Chapter 269 – Teammates Learn Each Other's Backgrounds
Supreme Technology Center.
Located in the heart of Wundagore's capital city.
It served as the daily research facility for the High Evolutionary and was also the center of power for the entire planet.
To the beastman citizens outside, the "president" they saw was nothing more than a puppet.
At this moment, the members of the Guardians of the Galaxy were bound by high-tech restraints.
Their limbs and necks were shackled with power-suppressing cuffs, rendering them like test subjects at the mercy of the High Evolutionary.
Thor's hammer, along with the chunk of rock it was embedded in, had been excavated and placed inside a glass-like container.
The cleaver separated from the symbiote illusion had also been sealed in a specially made vessel.
As a metal door slid open, a squad of beastman soldiers filed in with military precision, heralding the arrival of their leader.
The High Evolutionary walked in, hands clasped behind his back, calm and composed.
"Asgard's Goddess of Death, Hela."
"Second Prince of Apokolips, Uxas."
"Outcast of Titan, Thanos."
"Bounty hunter Ghost Rider, Frank."
He named each of them with an air of certainty, clearly confident in his control. "It is an honor to have acquired such rare and valuable research specimens."
Obsessed with biological evolution, the High Evolutionary saw all life forms—regardless of race—as nothing more than test subjects.
"You forgot about me," Yondu protested, clearly displeased.
"And me," Illusion chimed in from behind its containment barrier.
Ever since Yondu treated him to a meal of brain flower, the two had become sworn brothers, often chiming in as a comedic duo.
"A primitive from Centaurian—what makes you think you're worth my attention? You think you're a pure-blooded Kree?" the High Evolutionary sneered, sweeping them a disdainful glance.
Pure Kree and Centaurians shared a common trait: blue skin. If not for his fear of the powerful Kree Empire, he would have long since captured some for private experiments.
In his eyes, lesser-known primitive species had virtually no research value.
"Says who?" Yondu challenged.
"Says who?" Illusion echoed.
"They are gods, royalty of Apokolips, possessors of Eternal bloodlines, and wielders of multidimensional power. Each of them is a priceless rarity."
The High Evolutionary looked over the four captives with admiration.
As their backgrounds were laid bare, the teammates were stunned, never imagining their companions had such extraordinary origins.
Of course, Hela's identity wasn't much of a secret.
The gods of Asgard had a habit of proclaiming their divine status. Although the current universe knew little of the divine realms, that didn't stop them from carrying an innate, mysterious confidence.
Uxas being the second prince of Apokolips shocked both Thanos and Frank.
Apokolips was ruled by the mighty Yuga Khan, whose reputation alone was enough to strike fear into the empires of the universe.
In his original universe, Frank knew all too well that after Yuga Khan's disappearance, Uxas ascended to the throne and adopted the name Darkseid, even launching invasions into the mortal world—he was not someone to be trifled with.
As for Eternal bloodlines, they too carried great weight. Tied to ancient secrets and scattered across the cosmos, the power of gathered Eternals was enough to rival any galactic empire.
Most crucially, any force thinking of targeting Titan had to seriously evaluate its own background.
After all, the Eternals originated from the Celestials.
As for multidimensional powers—they belonged to the realm of the highest and most supreme beings.
To think such a seemingly unremarkable little team had gathered so many future top-tier powerhouses.
Besides Allen, only Frank had any inkling of the others' secrets.
"Aren't you afraid of Asgard's retaliation?" Hela asked coolly, maintaining her composure.
As Asgard's military commander, if she were to die, Odin would surely investigate and mete out divine retribution.
Though Hela knew Odin had never fully accepted her, treating her as a weapon of war for external conquests, she was still a god of Asgard. Matters of divine dignity could not be brushed aside.
"Why should I fear a bunch of tribal gods?"
The High Evolutionary replied indifferently, "I've experimented on plenty of local deities."
At that moment, a projection flickered to life. A ram-headed humanoid wearing reading glasses appeared and reported, "Master, Subject One is showing unusual signs."
"I know."
The High Evolutionary ended the call with a frown, then said offhandedly, "You should be grateful that I'm currently busy with a monumental experiment. That's the only reason you're still alive."
With that, he turned and exited the holding cell.
…
"We must resist!"
"We are not slaves!"
"Down with tyranny!"
…
Allen followed the others into a repurposed section of the sewer—now a living area.
Thousands had gathered, shouting slogans with fervor, the atmosphere akin to a major religious rally.
Standing on a raised platform was an elderly woman clad in white robes and a white veil. She looked immaculate, forming a stark contrast with the people below.
Everyone here had escaped from forced labor factories. Though not filthy, their clothes were covered in patches, often worn damp, and their bodies carried the persistent stench of sweat.
"Come with me,"
Ansewei whispered, leading Allen into a candlelit room.
The scent of wax masked the musty odor, making it slightly more bearable.
"What's going on out there?"
Allen looked toward the door, puzzled and waiting for Ansewei's answer.
"The leader is conducting a spiritual session, ensuring that no one gives up on our great cause," Ansewei said devoutly.
Allen nodded in deep understanding. "So it's brainwashing. Looks just like a cult leader."
Thankfully, Ansewei didn't grasp the implication—she was a former slave, barely literate, and had no access to broader knowledge.
"Our leader has led us in constant resistance and has already established many safe havens,"
Ansewei said with admiration. "I believe she'll lead us to a brighter future."
"Let's hope so."
Allen, for once, refrained from deflating her hopes.
Truth be told, judging by the rebel army's current strength, they stood no chance against the High Evolutionary, who possessed civilization-level weaponry.
As the rally concluded, the elderly leader glided into the room.
That's right—glided, not walked.
"Lady… are you a ghost?"
Allen's jaw dropped, lips curling into heart shapes in shock. He'd truly seen a ghost.
The last time he'd encountered one, it had been his beloved Sadako.
He couldn't help but wonder how Sadako had been doing since they parted ways in Silent Hill.
Maybe he'd find a videotape and summon her for a chat—after all, she was a pitiful woman hopelessly in love with him.
"You're mistaken. I'm a member of the Elemental Clan. My journey to Wundagore was long and perilous," the old woman sighed.
"I see now,"
Allen suddenly understood. "You must've been captured by the High Evolutionary."
"Who are you, and how do you know about the High Evolutionary?"
Her expression darkened, eyes sharp as her white robes billowed without wind.
"Whoa… what intense magical energy!"