Xandar

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Then they were waiting for everyone to arrive, and everyone was listening carefully to Kai's explanation of some things about the universe.

Although everyone had gained sufficient understanding of the Nine Realms because of Thor, it was obvious that apart from the Nine Realms, no one knew anything about other places.

So now they could only learn specific information from Kai.

Then Kai told them what he knew about the situation in the universe, and gave a brief account of which planet they were going to.

After understanding the situation, everyone started discussing who would follow Kai into the universe.

However, everyone was worried that too many people might cause problems, so they wanted to select a few rather than all going together.

But Kai saw this and said, "If everyone wants to go, then follow me."

"As for your concerns, don't worry. I'm here. Everything will be fine."

Hearing that, everyone looked at each other. Since Kai said so, they didn't want to miss the opportunity.

So it was decided that Steve and Bucky would continue tracking Hydra on Earth. Coulson had to stay and run S.H.I.E.L.D., so he couldn't go either.

Natasha stayed behind at Tony's request to help Pepper, since Tony planned to go.

Thor refused because he was already familiar with cosmic forces and wanted to enjoy life on Earth with Jane.

So in the end, only three people went with Kai: Tony, Yinsen, and Banner.

After counting, Kai saw that others either had work to do or weren't interested.

Then he noticed Pietro standing to the side, looking eager.

But Kai said to the twins, "No, I can't take you with me this time."

Pietro's excitement faded instantly.

Wanda stepped forward, patted Pietro on the back, and looked at Kai. "Sir, don't worry. I'll take good care of him."

Kai explained, "Your powers have only just awakened, and you haven't mastered them yet. If something goes wrong and you lose control in space, you'll attract the wrong kind of attention."

Wanda understood.

Kai continued, "There'll be other trips. Once you've got better control, I'll take you with me next time."

Pietro cheered up a bit and asked Kai to promise.

"When have I ever lied to you?" Kai smiled, then turned to those who were going with him.

Everyone gathered on the front lawn.

Kai raised his right hand and waved it from top to bottom. A portal opened in the air, glowing with blue light.

They couldn't see the other side because the glow was too intense.

Kai smiled. "Don't worry—we'll be back soon."

He stepped through the portal.

Tony, Yinsen, and Banner followed. Once Banner stepped through, the portal closed.

Everyone looked at the now-empty lawn, already eager to hear what they would bring back from space.

In space.

After Peter escaped, he got a call from Yondu—who had given him the job of retrieving the Cosmic Orb.

But Peter planned to keep it for himself instead of turning it over to the Ravagers and collecting the reward alone.

When he hung up, Yondu was furious and put a bounty on Peter—alive.

Meanwhile, the group that had failed to catch Peter reported back to the Kree, informing Ronan.

Ronan sat on his throne with Gamora and Nebula on either side. Korlas, the pursuer, stood before him.

"Master, the thief is a criminal who calls himself Star-Lord. He stole the Cosmic Orb for someone called the Broker."

After hearing this, Ronan ordered Gamora to go to Xandar and retrieve the Orb.

Xandar, capital of the Nova Empire.

Banner stepped through the portal, stunned by what he saw—just like Tony and Yinsen.

The place was gorgeous, clearly boasting advanced tech beyond Earth's level.

What really surprised them, though, were the aliens.

While most looked humanoid, many clearly weren't.

Yinsen leaned in and asked Kai quietly, "Do they always look like this?"

Kai nodded. "Different races, different appearances. Not all aliens look like Asgardians or Earthlings."

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