The situation seemed a little different from what Arthur had imagined. Ego's expression was calm, his attitude friendly, and toward Arthur his emotions leaned more toward curiosity and appreciation.
This left Arthur uncertain.
'Did this guy know that his little secret had already been discovered?'
If he did know, then Ego's current acting skills were absolutely worthy of an Academy Award! Not only that, but if he truly knew, then his nonchalance at the moment might also mean that he didn't consider Arthur and the others to be any kind of threat. To be honest, as a "god," he did indeed have the capital to be this arrogant.
'But… what if he didn't know?'
Whether he knew or not, at least for the moment, everything appeared perfectly normal.
Arthur smiled faintly as he casually chatted with Ego. Ego was a man of vast experience, having lived in the universe for millions of years. In one phrase, he was someone who had seen and done it all.
During their idle talk, he even brought up many secrets Arthur had never heard of before. Numerous so-called legends, once spoken from his mouth, became nothing more than everyday occurrences.
After all, many of those so-called legends were either things he had personally taken part in, or events he had witnessed with his own eyes.
The atmosphere passed in this plain, unhurried manner. At that moment, Star-Lord and Gamora returned, and everyone sat together, looking very much like it was just a peaceful morning.
Later, seizing an opportunity, Arthur quietly pulled Gamora aside to ask about Star-Lord's situation.
Gamora helplessly shook her head. "I haven't even brought it up yet. His current state seems… off. I have this feeling that if I speak, it might actually backfire."
"Off?"
Arthur pondered.
Just then, his communicator chimed. He nodded to Gamora. "Stay calm."
Gamora took a deep breath, restoring her usual composure. "I just hope everything goes smoothly."
With that said, she turned and left.
Arthur connected the communicator. On the other end was T'Challa. "Everything's in place. What now?"
"The situation is stranger than expected. Don't rush them over just yet…" Arthur replied. "I'll find a way to meet up with you, and then we'll head somewhere else first. Hopefully, things here can hold together a little longer."
"What's going on?"
"I'll explain when we meet."
After hanging up, Arthur happened to see Ego walking over. "I heard you've got another friend outside? This planet isn't all that safe, tell him not to wander around."
"Of course. In fact, I've already called him back. But I'm afraid I won't be able to stay for lunch today."
Ego paused. "Something happened?"
"Just routine matters," Arthur smiled. "If conditions allow, I hope I can make it back in time for dinner."
"Of course. But do you need help?" Ego asked. "Though I'm not too keen on my son going with you, that young lady looks like she has decent combat ability."
As he said this, he cast a glance toward Gamora, who was talking to Star-Lord.
Arthur also glanced her way, then shook his head. "Honestly, if I really did that, your son would definitely kill me."
Ego chuckled. "He's no match for you."
"Not necessarily."
Arthur grinned. "Well then, see you tonight."
"Of course."
After that, Arthur walked over to where Star-Lord and Gamora were standing. "I've got something to take care of. I'll be back by tonight at the latest."
Gamora's expression shifted slightly, and Star-Lord quickly asked, "Do you need me to do anything?"
"Not much. Just stay by your father's side and be a good boy." Arthur smiled. "And in the meantime… think carefully!"
When he said those last three words, he patted Star-Lord on the shoulder.
Star-Lord looked utterly baffled, while Arthur turned toward Gamora and gave a small nod. "Rocket."
Gamora's eyes flickered with thought, but Arthur had already stepped outside.
No one really came to see him off. From Arthur's tone, it sounded like he was only leaving for a short while and would be back soon, not going on some long journey. A formal farewell seemed unnecessary.
And that was precisely the impression Arthur intended to create.
When he opened the door, his spaceship was parked right outside. T'Challa had already returned and was waiting beside the ship. The moment he saw Arthur, he gave him a puzzled look.
"Let's go." Arthur opened the hatch, and the two entered one after the other. Before stepping inside, Arthur glanced back at the building behind him, and there, standing atop its roof, was Ego.
Ego's gaze was strange, empty yet cold, like the eyes of a hollow shell devoid of emotion.
That look made Arthur frown. After boarding the ship, he immediately connected to Gamora's comms. "Just listen. No need to speak. Be careful, stay cautious, don't show any flaws or hostility. Keep your guard up. I fear Rocket may have run into trouble. If anything happens on your side, reach out to the Superhero Alliance, they're out there in the galaxy."
When he heard two clicks of acknowledgment on the line, Arthur ended the transmission. Then, he opened another channel.
This time it was a video call, and Tony's face immediately filled the screen in front of him.
"I'm already somewhat used to it, but can I make a suggestion?" Arthur began, "Next time you accept a video call, could you not have your face so close to the camera? Every time you pop up like that, it's not just mentally exhausting, it's a brutal assault on the eyes! Do you understand what I'm going through here?"
Tony's face darkened. "If you don't start choosing your words more carefully, I'll take everyone and leave right now."
Behind Tony, Banner and the others appeared, waving greetings to Arthur. Even Spider-Man piped up: "So I heard our opponent this time is… a ball? What kind of ball are we talking about?"
"Well… actually, you've already seen it." Arthur said. "It's right in front of you."
"The only thing in front of us is a planet," Banner said.
"Unfortunately, that's it. This very planet," Arthur replied. "It might sound unbelievable, but Star-Lord's father… really is this planet!"
For a long moment, silence filled the other end. Finally, Tony muttered, "Star-Lord's mother must have been one incredibly strong woman!"
No sooner had he said that than two gun barrels pressed against the back of his head, one held by Natasha, the other by Sharon.
Arthur couldn't resist gloating. "Looks to me like the one who needs to reorganize his words… is you!"
(End of Chapter)
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