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"This ship needs a few upgrades," George muttered.
While Yondu went off to handle his subordinates and Gamora used the Cosmic Cube to locate Thanos, George wandered through the Ravager mothership, preparing to use alchemy for a magical overhaul.
In space travel, a ship is the most vital means of transportation.
Even though he could survive in space with just his physical body and magic—or even cross vast distances after transforming into a dragon—he still couldn't match a starship's speed.
Especially when it came to things like space jump points and galactic navigation—those required advanced onboard tech systems for accurate positioning.
At his current level, he couldn't perform interplanetary teleportation, a skill those arcane sorcerers like the Ancient One had already mastered.
The difference was that those sorcerers relied on the power of dimensional entities to cast spatial magic—enabling them to jump across planets or even entire universes—whereas George relied solely on his own strength.
So, as a precaution, enhancing the mothership with magical reinforcements was necessary—to prevent it from being destroyed in future encounters.
It also served another purpose: strengthening his control over the ship.
The first magical upgrade he performed was the Awakening Spell, allowing the ship to develop a sentient will under his command.
This way, even if he was busy researching magic, the ship's will could stop others from escaping—or at least alert him.
Next came the Undetectable Extension Charm to expand internal space, followed by defensive enchantments and barrier sigils to fortify the ship.
By the time the enhancements were nearly complete, Gamora returned the Cosmic Cube and reported the results of her contact.
"Thanos isn't on Titan. He's at the border between the Magellanic Cloud and the Milky Way.
The Kree Empire, under pressure from their war with the Skrull Empire, is considering peace talks with the Nova Empire.
But Ronan the Accuser is strongly opposed. He's planning to betray the Kree and establish his own faction. To that end, he wants to collaborate with Thanos to destroy the Nova Empire.
As a test of loyalty, Thanos ordered Ronan to slaughter half the population of a border planet within Nova territory. If Ronan succeeds, Thanos will agree to meet and formally ally with him."
"A three-way war," George muttered before giving his next command:
"Tell Yondu to set course for that Nova border planet."
In the movie universe, the Skrull Empire had long been defeated by the Kree. Some survivors fled to Earth, leading to the Pegasus Project and the rise of Captain Marvel.
But in this universe, the Skrulls were still locked in active war with the Kree. Neither had won, and the situation remained a three-faction standoff.
Outside these three empires, there was also the powerful Shi'ar Empire in the Shi'ar galaxy, but they had stayed neutral and enjoyed relative peace.
In the films, the Kree Empire was forced to sign peace with the Nova Empire after repeated harassment from Captain Marvel, including the destruction of their capital Hala and their AI ruler, the Supreme Intelligence.
But in this universe, the Kree wanted peace with Nova simply because they were overstretched—fighting both the Skrulls and the Nova Empire simultaneously. They hoped to secure peace on one front to focus their forces against the Skrulls.
"Well then, taking down both Thanos and Ronan at once should make a fine opening gift. I'm sure the Nova Empire will be more than happy to help Earth enter the cosmic era afterward."
Following George's orders, Yondu, along with Star-Lord and Rocket, launched the Ravager mothership toward the nearest jump point to Earth.
His other crew members were still on the floor smoking—literally. They likely wouldn't be moving for another half day.
"We're really going along with this? Helping him take on Thanos and Ronan, and we don't even get anything out of it?" Star-Lord grumbled from the pilot seat, clearly unhappy.
Given their current situation, they were only here because George had used force to deal with them after they tried to steal the Cosmic Cube. It wasn't like they wanted to form some so-called "Superpowered Guardians."
And they definitely weren't volunteering to help fight Thanos or Ronan.
"I'm just saying, are you all idiots? Don't we have dozens of ships here? We could slip away while he isn't looking—take a few shuttles and vanish into the galaxy. It's huge; he'll never find us."
Rocket's blunt suggestion hung in the air.
After all, the mothership housed over a hundred Ravager vessels. If they set the ship to autopilot, slipping off in a smaller craft would be child's play.
But before anyone could answer, Gamora's cold voice cut through the tension.
"I strongly advise against that. Don't forget what happened in the principal's office yesterday—how we were discovered. You think he's not here, but he could be watching us right now."
Unlike the others, Gamora's mind had already shifted. If George really could help her kill Thanos, her vengeance would be complete. Forty billion credits suddenly seemed trivial.
And to repay the favor, she would willingly become a true member of the Superpowered Guardians.
A hush fell. Star-Lord and Rocket visibly stiffened, their eyes darting around the room.
They recalled how they'd spent ages in the office trying to catch George off guard—only to be blindsided by him. Who knew if he wasn't hidden nearby, eavesdropping or spying through magic?
"Gamora's right," Yondu said, narrowing his eyes. "Let's not pull any stunts right now."
He was a respected Ravager in his own right, unaccustomed to taking orders. But refusing George's command now would be suicide.
George always looked cheerful and harmless—until he killed someone without a second thought. That green beam had reduced a man to dust; there was no way to defend against it. It was terrifying.
Still, Yondu wasn't one to wait to be slaughtered.
"If an opportunity comes when George is occupied fighting Thanos and Ronan, we'll escape then."
They all believed that infiltrating Thanos's war and the Accuser's rebellion would be no easy task—and might even backfire on George.
Suddenly, Yondu's words were interrupted.
"What are you talking about? You all seem so cheerful."
George's voice sprang up behind them. Every head jerked around in unison.
"Nothing—nothing at all," Star-Lord stammered, plastering on a grin. "We're just… thinking about how we can help you defeat Thanos and Ronan."
He lied through perfect composure—a skill few Ravagers could match.
Suppressing a laugh, Gamora covered her mouth at Star-Lord's performance.
(End of Chapter)