"The universe, an auction house?"
Centaurus Galaxy, Dark Order base, within the virtual image conference room.
Thanos, having ended his call with Corvus Glaive, looked at Beckett's communication image with a frown.
"Why would you suddenly think of the Cosmic Auction House?"
He had only just visited Chitauri Prime, why was he suddenly heading to that money pit?
"I've found a way to revive The Other, Father." Beckett, standing in the Chitauri Prime gene database, informed his adoptive father, Thanos, of Woz's resurrection plan.
"Mechanical components that can withstand the power of the Infinity Stones?"
After listening to Beckett's description, Thanos stood up, his calm face showing no emotional fluctuation.
"Indeed, there are no mechanical components of that strength level in the Dark Order."
"So Father, I want to go to the Cosmic Auction House."
Beckett's respectful demeanor made Thanos even more silent.
After a long pause, he finally responded, "It seems you've truly grown this time, Beckett."
Thanos's words carried a hint of indescribable relief.
Beckett, who had been by Thanos's side since infancy, had been a perfect candidate for missions from childhood to adulthood. He was powerful and ruthless.
But in Thanos's eyes, such a Beckett was imperfect.
Because he had no desires of his own, or rather, no demands of his own.
Up to this point, every year had been filled with nothing but missions and training. While this approach had undoubtedly led to a rapid increase in Beckett's strength, in Thanos's eyes, this Beckett was still just a child who obeyed him.
A child who hadn't grown up yet.
Thanos had very high expectations for Beckett, so high that he regarded him as his future successor.
However, to become his successor, mere formidable strength was not enough. He also needed his own thoughts, his own actions—thoughts and actions independent of Thanos himself.
Thanos didn't want Beckett to be a puppet who moved only when he issued a mission.
In the past twenty-plus years, today was the first time Beckett had proactively proposed his own action plan to his adoptive father, Thanos.
Thanos was very pleased.
His child had finally grown up and understood that the world wasn't just about missions.
Whether it was winning people over or expanding his influence, a Beckett who had begun to proactively change his past behavior was precisely the successor Thanos wanted to cultivate.
Perhaps he should be grateful to Malekith, whom he had cleaved in two?
If not for Malekith, Thanos might have had to personally set up a few scenarios to foster Beckett's growth after he matured a bit longer.
"When you return, go to Ebony Maw for funds."
Without a doubt, Thanos fully supported Beckett's decision.
If one wanted to go to the Cosmic Auction House, sufficient funds were essential.
"Certainly. Do we have to bid?"
Upon hearing this, Beckett frowned.
According to the information Woz had gathered, the next auction at the Cosmic Auction House was still a full fifteen days away. But if possible, he didn't want to wait that long.
Beckett's plan was to descend directly upon Knowhere and forcibly seize the mechanical component he had his eye on from the Cosmic Auction House.
"Beckett, do you remember what I told you before?"
"Never let pride blind your eyes. The strong individuals in this universe are far more numerous than you imagine."
"The Cosmic Auction House on Knowhere is backed by an ancient being that has existed since the universe's inception. No one knows his name. His legendary title in the universe is—The Collector."
"He is someone dedicated to collecting all sorts of rare items and even species in the universe."
"Until you have absolute certainty, do not engage in unnecessary conflict with this ancient being."
Thanos's tone was unusually serious.
He wasn't afraid of this legendary Collector. Even if the Collector teamed up with his brother, The Grandmaster, Thanos wouldn't break a sweat. But Beckett was different.
He still needed space and time to grow.
Most importantly, Thanos didn't want Beckett to develop into a brute who resorted to brute force whenever faced with a problem.
The ability to rationally utilize one's resources to secure the greatest benefit was the most basic quality of a qualified ruler.
As his successor, Beckett had to learn this.
"...I understand, Father."
Beckett nodded and then closed the communication signal.
"Woz, search for The Collector on Knowhere." After ending his communication with his adoptive father, Thanos, Beckett immediately had Woz begin searching for the mysterious figure on Knowhere, who was rumored to have existed since the universe's birth. However, the result was a complete blank.
"His Highness Beckett, Woz cannot detect any information about The Collector."
Woz, who navigated the intelligence network of the Dark Order, came up empty.
"Forget it, let's get ready to go back." Since this person was so mysterious that even the Dark Order's intelligence network had no information on him, Beckett no longer pressed the issue.
Bringing the Energy Devouring Beast with him, Beckett exited the Chitauri Prime genetic database and returned to the Dark Order in his warship.
He had promised Gates he would come back to eat with him, but before dinner, he had to go find Ebony Maw.
He had to personally go pick up the universal resource planet card.
It was the rule.
Ebony Maw, who managed all the logistics for the Dark Order, had already been waiting for him at the base for a long time.
"If these aren't enough, you can take this card." After storing the mountain of resource planet identification cards into his bracelet, Beckett reached out and took a blue card that Ebony Maw handed him.
"This card is Lord Thanos's proof of identity at the Cosmic Auction House. With it, you'll receive preferential treatment," Ebony Maw said slowly, leaving Beckett to savor the meaning behind his words.
"I look forward to the day you resurrect The Other, Beckett." Having suffered a setback once, Ebony Maw did not repeat his mistake this time. His meaningful glance before leaving made Beckett find it interesting.
"Still not convinced?"
"Interesting."
Putting away the card representing Thanos's identity, Beckett leaped forward, and the next second he was back in front of his own base.
Gates, who was sitting on the doorstep with his hands propping up his chin, looking dejected, suddenly looked up when he heard the sound of rushing wind. Upon seeing Beckett return, his face lit up with joy. "Welcome back, His Highness Beckett!"
Meanwhile, in Asgard, at the Bifrost.
Hela, astride her divine steed, was saying goodbye to her parents.
The Bifrost had not yet opened a passage to Knowhere. Even the mighty Hela could only ride Asgard's unique mode of transportation to cross dozens of galaxies to reach Knowhere...
A long and arduous journey, a tiring trip
-----------
Translation by: randomtranslator.com
Read 2500+ original & fanfic translations and Translate for Free at: randomtranslator.com