Kiana hummed a tune, her white braided hair bouncing behind her with her light steps.
The translator on her wrist glowed with a faint blue light, perfectly converting the shouts of the Xandar vendors around her into a language she could understand.
"Wow! This glowing candy!" She pressed her nose almost against the glass of a dessert shop window. "Boss, I'll take three!"
Taking the beautifully packaged candy box, Kiana eagerly unwrapped a piece and popped it into her mouth.
The sweet taste exploded on her tongue, making her eyes narrow in bliss.
Just then, her keen warrior's intuition suddenly screamed an alarm—someone was lurking!
"This aura..." She calmly slipped the candy box into her shopping bag, the Valkyrie's alertness instantly replacing the maiden's innocence.
Following the direction of her perception, she pretended to stroll leisurely, but in reality, she had already locked onto her target.
In the fountain plaza at the center of the commercial street, a man in a red leather jacket was twisting his body as if no one else was around.
He wore old-fashioned Walkman headphones, humming a terribly off-key song: "~Hooked on a feeling~"
Kiana stared dumbfounded as the blond man danced bizarrely by the fountain, occasionally winking at passing women.
How was this a dangerous lurker? He was clearly a narcissistic lunatic!
No...that's not right, the lurker wasn't him.
Kiana pretended to casually look around, her white braid gently swaying with her turn.
Her gaze swept over the corner cafe, the hovercar stop, and the neon-flashing billboards, trying to find the lurker's trace.
"Hey, beautiful lady~"
Suddenly, an exaggerated sliding sound rang in her ear.
Kiana spun around, only to see the blond man in the red leather jacket had somehow slid in front of her, still in a kneeling pose, winking at her.
"Meeting in this vast Universe is destiny," he took off his headphones, revealing what he thought was a charming smile. "I'm Star-Lord, Peter Quill. May I have the honor of knowing your name?"
Kiana's mouth twitched. "Uh...thanks, no need." She turned to leave.
"Wait!" Star-Lord flipped over and blocked her path. "Don't be so cold! Look at this—" He magically pulled out a glowing flower. "A Xandar specialty, the Moonlight Flower, only the most beautiful ladies deserve it."
A few black lines appeared on Kiana's forehead, and she was about to use her Herrscher of the Void ability to flash away when she suddenly stiffened—that killing intent appeared again! And this time, it was right beside her!
"Look out!"
She abruptly pushed Star-Lord away, and almost at the same instant, a cold, gleaming sword 'swish'ed down where Star-Lord had just stood, cutting a deep crack in the ground.
"Woah!" Star-Lord rolled twice on the ground, looking disheveled. "What's going on?!"
Kiana had already adopted a combat stance, her twin pistols now in her hands.
She vigilantly watched the suddenly appearing red-haired woman—the opponent had emerald green skin, wore black form-fitting battle armor, held twin blades, and her eyes were as cold as knives.
Star-Lord stumbled to his feet, his right hand already on his elemental gun at his waist. "Woah! My ex-girlfriend wasn't this violent!"
Gamora's twin blades gleamed coldly under the neon lights. "Hand over the Cosmic Orb," she suddenly erupted, her sharp blades aiming directly for Star-Lord's throat. "And you live."
The clang of metal exploded as Kiana had somehow stepped between them, her twin pistols crossed to block Gamora's strike.
"Hey!" The white-haired girl glared, her eyes wide with indignation. "Killing someone in the street is a bit much, don't you think?!"
Gamora used the force to flip back and land, vigilantly staring at the girl who had suddenly intervened.
"Get out of the way, this doesn't concern you." She flicked her wrist, changing the angle of her twin blades. "I can sense the energy fluctuations within you...who are you?"
"This lady doesn't change her name or her surname!" Kiana proudly puffed out her chest, then suddenly clapped a hand over her mouth as if realizing something. "Ah, no! Will I cause trouble for Commander like this?"
While the two were still in a standoff, a pig-like shriek suddenly burst out.
"Help! Kidnapped!"
Kiana spun around, only to see Star-Lord hanging upside down in mid-air from a thick tree branch, looking like a salted fish drying in the Sun.
"Got him!" A Rocket Raccoon carrying a giant energy cannon popped out of the sewer, rubbing his paws excitedly. "Peter Quill, forty thousand bounty!!"
Beside him, a Groot walked out of the corner. "I am Groot." His branches were firmly binding the struggling Star-Lord.
"I know, I know, fifty-fifty split." Rocket Raccoon impatiently waved his paw, pressing the muzzle of his gun against Star-Lord's temple. "Behave! Otherwise, my big gun doesn't have eyes!"
Star-Lord's eyes widened. "Wait! Do we know each other?"
"Who wants to know a petty thief like you?" Rocket Raccoon kicked the tree trunk, and Star-Lord immediately swung like a swing. "I'm a professional bounty hunter!"
Gamora's twin blades froze in mid-air, and she exchanged glances with Kiana.
The white-haired girl tilted her head. "Is it popular to use a Rocket Raccoon as Police now?"
"I am Groot." The Groot friendly offered a small flower.
Amidst the harsh alarm, Rocket Raccoon suddenly perked up his ears. "Damn it, the Nova Corps are here!" He deftly pulled out handcuffs. "Groot, load the cargo first—"
More than a dozen Nova Corps patrol boats roared in from all directions, and a blue and white energy barrier instantly sealed off the entire block.
Fully armed Nova Corps warriors leaped from the hovercrafts, their energy rifles uniformly aimed at the few people in the center of the plaza.
"Everyone freeze!" The leading officer sharply commanded. "Drop your weapons, hands behind your head!"
Rocket Raccoon's ears instantly perked up, his small eyes darting around. "Damn it!" He cursed under his breath, his paws already stealthily reaching for the smoke bomb at his waist.
Gamora's eyes narrowed, and she glided backward like a ghost, trying to blend into the crowd amidst the chaos.
However, as soon as she retreated two steps, a white figure had already blocked her path.
"Trying to run?" Kiana stood with her hands on her hips, her ponytail gently swaying in the wind, a mischievous smile on her face. "Weren't you quite fierce just now?"
Gamora's twin blades pointed at Kiana. "Move!" She threatened in a low voice. "This doesn't concern you!"
"Sorry~" Kiana winked playfully. "Commander said to report suspicious individuals to the Nova Corps immediately~"
Not far away, Rocket Raccoon suddenly shouted, "Groot, now!"
The Groot suddenly flung Star-Lord towards the Nova Corps' encirclement, while he himself rapidly grew countless vines, attempting to create chaos.
Rocket Raccoon seized the opportunity to pull out his energy cannon and fired a shot at the ground—
"Bang!"
The explosion's smoke instantly filled the air, but the Nova Corps' energy barrier had already activated, completely absorbing the Impact of the explosion.
Even worse, dozens of red aiming lasers suddenly lit up in the smoke, all locked onto Rocket Raccoon.
"Uh..." Rocket Raccoon's paws froze in mid-air. "...Misunderstanding?"
Groot's branches were also entangled by a specialized energy net, unable to move. "I am Groot..."
Star-Lord, meanwhile, fell face down at the Nova Corps officer's feet, then looked up with an awkward smile. "Hi~ Want to hear my new album?"
Seeing the unfavorable situation, Gamora suddenly threw a flashbang, while simultaneously retreating rapidly.
Kiana was already prepared, and her Herrscher of the Void ability instantly activated, a transparent spatial barrier completely isolating the flashbang's power.
"Don't waste your effort~" Kiana folded her arms across her chest, looking smugly at Gamora trapped in the energy net. "The Nova Corps' technology is very powerful!"
That night, Nova Corps Headquarters.
"In recognition of Ms. Kiana Kaslana's outstanding performance in the apprehension of wanted criminals," Nova Prime personally pinned a shining medal on Kiana's chest. "She is hereby granted the title of Honorary Citizen of Xandar."
Applause thundered below, and Kiana shyly scratched her head. "Actually, I didn't do much..."
Chen Tian stood in the viewing area, a smile playing on his lips.
Beside him, Bayonetta sipped her Water, whispering, "The little cat's credit won't be recognized, you know."
"Who knows~ Perhaps it's Nova Prime's way of winning people over." Chen Tian shrugged. "But Kiana really does need some positive recognition."
— — — —
Klyn Prison
The metal walls of the blind spot corridor were covered in scorch marks from energy weapons, and amidst the harsh alarms, red emergency lights bathed the corridor in blood-red.
Star-Lord ran, looking back at the pursuing automated turrets. "Rocket! Is this plan reliable? We're going to be blown to smithereens!"
"Shut up and stick close!" Rocket Raccoon nimbly scurried onto the ventilation duct, his sharp claws quickly dismantling the control panel. "Groot! Block the way! Drax! Cover our rear!"
"I am Groot!" The Groot's arms swelled, and thick branches like a tide blocked the corridor.
From behind came Drax's roar, "Come on! You scum!" The muscular man was using a cell door as a shield, enduring the guards' energy blasts.
Gamora coldly dealt with three guards, her twin blades dripping with anesthetic. "Quill, if you say another word, I'll leave you to the Nova Corps."
"Woah, that hurts." Star-Lord clutched his chest dramatically. "We're the Universe's strongest escape team!"
"Temporary cooperation." Gamora's blade pressed against his throat.
Rocket Raccoon suddenly cheered, "Done!" His paws pulled out a data cable and plugged it into a device. "Main control system hacked! Three, two, one—"
The entire prison instantly plunged into darkness, with only the emergency red lights flickering.
Over the loudspeaker, guards shouted frantically, "Sector B power failure! Immediately lock down all—" Before he finished, all cell doors 'click'ed open.
"What did you do?!" Star-Lord's eyes widened.
Rocket Raccoon's sharp fangs glinted coldly. "Just creating a little chaos~" He pointed at the monitoring screen, where prisoners were frantically pouring out of their cells. "A prison break, the more people the merrier!"
Drax ran over, having knocked away two guards. "I smell freedom! Ronan! Wait for me! I'm going to rip out your spine!"
— — — —
At the same time · Nova Corps Headquarters
Under the brilliant crystal chandelier, Kiana was surrounded by Nova Corps officers, vividly recounting her "heroic deeds."
"Then I did a side flip and dodged Gamora's slash!" She gestured, her white braids flying high with her exaggerated body language. "Then I shot Rocket's smoke bomb with a backhand—"
The officers exclaimed in admiration, some even applauding. Kiana's cheeks flushed slightly, and she scratched her head sheepishly: "It wasn't that amazing, really~"
Just then, the banquet hall doors were suddenly pushed open, and a Nova Corps officer, looking nervous, strode quickly towards Nova Prime, leaning in to whisper a few words in her ear.
Nova Prime's previously gentle expression instantly froze, and her brows furrowed deeply. She quickly raised her hand to signal, and several high-ranking officers immediately left their seats, following her to the Commander's room.
Bayonetta tilted her head slightly, her red lips brushing Chen Tian's ear, and whispered, "My Lord, it seems our celebration is about to be interrupted."
Chen Tian's gaze narrowed, his eyes returning from the departing Nova Prime. He said faintly, "Something has happened at Klyn Prison."
Bayonetta raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Did those little mice escape?"
"Most likely." Chen Tian picked up his wine glass and took a small sip. "Rocket's hacking skills, plus Groot's brute strength, plus Gamora's tactical mind… Nova Corps' prison can't hold them for too long."
Bayonetta chuckled: "Then wouldn't our Miss Kiana have worked for nothing?"
Chen Tian shook his head: "No, she did very well." He looked at Kiana, who was still excitedly telling her story in the distance, a slight smile playing on his lips. "At least, she's happy, isn't she?"
— — — —
Klyn Prison · Hangar
The dark night sky was stained blood-red by the prison alarm's red light. Star-Lord and his group sprinted towards the dilapidated spaceship at the edge of the hangar—the "Milano."
"Faster, faster!" Rocket Raccoon jumped into the pilot's seat, his paws flying across the control panel. "Engines warming up! Shields activating! Groot, close the hatch!"
"I am Groot!" The treeman violently pulled the hatch shut with his branches, simultaneously blocking the pursuing guards with his body.
Gamora sat in the co-pilot's seat with a cold expression, her fingers rapidly operating the weapon system: "Nova Corps interceptors have already launched. We'll be locked on within thirty seconds."
"Then let's get out of here in twenty seconds!" Rocket grinned, pulling down the thrust lever hard. "Hold on tight, everyone!"
The spaceship engines roared deafeningly, and hot blue flames spewed from the tail, sending the entire ship rocketing into the night sky like an arrow from a bow.
"Whoa!" Star-Lord was thrown back into his seat by the inertia but still didn't forget to show off. "Now this is a space escape!"
Drax crossed his arms, his face serious: "Ronan's dogs, just wait! I will personally tear you apart!"
Rocket rolled his eyes: "Let's just survive tonight first, muscle man!"
As soon as the spaceship shot out, Nova Corps interceptors were already in hot pursuit from behind, the charging lights of their energy cannons flashing in the darkness.
"They've locked onto us!" Gamora sharply stated.
Rocket sneered: "Let them taste this!" He slammed a hidden button, and dozens of decoy flares suddenly ejected from the spaceship's tail, exploding into a blinding flash in the dark Universe.
The Nova Corps interceptors instantly lost their target, their radar screens filled with static.
"Hahaha! Goodbye, idiots!" Rocket proudly whistled, sharply turning the spaceship and jumping directly into the jump point.
As space warped, Star-Lord looked back at the gradually receding Xandar and whistled: "Next time I come, I'll have to be in a different identity."
— — — —
The spaceship sped through warped space, the cabin flickering with a faint blue jump light. Rocket Raccoon jumped from the pilot's seat, rubbing his paws, his eyes gleaming with greed: "Alright, Quill, now it's time to talk business!"
Star-Lord sat with one leg crossed over the other, toying with the mysterious metal sphere—the Cosmic Orb—a roguish smile on his lips: "Of course, as we agreed in prison, we're going to do a big one."
Rocket excitedly hopped onto the control console: "The Collector! That old geezer is most interested in strange and unusual things, especially cosmic artifacts with a legendary aura like this!" He counted on his paws, "Think about it, what's forty thousand credits? This thing could sell for four hundred thousand! No, four million!"
Groot stood beside him, nodding Honestly: "I am Groot." (Meaning: We're going to be rich!)
Drax, his muscles bulging, suddenly burst into laughter, too: "Hahaha! Exactly!"
Gamora gave him a cold glance: "Do you know what they're talking about?"
Drax's smile faltered, then he said self-righteously: "No, I don't! But if they're laughing, I'll laugh too!"
Gamora rubbed her forehead: "..."
Star-Lord patted Drax's shoulder: "Brother, your optimism is commendable."
Rocket was already impatient, pulling up the star chart: "The Collector's territory is in the Land of Nihility. That place is a gathering spot for the most dangerous criminals in the entire Galaxy, but the reward is definitely worth it!" He waved a paw, and a holographic projection unfolded. "We'll jump directly there; we can arrive in at most one day!"
The cheerful atmosphere in the cabin was suddenly cut short by Gamora's cold voice: "You'd best understand that this Orb is no ordinary item." Her sharp gaze swept over everyone, finally fixing on the metal sphere Star-Lord was toying with. "Thanos is also after it."
"Thanos?" Rocket's ears perked up sharply. "That purple psychopath?"
"That's right." Gamora's voice was like ice. "He sent Ronan to find this, promising him an army after it's done, to purge the Kree Empire."
Drax suddenly stood up, his muscles bulging: "Ronan?! Where is he?!" He clamped Gamora's shoulder. "I'm going to rip out his spine and wear it as a necklace!"
Gamora shook off his hand: "Control your muscles, idiot. Ronan is searching the entire Galaxy, and Thanos's fleet could appear at any moment."
Star-Lord suddenly sneered, crossing his legs: "So? What's that got to do with us?" He lightly tossed the Orb. "Sell it to The Collector, take the money, and let Ronan go play by himself."
Rocket's small eyes gleamed: "Quill is absolutely right!" He calculated on his paws, "Four million, divided among five people, that's eight hundred thousand each! Enough for me to modify ten new weapons!"
Groot tilted his head: "I am Groot?" (Meaning: Are we really doing this?)
"Nonsense!" Star-Lord rolled his eyes. "We're not some Guardians of the Galaxy. We're—" He bared his signature roguish grin. "The Universe's strongest Bandits! Making money is the real business!"
Gamora's eyes were as sharp as knives: "Quill, you don't understand how dangerous this thing is."
"Oh? Then please enlighten me?" Star-Lord raised an eyebrow.
Gamora took a deep breath: "It contains enough power to destroy a Galaxy. If Thanos gets it, the entire Galaxy will become a living hell."
Rocket's paws froze in mid-air: "...Are you serious?"
Drax excitedly waved his fists: "Excellent! Ronan will definitely come to steal it himself! That saves me the trouble of finding him!"
Star-Lord's smile gradually faded as he stared at the Orb: "...Are you trying to scare us?"
Gamora's face was like frost: "Do you think I'm joking?"
Rocket swallowed: "...Eight hundred thousand seems a bit little."
Star-Lord suddenly slammed his hand on the table: "Change course! Full speed to the Land of Nihility!"
"Huh?!" Rocket's eyes widened. "Didn't you just say—"
"Just now was just now!" Star-Lord ran a hand through his hair. "Now I've figured it out, the more dangerous something is, the more valuable it is! The Collector will definitely pay more!"
Gamora sneered: "You're looking for death."
"Baby, when am I not looking for death?" Star-Lord winked at her. "But I always make a big profit, don't I?"
Rocket excitedly rubbed his paws: "That's right! High risk, high reward! I'll adjust the course right now!"
Drax slammed the table and roared: "I don't care what you guys do! As long as Ronan shows up, I'm going to kill him!"
Groot shook his head helplessly: "I am Groot…" (Meaning: Here we go again.)
Gamora stood with her arms crossed: "When Thanos comes knocking, don't expect me to save you."
"Don't worry, dear." Star-Lord put on his helmet and opened the holographic star map. "By the time we get the money, Thanos won't even smell our exhaust!"
Rocket had already scrambled to the pilot's seat: "Full speed ahead! Let those purple freaks go to hell!"
— — — —
Nova Corps Headquarters · Commander's Room
Nova Prime's brows were deeply furrowed. She stared at the smiling man before her, a hint of confusion in her voice: "You want a spaceship? Are you planning to leave here?"
There was a subtle, almost imperceptible sense of relief in her tone—this man of unknown origin was finally leaving.
Chen Tian smiled faintly, his slender fingers lightly tapping the table: "Nova Prime, I've stayed here for so long, I should repay you."
Nova Prime narrowed her eyes: "Repay?"
"Yes, after all, we are partners." Chen Tian's tone was relaxed, as if discussing what to eat for dinner. "How about I bring you Ronan's head?"
The Commander's room instantly fell silent.
Nova Prime's pupils contracted slightly. The surrounding officers exchanged glances, some even gasping.
"You..." Nova Prime's voice deepened. "Do you know what you're saying? Ronan is currently leading his army. His fleet is powerful enough to destroy a Planet."
Chen Tian shrugged: "So what?"
Nova Prime stared at him, trying to find traces of arrogance or madness in his expression, but there was only a calm smile in his deep eyes.
"Where are you going?" she finally asked.
Chen Tian's lips curved into a slight smile: "The Land of Nihility."
-----------------------
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(End of Chapter)