A billion! That's not a small number.
The value of the Orb of the Universe is four billion, and the value of these two swords is equivalent to a quarter.
The fact that the Collector is willing to pay a billion indicates that the swords must be worth far more than this price. Yet, even so, a billion is tempting enough for them.
Gulp... gulp...
Gamora and Star-Lord swallowed hard, turning their eager eyes toward Rocket, desperately hoping it would agree to the Collector's offer.
But Rocket, usually so greedy, was unusually hesitant under the great temptation of a billion dollars. Instead of immediately agreeing, he appeared troubled and anxious.
"Hey, Rocket, what are you hesitating for?" Star-Lord stomped impatiently nearby, almost wishing he could answer for Rocket, "That's a whole billion in cash! Why not just give him the swords?"
"But... can I ask, what's so special about these swords?" Rocket swallowed hard, resisting the urge to agree, and questioned the Collector about why he would pay a billion for them.
"Because they are exceptional," the Collector said meaningfully, narrowing his eyes. "I've lived for millions of years and never seen any weapon forged from a soul containing such terrifying power."
"No... no way."
After much hesitation, Rocket declined the Collector: "The swords... I will return them."
It wasn't that the Collector's offer was too low, but the origin of the swords still made Rocket uneasy.
Especially that... mysterious man.
Although his intentions were unclear, he had deliberately orchestrated everything, placing the swords into their hands.
But because Rocket couldn't fathom the man's intentions, he was even more reluctant to part with the swords, his years of experience and instincts warning him not to sell.
The Collector's eyes narrowed dangerously, silently observing Rocket.
"Let's talk business, Tivan."
Sensing danger in the Collector's gaze, Gamora stepped in to break up the tension, "We've traveled across half the galaxy and finally found the Orb of the Universe. That's what you wanted, right?"
"Excellent, then... let's see what you've brought me," the Collector said, withdrawing his gaze and smiling.
The value and status of the Orb of the Universe were higher than the swords.
The Collector no longer dwelled on the matter and took the metallic sphere from Star-Lord, securing it in his workbench with mechanical arms, rotating and carefully opening it.
As the Collector opened the Orb of the Universe, he took the opportunity to educate them about the origins of the Infinity Stones.
Star-Lord watched a screen displaying a titan, more significant than a mountain range, wielding a staff embedded with the Power Stone, and with a single strike, he destroyed a life-bearing planet.
Everyone gasped in shock, realizing just how terrifying the Orb of the Universe, which Ronan had sought, indeed was.
Only Thanos' adoptive daughter, Gamora, remained expressionless, as she already knew about the Infinity Stones. This was indeed why Thanos had sent her and Nebula to assist Ronan.
A part of her adoptive father's insane plan was to gather all six scattered Infinity Stones.
Thinking of her annihilated people on her home planet, Gamora clenched her fists. If Thanos had obtained all six Infinity Stones, the universe would have faced the same disaster as her home.
Storing the Power Stone with the Collector might be a good choice.
Gamora watched the stone, which glowed ominously purple. As long as the Collector remained cautious and preserved his life, Thanos would have difficulty finding him even if he scoured the heavens.
Just as everyone was engrossed in the horrors of the Infinity Stones...
As if drawn by the stone, the alien maid slowly walked towards the Power Stone.
"Karina, stay away from that stone!"
The Collector realized something was wrong and quickly shouted a warning.
"No, Taneleer Tivan, I won't be your slave anymore!" The maid glared at the Collector angrily, then resolutely grabbed the Power Stone.
The others tried to stop her but were too late.
As the maid touched the stone, the Power Stone, as if finding a vent, unleashed its power into her, scattering streams of purple light like shooting stars.
Everything touched by the purple light disintegrated instantly.
Faced with such a horrifying sight, everyone scrambled away in terror, fearing the purple light would touch them.
"AH..."
The maid screamed in agony, her skin dissolving as the stone's backlash overwhelmed her. A mere servant could not control the Power Stone and withstand its power. After a final scream, she disintegrated into the purple light, leaving no ash behind.
BOOM!
The Power Stone hung midair, suddenly erupting in a terrifying purple glow.
The purple light filled the entire collection room, condensing and then exploding outward in a ring-shaped wave, carrying a force capable of obliterating everything in its path.
And the first to suffer, were they!
The scene of the maid's horrific death was vivid in their minds, her flesh and bones dissolving under the purple light, leaving nothing behind.
They ran for their lives, wishing they had more legs.
"It's too late now!"
Star-Lord's pupils dilated as the purple light moved too fast to evade.
Just then, as Rocket saw Groot clutching the sword, he remembered the mysterious man's words—if they faced mortal danger, they could shout "Justice prevails" three times for a possible miracle.
A miracle... why not try it?
Rocket, desperate, yelled, "Justice prevails! Justice prevails! Justice prevails!"
After his shout, the others looked at him as if he were a fool.
"Are you nuts?" Star Lord dragged them as they ran, cursing, "We're about to be turned to ash, and you're shouting about justice? Are you expecting a superhero to save us?"
"I am... Groot!" Groot expressed his disdain.
"I knew I shouldn't have hung out with you idiots. This is just stupid!" Gamora panted, cursing bitterly.
If only he hadn't shouted...
Rocket looked desperate as the purple light caught up to them.
But then!
One of the swords on Groot's back vibrated lightly, emitting an evident, resonant hum.
HUM—
As the sword hummed, a figure slowly appeared.
The moment he appeared, the time he seemed to slow.
The swift ring of destruction stopped in place.
Everyone seemed under a spell, unable to move except for their thoughts. The debris of destroyed objects, the dust, and all light were frozen then.
The figure raised a hand, pointing a finger at the purple ring.
Pop!
Contrary to all expectations, there was no earth-shattering explosion.
Just a tiny, bubble-popping sound, followed by the intense purple glow of the energy ring crumbling away like dirt.
With just one finger, he suppressed the power of the Infinity Stone!
The Collector, witnessing this, trembled violently, a storm of shock crashing through him.
Rocket felt icy cold, with only one thought:
He was doomed!