Near the Moon, space rippled violently.
Moments later, over a dozen spacecraft of varying sizes and designs emerged from a wormhole.
Star-Lord's Milano, a modified M-Ship, trailed behind the others as they approached Earth in the Solar System.
Through the viewport, Peter Quill gazed greedily at the beautiful blue planet. Despite humanity's scars, Earth remained the most beautiful world in his heart.
Simultaneously, the temporary leader of the operation's voice crackled through Quill's comms.
"Peter Quill, you jackass, why did we jump outside the planet?
If we don't infiltrate directly, we risk being spotted by Asgard's observers!"
The reprimand echoed in Quill's cockpit, prompting a dismissive smirk.
"Asgard's at war. Do you think their observers care about a measly thirteen ships like ours?
Scatter and observe the battle's progress. Then, cash in, boys!"
Quill activated the spectral camouflage, his ship vanishing as he broke formation and headed toward Earth.
Meanwhile, on the team's temporary public channel, excited chatter erupted.
"By the Eternal, I see the battlefield! Chitauri ships and bio-organisms everywhere!"
"Yeah, even their fighter ship wreckage—worth way more than landing craft!"
"I'll salvage it! Boss, add two grand to my cut. I'll log the large debris for your cleanup crew!"
"Make it three grand. My ship's got Nova Corps-level salvage gear!"
"While you're blabbing, I found a broken spear. These runes are Asgardian—a Berserker Spear, worth at least 800 credits!"
"Damn, I'm on my way!"
The fleet scattered, their spectral cloaks active as they scoured the Chitauri invasion path for valuable wreckage.
But they had no idea…
At that moment, in Asgard…
Hela, kicking Thor's boot gently, froze as Heimdall's voice echoed.
"General Hela, a small group of interstellar pirates has appeared near the courtyard."
"Huh?!"
Hela's eyes lit up. With a wave, she roared,
"All Berserker Legion probationers, step forward!"
Whoosh!
Over two thousand Asgardian warriors emerged.
Surveying these ordinary soldiers now eligible for Berserker Spears, Hela smirked lethally.
"Pirates dare trespass Asgard's territory the day after we slaughtered the Chitauri?"
She swung her arm, and freshly forged Berserker Spears flew into the warriors' hands.
"You surpass your peers, but earning the Berserker Legion's honor depends on your battlefield performance!
Grasp your spears, harness rage, control it, and wield it!
Heimdall, give me their coordinates. Asgard's new Berserkers shall strike!"
Hela's excitement made Heimdall flinch.
"General… only thirteen ships, seventy lifeforms. Is a two-thousand-strong force necessary?"
Heimdall's doubt deflated Hela.
"Why didn't you say so earlier?!
Two targets, and you got me hyped!
Next time, don't waste my time, or I'll report your negligence to Odin!"
She glanced sourly at the eager probationers, their spears gripped tightly.
Heimdall clarified softly,
"General, I reported this because one pirate is… special.
A son of Ego the Living Planet is among them."
"Ego's sons are all failures," Hela scoffed.
"Heimdall, the Bifrost's still down. Take Loki to handle this. I won't risk our warriors' honor on pirates and an unknown Celestial offspring.
I'll lead them to Jotunheim. Frost Giants are always good practice!"
"Do I have to go myself?
Fine. Your Einherjar don't need supervision.
I'll find Loki."
Hela nodded, turning to her warriors. She raised her hand.
"Pirates aren't worthy foes. Your first battle as Berserkers will be against Jotunheim's Frost Giants!
Take your spears!"
"Yes!!!" Two thousand hands grasped the rune-etched spears.
Their eyes reddened instantly, though they controlled their rage—no friendly fire… yet.
Hela activated the Bifrost, sending them to Jotunheim.
Moments later, they landed on the icy plains.
"Jotunheim feels… cleansed. Where's the Frost Giant King?!"
A warrior replied, "Loki killed Laufey."
"Impressive. With their king dead, let's claim our glory!"
Two thousand Berserkers unleashed their rage on the innocent Frost Giants, who died with bewildered eyes.
Hela felt no pity. These giants had invaded Asgard countless times.
You dare attack us? Then your entire race will pay.
As Frost Giant screams filled the air, Hela's face was a mask of bloodthirst.
Remember: Today's pain stems from yesterday's sins. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Meanwhile, Heimdall carried his sword to Loki.
Loki was in Asgard's theater, directing actors in new plays:
"Loki Brought Asgard True Light!"
"Asgard's Glory Born from Shadow!"
And…
"Thor's Romantic Misadventures."
As Heimdall arrived, Loki played Thor, smiling obsequiously at "Jane Foster."
Heimdall stifled laughter. Loki's imitation was spot-on.
"Loki!"
Loki's smile vanished. He dropped the actress's foot, washed his hands with summoned water, and transformed his Thor armor into his own robes.
"Heimdall himself? Even you enjoy Thor's simpering act?"
"A matter requires us. Pirates near the courtyard. Hela ordered us to handle it."
"Surprising. Even generals command us now.
Why not send the army? Why us?"
Heimdall explained,
"I reported this because one pirate is Ego's son.
Thirty-four years ago, Ego's avatar visited Midgard. I saw him leave a child there—the same one now among the pirates."
He patted Loki's shoulder.
"It involves the Celestials. A main god's intervention shows respect."
"Celestials?!
Just us two? He's a Celestial's son!"
Loki's alarm was justified, but Heimdall waved him off.
"Trust me. This Celestial offspring is… unique.
No need to fear."