Chapter 141: Taking You to Fight the Boss

Kallruth piloted the spacecraft in stealth mode, gliding silently beneath the Meteorite ship. Above, the Kree warship remained oblivious to their presence.

"Wait, Kallruth."

Seeing the other's puzzled expression, Garus explained, "I need to find a few people in the Kyln prison. You guys figure out how to infiltrate Ronan's warship."

He turned to Blonsky. "Once you're inside, wait for me. I'll be there soon."

Garus opened the hatch and leaped out of the ship, summoning a small frost wyrm to carry him toward the Kyln, skillfully weaving through the crossfire.

The Kyln might not have had battleships as powerful as Ronan's, but its sheer numbers gave it a fighting chance—perhaps enough to hold out until the Nova Corps arrived.

A barrage from the Kyln's defenses managed to punch a hole in the Meteorite ship's hull.

Kallruth spotted the breach and, before the Kree shields could repair themselves, maneuvered the ship through the opening.

Meanwhile, Star-Lord and his team had reached a temporarily safe area, collapsing onto the ground in exhaustion.

"You!"

Hearing a voice nearby, Star-Lord lifted his head and saw Drax the Destroyer towering over him.

"You're here too?" Star-Lord sat up, noticing a few other prisoners in the area. He had no idea how they had managed to escape. "The warship outside belongs to Ronan. He's here to hunt down me and Gamora."

"Ronan!?"

Drax shot to his feet, eyes burning with rage. "I will kill him!"

Star-Lord quickly grabbed his arm. "Whoa, whoa, calm down! That's a giant warship out there. He could reduce this entire prison to rubble. How exactly are you planning to kill him?"

Drax clenched his fists, struggling to suppress his frustration.

"Big dumb brute," Rocket muttered as he finally caught his breath.

"What did you say?" Drax took a menacing step forward. "I ought to roast you for dinner, you little rat. I'm getting kinda hungry."

"I am Groot."

Groot stepped in front of Rocket, glaring at Drax, blocking his advance.

"I am not a rat!" Rocket shot back, seething. If he had his blaster, he would have fired it already.

Star-Lord smirked. "Technically, he's a raccoon."

Gamora rubbed her temples, exasperated. "Enough. We need to figure out how to get out of here."

Before she could say anything else, Drax suddenly lunged at her, slamming her against the wall with a hand around her throat.

"Woman, I spared your life so you could lead me to Ronan," he growled. "Now he's here. If you run, I'll kill you myself."

"Kh…!"

Gamora gasped as bruises began to form on her neck, but Drax released her just as quickly.

She coughed, catching her breath. "I want Ronan dead, but do you think we can take him on by ourselves? This place is about to be obliterated. Our priority should be escaping first—then we can settle the score later."

Star-Lord was certain Drax's brain was broken. There was no way he was joining him on a suicide mission.

Then, he realized where they were—the prison's storage room.

When they first arrived, all their personal belongings had been confiscated. Now, with the guards missing, this was the perfect chance to retrieve them.

"Hang on, I'll be right back."

Before anyone could stop him, Star-Lord rushed into the storage area, rummaging through the lockers until he found his things.

"Yes! My Walkman's still here!"

It was the only thing his mother had left him.

Once he had donned his gear, he let out a sigh of relief. At least now he didn't have to worry about suffocating in space or freezing to death.

Outside, explosions and screams filled the air. The Kyln's defenses were failing.

The Kree's smaller warships breached the prison, flooding into its corridors.

Ronan's image flickered onto every Kree screen.

"Listen up! We've breached the Kyln's defenses. All units, sweep the prison! Find the thief who stole the Orb and the traitor, Gamora! Bring them to me—dead or alive!"

Kree soldiers poured into the prison, dragging out prisoners and guards alike.

Then, the sounds of battle erupted from the corridors—blaster fire, metal clashing, and the agonized screams of Kree warriors.

"What the hell?"

The group exchanged wary glances.

One of the prisoners perked up. "Maybe the Nova Corps made it in time?"

"No way," Star-Lord muttered, gripping his blasters. "They wouldn't get here this fast. We should—"

"Wait." Gamora stopped him.

Boom!

Before they could react, a door nearby was kicked open.

A figure, clad in heavy armor and wielding a sword, strode in. The metallic thud of his boots against the floor sent a chill through the room.

"Stop right there! Take another step, and I'll shoot!"

Star-Lord aimed his gun at the armored warrior.

The figure ignored him, continuing forward.

Star-Lord pulled the trigger.

The blaster bolt struck the armor—and vanished, absorbed into the plating without leaving a scratch.

The stranger removed his helmet, revealing a young face.

"It's you!"

Star-Lord recognized him instantly—the man who had stolen the Orb.

Garus paused, surveying the room.

The Guardians of the Galaxy. And a few unwelcome faces.

"Come with me. I'll get you out of here."

He raised a hand, and a swirling black portal appeared before him.

"A wormhole?"

The others gaped in shock.

"Don't think too hard about it." Garus glanced at them. "This portal leads straight to Ronan's ship. If you want to take him down, now's your chance. Who's coming?"

"I AM!"

Drax didn't hesitate—he stepped through immediately.

The others, however, hesitated.

Garus sighed. "Suit yourselves. My portal only leads to the Meteorite ship. You could wait here for the Nova Corps—"

Another explosion rocked the prison.

"—or take matters into your own hands."

-----------------------

Want to read ahead of schedule?

Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON