"It's definitely connected. Too many forces are getting involved. We don't dare touch it — it means whoever holds that thing will have every major power in the galaxy gunning for them."
"What you're holding, Quill, is a ticking time bomb."
Zarro's voice was firm and solemn.
Star-Lord's smile faded. His instincts told him just how serious this was.
If it had only been Ronan, the Kree Empire's Accuser, who offered a bounty for the Cosmic Orb, the brokers might not have hesitated to take the job. In fact, they'd have been happy to serve as intermediaries — earning commission and establishing ties with Ronan.
But now, this was no longer just about Ronan.
Multiple galactic powers had joined the hunt. No one even knew what the Cosmic Orb truly was, yet it was clear now — it had become a cursed object. Whoever handled it would be inviting the wrath of civilizations far beyond their reach.
Zarro and his group of interstellar traders had no intention of losing their lives over a bad deal.
"If you want to sell it, you'll have to meet Ronan or another buyer in person," Zarro warned gravely. "But during that process… I fear you won't even live long enough to finish the deal."
Star-Lord sighed and forced a wry grin. "Looks like it'll take a while before I see any profit from this."
"Profit?" Zarro shook his head. "You might not even live to spend it. Do you know how many people in the entire galaxy are hunting for that thing right now?"
He paused for a long moment, then added quietly, "That orb hides a terrible secret. That's why every major force is after it. Be careful, kid. I'd hate to lose a friend like you."
Star-Lord nodded seriously. Though he often acted like a clown, he wasn't stupid.
Zarro clearly knew more than he was saying — but couldn't risk speaking openly. Still, Quill understood enough: the Cosmic Orb had become the focus of every major civilization's attention.
And as its current owner, he was sitting on a galactic death sentence.
Even so, Quill wasn't about to give up on a fortune this big.
After thanking Zarro, he tucked the orb safely into his pack and left the shop, trudging through the snow toward his ship.
The streets were quiet, only a few figures moving through the flurries. Quill's mind was racing — so much so that he didn't notice a hooded figure approaching from the opposite direction.
Just as they passed, the figure suddenly swung a heavy strike toward the back of his head.
But Quill had sensed it coming — he dropped and rolled, dodging the blow.
A sharp crackling sound followed. The attacker froze mid-step, body twitching as arcs of electricity rippled across their limbs.
A paralysis grenade — nonlethal, but enough to knock out most opponents.
However, this one was no ordinary assailant. Gritting her teeth, the attacker drew a hidden blade from her sleeve and stabbed it into the grenade, disrupting the current.
When she looked up again, Quill was already gone.
With a sharp motion, the attacker tore off her bulky coat — revealing green skin and combat armor beneath.
It was Gamora — daughter of Thanos.
She had left Thanos's command without permission, determined to find the Cosmic Orb herself.
Once, she hadn't understood why Thanos desired the Orb so desperately. But after some secret investigation, she learned a fragment of the truth.
The Orb wasn't just a relic — it contained immense energy, enough to serve as a weapon of mass destruction.
And knowing Thanos… that power could only mean another genocide.
She had seen too many worlds burn in her father's name. Too many species wiped out under his command.
She didn't know exactly what was inside the Orb — but she knew one thing for certain: if Thanos got it, the universe would drown in blood.
Gamora clenched her fists and sprinted forward again, chasing Quill through the snow.
Eventually, Quill reached a quiet landing zone — his ship, the Milano, gleaming faintly under the storm. Relief washed over him… until he saw two figures waiting beside it.
A raccoon aiming a blaster.
And a walking tree.
Quill froze. Gamora slowed her pace, watching from behind.
"Well, looks like your little adventure ends here," the raccoon snarled. "Be smart and hand over the goods."
"I am Groot," the tree said cheerfully.
"What do you mean, 'too harsh'? Don't start with me, you overgrown houseplant! And stop licking the snow, that's disgusting!" Rocket snapped, glaring at his partner.
Quill raised his hands cautiously. "Whoa, whoa, fellas. Let's all calm down. No need for violence."
After his talk with Zarro, Quill knew he couldn't handle this alone. He needed allies — or, at the very least, people to take the heat if things went wrong.
Gamora and Rocket didn't know what he was plotting, but Rocket's greed was obvious.
"Cut the chatter, kid," Rocket growled. "Hand it over before I blow your head off."
Quill reached into his bag and took out the Cosmic Orb, holding it up.
"This thing," he said slowly, "is worth more money than any of us could spend in ten lifetimes. But you think it's gonna be easy to cash in? Think again."
Rocket frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Quill quickly summarized his conversation with Zarro — every detail.
When he finished, both Rocket and Gamora fell silent. The weight of the situation hit them like a cold wave.
"Yes, it's wealth," Quill said grimly, "but it's also death. Everyone's hunting for it — and we're holding the target."
Rocket lowered his gun, thinking hard. Then he smirked. "So what's your plan, genius?"
"We work together," Quill said simply.
Gamora didn't object — her narrowed eyes signaled quiet agreement.
Thus, the strange team formed: Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, and Gamora.
They boarded the Milano, introducing themselves along the way.
"Name's Rocket. This big guy's Groot."
"Star-Lord," Quill replied with a grin.
"Gamora," she said coldly.
They quickly agreed to deliver the Orb to Ronan in exchange for the bounty. None of them knew Gamora's true identity — or her hidden motive to keep the stone from Thanos at any cost.
But within a day, they realized just how grave their mistake was.
Word had spread across the galaxy. Every major faction — Skrulls, the Nova Empire, the Shi'ar, countless space pirates — converged on Quill's location. Even the Kree fleet was on the move.
Ronan was furious. He hadn't expected that one simple bounty would trigger a galactic scramble.
And it confirmed what he'd begun to suspect — that the Cosmic Orb held a secret worth fighting for.
A secret that could change everything.
Ronan opened a secure transmission channel aboard his flagship, The Dark Aster. The holographic screen flickered to life, revealing Thanos seated on his throne, his immense figure illuminated by the cold light of a distant star.
Even across the void, his presence was suffocating.
"Thanos," Ronan said flatly. "Explain this. Every major power is fighting for the orb. What exactly is it?"
Thanos's crimson eyes narrowed. He was silent for a moment — then finally spoke.
"The Power Stone."
Ronan's eyes widened.
"It is the most destructive gem in the universe," Thanos continued. "Its power is infinite — capable of annihilating entire worlds in an instant. The one who wields it can crush ten planets as easily as snapping a finger."
Ronan's heart pounded. "So… the others know this as well?"
"Perhaps," Thanos admitted. "I don't know how the secret spread so quickly. But our deal remains unchanged. Deliver the stone to me, and I will—"
"Enough!" Ronan interrupted, his tone cold. "If it's truly that powerful, why should I give it to you? With this gem, I could destroy the Nova Empire myself."
Thanos's expression darkened. His gaze alone radiated such menace that Ronan felt the chill of death crawl up his spine.
"If you are wise," Thanos said quietly, "you will not defy me."
He leaned forward, his voice low and terrible. "Without my aid, you will not survive long enough to use the Power Stone — or even touch it."
For a moment, silence hung heavy between them.
Then Thanos's tone softened, deceptively calm.
"Our deal can continue," he said. "I will help you acquire the Power Stone. You may use it to destroy the Nova Empire… and then, you will deliver it to me."
His final words carried the weight of a threat.
"This is my last offer, Ronan."
Ronan clenched his fists, hatred simmering in his chest — but he didn't dare refuse.
"Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "I'll need your army in the Milky Way. Keep the others off my back."
Thanos's mouth curved into a faint, dangerous smile.
"Very well. You will have them."
(End of Chapter)
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