243

Chapter 243

"What? You are my biological father?" Star-Lord exclaimed in disbelief.

"Yes, I hired Yondu and asked him to bring you back to me. However, for some reason, he left you behind," Ego replied, displaying a facade of warmth akin to a long-lost father reuniting with his child.

Despite the act, Star-Lord struggled to accept this revelation. It was difficult to process that someone could show up out of nowhere in his thirties and declare, "I'm your father." If the situation had been different, Star-Lord might have reacted more aggressively.

The rest of the group remained silent, each absorbed in their own concerns. Rocket Raccoon was occupied with educating Groot, who was engrossed in puzzle games, Drax was engaged with Mantis, and Gamora remained thoughtful, reflecting on her complex relationship with Thanos.

Ego grew slightly frustrated. His initial plan was to let the Sovereign drones chase them more intensely and then intervene at the last moment, hoping to impress his son and make a positive impression. But the Sovereign forces had unexpectedly retreated.

Ego fixed his gaze on Star-Lord and said, "Quill, I understand it's difficult to trust me right now. That's why I'm here—to bring you back to my planet where I will reveal your true mission to you."

Star-Lord hesitated. The idea of a "mission" made him uneasy, as if his entire life had been orchestrated by someone else.

He finally said, "Well, I need to discuss this with my friends. I'm not sure I want to..."

"No, you must come!" Ego insisted. "Don't you want to know your true identity? Come with me. I assure you, it will be unlike any place you've been before. I'll provide a thorough explanation of your unique heritage."

Ego's sincerity seemed genuine as he turned to address the others, adding, "Oh, by the way, your friends are welcome too, including the one with the triangle face!"

Rocket looked puzzled and confused, "What?"

Ego's plan was clear: he wanted to bring Star-Lord to his planet regardless of the cost. Once there, he was confident that Star-Lord would recognize his power and assist him in reshaping the universe. At worst, Ego could use him as a power source.

As night fell, Ego returned to his spacecraft. Star-Lord said he would give his answer the next day, and Ego agreed, expressing patience: "I've waited so long; I don't mind waiting one more night. Finally, I have the chance to be a real father!"

Thor noticed a glint of ruthlessness in Ego's eyes. If Star-Lord's answer did not meet Ego's expectations, it was likely he would resort to force. Considering the Guardians of the Galaxy's nominal affiliation with Asgard, and Star-Lord's connection to Thor, Ego's intent to transform Star-Lord into his ally could pose a threat to Thor.

Thor pondered Ego's potential duplicity. He was aware of Ego's vulnerability—his body was a planet, with his brain as the core. If someone were to penetrate the planet, a well-placed explosive could destroy Ego's fragile brain.

The next morning, Star-Lord agreed to follow Ego to his planet despite Gamora's warnings about Ego's trustworthiness. Star-Lord remained resolute, dismissing her concerns.

"Hey, Gamora, not all fathers are unreliable just because you have issues with Thanos!" Star-Lord retorted.

"Thanos isn't my father!" Gamora shot back.

Drax, unbothered, added, "I'm excited to see what's in store. My new insect sister said it's quite fascinating there!"

"I am Groot," Groot said.

"I want to stay and repair the ship," Rocket grumbled, frustrated by Ego and Mantis's treatment of him.

Star-Lord, looking at the battered spacecraft, remarked, "Rocket, are you sure you can fix this? It's been hit by a nuclear bomb. It's not just unfixable; no one would even want it as junk."

Star-Lord then looked at Thor with a worried expression.

Thor, feeling a chill, replied, "Forget it, I'll cover the cost later."

Star-Lord nodded in agreement, reassured.

Thor also nodded, thinking, Since I killed your father, I'll get you a new ship as compensation. This one is worthless anyway. After Hela finishes with the Sovereigns, she can take it from their warehouse!

As Thor considered the situation, he speculated that Hela was likely engaged in battle with enthusiasm.

....