Chapter 255: Another New Member — The Symbiote Illusion
"Dame yo…"
Allen hurriedly tucked the Redemption Blade under his armpit, reluctantly muttering, "The Tetanus Dagger has been with me for so long. Day and night, I've warmed it with my body heat—we've formed a bond."
The Collector felt a shiver of revulsion.
If not for the unique redemptive power the Redemption Blade contained, he wouldn't have even spared it a glance.
Among the Elders of the Universe, all possess eternal life, and some, having lived too long, yearn for release.
Thus, anything that could potentially kill them attracts great interest.
Of course, the power of the Redemption Blade isn't enough to slay a god, but it's certainly worthy of study.
"I'll give you the latest model of a Night Wail-class spaceship in exchange for that dagger," the Collector offered.
"That's tough…"
Allen cradled the Redemption Blade with a sorrowful look. "I've already treated the Tetanus Dagger like my own child. How could a father so easily sell his own child…"
Then, Allen's sorrowful expression shifted into a sly grin. "So, you'll need to offer more."
"…"
The Collector rolled his eyes. Was all that dramatic flair really necessary just to haggle? He asked bluntly, "Name your price."
"Ah…"
Allen suddenly looked a little lost, scratching his head in embarrassment. "I'm new around here—I don't really know cosmic market prices."
"Since you're… let's say charmingly clueless, I'll make you a deal: the Night Wail-class ship, one item from my secondary collection, and ten thousand energy credits," the Collector proposed.
"Oh, I couldn't possibly accept…"
Allen instantly agreed without hesitation. "Let's make it a deal!"
At that moment, a maid brought over two crystal cards.
The Collector explained, "One is the spaceship unlock card. As soon as you board the ship and bind your information, you'll be able to pilot it to travel across the galaxy. The other is an energy crystal card loaded with ten thousand energy credits, which can be exchanged at any universal bank."
"No identity verification needed for the energy card? Aren't you afraid of someone stealing and using it?"
Allen looked at the lightning-inscribed crystal card, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.
"That's your responsibility. Energy cards certified by the Council of Gods can be used for direct transactions," the Collector replied impatiently. "Now hurry up and choose your collectible so we can finish the trade."
Allen pointed to a glass jar off to the side and said, "I'll take that one."
…
Yondu took a deep drag from his Basan Leaf, flicking away the burnt stub as he prepared to leave.
He was fairly certain Allen didn't have a dime, and the Collector would come down hard on him—maybe even throw him in jail, awaiting transport to the Grandmaster's arena as a gladiator.
But when he looked up, he was stunned to see Allen walking out together with the Collector.
What the hell?
He really did have money?
"Do come again. If it's rare and valuable, I'm always willing to pay handsomely," the Collector said cordially.
Allen stroked his chin and mused, "Infinity Stones, the Tenth Metal, the Heart of the Universe… could you handle those high-tier items?"
"…"
The next moment, the Collector's expression darkened. He turned around and slammed the museum doors shut.
Allen and Yondu were left confused—how had things gone south that quickly?
Infinity Stones were peerless divine relics fought over by all major forces—locations unknown even to the Collector.
The Tenth Metal only existed on Apokolips, forged into Mother Box weapons.
And provoking Apokolips? The Collector's entire Knowhere base would be wiped out in an instant.
As for the Heart of the Universe… he'd never even heard of it. Probably just something Allen made up on the spot.
"Yondu, we've got a new team member."
Allen raised the glass jar, inside which a black, asphalt-like substance squirmed.
"A symbiote!"
Yondu recognized the creature at a glance.
Symbiotes weren't exactly rare across the galaxy, but they weren't common either. Many bounty hunters liked to host one to enhance survivability.
However, symbiotes evolved through emotional resonance with their hosts across generations, often becoming volatile and extreme.
Most were vicious and bloodthirsty—rarely did one retain reason or kindness.
"You could sell it for tens of thousands of energy credits," Yondu suggested.
"How could we possibly sell a teammate?"
Without another word, Allen twisted the jar open. The wriggling symbiote emerged like a naive hatchling, cautiously extending what looked like a head and slowly crawling out.
Shing!
The Pig-Slaughtering Blade slammed down in front of it.
Allen's hands were cloaked in holy flame as he menacingly warned, "Don't play innocent, you creepy little bastard. You're not parasitizing me—no way in hell. Two choices: either bond with the weapon, or get scorched to death by my pure and passionate flames."
Sensing the terrifying power of the holy flame, the symbiote immediately chose to merge with the Pig-Slaughtering Blade.
Symbiotes, created by the dark god Knull, were naturally afraid of fire, light, and the sound of clashing metal. Knowing their weaknesses made them much easier to control.
"Can you walk on your own?"
Allen poked the blade. The holy flame on his fingertip made the entire weapon tremble.
"Boss, I can walk! Just don't burn me again!"
The tar-like fluid wriggled across the blade, forming four limbs and a monstrous head atop the hilt—making the weapon look like a blade with arms, legs, and a grotesque face.
"Boss, my name's Illusion. What should I call you?" the symbiote asked, its bloody maw grinning flatteringly.
Allen flicked his hair and proudly declared, "Veteran single dog of the Galactic Single Dog Protection Association—Allen."
Wait, no…
Shouldn't that be the Guardians of the Galaxy?
Why'd you change the name again?
Yondu gave him a weird look—this guy really was a moody oddball.
Illusion flattered shamelessly, "Boss, you must be the most handsome single dog in the galaxy."
"To think a blob of goo like you has such keen insight—remarkable. I've got high hopes for you."
Allen held up the spaceship unlock card and asked Yondu, "Yondu, let's go unlock the ship first."
"At the starport. Follow me."
The moment he saw the unlock card, Yondu's eyes lit up with burning excitement. He was now convinced he'd picked the right guy to follow.
He couldn't help fantasizing—maybe Allen was actually some noble heir from a galactic race, out wandering the stars for a thrill. Once the novelty wore off, he might even give Yondu the ship. So Yondu made sure to be especially helpful.
The starport, as the name suggested, was a port for docked spaceships.
Ships of all types were docked there for rest and maintenance.
The port also offered repair and upgrade services—a major source of income for Knowhere.
They headed straight for a brand-new ship.
Allen scanned it with the unlock card, and the entry ramp lowered.
"A long-range Night Wail model—can hold fifty crew members, capable of spatial jumps, equipped with heavy firepower. This is every bounty hunter's dream ship," Yondu exclaimed, eyeing the brand-new facilities inside. He almost wanted to move in right then and there.
"Yondu, can you fly a spaceship?" Allen asked seriously.
"I just fix reactors…"