WebNovels

Chapter 144 - Welcoming father or facing crisis?

The spaceship slowly approached the Planet's atmosphere, and the surface colors gradually became clearer. The Planet was like a colorful jade, with green forests, blue oceans, and interspersed purple mountains and golden deserts. A faint energy fluctuation seemed to be floating in the air, and every scan made the instruments emit sharp warning sounds.

"This place looks a billion times better than Quill's aesthetic taste," Rocket sneered while adjusting the flight path, his paw tapping the dashboard. "But what does this energy fluctuation mean? Can anyone tell me if it's going to suddenly explode when we land?"

"Relax, Rocket," Quill waved his hand, pretending to be nonchalant. "This is my Father's homeworld. He wouldn't welcome his own son with a trap."

"Sounds like the kind of nonsense a fake Father would say," Rocket rolled his eyes and continued operating the spacecraft.

Gamora leaned back in her seat, arms crossed, and said coldly, "Whoever set up these energy fluctuations clearly doesn't want visitors. This doesn't look like a welcoming gesture."

"That just proves how important this place is," Quill retorted stubbornly, his eyes on the Planet on the screen. "Important enough that he's willing to let me risk coming here."

Dominic sat beside him, looking up at the Planet's surface, a playful smile playing on his lips. "Either it's an important legacy, or a family reunion. Either way, I suggest you bring something to defend yourself."

"Don't worry, I'm Star-Lord," Quill grinned confidently. "I never need extra protection."

"Oh, really?" Dominic leaned back lazily in his seat, his tone slightly mocking. "Then who was it who got thrown into the trash heap in the Void last time?"

Quill was instantly speechless, only managing to squeeze out, "That was an accident."

The spaceship passed through the atmosphere, and the incoming airflow made the hull tremble slightly. Groot gripped the armrest of his seat, letting out a soft "I am Groot," while Drax looked excited, as if about to welcome a grand battle.

"This Planet is truly interesting," Drax's eyes gleamed as he stared intently out the window. "Will we fight? The creatures here look very suitable for tearing."

"Can you please remove the word 'tearing' from your vocabulary?" Quill glared at him impatiently. "We're here to find answers, not to fight."

The spaceship finally landed on an open grassland. It was silent all around, with only the rustling of wind through the grass blades. The cabin door slowly opened, and a gust of fresh air rushed into the ship, carrying the scent of earth and some indescribable strange aroma.

Quill was the first to step down the gangway, his feet touching the soft grass. The breeze brushed against his face, making him take a deep breath. "This feeling... it's really nice. Like the embrace of nature."

"Sounds like you've never seen grass before," Rocket said, following behind him on his jet boots, raising a miniature gun casually and looking around alertly. "Hope this embrace doesn't have anything that eats people."

Gamora and Drax followed him off the ship, with Groot close behind, the leaves on his head trembling slightly, clearly also drawn by the strange environment.

"Alright, everyone," Quill turned around, looking at his teammates. "According to my plan, we'll explore the surroundings first, find that 'mysterious Father', and then—"

"Who says you have a plan?" Rocket interrupted him mercilessly. "Your plan is just to wing it, right?"

"At least my plan includes you," Quill muttered, then waved his hand with feigned nonchalance. "Let's go, find the answers."

Dominic was the last to get off the ship, moving as leisurely as if he were taking a stroll. He looked around, his gaze falling on a building shining with golden light in the distance. He said in a low voice, "Over there, that should be your Father's palace. Hope he doesn't ramble on like you."

Quill didn't reply, but grinned and started walking towards the building. The others followed behind him, stepping deeper into this strange Planet.

A quiet courtyard, sunlight streaming through a massive glass dome, the entire space seemed enveloped in a warm halo. A slender figure appeared before them, hands clasped in front of their chest, their expression showing a hint of shyness and curiosity.

"Hello, I am Mantis." She bowed slightly, her voice soft and with a touch of hesitation. "Master sent me to welcome you."

"Master?" Quill raised an eyebrow, hands on his hips, striking a leadership pose. "Is it my great, mysterious, all-powerful Father?"

Mantis looked up, her eyes sparkling with an innocent light. "Yes, he is very much looking forward to your arrival."

"Of course, who wouldn't look forward to me?" Quill adjusted his jacket narcissistically while turning to look at his teammates behind him. "See? Even the staff here know how important I am."

Rocket immediately let out an exaggerated scoff. "Yeah, her expression totally says, 'Wow, he really is the most important person.'"

"I'm serious!" Mantis's tone held a hint of urgency, as if she wanted to clarify. "Master is really happy to see you, he said, you are special—"

"Say no more, I know, I'm incredibly special," Quill waved his hand, as if he had fully accepted this "honor."

Just then, a low rumbling sound came from outside. Mantis suddenly stopped, looked up at the sky, her face showing unease.

"That sound is definitely not a welcoming signal," Rocket quickly pulled out his weapon, his eyes scanning the surroundings alertly.

"That's—" Gamora's expression suddenly changed, her voice low. "Nebula's ship."

Quill paused for a moment, then narrowed his eyes. "Nebula? Your very blue, very fond-of-chopping-people sister?"

"Yes," Gamora gripped her weapon, a complex emotion added to her eyes. "She's clearly here to cause trouble."

Accompanied by the roar of engines, the spaceship landed steadily at the other end of the courtyard. A tall figure stepped out of the hatch, their blue skin gleaming with a metallic cold light under the sun. Nebula's steps were firm and full of hostility, her eyes fixed directly on Gamora.

"Sister." Her voice was low and cold, with a hint of mockery. "Finally found you."

Gamora stood firm, her gaze unwavering. "Nebula, what is your purpose?"

"My purpose?" Nebula sneered, raising her chin. "It's to take you back to see Father. He misses you, or rather, he needs you."

"He needs a tool to fulfill his ambition of dominance, not a daughter," Gamora's tone was as sharp as a blade. "I won't go back, and I certainly won't serve him."

"That's your choice, but you know my choice," Nebula walked closer step by step, followed by several fully armed soldiers. "Take you, or deal with you here."

"Wow, this family reunion is really intense," Quill quietly took a step back, forcing an awkward smile. "Should I go get some popcorn?"

"Shut up," Gamora and Nebula yelled in unison, then immediately regarded each other as their only enemy.

Rocket raised his weapon nearby, gesturing casually towards Nebula. "So, this is an internal family feud? If you guys fight, can I place a bet?"

"Rocket!" Gamora glared at him warningly, then focused her attention entirely on Nebula. "If you insist on fighting, don't blame me for disregarding sisterly affection."

"Sisterly affection?" Nebula sneered, slowly raising the weapon in her hand. "When did you ever care about that?"

Just as the tension was rising between the two sides, Drax suddenly stepped forward, standing between them, and spoke without changing his expression. "If you are truly going to duel, I suggest you choose a battlefield of honor, instead of just spouting nonsense like this."

"Drax! Move!" Gamora growled, her voice filled with suppressed anger.

"Yes, move," Nebula's gaze flashed with a hint of contempt. "This is not your business."

"Every duel should have spectators," Drax said seriously. "And I am the best spectator."

"I really doubt you're here to help," Quill sighed, rubbing his forehead.

Just as the atmosphere was about to spiral out of control, Dominic walked over lazily from the side of the courtyard, holding an apple. He spoke as he munched, his tone casual. "When are you guys planning to start? I'm already getting sleepy watching."

Nebula turned her gaze to Dominic, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes. "Who are you?"

"A passerby," Dominic took a casual bite of the apple, his gaze indifferently sweeping over Nebula and her soldiers. "But if you want to fight, I can help clear the area, so you don't mess up this place."

Nebula narrowed her eyes, seemingly gauging his strength, while Gamora took the opportunity to tighten her grip on her weapon. Quill scratched his head nearby, muttering softly, "Why is it always like this? Every time, we get dragged into these strange dramas."

Rocket shrugged. "Welcome to the daily life of the Guardians of the Galaxy."

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