The vast universe gradually returned to silence.
After making their promise, Galacta floated back to Artoria's side, while Galactus remained standing quietly in the distance.
For a moment, neither side spoke.
It was Galactus who finally broke the silence.
"Artoria Stark."
His deep voice echoed through everyone's minds.
Artoria looked up.
"Is there something else, Mr. Galan?"
The giant looked at the golden-haired girl for several seconds before speaking again.
"You are... a qualified friend."
Those simple words immediately made Galacta cover her face.
"Dad..."
"That isn't how you compliment someone."
Galactus lowered his head slightly.
"...Then?"
Galacta sighed helplessly.
"Forget it."
"You'll learn eventually."
Artoria couldn't help laughing.
"It's fine."
"I understand what he means."
Although Galactus' way of speaking was awkward, Artoria could tell he was sincerely thanking her.
For someone like Galactus, saying "You are a qualified friend" was probably the highest compliment he could give.
"I should be thanking you instead."
Artoria smiled gently.
"Thank you for trusting me."
"If you had insisted on taking Galacta away by force..."
"I'm afraid today's ending wouldn't have been this peaceful."
Galactus remained silent for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"You possess strength."
"And kindness."
"They are both rare."
"I trust my daughter's judgment."
Those words made Galacta smile happily.
She proudly placed her hands on her hips.
"See?"
"I told you Artoria was amazing."
Galactus glanced at his daughter.
"...Yes."
The Silver Surfer, standing quietly behind his master, almost suspected his ears.
His master...
Actually admitted someone else's excellence so directly.
If the cosmic civilizations who feared the Planet Devourer witnessed this scene, they would probably think they were hallucinating.
...
Artoria suddenly remembered something.
"Mr. Galan."
"If Galacta returns with you..."
"Will she be safe?"
Galactus nodded immediately.
"I have prepared enough Cosmic Energy."
"It will suppress her hunger."
"It will also nourish..."
He paused briefly before looking toward Galacta.
"...the child."
Hearing those words, Galacta subconsciously touched her abdomen.
Her expression became much gentler.
Artoria also breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Galacta usually acted carefree, she was still about to become a mother.
Knowing that both she and the child would be safe naturally put Artoria's mind at ease.
"Then..."
"I'll leave Galacta to you."
Galactus looked at Artoria seriously.
"I will protect her."
"As her father."
The simple sentence carried absolute confidence.
No being in the universe doubted the promise of the Planet Devourer.
Because if Galactus wished to protect someone...
Very few beings were capable of harming them.
...
Just then, the Silver Surfer floated forward.
He bowed slightly toward Artoria.
"Miss Artoria."
"My previous actions were discourteous."
"I apologise."
Artoria waved her hand casually.
"It's fine."
"I wasn't exactly gentle either."
As she spoke, she glanced toward the faint scorch marks still visible on the Silver Surfer's armour.
The Silver Surfer smiled bitterly.
Being nailed to a star...
That experience was one he would never forget.
Galacta suddenly covered her mouth and giggled.
"Artoria."
"You almost scared Uncle Norrin to death."
The Silver Surfer's expression froze.
"Little Master..."
"...please don't call me Uncle."
"Why?"
"It makes me sound old."
"You've lived for thousands of years."
"..."
The Silver Surfer found himself speechless.
Artoria burst into laughter.
Even Galactus' shoulders seemed to move ever so slightly.
Whether he was laughing or not...
No one knew.
...
Far away.
A small spacecraft finally entered the area where everyone had been talking.
The huge S.H.I.E.L.D. emblem on its hull was especially eye-catching.
Galacta blinked.
"They finally arrived?"
Artoria looked over before covering her forehead helplessly.
"They're even slower than I expected."
By the time S.H.I.E.L.D. reached the Moon's orbit...
Everything had already ended.
"They're always like this?"
Galacta asked curiously.
Artoria shrugged.
"Almost."
"They always arrive after the battle."
Galacta nodded thoughtfully.
"No wonder Earth keeps getting into trouble."
Artoria couldn't help laughing.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
...
Galactus slowly turned around.
"It is time."
Galacta's smile gradually faded.
Although she had agreed to return...
She still felt reluctant.
She floated over to Artoria.
Without warning...
She gently hugged her.
"Artoria..."
"I'll miss you."
Artoria smiled and patted her head.
"It's only two days."
"You'll be back before you know it."
Galacta nodded.
"I know."
"But..."
"You have to save lots of delicious food for me."
Artoria rolled her eyes.
"So that's what you're really worried about."
"Hehe."
Galacta stuck out her tongue mischievously.
"And don't let Mordred eat all the desserts."
"I'll try."
"No."
"You have to promise."
"...Fine."
"I promise."
Only then did Galacta smile with satisfaction.
She looked toward the villa on Earth one last time.
Although she had only lived there for a short time...
For the first time in her life...
She understood what it meant to have friends.
It was a feeling she had never experienced while wandering the universe alone.
"Goodbye."
"It won't be long."
Artoria smiled.
"I'll be waiting."
Galacta nodded before turning around and flying toward her father.
The Silver Surfer followed behind them on his surfboard.
Galactus raised one hand.
Space distorted.
A magnificent cosmic passage slowly opened before the three of them.
Before stepping inside, Galactus looked back once more.
"Artoria Stark."
"If you encounter danger..."
"You may call my name."
Artoria raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
Galactus nodded.
"You have earned my respect."
"When the strong request assistance..."
"I will answer."
Artoria smiled brightly.
"Then I'll remember that."
Galactus gave one final nod before stepping into the dimensional passage.
Galacta waved enthusiastically.
"See you in two days!"
The passage slowly closed.
The enormous pressure that had filled the Solar System for hours finally disappeared completely.
Artoria remained standing in space for another two minutes.
Only after confirming that Galactus' cosmic aura had completely vanished did she slowly exhale.
"It's finally over..."
She stretched lazily.
Then she looked toward the slowly approaching S.H.I.E.L.D. spacecraft.
"...Too troublesome."
"I'd better leave first."
With a flash of golden light, Artoria disappeared behind the Moon just as the S.H.I.E.L.D. ship entered the area.
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