Chapter 307: The Soul Stone

On the desolate lands of Vormir, an eerie silence loomed over the ruined terrain.

Gamora jumped off her ship, her steps heavy, as if she could barely lift her feet. Others might not know the truth about the Soul Stone, but she did. To obtain it, one must sacrifice the person they love the most. Yet, in her eyes, there was no one left in this world that she loved.

Nebula followed closely behind, her expression cold and distant. Unlike Gamora, Nebula's only goal was to free herself from Thanos' shadow. As for why she followed Gamora to Vormir, deep down, she had a vague idea of what Gamora intended to do.

"The Soul Stone is hidden here, isn't it?" Nebula asked.

"Why did you follow me? This place is dangerous."

Gamora walked towards the distant mountain peak, where the air was thick with a crimson mist, reminiscent of Wanda's chaos magic. Every inch of this place reeked of destruction, and even sunlight couldn't pierce through the heavy clouds above.

Nebula didn't respond to Gamora's question; she simply followed her stubbornly up the mountain. The gap between them grew wider and wider. Though they were both daughters of Thanos, their personalities were worlds apart. Gamora had always despised staying by Thanos' side, while Nebula had dutifully carried out his every order to perfection.

If not for the recent opportunity to acquire the Power Stone, Nebula might never have considered defying Thanos.

As they ascended towards the peak, they walked on natural stone steps carved by time. A sudden gust of icy wind howled around them, like the wailing of some monstrous entity, piercing through Gamora's mind.

Nebula, having been completely modified with cybernetic enhancements, felt nothing. But Gamora, overwhelmed by the agony, broke out in a cold sweat.

Nebula quickly stepped forward and supported her.

"Are you alright?"

Gamora curled up in pain when suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared in front of them. It seemed almost unreal, floating in the air and blending with the desolate landscape. The figure had no legs, its entire body draped in a red cloak. Underneath the hood, a ghastly, skull-like face was revealed, devoid of any flesh, resembling a vengeful spirit.

Startled, Gamora instinctively drew her dagger and stabbed at the figure, only to find her blade passing through it without resistance.

Had Alan been here, he would have recognized the figure at a glance—it was the long-lost Red Skull, once Captain America's formidable foe.

During his final battle with Captain America, Red Skull was transported to Vormir by the Space Stone. Here, he became the guardian of the Soul Stone, cursed to remain on the planet forever. Since he had no one he loved, he could never claim the stone for himself, nor could he break the curse that bound him to Vormir.

Only when the Soul Stone was taken would Red Skull be freed from his eternal torment.

"You have come in search of the Soul Stone, haven't you?" Red Skull asked slowly.

Gamora and Nebula exchanged glances and nodded in confirmation.

Red Skull floated forward, then turned his head slightly, gesturing for them to follow.

---

Meanwhile, on their way back to Asgard, Quill and the others received an urgent distress signal from the realm. The voice on the other end was filled with panic, indicating a dire situation.

"To all nearby ships, stay away from Asgard. We are under siege. I repeat, Asgard has fallen. Leave immediately!"

....