At the port, the six members of the Guardians of the Galaxy were bidding farewell to those who had come to see them off. They were about to depart to find the Mad Titan, Thanos.
Lucas was also among the farewell party. After all, successfully tricking the Guardians of the Galaxy into helping him find Thanos would save him a lot of trouble.
"Remember, as soon as you see Thanos, or confirm his exact location, you can press the Lucas-brand button. Don't delay for a second."
Before parting, Lucas quietly instructed Rocket.
In Lucas's opinion, three of this six-person team had a grudge against Thanos. When they saw Thanos, they might forget everything and charge forward impulsively.
There was also a love-struck goofball (Star-Lord), not worthy of trust.
And a naive Groot.
Lucas doubted his memory and focus.
The only reliable one was Rocket Raccoon.
"Mm, I know." Rocket nodded.
If he knew what Lucas was thinking, he would definitely give him a thumbs up.
"But Lucas, are you really not coming with us? Space travel is a lot of fun." Rocket was still trying to persuade Lucas to join them.
Even the fastest backup couldn't compare to the sense of security of having Lucas right there.
Lucas refused Rocket, he hadn't had enough fun on Xandar yet.
Helpless, Rocket could only board the spaceship, preparing for departure.
Accompanied by the roar of the engines, the Milano took off with a rumble and continuously accelerated. Soon, it streaked across the sky, disappearing at the edge of their vision.
Inside the Milano.
Star-Lord, who was piloting the ship, asked Gamora and Nebula, "Where should we go to find Thanos?"
Gamora got up from her seat and squeezed next to Star-Lord. Her hands flew across the console, entering a string of coordinates, and she explained, "First, go to these coordinates, then send a signal and wait for Thanos to contact us."
"Alright."
Star-Lord nodded, piloting the ship towards the destination.
The scenery in space was somewhat repetitive and monotonous.
Without the cycle of sun and moon, the passage of time also became less clear. Unbeknownst to them, over a hundred hours had quietly passed.
Inside the ship, Nebula's cold voice interrupted Star-Lord and the others' singing and dancing, "Signal received. They are requesting communication."
Gamora motioned for everyone to adjust their seats, then connected the call.
As the communication connected, Thanos's projection appeared on the ship's screen. Similarly, the projections of Gamora and Nebula also appeared on Thanos's ship.
"Gamora, my daughter. I am pleased to see you safe and sound."
Ignoring Nebula, Thanos began talking to Gamora.
"Can you tell me what happened? Ronan told me you betrayed me but now, it seems he betrayed our agreement."
"He not only wanted to keep the Power Stone for himself but also drove you away. It was all his fault."
Gamora was silent. She didn't know what Thanos had been imagining in his mind.
But Nebula couldn't stay silent, she hadn't expected Thanos to be so biased.
Gamora betrayed him, yet not only did she receive no punishment, but he even actively defended her.
Just as Nebula was about to erupt, Gamora spoke first, "Thanos, I did betray Ronan, wanting to keep the Power Stone for myself."
"Is that so?"
Thanos's expression on the screen hardened, and he slowly asked, "Then, my daughter, will you give it to me?"
After a moment of silence, Gamora shook her head. "No."
Thanos's expression was calm. He didn't seem surprised by the answer, only asking plainly, "Why? You cannot wield the Power Stone, it is useless to you."
"If you desire greater power, I can teach you combat techniques and develop better gene serums for you."
After a moment of thought, Gamora said coldly, "I want money. I'm tired of the killing. I don't want to serve you anymore, Thanos. If you want the Power Stone, bring 4 billion Credits and come see me."
Thanos's expression was somewhat sorrowful. "I'm sorry, my daughter. That was not killing, but for a greater ideal. If you are tired, I grant you permission to rest for a while. As for the money you asked for, I will also give it to you."
As he spoke, Thanos sent a string of coordinates and an account number.
"I have things to attend to. My daughter, please bring the Power Stone to me. Alternatively, you can keep the Power Stone for now. The account contains the 4 billion you need. Rest well during this time."
Seeing the coordinates and account number sent, Gamora ended the communication with a complex expression.
Bang!
As soon as the communication ended, Nebula couldn't hold back.
"He always favors you, always has, since we were children. Even when you do something wrong, he never punishes you."
"And me... heh heh..."
"He only has one daughter, and that's you, Gamora. I'm just a pile of scrap metal."
Facing Nebula's complaints, Gamora said nothing, only moving aside to make room for Star-Lord.
"Head to these coordinates. Thanos should be there."
Star-Lord silently piloted the ship.
The emotions of Gamora and Nebula affected the others.
Inside the ship, the other four also fell silent.
In the silence, the ship drew closer and closer to the location on the coordinates. Until, in their sight, a battleship as huge as a planet and shaped like a whale appeared.
That was Thanos's flagship—Sanctuary I.
And near Sanctuary I, countless small Chitauri fighter squadrons came and went.
The moment the Milano approached, it was surrounded by the Chitauri fighter squadrons and escorted to land on Sanctuary I.
Gamora, Nebula, Lucas, and the others disembarked from the Milano in sequence and led by Gamora, walked deeper into Sanctuary I.
The moment he saw Sanctuary I and confirmed it was Thanos's flagship, Rocket pressed the Lucas-brand button.
He remembered what Lucas had told him: never delay.
Entering the ship felt like entering a huge cave, with black rock walls everywhere.
Lucas suspected that Sanctuary I was a creation from Thanos's homeworld, Titan. Otherwise, there was no reason to build the corridors and rooms so tall.
After walking a long distance, Lucas finally saw Thanos, seated high on his throne.
But the next moment, this cosmic monarch, without any kingly pretense, walked down from the throne.
"My daughter, are these people your friends?" Thanos's tone was neither gentle nor harsh, but very calm.
His calm gaze swept over Nebula, Star-Lord, Rocket, Drax, and the naive Groot.
Until it landed on Lucas.
Lucas, also very calmly, met Thanos's gaze. "Thanos, the others are indeed Gamora's friends. You don't have to worry. After you die, they will help you take good care of your daughters."
(End of Chapter)
New Book
One Piece: Rule Breaker
Transmigrating to the world of One Piece and becoming the orphaned son of a Marine Rear Admiral, Tatsuki awakens the [Scummiest Justice System].
With it, he can become stronger by violating Marines' regulations.
[Ding! Host was called out by Head Instructor Zephyr at the opening ceremony for wearing a crooked tie]
[Violation Points +1000!]
"Kuzan, how can justice be superficial? Come with me to the Pleasure District and experience the hardships of life."
[Ding! Leading a future Marine Admiral astray and sneaking out of the base late at night!]
[Violation Points +1000!]
"Sakazuki, what do you know about absolute justice? It's nipping all evil in the bud."
[Ding! You have subverted the future Marine Admiral's ideology!]
[Violation Points +3000!]
The use of these Violation Points?
Upgrading skills!
[Violation Points –600,000! Conqueror's Haki upgraded to Advanced level!]
Upgrading stats!
[Violation Points –100,000! Physique increased to 70!]
Spinning the wheel!
[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining Senzu Bean ×3!]
[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining a Logia Devil Fruit!]