Marvel: What If Thanos Adopted A Saiyan?
Chapter 198 - 199: You Again?!

Chapter 198: Chapter 199: You Again?!

Xandar, a name renowned across the cosmos as the homeworld of the Nova Corps.

As one of the few forces powerful enough to rival the Kree Empire, the Nova Corps was the foundation of Xandar’s might and status. Even the formidable Kree found Xandar to be a hard nut to crack, with countless border skirmishes ending in stalemates and retreats.

Lothar’s mission this time, however, wasn’t to start a war, but to follow the command of his adoptive father, Thanos, and meet someone on Xandar.

A wanderer known across the galaxy, Jack Jones.

According to intel gathered by Thanos, this elusive vagabond might hold crucial information regarding the Soul Stone.

With Thanos tied up in intergalactic affairs, he sent his most trusted "son" in his place. Lothar was the natural choice.

To avoid unnecessary conflict, Lothar refrained from bringing his Chitauri legions into Xandar’s patrol zones. Instead, under The Other’s command, the massive fleet remained cloaked, hidden deep in space, awaiting further orders.

To avoid being caught in the crossfire between the Kree and Xandar, The Other had meticulously selected the most inconspicuous location possible.

Following his instructions, the entire Chitauri battalion entered hibernation mode alongside their battleships. Cloaked and silent, they waited. The Other himself, meanwhile, accompanied Lothar openly as they descended to Xandar in a lone spacecraft.

"Meow!"

The Flerken perched on Lothar’s shoulder let out an excited chirp. Its tail flicked back and forth, pink paws smacking against Lothar’s cheek, amber eyes brimming with curiosity toward this advanced, vibrant world.

Compared to the bleak Black Quadrant or the austere Chitauri homeworld, Xandar’s technocratic metropolis was a paradise.

Not that it was a materialistic creature by any means, but still, living in a place like this would certainly be better for its emotional and psychological well-being.

"Here’s your docking number."

The Other dutifully accepted the token handed over by the docking crew and trotted after Lothar, clutching the scepter embedded with the Mind Stone.

"Woz, Jack’s location."

As soon as they left the docking bay and were swallowed into the stream of civilians, Lothar issued the order instinctively.

"Understood, Prince Lothar."

A blue holographic screen shimmered to life. A crimson dot flickered into view—far, far away. Lothar frowned.

That far, huh?

"Prince Lothar," Woz advised calmly, "Xandar enforces strict aerial transit regulations. I recommend taking local transportation to the store owned by the mysterious merchant Jack."

"The information he holds on the Soul Stone is too valuable to risk exposure."

Knowing Lothar’s impulsive nature, Woz quickly added the Soul Stone caveat. If their target fell into the hands of someone else interested in the Infinity Stones due to a reckless move, the consequences would be severe.

Especially considering Xandar housed an exceptionally powerful force, the Nova Corps.

If Lothar’s appearance raised alarms and led them to suspect Jack, things could get complicated very quickly.

"I’ve made all the arrangements," The Other chimed in, the ultimate sycophant, ever perceptive of Lothar’s mood.

"Let’s go."

Used to The Other’s considerate service, Lothar’s mind remained placid. Just as Thanos had hoped, the freshly humbled Lothar, having recently finished writing a lengthy self-reflection, had begun to appreciate the value of mystery and caution. The days of blind, reckless bravado were behind him.

Sitting silently in the levitating vehicle, Lothar watched the world pass by. Everything else, The Other would handle.

...

"You’re Jack Jones?"

On Xandar, following the directions given to her by Queen Frigga, Hela stood before a man she couldn’t help but doubt.

The stout middle-aged man wore a skin-tight blue bodysuit that accentuated his belly, a black jacket, and a thick pepper-and-salt beard that highlighted his age, as did the blindingly polished dome of his bald head.

Hela pulled out the portrait Frigga had given her, unable to reconcile the image with the man before her.

The painting, created by an Asgardian royal artist under Frigga’s detailed description, showed a tall, chiseled man with mesmerizing features, flowing black hair parted in the center, and a sleek, fashionable outfit.

No matter how she looked at him, she just couldn’t connect that dashing figure with the bloated, balding man in front of her.

"You’re Odin’s daughter?"

Jack Jones glanced up from his meal, taking in Hela’s imposing appearance. He put his bowl down and, with an almost theatrical lack of care, stood up and retrieved five data chips from a side cabinet. He lined them up neatly in front of her.

"These contain proof of collusion between King Laufey of the Frost Giants and certain members of Xandar’s upper echelon."

"They’re still in negotiation."

Still chewing, Jack lazily flossed his teeth with a pick, pressing his hand down on the chips.

"...?" Hela frowned and reached for them.

"I’m not running a charity, Odin’s daughter," Jack scoffed.

"This intel doesn’t come free."

Hela’s eyes narrowed. The divine essence of Death surged within her, yet Jack remained unfazed, lounging casually, fingering the bracelet on his wrist, a silver band adorned with a diamond-shaped insignia.

Ding dong!

"You have a new visitor!"

"You have a new visitor!"

"You have—"

The automated door chime interrupted them. Jack spat out his toothpick, rubbed his gleaming bald scalp, and opened the door with a thought.

Lothar stepped inside, clad in a loose black combat suit. The Flerken perched on his shoulder. Behind him trailed The Other, ever loyal.

"You again?"

"Why are you everywhere I go?"

Before Jack could even greet his guests, Hela and Lothar, long since acquainted, locked eyes and spoke at the same time.

Both equally irritated.

Jack’s smile widened as he watched their synchronized frustration. "You two—"

"Shut up." ×2

The synchronized reprimand wiped the grin right off Jack’s face.

???

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