CHAPTER 99

The Grandmaster's guards tossed a meager portion of food into Drax the Destroyer's cell and left without a word.

Drax and the parasite were alone once more. Drax surveyed the solid walls of his cell, testing their strength with a tentative push. Even with the enhanced strength provided by the parasite, the walls didn't budge. They were made of cosmic alloy, a material known for its near-indestructible properties.

The parasite, sensing Drax's frustration, spoke up. "Give up. It's useless. These walls aren't just rock—they're reinforced with cosmic alloy. They're designed to withstand extreme heat, cold, and physical force. Even with my enhancements, you won't break through. And that collar around your neck? It's designed to keep us in check. Struggling will only make things worse."

Drax growled, slamming his fists against the walls in a futile attempt to vent his anger. He had finally gained the power he needed to exact revenge on the Kree Empire, only to find himself imprisoned once again. The thought of facing the Kree in his current state was laughable—they would obliterate him in seconds. The Supreme Intelligence, now under the control of Rhodes, was not something he could challenge alone.

After a while, Drax calmed down, resigning himself to his situation. He would bide his time and wait for an opportunity to escape.

Suddenly, the cell door creaked open. One of the Grandmaster's lackeys stood in the doorway, holding a remote control. "It's your turn to play," the lackey said with a smirk.

Drax hadn't expected his first battle to come so soon. Reluctantly, he obeyed, knowing resistance was futile with the shock collar around his neck. He was led into a large elevator, where the lackey explained the rules.

"Once this door opens, you'll face your opponent. Your goal is simple: kill or be killed. There are no rules, no restrictions—just survive. You'll find helmets, armor, and weapons nearby. Choose whatever you need."

The lackey sneered, clearly enjoying Drax's predicament. "Oh, and don't even think about escaping. The arena is surrounded by energy barriers. Try to run, and you'll be fried."

Drax remained silent, his eyes flicking to the remote control in the lackey's hand. He considered snatching it, but the parasite's voice echoed in his mind. "Don't bother. That remote is just a decoy. The real one is with the Grandmaster. Even if you take it, you're still trapped."

Drax cursed under his breath, frustrated by the Grandmaster's cunning. The lackey, mistaking Drax's muttering for an insult, raised the remote threateningly. "What did you say?"

Drax quickly backtracked. "I'm just psyching myself up for the fight. Relax."

The lackey eyed him suspiciously but said nothing more. The elevator ascended rapidly, and the doors opened to reveal a long passageway. At the end was the arena.

"Go on," the lackey said, gesturing toward the passage. "Your battlefield awaits."

Drax cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders, his 300-pound frame emitting a series of satisfying pops. He stepped forward, the door at the end of the passage slowly opening to reveal the arena beyond.

The noise hit him like a wall. The arena was packed with aliens of all shapes and sizes, their voices a cacophony of cheers, jeers, and bets. Many held slips of paper, wagering on the outcome of the fight. The Grandmaster's gladiatorial games were a spectacle, and the crowd was ravenous for blood.

Some spectators shouted encouragement at Drax. "Show them your strength, big guy! Tear him apart!"

Others were less kind. "Crush him! Eat his brains!"

Drax, unfamiliar with the customs of Sakaar, was momentarily disoriented by the chaos. But his attention quickly shifted to his opponent, who emerged from the opposite side of the arena.

It wasn't a humanoid alien. It was a massive, hulking beast, standing on all fours and covered in thick, black scales. Its mouth was filled with razor-sharp teeth, and a single, jagged horn protruded from its head. The creature resembled a monstrous boar, but its size and ferocity were unlike anything Drax had ever seen.

The parasite within Drax spoke up. "Be careful. That thing is also a host. It's been parasitized, just like you. It's not just a mindless beast—it's being controlled by another parasite. This won't be an easy fight."

Drax clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "Whatever it is, I'll kill it."

He grabbed two long knives from the weapon rack, knowing his fists alone wouldn't be enough against such a formidable opponent. The crowd roared as the beast charged toward him, its massive frame shaking the ground with each step.

Drax stood his ground, his muscles coiling like springs. As the beast closed the distance, he lunged forward, meeting it head-on. The collision was thunderous, the force of the impact sending shockwaves through the arena.

The beast snapped its jaws, trying to bite Drax, but he drove his knives into its face, using his enhanced strength to hold it at bay. The creature's sheer power pushed Drax back, his feet digging into the ground as he struggled to maintain his footing.

The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps. Drax, despite being dwarfed by the beast, was holding his own. With a roar, he pushed back, forcing the creature to retreat slightly. The alien monster, surprised by Drax's strength, scrambled to regain its footing.

Drax's fighting instincts kicked in, his body moving with precision and power. The audience, initially skeptical of his chances, began to cheer for him. Some even picked up their discarded betting slips, reconsidering their wagers.

Meanwhile, Rhodes and Hela arrived on Sakaar. Rhodes had been receiving reports of parasites being captured and traded across the galaxy. Many had been brought to Asgard, but rumors of parasite-host duels on Sakaar had piqued his interest.

Rhodes was familiar with Sakaar—it was the same planet where Thor and the Hulk had once clashed in the Grandmaster's arena. The idea of parasite-enhanced gladiators battling for entertainment intrigued him. He decided to see it for himself.

As Rhodes and Hela made their way through the chaotic streets of Sakaar, they couldn't help but notice the planet's unique blend of squalor and grandeur. The Grandmaster's influence was everywhere, from the towering spires of his palace to the seedy underbelly of the city.

Rhodes's arrival was met with a mix of curiosity and fear. The Grandmaster, ever the showman, was eager to impress his new guests. He greeted them with a flourish, his flamboyant personality on full display.

"Welcome, welcome! To what do I owe the pleasure of hosting the mighty Rhodes and the formidable Hela?"

Rhodes cut straight to the point. "I've heard about your parasite duels. I want to see one."

The Grandmaster's eyes lit up. "Ah, of course! You've come to the right place. We have a particularly exciting match underway right now. Come, let me show you."

As Rhodes and Hela followed the Grandmaster to the arena, they couldn't help but wonder what kind of spectacle awaited them. Little did they know, Drax the Destroyer was already in the thick of it, fighting for his life against a monstrous opponent.