Target Power Gem

Authors Note-

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In a closed room, two people were facing each other. It's not right to say they are confronting each other. One smiled and looked at the other, who seemed nervous and restless, like a lamb about to be slaughtered.

Star-Lord was uneasy. Sitting on the chair, he felt his legs trembling. He couldn't help it; the person in front of him was the supreme leader of the Black Shadow Mercenary Group, a well-known figure in the universe and a powerhouse that even Thanos would fear.

At the same time, Star-Lord was surprised. He didn't expect the leader of the Shadow Mercenary Group to be an Earthling and a handsome young man at that, seemingly in his twenties.

"You don't have to be so wary of me. After all, we're both from Earth, so we can be considered fellow neighbours. When fellow neighbours meet, we should be happy. I didn't bring you here to harm you. I need your help with something."

Star-Lord became even more nervous after hearing Ivan's words. "How can I not be anxious? I'm just a thief. And you are the leader of the famous Shadow Mercenary Group. You can destroy a planet with ease and have countless talented people working for you. Why would you need my help?

Even though we're both Earthlings, I doubt that's why you're looking for me, unless it's something very dangerous. You don't want your own subordinates in danger, so you want me to take the risk instead."

It was normal for Star-Lord to think this way. He grew up with the Marauders, surrounded by scum, villains, and lunatics, seeing all kinds of ugly crimes like cheating, killing, and betrayal. He doubted anything that seemed too good to be true.

Ivan smiled bitterly. He didn't expect anyone to believe him when he told the truth, so he had to try another approach.

"Don't belittle yourself. You are more special than anyone else; you don't know it yet."

"I'm very special?" Star-Lord looked down at himself.

"I don't think so. It would be best if you didn't fool me. I'm just an ordinary Earthling. Among many alien races, Earthlings are a comparatively weak race. Do Earthlings have any special abilities?"

Although he had been away from Earth for many years, Star-Lord still remembered It well. He didn't think it was very powerful because he didn't know about the dark world on Earth.

Ivan stood up, stared at Star-Lord, and said seriously, "Never underestimate Earth or its people. Earth is one of the most magical planets in the universe. Star-Lord, Peter Quill, I don't need to say more about your mother; her identity waas ordinary. But your father is extraordinary. He is an ancient god. At his peak, even Thanos was not his match. You are the descendant of a god; don't underestimate yourself."

"Descendant of a god!" Star-Lord was initially surprised, then laughed at himself.

"I like what you're saying. I wish it were true, but unfortunately, I don't think there would be such a weak descendant of a god like me in the universe. I'm just a humble Earthling. Please let me go!"

"Do you think I'm lying to you? Why would I bother deceiving you? If you weren't a descendant of a god, would it be worth my effort to ask for your help?"

Star-Lord was stunned for a moment, thinking it over. Could it be true?

"Also, as I said before, don't underestimate Earth's people. If you hadn't been born on Earth, you wouldn't have inherited the power of the gods. Although this power is dormant now, one day, you will awaken and master it."

"Okay, say what you want. If my father is an ancient god, tell me who he is. I've always wanted to meet him and punch him in the face for leaving my mother and me. He never visited us, even when my mother was dying. Such an irresponsible man is annoying."

Star-Lord waved his hands weakly, looking indifferent about his so-called father, but if you looked closely, you'd see a keen light in his eyes.

However, Star-Lord's little tricks couldn't deceive Ivan, especially when Ivan mentioned his father. Star-Lord's heartbeat quickened, almost jumping out of his chest.

"You want to know about your father? I can tell you, but you must do something for me first. Then I will tell you about your father and help you awaken the power he left you."

"Uh!" Star-Lord looked at Ivan with a smile, knowing that Ivan had seen through his intentions, feeling embarrassed. "Okay, tell me what you need me to do. I'll say upfront, if it's too dangerous, I won't do it."

"Don't worry, although there is some danger, it's not too serious. Please go to an abandoned planet and retrieve something for me. A powerful force envelops the planet's surface, and a very deadly protection, it would normally take several years to dissipate."

"Then why don't you just wait a few more years? What's the rush?"

"That item is very precious to me. Plus, others are trying to get it. If I wait for the energy to dissipate, many forces will compete for it, and I might not be able to secure it.

Others can't enter that planet because once they get there, any life form will instinctively absorb the energy and then be blasted apart. Although the energy is thin, it is highly pure, and most beings can't handle it. But you are different. Your ancient god genes can contain it, and it might even trigger the awakening of your energy. It's a win-win situation."

"Wait!" Star Lord interrupted, "You say I can absorb that energy because I have ancient god genes? But what if you're wrong? What if I'm not a descendant of these ancient gods?"

Ivan shrugged nonchalantly, "Then you'd just be unlucky. You'd end up like everyone else, bursting with energy."

Star-Lord almost choked. "So, I'm gambling with my life? Why is this so easy for you to say? Of course, you're not worried; it's not you or your subordinates at risk."

"Hahaha!" Ivan laughed, seeing Star-Lord's distressed expression. "Don't be angry, I'm just joking. The energy absorption process takes time. The planet's energy is already thin so that it will take longer. When you get there, you can try it first. If you feel your body swelling and overwhelmed, leave immediately. I won't force you. How's that?"

Star-Lord felt relieved. "Okay, I agree. But when I return, you must tell me about my father."

"Of course. The Shadow Mercenary Group has a reputation for credibility. We always keep our promises," Ivan said solemnly.

Seeing that Star-Lord finally agreed, Ivan breathed a sigh of relief. He prefers not to use force because Star-Lord is the protagonist of the Guardians of the Galaxy and has strong luck. Who knows what consequences a conflict might bring? Plus, Ivan wanted to help strengthen Star-Lord and possibly the other Guardians like Groot and Drax.

"Okay, we have an agreement. Can you tell me now what you want me to find?"

"Of course. Please find the Cosmic Orb. I only know a general location, so you'll have to search for it," Ivan said, projecting an image of a metal sphere.

"No problem, I'll remember!"

"Very good; I hope we have a happy cooperation!" Ivan said, extending his hand to Star-Lord.

Star-Lord was momentarily confused, then remembered Earth's handshake etiquette. He reached out and shook Ivan's hand, saying, "Happy cooperation!"

Ivan knew Star-Lord had been away from Earth for many years and missed Earth's food. He invited Star-Lord to enjoy steak, hamburgers, red wine, and more. Star-Lord enjoyed it so much that he almost swallowed his tongue.

After seven days, Ivan secretly sent Star-Lord away during a supply trip. He provided minimal help—a communication watch and a few small items. This was because Thanos and Darkseid were always watching. Giving Star-Lord too much would arouse suspicion, which would harm his mission. The Power Stone was too valuable, especially to Thanos, obsessed with the Infinity Stones.

Ivan prepared the mercenary group and himself for the upcoming battle. Once Star-Lord obtained the Cosmic Orb, Thanos and Darkseid would likely realize Ivan's plan. At that point, they might act, and only Ivan could stand against them.