"Huh? Vacation?"
Saitama frowned slightly. That sounded like the tagline of a cheap TV commercial.
"Accept."
But for a salted fish like him, what could be better than a vacation? He still had three days. For now, he might as well enjoy himself leisurely in New York.
Meanwhile—
In the endless sea of stars, within the vast starfields.
The Sovereign civilization.
Their golden palace towered magnificently, glittering with sacred majesty. The Sovereign people themselves looked as though they were cast from pure gold—skin, features, and most of all, their lofty gazes that made others feel unworthy.
But none of that mattered to Peter Quill and his crew.
For them, these people were paying customers. Recently, the Guardians of the Galaxy had accepted a commission from the Sovereign's High Priestess, Ayesha, to eliminate a massive interstellar beast.
Quill, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, and Drax had completed the task. Now it was time to collect their payment.
"We cannot allow our people to suffer harm. They are precision-designed creations, the pinnacle of perfection, both physically and mentally. We control their genetics and cultivate them artificially."
High Priestess Ayesha spoke loftily, her eyes never truly looking at them.
To her, Quill and his companions were nothing but inferior lifeforms, expendable mercenaries. Hiring them was a cheap trade, worth every coin. But every interaction with them felt like holding her nose, sharing the same air as these lesser creatures was an insult.
"I still prefer the old-fashioned way of making babies," Quill said with a sly grin.
"Perhaps you should give me a history lesson one day. Show me your ancestors' methods, for academic exchange."
He almost choked on his own laughter. Did she even realize what he was implying?
Ayesha ignored it, continuing seriously.
Quill forced himself not to burst out laughing. After all, this was the Sovereign throne room, not a comedy club.
"Save it. You promised us payment for this job."
Gamora stepped forward coldly, unable to bear it any longer.
Ayesha didn't reply. Instead, a side door opened, and the clanking of chains echoed as soldiers dragged someone in and threw her to the floor.
Nebula!
"I know she's your sister. She was caught stealing our batteries. I'll leave her disposal to you." Ayesha's smile was faint.
For her, this job had been pure profit—no real cost, a troublesome beast destroyed, and a thief delivered.
"Thank you, Your Excellency!" Quill muttered and turned to leave. But Ayesha called out.
"What is your lineage, Mr. Quill?"
"My mother was from Earth. My father? Definitely not from Mississippi. Honestly, I don't know."
"I see unusual blood in you. Such reckless mixing… utterly irresponsible."
Her words dripped with disdain. The air grew tense.
Quill's jaw clenched, but he said nothing, turning to leave with his team. Rocket, however, couldn't resist insulting the Sovereign under his breath, which nearly escalated the tension. Fortunately, no fight broke out.
"Need a battery, buddy?"
On the way back, Rocket proudly flashed the Sovereign's high-energy cells at Drax. His pockets bulged with them.
…
Not long after the Guardians left the palace—
"High Priestess! They're thieves! They stole our batteries!!"
A panicked soldier rushed in.
A hologram projection flickered to life—clear evidence of Rocket swiping dozens of batteries while no one was watching.
This was far worse than Nebula's petty theft of two.
"Thieves!!"
Ayesha's golden eyes burned with fury.
"Kill them all! Anyone who dares deceive me must die!!"
Her roar shook the chamber. Ministers and generals paled.
No one had ever dared such an offense. To steal so many Sovereign batteries was unforgivable.
"Everyone, with me! Slaughter those disgraceful creatures!!"
A Sovereign general roared. Their war machines began to stir.
…
In deep space, Quill piloted their ship calmly. Nebula, still chained, sat in the cargo hold.
Suddenly—
"Shit! We've got pursuers—it's the Sovereign!" Rocket screamed, his ears twitching. "So many of them! Oh crap!"
"What did you do this time?! They're arrogant, but not crazy enough to break a deal!" Quill shouted angrily.
"It's just a few batteries! What's the big deal? If they piss me off, I'll kill them all myself!!" Rocket howled, guns blazing.
"It's no use. Those ships are unmanned, remotely piloted."
Gamora's voice was cold.
Outside—
What had been quiet, peaceful space was suddenly flooded by an armada of Sovereign drones. Each craft, five to ten meters long, controlled remotely. Their numbers were overwhelming, a swarm like locusts blotting out the stars.
Colorful beams of energy streaked across the void, each blast strong enough to shatter asteroids. Even the Ravager-modified ship Quill flew wouldn't last under such fire.
Inside the Sovereign control hub—
The scene resembled a vast arcade, with rows of golden-lit consoles. Pilots sat in ring-shaped pods, controlling their drones like a massive video game.
"High Priestess, isn't this overkill?" a general muttered from the high platform.
"They took our batteries. That is defiance of the Sovereign. An unforgivable sin!"
Ayesha's golden eyes blazed with hatred.
"Very well, as you wish."
The general turned to the operators.
"All units—fire at will! Leave none alive!!"
(End of Chapter)
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