"Our collection is the most extensive in the cosmos. All manner of creatures, antiques, and specimens... whatever you can imagine, my master has an appropriate piece in his collection."
A pink-skinned servant led the group into the core area of the Tivan Group: Taneleer Tivan's Collection Center...
Upon entering the Collection Center, Star-Lord and the others were stunned by the bizarre and unique biological specimens and civilization relics, momentarily distracting them from the four-billion-unit prize.
A space dog in an astronaut suit, a talking Howard the Duck, a living Dark Elf specimen, and a wriggling yellow cocoon, among others, left the crew awestruck.
"Allow me to introduce Taneleer Tivan, the most renowned collector in the cosmos," the servant presented the master of the Tivan Group to Star-Lord and the others.
The Collector was one of the oldest beings in the universe, an Elder of the Universe with a transcendent status.
He appeared as a middle-aged man with eccentric attire, but in truth, he was an ancient intelligent being whose immense lifespan had driven him to find a hobby for amusement. Thus, Tivan began collecting fascinating artifacts and lifeforms from across the cosmos.
Eventually, his obsession reached a point where he collected purely for the sake of collecting, targeting anything he deemed rare or precious.
And what was most precious in the universe? Naturally, none other than the legendary Infinity Stones, with their immense power. That was why the Collector had offered the astronomical bounty for the Orb.
"Dear Gamora, delighted to see you," the Collector was no stranger to Thanos's adopted daughter.
As an Elder, he had connections with many powers. He naturally knew the Mad Titan sought the Infinity Stones, but the Orb was destined for his hands.
"Skip the pleasantries, Tivan. We have the agreed-upon item. We're here for the bounty," the lithe green-skinned woman said coldly.
Tired of the bloodshed and darkness, and having heard that Thanos was in a weakened state, Gamora seized this chance to break free from his control.
The Collector's eyes suddenly widened as he spotted the Flora Colossus beside Star-Lord, seeming deeply interested in the creature.
"What is that creature?" He asked rhetorically.
"I am Groot," Groot replied.
"I never expected to see another Flora Colossus... Sir, please allow me to pay now for the rights to your corpse... after your demise, of course," the Collector's obsession made him long to place the tree person in an exhibition case.
After this minor interlude, everyone returned to the main topic. The group was desperately eager for the four billion bounty, itching to grab the money and leave immediately.
Meanwhile, the Collector gazed fervently at the silver Orb, the perfect specimen he was willing to acquire at any cost.
"My friends, this is precisely what I sought," he carefully placed the sphere on a specially crafted metallic device, his hands trembling slightly.
Light refracted off the sphere's silvery shell, its intricate etched patterns shifting gradually as a faint purple glow shimmered within.
"Before the universe was born, there existed six singularities. After the great explosion, all life awoke from chaos. The remnants of these singularities fused together to form six gems, which are the Infinity Stones!"
The device rapidly stripped away the Orb's outer casing. Within the hollowed, archaic silver sphere, a hazy, ethereal purple glow emanated, the light pulsing as if calling out to something.
"These gems can seemingly only be wielded by beings of tremendous power…"
Several images suddenly materialized in the air, showing how ancient Celestials, beings akin to Titan giants, had once possessed these gems, wielding supreme power capable of destroying planets, "These wielders could effortlessly eradicate an entire civilization with a single gesture..."
"There was a time when the now-destroyed Morag civilization obtained this gem," The images flickered ceaselessly: the gem wielders harnessing world-shattering terrifying energy, floods of light surging forth. In their hands, obliterating a planet was as simple as popping a bubble, an effortless feat, "The rulers formed a group to jointly control the gem and share its power, but they overestimated themselves, resulting in the destruction of the planet and the annihilation of the entire civilization."
As the Collector narrated, the silver sphere was fully opened, revealing its true form: a gemstone emitting a rich purple glow, hovering silently, captivating all who saw it.
"Flawless! Incomparable!" The famed Collector trembled, failing to contain his excitement, which was understandable all things considered. After all, was there any specimen in all the cosmos more precious than an Infinity Stone?
Rocket Raccoon, oblivious to what an Infinity Stone was, shouted impatiently, "We're all very impressed. But how about we talk payment with yours truly first?"
He'd rather have the massive payout and live large than hear about cosmic origins and ancient civilizations.
The Collector reluctantly tore his gaze from the beautifully glowing purple gem. In business, he was relatively honest. Four billion was a drop in the bucket for the Tivan Group.
"How would you like your payment?" the Collector asked.
"What do you think, rich guy? Credits, of course! Or you could hook me up with a Nova Corps' latest-model ship!" Rocket bellowed excitedly at the thought of becoming filthy rich.
Just as everyone's attention shifted from the purple gem... the Infinity Stone, radiating its rich light, began to spin gently, releasing an invisible wave of energy.
The servant, who had been quietly standing aside, began to move stealthily, her eyes drawn by the intense purple glow, unconsciously approaching the Power Stone.
The Collector opened a drawer, about to hand over the payment, when he suddenly froze...
"Carina! Step back!" he barked sharply.
He saw the servant, mesmerized by the gem's light, reaching out to touch the core of the radiant glow.
"I'm no longer your slave!" Carina roared, her mind already ensnared by the Power Stone.
Ignoring Tivan's command, she grasped the exposed purple gem. Instantly, boundless energy erupted from her hand.
Feeling a living touch, the Power Stone awoke instantly!
A surging storm of energy erupted within the Collection Center. The uncontainable immense power exploded like blooming fireworks, spewing in all directions.
The terrifying, destructive force made everyone present tremble in fear. The servant holding the stone let out an agonized scream as the endless violent energy ravaged her body until it disintegrated completely!
Just as the Collector had said, only beings of immense power could hold the gem. Weak individuals would only be annihilated by its horrific energy!
...
The bustling Knowhere suddenly rumbled and shook, as if struck by a cosmic storm. Thick flames billowed from the Tivan Group's towering building, like a volcano erupting from within.
While everyone else stood dumbfounded, Sean strolled calmly into the flame-engulfed structure. He could feel it, the purple gem symbolizing power was calling to him...