The Kree Empire's Necrocraft fleet stormed into Knowhere, and the Tivan Group's private security crumbled almost instantly. They were, after all, little more than a disorganized mob, accustomed to dealing with scattered mercenaries and space pirates.
Equipped with advanced gear purchased by the Tivan Group, they could easily overpower such ragtag forces. But against a proper military legion, especially a fleet from the militarily renowned Kree Empire, they stood no chance.
Having secured the spaceport immediately, the Necrocraft commander ordered a lockdown of Knowhere, initiating a sweeping carpet‑style search to find the Orb and complete the task assigned by the Accuser.
This brutal and arrogant act provoked fierce resistance. The large merchant caravans visiting Knowhere, along with representatives from various civilizations, were well aware of the Kree Accuser's modus operandi.
Massacres and exterminations were commonplace, followed by the destruction of everything and the erasure of all traces.
The Kree Empire typically feigned ignorance afterward and would not punish Ronan. As a member of the Supreme Accusers, representing the warmongering faction led by warlords, even the Empress herself might not command him at will.
After failed negotiations, these merchant caravans and representatives formed a coalition force. Joined by numerous mercenaries stranded on Knowhere, they launched a direct assault on the spaceport.
The two sides clashed fiercely. The Necrocraft fleet's ferocious artillery fire blanketed Knowhere's skies.
Rocket Raccoon, having separated from the group, piloted a mining ship, weaving and dodging, trying to break through the Kree encirclement.
This little raccoon who had come to Knowhere solely for the four‑billion bounty had no desire to be dragged into the Kree Empire's war conflicts...
"Hope that dumb tree hid himself well. It'll be a disaster if that lunatic Ronan got him!" Rocket's superb piloting skills allowed him to easily evade the dense barrage behind him.
Emerald‑green blasts lit up the sky like blooming fireworks.
The mining ship lacked offensive weaponry and was quickly surrounded by the Necrocraft fleet. Rocket was about to give up and surrender when a small fleet, swift as falcons, tore through the Kree's outer perimeter with practiced ease.
"Ravagers… a bunch of Ravagers are breaking through the Necrocraft line! Lady Luck's smiling on me today!" Rocket cheered.
The pilots were all clad in red jackets, their leader sporting a flame insignia; the unmistakable mark of the Ravagers.
"Quill! I'm gonna get you this time!" Yondu, standing tall aboard a medium-sized ship, snarled viciously.
"That little punk dared to take the Orb for himself, tried to pocket the four billion solo, and even stirred up trouble with the Kree Empire's Ronan." It infuriated Yondu, "I should've handed the troublesome brat over to his bastard father long ago and save myself the headache."
...
While the battle raged overhead, things were no calmer below.
On the desolate long street reduced to ruins, Ronan's gaze locked onto the man emerging from the smoke. More precisely, onto the dazzling radiance blossoming from his right hand. That shifting, dense purple glow instilled a sense of danger in him.
Ronan gripped his long‑handled warhammer, speaking down to Sean, "I'm indeed searching for the Orb. Can you provide me with any clues?" He looked at the composed young man with arrogant disdain, "I will offer you a suitably generous reward."
"Unfortunately, I'm destined not to receive your generous reward," Sean said, a bright smile spreading across his face, "Because the Orb belongs to me now."
Ronan's expression hardened. His domineering aura erupted, his black armor humming like a volcano poised to erupt.
Star‑Lord and Gamora, hiding at the side of the street, stared in disbelief. They watched as Sean held the purple gem bare‑handed, completely unharmed, seemingly suffering no damage at all.
Any thoughts they had of snatching back the Power Stone vanished instantly. This was clearly an even more dangerous and mysterious figure. They deemed it best not to provoke him without knowing his background.
"This universe is always full of fools who don't know when they're faced with death. I've met two such today," Ronan said, not angry, but with indifferent eyes now gleaming with murderous intent.
An inexplicable chill swept down the street.
His towering frame erupted like a dormant volcano, invisible shockwaves churning. The surrounding space seemed to congeal.
"I will crush every bone in your body one by one. Then you'll weep and beg for a swift death at my feet!" After this cold declaration, the Kree Accuser vanished from his spot.
Though Ronan's words were contemptuous, he was cautious at heart. This man that abruptly appeared before him was not a weak opponent like Drax...
Ronan's figure lunged forward, carrying an unparalleled domineering aura, closing the distance in an instant.
Both hands gripped the warhammer, raised high, then he swung down directly towards Sean's head, causing the air to detonate as if space itself was collapsing.
Sean extended his left hand, blocking Ronan's hammer as it crashed down.
*BOOOM!*
A thunderous impact rang out!
Sean's feet sank slightly as the ground beneath him erupted in fine cracks, which spread like an expanding spiderweb.
Churning shockwaves flung dust into the air like a coiling dragon. The deafening, muffled explosion rumbled, causing all of Knowhere to tremble.
"Is this pitiful strength what earned you the Kree Empire's seat of Accuser?" Sean asked, his deep eyes flashing with cold light.
Dense purple light leaked out from his other hand which held the Power Stone, violent energy escaping.
Ronan sensed danger approaching, but before he could react, he was sent soaring into the air.
The Kree Accuser felt excruciating pain throughout his body, stars flashing before his eyes, as if struck head‑on by a warship.
In his dazed vertigo, he became a streaking line, plowing through dozens of Kree troops behind him. Those unfortunate souls struck by their Accuser instantly became piles of shattered remains, flesh and blood flying, bones obliterated.
Collapsing buildings toppled like dominoes in a continuous rumble. Ronan embedded heavily into a sturdy wall, cracking it into a web of fissures.
Sean clenched his right hand. The intense purple light pulsed and expanded like an inflating supernova threatening to break free from his control at any moment.
Terrifying purple cracks snaked up his arm, dazzling violent radiance seeming to burst through the confines of his palm, unleashing a surging storm of destruction...
"I WILL END YOU!" Ronan's roar echoed like thunderclaps across all of Knowhere.
Swinging his warhammer, nearby structures collapsed into dust. His black armor hummed and shrieked, hissing currents writhing like serpents.
Time seemed to slow down at that moment.
Ronan's figure shot forward.
*Whoosh!*
The air shuddered with visible ripples. His warhammer, wrapped in ferocious energy, savagely swung at the unmoving Sean.
"One hand is enough to deal with you." Sean said, devoting half his focus to controlling the Power Stone in his right hand.
Seeing the approaching figure, he grinned. His left hand formed a fist, his tall frame erupting in golden light. Surging flames condensed into a blazing celestial body.
"Let me show you the true meaning of power," Sean's voice rang out softly...
...
{T/N: 6 chapters remaining 'til completion on Patre0n. That is, 'til Chapter 173 of Volume 2, which is the final volume of the book... I can already smell the sweet scent of freedom!!🧖🏾
Read 38 chapters ahead here: [email protected]/MayaMatengele01
...}