Xandar.
The Nova Corps had just escorted Nova Prime back when word of Kyln Prison's destruction arrived.
"Damn it! Ronan of the Kree! So much for peace accords!" Nova Prime thundered.
Moments later, piercing alarms blared across the skies.
"Lord! Ronan's warship is invading!!"
On the holographic star maps, the colossal Dark Aster tore through Xandar's orbital defenses, plunging straight toward the capital. Its path aimed directly at Nova Prime's sector—the very heart of Xandarian civilization.
"Nova Corps, hear my order! Intercept immediately! They must not land!!" bellowed Rhomann Dey, the stout, steady commander. Saluting Nova Prime, he rushed out to join the battle.
Countless Nova warships launched into the sky, converging on the Dark Aster.
But the ship was no ordinary vessel. It was a moving fortress, stretching dozens of kilometers. Compared to it, Nova's warships looked like gnats before an elephant.
"Activate the defense matrix!!" Rhomann roared, directing his ship to fire all weapons.
One after another, Nova ships locked into position, their golden energy linking together until a massive golden barrier spanned the sky.
The Dark Aster's advance slowed, ground to a halt.
"We stopped it!" A general in the capital cheered.
But Nova Prime's face remained dark.
There were too many.
From beneath the Dark Aster poured swarms of Kree warships, like angry wasps. The supposed peace treaty had been nothing but a joke.
Xandar's defenses were already stretched thin. Entire districts crumbled under bombardment, civilians screaming in terror.
"Lord! Incoming transmission—from the Ravager mercenary fleet!"
A projection flickered to life, revealing Yondu, grinning wickedly.
"Hey there, Queen of Xandar. Looks like Ronan's breaking through your defenses. Might not be long before your pretty little capital's dust. How about a deal?"
Nova Prime's brow furrowed. "What do you want?"
"Fifty billion. Pay up, and my Ravagers join the fight. Otherwise…" Yondu chuckled darkly.
Nova Prime gritted her teeth. "Fifty billion it is! Help us stop Ronan!" She turned toward Rocket, Gamora, and Saitama.
"Deal! I swear on my name, Rocket Raccoon, I've saved over thirty worlds before! You can count on me!" Rocket thumped his chest. Fifty billion was more than the Orb was worth.
"Xandar's on the brink. After all they've done for us… Saitama…" Gamora murmured, her eyes falling on the bald hero.
Rocket tugged Groot closer, whispering, "From today on, Groot's your pet! Please, just fight!"
But when they turned—Saitama was gone.
Above the capital, Rhomann Dey and his Corps held firm. Golden light strained against the advancing warship.
"We can't hold it much longer! Engines at maximum, shields breaking apart!"
Dey's ship twisted under the strain, metal spearing into his chest. Blood streamed down as he snarled, "Don't retreat! Hold the line!!"
The golden barrier splintered. Warships buckled one by one.
"Damn it, stop them!!!"
Despair spread through the command channels.
Then—
"Commander! Look!"
On the screens, the Dark Aster loomed closer, tearing through the barrier.
And there—hovering alone before the monstrous ship—was a lone figure in a yellow suit, red gloves, and a white cape.
"…Stop right there."
Saitama's flat voice carried across the battlefield, calm yet terrifying.
He was not swayed by wealth or titles. He was a hero for fun. And a hero never stood by while civilizations burned.
"Stop us?"
On the Dark Aster, Ronan sneered at the sight of the bald stranger blocking his warship. The Power Stone pulsed within his hammer, flooding him with arrogance.
"Crush him! Who cares who he is? Against a warship, he's nothing!"
The engines roared. The golden barrier shattered. Nova ships crumpled like tin.
"…Sigh."
Saitama exhaled, shoulders sagging.
Opportunities had been given. But some never learned to treasure them.
"Then it comes down to whose fist is bigger."
He stepped forward through the air. One hand pressed against the massive warship's hull.
And pushed.
(End of Chapter)
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