone."
"Independent explorers?"
The man burst out laughing.
"Kid, do you even know how dangerous that place is? With just the two of you, you're walking straight into your graves."
"That's our choice," Luo Feng shot back.
"It has nothing to do with you."
"Oh?"
The man's eyes narrowed.
"So you've got some attitude."
A dangerous aura radiated from him.
"Too bad you're wrong."
"This has everything to do with us now."
"What do you mean?" Rowan asked.
"Our captain has taken an interest in you two."
The bearded man grinned.
"He's decided to invite you to join our expedition team."
"And if we refuse?" Luo Feng asked directly.
"Refuse?"
The grin became downright menacing.
"Kid, nobody refuses an invitation from the Black Shark Mercenary Corps."
"You have only two options."
"Join us."
"Or become space debris."
He deliberately patted the laser pistol at his waist.
The threat could not have been more obvious.
Rowan inhaled slowly.
"Looks like we don't have much choice."
"We'll join your expedition team temporarily."
"But we'd like to know the details of the plan."
"Now that's more like it."
The bearded man nodded approvingly.
"The captain will explain everything personally."
"Come with us."
"Your ship will be transferred to the flagship."
"Our equipment..." Luo Feng began.
"Relax."
The man cut him off.
"Your belongings won't disappear."
"But from this moment onward, you're temporary members of the Black Shark Mercenary Corps."
His gaze hardened.
"And that means one thing."
"You follow orders."
Rowan and Luo Feng exchanged helpless looks.
The situation was heavily stacked against them.
For now, cooperation was their only option.
"Let's go," Rowan said quietly.
"Let's meet this captain."
The two followed the bearded mercenary onto the shuttle.
Through the window, they watched the Starlight become trapped within a tractor beam and slowly dragged toward the flagship's cargo bay.
"Your ship will be taken care of," the bearded man said, noticing their concern.
"As long as we work well together, you'll get it back after the expedition."
"And if we don't?" Luo Feng asked coldly.
"Then you won't need it anymore."
The threat was delivered without the slightest attempt to hide it.
The shuttle soon arrived at the flagship.
The massive warship, the Black Shark, possessed a vast and intricate interior.
Metallic corridors stretched endlessly in every direction.
Armed mercenaries patrolled every passageway.
The entire vessel radiated a grim, militaristic atmosphere.
"The captain is waiting for you in the command center."
The bearded man led them through corridor after corridor.
"Remember this."
His voice turned serious.
"When you meet the captain, show some respect."
"He doesn't like rude people."
-------------------------------
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