"Boom~!" With a huge roar, a spacecraft carrying nuclear bombs flew toward the sky like a sharp sword cleaving heaven and Earth. This scene made Nick Fury's face twitch in pain. Putting aside the value of the nuclear bombs on this ship, the construction cost of the ship alone was over a billion dollars—this was S.H.I.E.L.D.'s income for two years. And the purpose of this thing was just to make a bang. The ship wasn't meant to bomb a giant; it was just for transporting and detonating the nuclear bombs. Watching this expensive 'firework,' Nick Fury felt a sharp pain in his heart, feeling like he was having a myocardial infarction. But if this really succeeded, the sacrifice of the ship would be worth it. After convincing himself with this, Nick Fury forced himself to stop looking at the launch site.
"Rest assured, Mr. President! Everything is within expectations. It will break through the atmosphere very soon and fly toward that giant."
Returning to the office, he found everyone staring quietly at the image on the projection screen. As expected of the latest propulsion system, the ship had broken through the atmosphere, flying like a white bolt of lightning toward the giant approaching Earth. When the ship flew away from Earth, a high-ranking Military official had a confident smile on his face. He had never seen any creature survive a nuclear bomb, let alone several at once. He believed this giant was doomed. Hearing his words, the President's worried expression eased slightly, but it made Nick Fury roll his eyes. Did they really think nuclear bombs were invincible? These idiots had no idea that when encountering unknown life forms, one needed to have a heart of awe and a backup plan for emergencies.
Now one of their trump cards had been exposed; how were they supposed to fight the rest? Nuclear bombs had already limited this group of soldiers who should have been incomparably heroic. Past glory did not mean they could sit back and relax now. Nick Fury felt that this matter would not go so smoothly. That giant—just that size, being able to fly through space with its own body—was exactly like the Captain back then. This meant that this giant might be a powerhouse on par with the Captain, or even stronger than the Captain. Thinking of this, Nick Fury couldn't help but put his hand into his pocket, touching something like a small square, which made him feel slightly at ease.
"Do I need to call her?"
Touching this familiar small square, Nick Fury felt conflicted. If Earth faced an unsolvable crisis, he could use this thing to summon the Captain for rescue. But if that happened, Earth would indeed have an additional powerful guardian-like figure. However, the power of one person was never something the upper echelons wanted to see. Moreover, if an individual was too powerful, it would trigger the decline of the race. This was an unavoidable situation; after all, human hearts were complex. Instead of being protected and living life, it was better to let the entire race evolve together, becoming strong enough to resist all external enemies. Nick Fury knew that once this distress signal was sent out, there would be no turning back.
"Let's wait and see!"
After thinking for a moment, Nick Fury took his hand out of his pocket and wiped his forehead with a tissue. He had broken into a sweat earlier due to excessive emotional fluctuation. He watched the image on the projection quietly with the others. The ship's speed had reached its limit. After waiting for two hours, Nick Fury and the others finally saw that huge figure. Watching the massive figure getting closer and closer in the video, the people in the office swallowed in unison. It was really hard to imagine just how powerful this giant was, how tall he was, and even the asteroids beside him looked somewhat inconspicuous.
"What kind of creature is this? It's so huge. Could it be a legendary ancient Titan?"
When they saw Galactus face-to-face, they finally realized their shallowness. The image transmitted was far less impactful than seeing it directly. A middle-aged man from the Military, seeing this situation, had his mouth wide open, as if he had seen something incredible. It was hard to imagine whether the thing in front of them should really exist in the world, but he had to admit that the giant in front of him did indeed exist. He equated this creature with the Titans from myths and legends.
"Don't speak, the result will be out soon."
An obviously calmer old General glanced at the middle-aged man who had lost his composure and gave this reminder. The video instantly split into two screens. A monitoring device was ejected from the ship. Everyone in the office watched quietly in the video as the ship crashed into the giant. A huge explosion threw the device very far, but it did prove that the nuclear bomb detonation was very successful. The massive explosive power covered the giant's figure, and the giant, without even resisting, turned into a huge fireball.
"Success, we succeeded."
Seeing this, everyone's expressions relaxed. It seemed that the Military had solved this matter. Several guys stood up and cheered together, which finally relaxed the President's tense nerves. He took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat that had broken out on his face from nervousness. Several people around him did the same, except for Nick Fury, whose expression didn't change at all as he watched the 'big fireball' in the video.
"It's a pity, it seems there's no opportunity for your S.H.I.E.L.D. to make an appearance this time!"
Just as Nick Fury was watching the video carefully, not missing a single change, a slightly smug voice rang out from the side. There was no need to guess; it must be a Military officer who had been suppressed by S.H.I.E.L.D. for a long time and had suffered quite a bit of frustration. Nick Fury looked at the other party's smug appearance with his one eye but didn't say a word, continuing to watch the video. This left the smug Military officer to the side feeling very awkward; he didn't know whether to laugh or not, so he walked away, feeling snubbed. They planned to open some champagne to celebrate.
"Wait, he... he is still there."
Before people could be Happy for too long, in the airless Universe, the fire quickly burned out. The massive figure of the Planet Devourer appeared before everyone again. The Military officers who were cheering were like ducks being choked by the neck; they opened their mouths wide but couldn't make a sound. Everyone's faces turned gloomy. The fire of joy that had just been ignited was extinguished by a basin of cold water. No one would feel Happy about that.
"How could this be?"
The officer who had proposed using nuclear bombs sat in his seat, very dejected. Although he had been reserved when speaking at the time, he had been very confident. After all, in the eyes of their Military, as long as a few nuclear bombs were in place, any enemy could be made to submit. He hadn't expected an enemy that nuclear bombs couldn't deal with to appear. This instantly crushed his confidence. Not just his, but the expressions of the other Military personnel were the same, full of disbelief. The President recovered from the shock and quickly looked at Nick Fury, his eyes revealing a pleading posture. If you don't take action on this matter, Earth is finished.
"Leave the rest to S.H.I.E.L.D.!"
Nick hadn't missed the President's expression, and he was quite helpless, but he had no choice but to bite the bullet.
Space combat sounded easy, but who could guarantee that their equipment wouldn't fail?
Once the vehicle failed, Death was the only thing awaiting those fighting in outer space.
Even if they were lucky enough to survive, the oxygen issue would be severe.
Who could save them was also a huge problem.
Humanity had never experienced space combat.
When Nick said this, he felt very insecure, but he had to step up at this moment because they had no way out.
"The world is entrusted to you."
Stared at by all kinds of gazes, Nick patted his trench coat, ignored them, and walked straight out of the office.
As he left the office, the President suddenly said this, causing Nick's departing back to pause for a moment, but Nick quickly recovered and left the office at a faster speed, heading to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.
"Galacta, what do you think about seeing your father?"
Looking at the huge figure in front of her, Artoria teased Galacta, who was beside her.
However, she felt very emotional inside; she had finally seen the Galactus whose corpses filled the parallel Universes.
She had heard so much about him!
PS: I don't admit your claims. A man is a man; there is no such thing as a big baby girl.
"Hmm..."
Sensing an acquaintance or detecting a crisis, Galan stopped flying.
Artoria glanced at the Silver Surfer guarding Galan, a golden light flashing in her eyes.
Two beams of golden light flew towards the surveillance equipment left by the spaceship, and the expensive surveillance equipment was thus scrapped, turning into dust in the Universe.
Artoria's goal in doing this was that she didn't want anyone to know the identities of Galacta and Gaea.
It didn't matter if she herself was exposed, after all, Maria and Howard were both there, and no one dared to move against the eyebrows of a capitalist tycoon casually.
But if Galacta and Gaea's identities were exposed, then that troublesome guy from S.H.I.E.L.D. would pop up again.
"Galactus, Galan."
That huge body and that strange purple suit—Gaea didn't even need to guess; this was Galactus Galan, one of the Celestials she had seen tens of thousands of years ago.
That resentment of Planets, which no one else could feel but her, was thickly entwined on this guy.
She really didn't know how many Planets this guy had eaten to make the Planet's resentment on him as thick as it was now.
At this moment, Gaea was facing the immensely huge Galan, without even a trace of panic or timidity, but instead, her eyes were burning with raging anger.
"Planet consciousness, stand down, or suffer the consequences."
Facing Gaea, who had defeated him last time, the Silver Surfer slowly descended in front of the three on his board.
There was no other emotion in his eyes when he looked at Gaea, but his tone was full of warning.
The purpose of him and his Master coming here was just for the little Master; it had nothing to do with a Planet consciousness like you.
It was one thing to block him last time, but to dare to block his Master this time—although he couldn't beat her, he wasn't a character to be bullied.
Moreover, this was in front of his Master.
Even if a fight broke out, he would definitely wash away the previous humiliation.
"Humph! Galan, is this how you manage your subordinates?"
Seeing Gaea and Galan clashing, Artoria looked at the Silver Surfer who was blocking Gaea from speaking in front of her.
Since she had come here to negotiate, she had to show her side's strength.
As Gaea said this, a golden light flashed in Artoria's hand, and a spear made of light appeared in her hand.
Artoria, who possessed the Master's spear skills, threw the spear in her hand at the Silver Surfer.
The spear was like lightning, piercing the Silver Surfer's lower abdomen, carrying the Silver Surfer's body, and nailing him to the surface of a star.
Artoria's speed was so fast that the Silver Surfer didn't even have a chance to react.
When he came to his senses, he found himself nailed to the star.
With his arms exerting force, the Silver Surfer realized with horror that he couldn't pull this spear out; there wasn't even a slight movement.
"Alright, no one will disturb your chat now."
Kicking the annoying Silver Surfer out of this conversation, Artoria said to Gaea.
Seeing Artoria's series of actions, Gaea felt warm in her heart.
She nodded to Artoria and continued to stare at Galan.
Although her stature was not as huge as Galan's, and she hadn't even used her original form, Gaea's aura was not weak.
Divine power surged out with Gaea's will, crushing the surrounding meteorites into fragments like deep, bottomless divine power like stars.
This was the first time Artoria had seriously felt the power of an Old God.
Even if Gaea wasn't very prominent in the Marvel Universe, it proved that the Old God was not as weak as imagined.
"Come back with me, Galacta."
Gaea's actions made Galactus Galan lower his head and take a deep look at Gaea.
He knew this Planet's consciousness; he was one of the participants in the Celestials' plan back then, but he didn't care about these things.
He just wanted to be full.
Ever since Galacta was born from his heart, his hunger had greatly decreased.
He didn't have the feeling that made people feel crazily hungry like before.
According to the physical examination when Galacta was born, the reason for such hunger should be that tapeworm.
The tapeworm in his body should be Galacta, and Galacta should also have this kind of tapeworm, even to the point where this situation felt crazily uncomfortable.
He consciously stored more energy, wanting to let Galacta 'produce' smoothly.
"I don't want to, Father."
Originally, she thought Gaea would clash with her father, and she would fish in troubled waters, send her old father away, and then she could stay on Earth for a while longer.
Then, after her father went back, he would definitely sleep and wouldn't be able to wake up for hundreds of years.
She could accompany Artoria more.
She was really a clever little ghost.
But she didn't expect her autistic old dad's words to interrupt her plan.
Galacta shouted at her old dad reluctantly.
"It's so boring to go back, and you're not willing to accompany me. I don't want to go back."
At this moment, Galacta transformed into a 'bear child' who refused to go home and had gone wild playing outside.
Her fair, cute cheeks puffed up.
She really couldn't stand the life of sleeping every day and eating when she woke up.
This was exactly the same as some kind of creature on Earth.
She really couldn't stand this kind of life.
She wanted to make good friends, and she wanted to eat delicious things.
Although it wouldn't fill her up, deliciousness was the main thing.
She liked watching TV; there were funny programs every day that made people happy.
Most importantly, she couldn't bear to leave Artoria.
She didn't want to leave Artoria's side.
If she could never eat that delicious magic again, she might as well die.
Life would have no meaning.
"Go back, Galacta."
Like many fathers, Galan, who didn't know how to communicate with children, was in contact with a child in the rebellious period, also known as the 'rebellious phase', for the first time.
Although he didn't communicate much with his daughter usually, Galacta was very obedient and had never quarreled with him.
Thinking of this, Galan suddenly felt a little sad.
The child was disobedient.
Although he didn't know what was going on, Galan was already prepared to forcibly take Galacta back.
He issued an ultimatum to Galacta with a somewhat stiff tone.
"I'm not going back, Dad."
Artoria was now just missing a cola, popcorn, and a small stool to watch this kind of father-daughter family drama.
Although they were all descendants of the Celestials, Star-Lord's side was too fierce.
There was no desire to watch it at all.
It was either pitting the father, patricide, or pitting the father.
It was truly a 'father-hater' with great ferocity.
How could it be as good-looking as this fresh family drama?
A domineering, cold-faced father who didn't allow his daughter to associate with'shady' people outside and wanted to take his daughter home—she never tired of watching such plots.
But if she substituted herself into the plot, wouldn't she be scolding herself?
In an instant, Artoria felt a bit autistic.
"It seems that people who intend to do it when they can't speak are not just on Earth!"
Just after Galacta finished speaking, a huge hand grabbed at Artoria and the others.
Looking at the palm as huge as a mountain, Artoria experienced the feeling of sun Wukong.
But unfortunately, Artoria was not sun Wukong, and Galan was not the Buddha.
After finishing this sentence, a golden light flashed in Artoria's hand, and the excalibur appeared in Artoria's hand.
Holding the excalibur, Artoria felt even smoother than before.
Maybe the tacit understanding with the excalibur had increased!
The excalibur trembled slightly in Artoria's hand, making a pleasant sword sound.
Artoria slashed at Galan's big hand.
The huge slash instantly landed on Galan's palm, and a huge wound formed on Galan's hand.
Although the force of the slash didn't cut off Galan's giant hand, it pushed Galan's giant hand back in its original direction.
"That sword!"
Galan looked at his hand.
Although the slash didn't cause him much damage, the force of the slash pushed back three points of his force.
Although it was three points of force, it was no longer a big problem to crush an asteroid.
He didn't want to hurt his daughter and restrained his power, but it shouldn't have been pushed back so easily.
This was the first time such a situation had occurred.
That body like an ant could actually exert such powerful strength; it was really strange.
The wound on his hand healed quickly.
Galan looked at the sword shining with golden light in Artoria's hand.
That sword gave him a very dangerous feeling.
PS: You guys are too dirty; I really can't compare.
"Isn't it better to talk nicely? You have to do it."
Artoria gently stroked the body of the excalibur, then focused her eyes on Galan's huge body.
Looking at Galan's huge eyes, Artoria said with a calm expression.
At first, she might have been a little nervous, but standing truly in front of Galactus Galan, Artoria's heart calmed down.
The other party didn't seem to be here to destroy the Earth, but to take away the disobedient 'bear child'.
Such a father who didn't know how to chat really couldn't make people angry.
A father who didn't know how to say 'love' existed in every family.
Although the Planet Devourer was one of the Celestials, he didn't cause Artoria's disgust because at this moment, he was a father who didn't know how to express himself, not a high and mighty God.
"Artoria."
Seeing that her father was injured, Galacta, who had been eager for her father to leave, panicked.
She just wanted to drive her dad away; she didn't have any thought of wanting to hurt him.
Seeing Artoria cut Galan, Galacta's attitude finally changed.
She looked at Artoria in a panic, then looked at her father, appearing so flustered.
Such a thing, such a situation, was completely not what she had expected.
"Don't worry, it's just a greeting!"
Hearing the words from Galacta's telepathy, Artoria said without looking back.
Gaea turned her head and glanced at Galacta but didn't say anything.
She had also experienced family affection during this period.
She didn't mock Galacta's inconsistent behavior as usual.
Now she also understood that Galactus Galan's purpose was not to devour the Earth at all, but to take Galacta back home.
Because of this little thing, Galacta had made such a big mess.
If it were her own child, she would definitely beat her butt!
"Be careful."
After hearing Artoria's words, Galacta breathed a sigh of relief.
She frowned and looked at her dad, then looked at Artoria's back, feeling more and more that the next thing was no longer something she could intervene in.
The current situation was completely unexpected.
She was completely unable to control the sequence of events and could only let it develop naturally.
Galacta felt very helpless.
Such uncontrollable development was not what she wanted.
She didn't want the two of them to end up hurting each other because of this matter, or for either party to be injured.
She was a little regretful now.
When the Silver Surfer came to Earth, she should have left with him.
In that case, the place where the two met wouldn't be so awkward.
"My name is Galactus Galan. Tell me your name, strong one."
Although he was wary of the excalibur in Artoria Stark's hand, Galactus Galan was a man who had experienced countless battles; how could he possibly back down or retreat because of such a thing? His attitude shifted. He elevated his gaze from looking at her like an ant to treating her as an equal, or even a superior opponent. It had been a long time since he had encountered an enemy like Artoria Stark. Although wary, he was not afraid. Galactus Galan did not fear any battle, even if it meant his own Death.
"Artoria Stark. Mr. Galan, welcome to the Solar System."
Sensing the shift in Galan's attitude, Artoria Stark smiled and introduced herself. This meant that Galan had already come to regard her as a strong individual equal to himself. This change signified that the two possessed the strength for an equal dialogue. If Artoria Stark were weaker than Galan, then everything she said next would be treated by Galan as nothing more than hot air. Only those with equal strength had the right to converse. Such a mindset of 'might makes right' was never outdated in that world; after all, it was a law left behind by time and fate: survival of the fittest, where the strong prey on the weak.
"Strong one, why do you stop me from taking my daughter?"
Seeing that Artoria Stark was not being so 'aggressive,' Galan's attitude improved slightly. However, he had a major question: he was taking his daughter, so what did that have to do with her? By what right did she interfere in their family business? Such behavior was very puzzling. He had lived for so many years and had never heard of a strong individual who liked to meddle in other people's affairs; such behavior simply did not befit a strong individual.
"I am her new friend. Recently, Miss Galacta has been staying with us, and we have been living very happily. But seeing you come so aggressively to take away my good friend, I mistook you for a bad person. I apologize."
Facing Galan's inquiry, Artoria Stark played a game of retreat to advance, phrasing her words beautifully. She wasn't wrong, either; when Galan had just arrived in the Solar System, he was aggressive. Upon seeing Artoria Stark and Gaea, he hadn't taken either of them seriously, communicating directly with Galacta via telepathy, demanding that she return. When persuasion failed, he started attacking, showing no regard for Artoria Stark and the others.
Artoria Stark shifted the issue onto Galan, but the implication of her words was: you have no manners and looked down on people, so I hit you to teach you a lesson. Galan completely failed to pick up on this roundabout insult. He rarely interacted with others and had no idea what Artoria Stark really meant. Upon hearing her words, he wasn't angry at all; instead, he looked around a bit awkwardly. Even though he was notorious throughout the Universe, he was still a member of the Celestials and still cared about his reputation and dignity.
"Strong one, this is our family business. I hope you will let me take Galacta back."
Since he had already been rude, the tongue-tied Galan had nothing else to say and stated his thoughts directly. He wanted to take Galacta back; after all, this matter concerned his daughter's life safety, as well as what would come after—the continuation of the Galactus bloodline. Although he was immortal, no life form didn't hope for their race to flourish. The tapeworm in Galacta's stomach might be the next generation—a grandson or granddaughter. Galan hoped the child could be born smoothly, rather than being forced to consume his daughter to grow due to a lack of energy.
"Let me talk to my father about this!"
This request was very reasonable, and Artoria Stark couldn't think of any excuse for the moment. But Galacta suddenly walked to Artoria Stark's side and said this, causing Artoria Stark to look at Galacta in surprise. That disobedient, rebellious brat had suddenly grown up in an instant. This gave Artoria Stark a strange visual sensation; had she suddenly aged? Touching her tender, smooth face, Artoria Stark breathed a sigh of relief and nodded at Galacta. She hated such family matters the most, but this now proved a doubt in her mind: the sanity of Galactus Galan seemed to be much better than she had imagined. She had thought he would fly into a rage and attack her, but unexpectedly, he could still communicate normally. Artoria Stark watched Galacta fly toward Galan's head to whisper something and signaled to Gaea.
"You should head back first! I've got things handled here. The longer you stay away from your main body, the weaker your physical form becomes. Go back quickly!"
Sensing that the aura on Gaea was starting to weaken slowly—though only slightly—Artoria Stark did indeed notice it and told Gaea to head home. In the current situation, it was impossible for a fight to break out again. Regardless of what Galacta chose, Galan's purpose was certainly not to destroy or consume Earth. So, all that remained was to wait and see how this father and daughter would talk.
"Be careful and call me anytime."
Gaea turned back to look at Galan, then at Artoria Stark. Somewhat reluctantly, she took out a crystal and threw it to Artoria Stark. As long as Artoria Stark encountered danger, she only needed to crush this crystal, and Gaea would arrive immediately. Although she really wanted to stay, her strength was slowly being depleted, and who knew what emergencies might arise? As long as she preserved her strength, she wouldn't fear the other party acting recklessly. Thinking of this, Gaea didn't linger and quickly flew back toward Earth.
"We can consider this a case of 'getting to know each other through a fight.' I'll let you go; just go back with your Master peacefully in a while!"
Seeing that Gaea had left, Artoria Stark flew in front of the Silver Surfer. Amidst the other's puzzled gaze, she dissipated her light spear. Artoria Stark spoke; after all, they could be considered acquaintances now. As a servant of Galacta's family, Artoria Stark still had to give the Planet Devourer' family some face. She took the initiative to release the Silver Surfer. The Silver Surfer gave Artoria Stark a complex look, then nodded, recalled his silver surfboard, and flew toward his Master.
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