Collector

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The scar-covered, tall alien glared fiercely at Ivan, delivering a stern request, "You're quite wealthy, boy. Here's your chance to hand over your belongings and valuables. Cooperate, and I'll make your death a bit more merciful."

Unfazed by the intimidation, Ivan smiled calmly, "I have very little money and more valuable items. If you want them, you'll have to display some genuine skills. Otherwise, paying like this would be a shame for me."

"Face! Hahaha! Do you still talk about having a face? Ignorant fool, ask around about who I am—Moro. Falling into my hands, you should consider it lucky if you get to die quickly. I'll teach you the true meaning of life and death."

Moro brandished a shiny axe, creating a gust of wind with a demonstrative wave.

Doubtful, Ivan responded, "Really? I don't believe it. Let's put it to the test."

"Boy, you're asking for death! Attack!"

Moro roared, swinging the axe forcefully with a whining sound, aiming to sever Ivan's head.

Assessing Moro's strength, Ivan recognized the physical prowess comparable to Captain America. However, with Ivan's current strength and experience, as the axe approached, he smoothly sidestepped. In a swift motion, Ivan's palm extended, gripping the axe handle. Ivan neutralized the kinetic energy by utilizing his energy absorption ability, preventing the axe from falling any further.

Caught off guard, Moro attempted to retract the axe forcefully, but it remained motionless. Despite Moro's imposing height and robust arms, he found himself outmatched in strength by Ivan, who stood significantly smaller. Moro, now sweating profusely, struggled in vain.

Moro wasn't a fool. He anticipated an arduous struggle, so he activated a switch on the axe handle, releasing a powerful electric current that struck Ivan's palm, gripping the axe.

Initially, Moro expected the electric shock to numb Ivan, giving him a chance to retrieve his weapon and land a decisive blow. However, Ivan, seemingly unfazed, absorbed the current and even appeared to enjoy it.

This sight terrified Moro, causing him to abandon any attempts at grabbing more weapons. He instinctively stepped back, but Ivan, far from letting him escape, delivered a swift kick to Moro's stomach.

"Ah!" Moro screamed and propelled through the air before rolling to a stop after several somersaults.

"Bastard, I'll kill you! I'll shatter your corpse into ten thousand pieces. What are you waiting for? Everyone, attack together!" Moro, standing up, bellowed, rallying his comrades to unleash a barrage of gunfire, flying knives, and direct charges at Ivan.

Responding with speed and skill, Ivan deflected an electromagnetic cannon attack, absorbed its energy, and threw back two flying knives, fatally striking two aliens. He then swiftly took down the leader, a bald individual, along with those who followed.

In minutes, Ivan single-handedly defeated the entire group of alien gangsters. Turning his gaze towards Moro, who stood nearby, and the trembling young boy who had led the way, Ivan exuded an intimidating presence.

"Don't come any closer! Let me go! I won't dare again, I beg you..." Moro, devoid of his gang boss demeanor, pleaded in fear.

Ivan glared at Moluo, disgusted by his constant chatter. "Stop arguing. If you utter another word, I'll kill you on the spot. You have a choice now: live or die?"

Moro, astonished, looked at Ivan. There may be room for negotiation. "I want to live. Tell me if you have orders, and I'll do it."

"Simple. Hand over all your money and valuables, and I'll spare your life. Play any tricks, and everyone dies."

"Okay, let's go now!" Moro's face twitched. This situation felt eerily familiar—he used to be the one robbing, not being robbed.

Recognizing Ivan's ruthlessness, Moro and two barely mobile subordinates collected all valuables and handed them over respectfully. Ivan estimated the loot's value to be over 300,000, a testament to the profitability of the robbery.

Putting the loot in his backpack, Ivan turned to the little boy who had led the way. The boy, shocked, pleaded, "Don't kill me. I was forced!"

"It doesn't matter if you were forced or not. You promised to take me to see the collector, and now that the trouble is over, fulfill your promise."

The little boy, still shaken, hesitated before saying, "You're not angry?"

"What's your fault? I didn't suffer; in my eyes, you're just an ant. Do you think I'd be angry with an ant over this?"

The little boy nodded quickly, "Yes, to someone mighty like you, I'm just an ant. It's not worth your anger. Please come with me; I'll show you the way immediately."

Ivan ignored Moro and followed the boy. This time, no one dared to block their way.

Returning to the street, Ivan's unexpected leniency surprised some onlookers. They wondered when Moro had become merciful, sparing his adversary's life.

Guided by the boy, Ivan reached the Tivan Group's headquarters, the Collector's company. After dismissing the boy, Ivan didn't blame him for the deception, understanding that he had acted out of desperation to survive. As a token of appreciation, Ivan gave him two packs of compressed biscuits, mindful not to harm the boy by providing too much in this harsh environment.

The Tivan Company earned profits by extracting brains and body fluids from the head of the Celestial. Initially hopeful to purchase brain marrow, Ivan found the energy content insufficient. He speculated whether the energy had dissipated due to the prolonged death of Celestial or other reasons.

Introducing himself to the Tivan Group as someone with precious specimens to sell, Ivan was promptly attended to by a responsible individual from the company. He recalled that Star-Lord and others had personally met the collector in the Guardians of the Galaxy. Still, considering their trade involved Infinity Stones, Ivan's intention to sell seemed less surprising.

Despite the outward politeness of the person receiving Ivan, an unmistakable arrogance colored his speech and demeanor as he requested to inspect Ivan's items for trade.

Feeling annoyed, Ivan upended his backpack, causing a cascade of magical animal specimens—poison horns, hippogriffs, three-headed dogs, and more—to spill out. Witnessing this, the person in charge's attitude immediately shifted, and he treated Ivan with the utmost respect and promptly contacted his superiors.

After repacking the items, Ivan met the collector ten minutes later, led by a red-skinned female alien. Resembling the movie depiction, the collector had white hair, a cute face pattern, a peculiar outfit, and an odd hand gesture.

"Dear guest, welcome. My subordinates mentioned you would like me to examine the items you wish to trade."

"Of course. For a fair transaction, both parties should be satisfied. As the seller, it's only just that I allow you to inspect the goods."

Ivan displayed the various magical animal specimens on the ground. When collecting them, he used dark methods, resulting in inevitable damage. Ivan had conducted autopsy experiments on the creatures, turning many into specimens that, while not very useful, were well-spent.

The collector, fascinated by the peculiar creatures, spent over two hours examining them. Eventually, he withdrew his gaze and remarked, "Your specimens are complete, though it's a shame they're all deceased, leading to a discounted value. Nevertheless, I'll offer you a satisfactory price. Additionally, I'm keen on your backpack, which can hold so much. I want to purchase it. No matter the price, I hope you'll consider selling it."

After a brief consideration, Ivan inserted his hand into the backpack, retrieved a black leather box, opened it, placed all the specimens inside, and presented it to the collector. "The backpack isn't for sale, but consider this box a gift."