As the Nova Corps crumbled under the onslaught of the Angel Legion, Xandar spiraled into chaos.
Star-Lord, who should have fled immediately, merely took a few steps toward the exit of the Cosmic Mercenary Union, then strolled back in casually. He ordered another drink without a care, smirking as he joked with the other mercenaries.
With the Angels now in full control of Xandar, was there any place safer than the Cosmic Mercenary Union?
"Who would be foolish enough to challenge the Holy Heavenly Palace now?" Star-Lord mused.
Definitely, no one was that reckless.
Meanwhile, a defeated Ronan the Accuser, seething with frustration, oversaw repairs to his flagship, the Dark Aster. On the other side, Yondu Udonta, cursing under his breath, led his surviving Ravagers straight into the Cosmic Mercenary Union.
Since the destruction of the main Ravager faction, Yondu had been careful to avoid drawing the attention of the Holy Heavenly Palace. So far, he wasn't on its bounty list—something he was keen to maintain. The bounties placed by other factions? Meaningless in the grand scheme of the cosmos.
"Stupid boy!" Yondu barked, striding up to Star-Lord.
Before Peter Quill could react, Yondu clapped a firm hand on his shoulder, forcing him back into his seat. Then, without hesitation, he swiped the drink Star-Lord had just ordered and took a swig.
"Alright, kid. How much do you think you owe us?"
Star-Lord groaned, rolling his eyes. "That depends on how much the top-ranked mercenary force in the universe is willing to pay me."
Yondu smirked, then slapped Star-Lord on the back hard enough to make him cough.
"Bah! You little brat. Should've let those Sakaarans eat you when I had the chance. They've never tasted an Earthling before!"
Seeing the Union's Branch President approach, Yondu scowled. "What're you looking at? He's my son."
With that, he turned back to Star-Lord, lowering his voice as their conversation became more private.
Meanwhile, the massive battle on Xandar still raged onscreen. Though the Nova Corps was crumbling, the Angel Legion continued its relentless advance.
Once an invasion began, everything—planets, technology, and resources—belonged to the Holy Heavenly Palace. There would be no exceptions.
Some Nova Corps forces still fought back, while others contemplated surrender or escape.
The Xandarian Archon, eyes filled with rage and desperation, stared at the message from Ragna, demanding unconditional surrender.
"If you think we will kneel before you, you are mistaken!" the Archon roared. "Xandar will fight to the last! And do you truly believe the other galactic powers will sit idly by and allow you to annex this world?"
Ragna, seated on his celestial throne, chuckled. "Do you think I care?"
The Archon's lips curled in fury, but behind him, several high-ranking officials exchanged glances—subtle gestures indicating hesitation, even defection. Some were already preparing to flee, while others calculated the best time to switch sides.
Without another word, Ragna ended the transmission and signaled his Angels to intensify their assault.
Some of Xandar's most strategic assets—resource planets and classified Nova technology—had to be secured immediately.
Nova Corps' linked energy barrier technology was one of the most advanced in the universe, boasting unparalleled durability. Without the Space Stone, even Holy Keisha required time to break through the defenses.
As the Angels harvested Xandar's remaining forces, a new disturbance emerged.
The three remaining major galactic powers had arrived.
The Shi'ar Empire, despite being the farthest from Xandar, was the first to appear.
Their commander, Gladiator, narrowed his eyes at Holy Keisha and Angel Yan, then turned his gaze to Ragna, who remained unmoved on his throne.
Without a word, he signaled his warriors to remain on high alert.
Soon, the Kree Empire and the Sovereign followed.
Upon discovering that Ragna had already taken the Power Stone, their leaders refrained from immediate action. Instead, they established a joint communication link with Ragna.
The fate of Xandar served as a warning—a grim reminder of what awaited them should they remain divided.
Realizing the threat, the three galactic factions made their decision.
Together, they would form an alliance against the Holy Heavenly Palace.
A holographic projection of Supreme Intelligence, the enigmatic AI ruler of the Kree, was the first to speak.
"Ragna, why have you obliterated Xandar?" it asked. "The delicate balance of the universe is not easily maintained. If the Holy Heavenly Palace continues its unchecked conquest, intergalactic war will be inevitable."
Ragna smirked. "Oh? Strange. The Kree Empire has long sought to destroy Xandar. And now you claim to defend it?"
Ignoring the insult, Supreme Intelligence continued. "The Kree, Shi'ar, and Sovereign will not tolerate your influence expanding beyond Xandar. If the Holy Order crosses into our territories, we will retaliate. This is non-negotiable."
Gladiator of the Shi'ar Empire stepped forward, his voice firm. "Your Holy Order is too powerful. It must be contained. The Shi'ar, Kree, and Sovereign will not interfere with your annexation of Xandar, but we forbid you from spreading your rule into our space.
"If you cross this line, we will unite against you. No matter the cost."
The High Priestess Ayesha of the Sovereign said nothing. Instead, she stepped forward in silent agreement, her golden figure radiating cold arrogance.
Their message was clear—if Ragna expanded further, they would risk everything to stop him.
Ragna studied Ayesha with curiosity. The Sovereign's genetic perfection, their drones, their long-range combat capabilities—they would be perfect for his Iron Legion.
Originally, the Sovereign had been Ragna's primary target.
Their super-powered energy cores and telepathic war-drones would make his army unstoppable.
But once the Power Stone surfaced on Xandar, priorities changed.
Losing the Power Stone to Thanos or the Three Major Powers would have been a disaster. Xandar had to be destroyed first.
Now, Ragna weighed his next move.
The three powers stood united, ready for war.
After a moment of silence, Ragna nodded—as if acknowledging their temporary ceasefire.
The war would come.
The Final Battle was inevitable.
But today was not that day.
The leaders of the three major forces left freely, knowing full well that this fragile peace would not last forever.
As they departed, Ragna's gaze drifted through the void, settling on the Cosmic Mercenary Union—more specifically, on Star-Lord, still engaged in his banter with Yondu.
A smirk tugged at Ragna's lips.
Perhaps Peter Quill would be the key to accelerating the inevitable.
When the time came, the Final Battle would shake the entire universe.
And on that day, Ragna would reign supreme.
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