Marvel: A Portal to the World of Swallowed Star

Chapter 338 338: A Complex Scheme

This question was crucial.

Rowan's analysis had already helped them uncover the true nature of the attack. If he were a spy, such insight would only harm the enemy's interests.

"Therefore, Rowan can be excluded as a suspect," Arois concluded calmly.

"Then we continue investigating the others," Emperor Yan said.

The investigation that followed became even more detailed and meticulous. Every individual with knowledge of the mission was examined thoroughly. Their backgrounds, motives, and opportunities were all reviewed with precision.

Yet the result was frustrating.

Every person directly involved in the operation was proven innocent.

"That's strange," Emperor Yan said, frowning. "If everyone directly involved is clean, then how was the information leaked?"

"There are several possibilities," Arois replied, his tone analytical. "First, the spy is not on this ship, but somewhere else, possibly at headquarters. Second, the method of information leakage is highly concealed, and we have not detected it. Third…"

"What is the third?" Rowan asked.

"The spy's rank is extremely high," Arois said gravely. "So high that we hesitate to suspect them. It could even be someone among the upper ranks of the Great Axe Arena."

The room fell silent.

If that were true, the implications were severe.

"That seems unlikely," Emperor Yan said, though his voice lacked conviction. "The upper ranks are carefully selected. They shouldn't have any reason to betray us."

"There is always a reason," Arois replied. "Power, wealth, revenge, or coercion. Any of these can drive betrayal."

"Then what should we do?" Emperor Yan asked.

"This investigation cannot continue here," Arois decided. "We need to return to headquarters for a deeper inquiry."

"But what about Blue Crystal Star?" Emperor Yan asked, concern evident. "The enemy might return."

"I will remain here," Arois said. "With me present, they will not dare act recklessly. You, however, must return and assist with the investigation."

"I understand," Emperor Yan nodded.

"Rowan, do you have any thoughts?" Arois asked suddenly.

Rowan paused, thinking carefully before speaking.

"I believe we may have overlooked an important clue."

"What clue?"

"How did you know this place was in danger?" Rowan asked. "You said headquarters informed you, but how did they know what was happening here?"

Arois was momentarily taken aback.

That was indeed a key question.

"The message I received said Blue Crystal Star might face a large-scale attack and ordered me to provide immediate support," Arois recalled. "But it didn't specify the source of the information."

"That's exactly the problem," Rowan said. "If we have a spy, why would they inform headquarters to send reinforcements? That works against the enemy."

"Unless…" Emperor Yan's eyes sharpened. "Unless there are two spies. One working for the enemy, and one working for us."

"Or," Rowan added, "it could be a double agent. Someone who provides intelligence to the enemy while also protecting us to a certain extent."

The possibility made the situation far more complicated.

"There is another possibility," Arois said. "This so-called spy might actually be placed by us, without our knowledge."

"What do you mean?" Emperor Yan asked.

"The higher-ups of the Great Axe Arena may be playing a much larger game," Arois explained. "They could be deliberately leaking certain information to lure the enemy into a trap."

"If that's the case, then we are just pieces on the board," Emperor Yan said, a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice.

"In any game of power, everyone is a piece," Arois replied calmly. "What matters is understanding your position and role."

"So what do we do now?" Rowan asked.

"We proceed as planned," Arois said. "I stay on Blue Crystal Star. You return to headquarters. But we remain vigilant at all times."

"I have a suggestion," Rowan said. "We could deliberately leak false information and observe the enemy's reaction. If a spy exists, they will pass it along, and we can trace the path based on how the enemy responds."

"That's a good idea," Arois nodded. "But it must be executed carefully. We cannot let the spy realize it is a trap."

"We can create multiple versions of false intelligence and give them to different individuals," Rowan elaborated. "Then we observe which version the enemy acts upon."

"Excellent," Emperor Yan praised. "That will allow us to narrow down the suspects step by step."

For now, the investigation came to a pause, but the mystery remained unsolved.

The identity, motive, and objective of the spy were still unclear, and the situation was far more complex than anyone had anticipated.

"No matter what, we must remain cautious," Arois concluded. "This incident is only the beginning. The real test lies ahead."

"I understand," Emperor Yan said. "I will strengthen security measures to ensure no further leaks occur."

"Rowan, you must also be careful," Arois warned. "Although you are no longer a suspect, that does not mean you are safe. The enemy is aware of your existence. They may target you."

"I will be careful," Rowan assured him.

That night passed in silence.

Morning came.

The rising sun filtered through the pale blue atmosphere, casting a dreamlike glow across the planet. Yet inside the command center of the Great Axe Arena, the atmosphere remained tense.

Emperor Yan stood before a holographic star map, carefully planning the return route to headquarters. After the events of the previous day, he fully understood the severity of the internal threat.

"Rowan, prepare your things. We are leaving," he said.

"So soon?" Rowan looked up, a trace of reluctance in his eyes. Though he had only spent two days on Blue Crystal Star, its beauty and the kindness of its people had left a deep impression.

"The situation is urgent," Emperor Yan explained. "And as a key witness, your safety must be ensured."

"My safety?" Rowan frowned slightly. "I am just an analyst. Why would I be in danger?"

"You underestimate yourself," Emperor Yan said seriously. "Your analytical ability has proven its value. Since the enemy knows about you, they may try to eliminate you. Leaving you here is too risky."

From a strategic standpoint, bringing Rowan back to headquarters was the safest option. The defenses there were formidable, nearly impossible to breach even for a King-tier Immortal.

"I understand," Rowan nodded and began packing.

An hour later, the Voidbreaker lifted off once more, leaving the atmosphere of Blue Crystal Star behind.

Through the observation window, Rowan took one last look at the planet. Under the sunlight, it shone like a massive sapphire, radiating a gentle, captivating glow.

"I hope it will still be peaceful the next time I return," he thought quietly.

Arois did not leave with them. He remained behind as a guardian. His presence alone was enough to deter any hostile forces.

"With Lord Arois here, Blue Crystal Star should be safe," Emperor Yan said. "Even ten Immortals would not be able to challenge him."

"Is a King-tier Immortal really that powerful?" Rowan asked.

"The gap between a King-tier Immortal and an ordinary Immortal is as vast as the gap between an Immortal and a common warrior," Emperor Yan explained. "It is not just their mastery of laws, but also their unique techniques and treasures."

"Is there anything beyond that level?"

"Of course," Emperor Yan nodded. "Above King-tier Immortals are Universe Venerables. Above them are Lords of the Universe. And at the very top are the strongest beings in the cosmos."

"The strongest beings…" Rowan repeated, a spark of awe in his eyes.

"They stand at the absolute peak," Emperor Yan said with reverence. "There are only a handful in the entire universe. The founder of the Great Axe Arena is one of them."

They continued discussing the hierarchy of power as the Voidbreaker traveled steadily through space toward headquarters.

But as time passed, an uneasy feeling began to grow within Rowan.

It was subtle, yet persistent.

"What's wrong?" Emperor Yan noticed. "You seem uneasy."

"I'm not sure," Rowan said, frowning. "Something feels off, but I can't pinpoint it."

"Is it the spy situation?"

"Maybe," Rowan replied. "This entire incident feels… strange."

Emperor Yan placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Once we reach headquarters, everything will become clear."

But Rowan's unease did not fade. It intensified.

He began replaying every detail of the past two days.

The enemy's attack. Ten Immortals. Unusual, but explainable.

Arois's timely arrival.

That was the key.

"Wait…" Rowan's eyes narrowed. "How did Lord Arois know there was danger?"

They had discussed this before, but the answer now felt insufficient.

"If headquarters already knew, why didn't they warn Emperor Yan in advance?" Rowan analyzed silently. "Why wait until the battle had already begun?"

The timing was too precise.

If Arois had arrived earlier, the enemy might not have attacked. If he had arrived later, Emperor Yan might have died.

But he arrived at exactly the right moment.

"This level of timing control cannot be a coincidence," Rowan thought, his pulse quickening. "Someone is orchestrating everything."

Who could possibly do that?

They would need authority, foresight, and precise control over the situation.

Rowan began reevaluating everything.

If the enemy truly wanted Blue Crystal Star, why retreat immediately after Arois appeared? With ten Immortals, they might still have stood a chance.

"Unless…" realization flashed in his mind. "Their real target was never Blue Crystal Star."

A chill ran down his spine.

"Emperor Yan!" Rowan suddenly understood. "Their target is Emperor Yan!"

Everything clicked into place.

Ten Immortals were excessive for conquering a planet, but reasonable for eliminating someone of Emperor Yan's importance.

The intelligence leak. The precise knowledge of their strength. Only someone high within the Great Axe Arena could provide that.

And Arois's arrival.

If someone wanted Emperor Yan dead but did not want the Great Axe Arena to lose Blue Crystal Star, then perfect timing was essential.

"Wait…" Rowan's thoughts sharpened further. "If someone wants Emperor Yan dead, who could that be?"

The answer required certain conditions.

High status. Access to classified information. A motive to eliminate Emperor Yan. The ability to influence Arois. And a desire to preserve the overall interests of the Great Axe Arena.

"An enemy within," Rowan realized. "Someone who holds a personal grudge against Emperor Yan."

The idea shook him.

If the spy was not an external agent but an internal rival driven by hatred, then everything took on a completely different meaning.

Rowan began recalling Emperor Yan's past words and actions, searching for hints of hidden enemies.

As a high-ranking figure, it was only natural that Emperor Yan might have made enemies over time.

"And more importantly," Rowan continued to reason, "this person must hold significant power. Otherwise, they could not access core secrets or influence Arois's movements."

The more he thought about it, the clearer it became.

An internal adversary. Someone who wanted Emperor Yan dead, yet wished to protect the broader interests of the Great Axe Arena.

And so, they had devised a plan of extraordinary complexity.

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