Chapter 287: Ant-Man Stealing Pym Particles?

On the barren planet of Nubra, located on the edge of the Furnace Galaxy in the Southern Milky Way, where Sakaar is also situated, a surprising scene unfolded. The planet, more like a meteorite than an actual celestial body, devoid of water, oxygen, and any signs of life, was the setting for an unusual spectacle.

Amidst the desolate landscape, the cheerful melody of a song in Neon Country's language filled the air, sung by a melodious female voice.

"In the moonlit hour, red lanterns glow, the festival's rhythm begins to flow, lightly the butterfly leads the way, take a peek, get lost in the sway…"

Following the voice, one would see on this deserted plain a tall woman dressed in dark green, her hair styled wildly like a green spider, dancing the butterfly step on a flat rock.

Opposite her sat a strikingly handsome young man, leisurely sipping juice and admiring her dance, occasionally cheering enthusiastically.

Impression points from Hela Odinson: +999.

Annoyed by Clark's provocation, Hela was boiling with rage.

"You'll see, you pretty-faced old man! Once I break free from this cursed musical control, I'll make you pay, then turn you into a minion in my undead army, kneeling before me every day!"

Hela mistook Clark for an ageless, powerful being similar to Odin because Thor respectfully referred to Clark as "Uncle."

As the song "Pure Land" neared its end, Clark glanced at the system interface, somewhat disappointed.

What a loss! Hela's impression points, adding only 999 each time, weren't covering the costs. Meanwhile, Death easily filled his coffers in mere moments.

Both women are associated with "death," but the difference in profit was stark.

Finally, the music stopped.

Regaining her freedom, Hela glared at Clark, her Swords of Night Sky reappearing in her hands: "You're quite powerful, old man. Done making me dance?"

Hela's weapons, integrated into her body when not in use, had left Clark no chance to disarm her during her dance.

Standing up to face Hela's menacing look, Clark casually asked, "Do you want to keep dancing?"

Hela scoffed, "Keep pretending! Didn't you tell Thor you couldn't make me dance indefinitely? If you could, why mention an unknown delay?"

Nodding, Clark replied with a smile, "You're right, I can't make you dance forever. Each time costs me more than you'd imagine. But you don't really think I can't beat you without the dance, do you?"

With a thought, Clark's magical staff transformed into a sword in his hand.

"I'd like to try!"

Hela, the Asgardian Goddess of Death, was not one for idle threats. Without further ado, she lunged at Clark with her sword.

Perfect! Clark was eager to test his new strength after absorbing Grandmaster's power and welcomed the challenge.

Their swords clashed, unleashing an earth-shattering collision of space-tearing and deathly forces, sending them both reeling.

In terms of raw power, Clark seemed to have an edge over Hela, even away from Asgard in the Southern Milky Way.

Their initial exchange was merely a test of strength. Recognizing each other's capabilities, they engaged in a fierce battle of swords and skill.

Among all the powerhouses Clark had encountered, Hela was among the elite. There were stronger beings like Death, Odin, and the Ancient One, but Clark hadn't directly fought them. Even his encounter with Thanos relied more on cunning than combat.

Hela's skill outmatched those like Grandmaster, Champion, and Ares. Her swordplay could even suppress Clark's superior strength, forcing him into a defensive stance.

As they fought, Hela taunted, "I didn't expect such a formidable opponent in decrepit Asgard. You have power but lack technique. You won't beat me."

"If you kneel and submit, I'll keep you at your current status, and we'll conquer the universe together."

Clark didn't reply but transformed his magical staff into a heavy staff and counterattacked, pushing Hela back.

His affinity for the staff, perhaps enhanced by his absorption of the Great Sage's talent, seemed to be his strongest skill. Adjusting the staff to about 13,500 kg, he found the weight perfect for his current strength.

With the staff in hand, Clark matched Hela's strength, turning the battle into a deadlock.

The fight intensified, and about twenty minutes later, both landed hits on each other. Hela found a gap in Clark's defense and struck his chest, while Clark landed a heavy blow on Hela's abdomen.

Both retreated, with Hela spitting a bit of blood but showing no sign of weakening, thanks to her regenerative abilities. Clark realized the futility of fighting an immortal being. His own body also seemed to possess a form of immortality.

Clark decided to remove his vibranium armor, admitting Hela's superiority to Thor. He continued the battle, undeterred by her taunts.

After three days and nights of relentless combat, neither could claim victory. Both sustained and quickly recovered from fatal injuries. Clark used the fight as a training session, finally leaving Hela on the desolate planet.

Clark's strategy to trap Hela on Nubra was to isolate her, knowing she lacked the ability to travel through space. Trapped and unable to escape, she was forced to conserve her energy and wait.

Back on Earth, Clark received a puzzling message from Tony: "Ant-Man caught trying to steal Pym Particles. It's weird; you should check it out."

Confused, Clark teleported to the rebuilt Avengers Tower, where he encountered a bewildered Scott Lang, also confused by the situation. Hank Pym informed them the "criminal" was on the third floor, urging them to see for themselves.

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