Amidst the admiring gazes of countless onlookers, the little robot successfully brought back Heisenberg's braised pork elbow.
The dishes seemed to float into the air, and under Heisenberg's guidance, they neatly arranged themselves on the table.
"My apologies, Bruce. Tonight, let's indulge in some hearty Chinese cuisine.
While the delicate dishes of Chinese cuisine are more refined than anything in the world, I personally adore these simple, pure delights!"
As he spoke, the braised pork elbow appeared out of nowhere. Whether it was divine intervention or the chef's dedication, this dish was crafted with extraordinary care!
So much so that Heisenberg couldn't help but drool.
The crispy golden skin encased tender, jelly-like white meat, shimmering like crystal yet bouncy like gelatin.
With a single chopstick, Heisenberg pierced the meat, its softness making his heart race.
Popping a piece into his mouth, Heisenberg nearly moaned in bliss.
He then scooped up a mouthful of rice, chewing happily with a look of pure contentment.
Watching the down-to-earth Sun God, Mera awkwardly picked up her chopsticks, hesitating for a moment.
"Is it really that good?"
"Of course! The cooking technique and flavor are exceptional, and the fats will boost our energy.
For someone like me, a mere mortal in your eyes, high-energy food is perfect. So, I'll try it first!"
Bruce, ever practical, joined in, and as Batman, mastering chopsticks was a breeze.
Chopsticks posed no challenge for Mera or Clark either. Among this group, no one was ordinary. Even if asked to perform surgery, they'd likely excel.
This is the true strength of superheroes—transcendent beings.
And their greatest strength? Their appetites…
After several rounds of drinks and five different dishes, not only the four braised pork elbows packed by the robot but also the remaining five pounds of braised beef, chicken feet, pig trotters, and the finest camel humps and shark fins from Chinatown were devoured.
In the end, not a crumb remained!
Most astonishingly, except for Batman, no one felt full!
Heisenberg and Clark, being Kryptonians, could digest even steel in an instant. They primarily absorb solar radiation, with food being mere indulgence.
As for Mera…
She shyly dabbed at her chopsticks, struggling to look at the last bit of sauce…
After a long pause, she turned away, fighting the urge to lick the plate…
Having lived underwater for years, she'd never tasted such hearty meats, only seafood like abalone and lobster.
Compared to terrestrial delicacies, she felt like a pitiful soul fit only for seafood!!!
Reluctantly setting down her chopsticks, she tried to shake off the lingering image of the pork elbow, striving to regain her composure.
"Mr. Heisenberg, are we done eating? Can we continue discussing the Mother Box preserved in Atlantis?"
"It's the Mother Box…"
Heisenberg rolled his eyes…
Smack!
Mera slapped her forehead, covering her eyes with her palm.
To ease the tension, Bruce coughed lightly.
"Ahem, I'll take my leave. I must return to Gotham.
Last night's chaos caused some stir in Arkham, and I need to keep an eye on it."
"Alright, we'll continue tomorrow!"
Heisenberg nodded, waving goodbye to Bruce.
Meanwhile, Superman also announced his departure, sparing Mera further awkwardness.
Noticing Mera's intent to leave, Heisenberg asked softly,
"Where's your home? Can you point it out for me?"
As he spoke, countless particles formed a holographic Earth before Mera.
She hesitated, pointing to a spot in the Pacific Ocean.
"If I'm not mistaken, it should be around here!"
"Got it. Since you're so far away, unlike the others, I'll give you a ride!"
"A ride?!"
Mera froze, surprised and delighted. Before she could react, Heisenberg snapped his right hand on the table.
In an instant, a rainbow-colored light descended, enveloping Mera and vanishing!
Gazing at the rainbow bridge pattern left on the ground, Heisenberg nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. The Bifröst Bridge works across different universes. Its core is simply the manipulation of cosmic energy!"
Saying this, he pulled the Mind Stone from his pocket, breaking it off and holding it in his hand.
"Unlike the Mind Stone, which becomes useless outside the Marvel Universe!"
Unlike the Bifröst, the Infinity Stones' power doesn't stem from the universe itself but from the remnants of the Infinity Goddess, representing her rules.
Outside the Marvel Universe, beyond her influence, the stones naturally lose their power.
Gazing at the dull gem in his hand, Heisenberg sighed.
"What a shame."
With that, he tucked the gem back into his pocket, and it disappeared.
…
Meanwhile, in the distant Marvel Universe…
…
After a seventeen-day journey, Yondu and his crew of six finally reached the Solar System!
Gazing at the distant, impoverished planet called Earth, Yondu's lips tightened slightly.
"I wonder how that damn Quill's doing. Hopefully, Asgard didn't drag him out for execution."
"Don't overthink it, mate. Asgard rarely spares outsiders.
But if they didn't kill him on the spot, he's got a chance.
Anyone who enters Asgard's dungeons isn't easily disposed of!"
Valkyrie Brunnhilde grumbled, biting into a piece of fruit.
Though kidnapped, her bold nature quickly led her to chat with Stakar and the others.
As they say, the best activity for a new couple is travel.
A long enough trip either elevates your relationship or confirms the other isn't for you.
For Brunnhilde, this journey brought her five new friends.
Though they weren't the easiest to get along with.
Listening to the Valkyrie, Yondu nodded, chuckling.
"Hope Asgard didn't harm Quill. Otherwise, I'll make them feel the same pain!"
"Hmph, as if you could do anything to Asgard!
No matter your plans, Odin's cunning and Thor's stupidity will show you Asgard's might!"
Brunnhilde scoffed, but her words only made Yondu laugh harder.
As Yondu laughed, his close companion, the crystalline being, explained to the Valkyrie,
"You misunderstood. If Asgard harms his son, he'll harm their Valkyrie. That's all!"
"Fk!!!"
The Valkyrie cursed, throwing the bitten fruit at Yondu's face.
Yondu caught it, laughing, just as Colonel Star-Lord turned from the pilot's seat, chiding softly,
"Focus. We've entered the Nine Realms. If the rumors are true, Asgard's already watching us.
Stay quiet. It's an ancient godly realm, millions of years old. Don't complicate our mission!"
"Yeah, don't complicate it, but your mission's handing me back to them!
I feel like I should complicate things more!"
"Alright, Brunnhilde, we're just taking you home.
If you don't want to go, we'll take you back after exchanging Quill. Deal?"
"Hmph, hope you keep your word!"
Brunnhilde turned away, her expression sour.
The others thought she was angry, but who knew she just didn't want to see the realm that once disappointed her…
…
Asgard!
Heimdall stood in the temple at the end of the Bifröst, as always, observing the Nine Realms.
Suddenly, he paused, tilting his ear.
Moments later, he frowned, murmuring,
"General Hela, a spaceship has entered the Solar System, approaching Midgard.
Its passengers are the once-famous Guardians of the Galaxy, accompanied by a former Valkyrie.
I believe you should handle this personally!"
"Hmm?"
Hela, training newly returned Berserkers from Jotunheim, suddenly heard Heimdall's message.
Her brows furrowed, and she asked decisively,
"Do you know their purpose?"
"Yes. They're friends of Peter Quill, recently imprisoned by Odin. They aim to exchange our missing Valkyrie for Peter Quill's freedom!"
"Peter Quill?"
Hela paused.
"That fool of a celestial son can secure a Valkyrie's release?!"
She smiled, instinctively twirling the Sword of Death in her hand.
"Heimdall, send Loki to greet them and bring them to Asgard.
I'm curious which Valkyrie has returned!!!"
As she spoke, Hela closed her eyes, lost in thought.
She remembered the war and the betrayal that led her to execute all Valkyries who turned against her.
It was her greatest regret as a general.
Now, as she bred Odin's eight-legged steeds with Mafu to rebuild the Valkyrie legion, fate had returned a former Valkyrie!
"You've arrived just in time!!!"
Hela laughed, her joy uncontained.
…
Moments later, the Bifröst flashed twice in two minutes. First, Loki appeared, displeased, heading to Colonel Star-Lord's ship. Then, they were all transported back.
Leading the group to the newly restored temple, Loki's impatience was palpable.
He'd been hunting a dwarf trader in Orion when called back—a delay in his quest to become a god!
Dismissing them rudely, Loki said,
"Your contact's inside. Go ahead. I've got business. Farewell!"
With that, Loki summoned the Bifröst and left, his path to godhood too urgent for delays.
As for his diplomatic duties?
Asgard's diplomacy was about kicking ass, wasn't it?
…
After Loki's departure, tension gripped Colonel Star-Lord's group.
They proceeded cautiously, eyeing the gleaming golden warriors flanking the hall.
The warriors' cold gazes exuded Asgard's ancient aura.
Only Brunnhilde remained disdainful. After a few steps, she scoffed,
"Damn it! After all these years, this place is still a dump.
Cut the mystery. I want to see Odin!"
Her words were met with a cold female voice from afar.
Hela emerged from behind the throne, intrigued, asking softly,
"Oh? You want to see Odin?
Just returned home and eager to meet a dead man?"
Her gaze fell on Brunnhilde, now filled with shock and hatred, and she smiled deeply.
"Are you truly so eager to die, Valkyrie?"