"Hey, you guys are going too far! Even if we are on your turf, my team and I won't stand for this!" Star-Lord exclaimed, trying to save face. He turned to his team and shouted, "Team, back me up here, right?"
If this were an anime, crows would be seen flying over Star-Lord's head. There was only silence behind him, with no one responding. His face turned beet red with embarrassment.
"What's going on? They're insulting us! Why aren't you guys getting mad? At least show some support for your captain!" Star-Lord whispered urgently to Rocket, Drax, and the others standing behind him.
"But I think they're right," Drax replied nonchalantly. "And they only called you an idiot, not us. Why should we be angry?" Mantis added helpfully.
Rocket and Groot stayed silent, inching away from the trio, acting like they didn't know them.
"..." Star-Lord felt utterly defeated. What kind of team had he gathered?
He finally understood how Tony Stark felt when making plans on Titan in Infinity War.
"I'll just go find my Gamora," Star-Lord said, unable to stand the awkwardness any longer, and he excused himself to search for the Gamora from the past who had snuck away.
"Hahaha..." The crowd burst into laughter as Star-Lord walked away.
Li Yue couldn't help but laugh, too. The Guardians of the Galaxy were a bunch of comedians.
But these comedians had saved the universe twice, which was truly remarkable.
...
The epic battle had finally ended with laughter.
As professionals would handle those tasks, Li Yue didn't have to worry about the aftermath. These post-war matters were no less challenging than the battle with Thanos.
Half the population vanished five years ago, and now they reappeared, unchanged from when they disappeared. This phenomenon was shaking the entire world to its core.
Countless ethical and moral dilemmas arose. For example, a husband whose wife vanished remarried during those five years. What happens when the first wife suddenly returns? Such issues were countless and couldn't be ignored.
...
Time passed slowly, and Li Yue stayed in this universe for nearly half a month. He wasn't staying by choice; his spaceship—now his—was still being modified.
Though Tony didn't have to snap his fingers and sacrifice himself, Natasha Romanoff did lose her life retrieving the Soul Stone. So, a grand funeral was held for Natasha, which Li Yue also attended.
After the funeral, not much changed. Thor abdicated his throne, leaving Valkyrie to lead the Asgardians on Earth while he joined the Guardians of the Galaxy for space adventures.
As a reward for saving the world, a team of scientific geniuses, including Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Hank Pym, Rocket, and Shuri, worked together to modify Sanctuary II. They added features like autopilot, energy shields, and size alteration using Pym Particles.
Although Sanctuary II's technology was far advanced, allowing for interstellar travel, the Earth scientists managed to integrate their technology perfectly. The fact that Earth, with its relatively primitive technology, could produce things like Pym Particles and nanotechnology is a testament to their genius.
The advanced technology of Thanos's spaceship provided them with numerous insights and benefits, making it a mutually beneficial endeavour.
...
After half a month, the modifications were complete. Sanctuary II was now a tiny object hanging from Li Yue's waist, like a keychain, thanks to Pym Particles that allowed it to shrink and expand at will.
Pym Particles proved incredibly powerful, and it was astonishing that such advanced technology was developed on Earth, considering its overall technological level.
...
"Everyone, since things are wrapped up here, it's time for me to return to my universe," Li Yue said, standing in front of the newly built quantum teleportation device next to Captain America, addressing Tony and the others.
Li Yue was ready to return to his universe, while Captain America prepared to return the Infinity Stones to their respective timelines. Originally, Tony was supposed to handle this, but Steve Rogers insisted on going, much to Li Yue's understanding. He knew Steve had finally planned to reunite with Peggy Carter.
But Li Yue simply smiled at Steve, not revealing his thoughts.
"Mr. Li Yue, although we've thanked you many times, we must express our gratitude again. Thank you for saving us all and protecting our universe," Tony said sincerely as Li Yue prepared to leave.
"Don't mention it!" Li Yue waved off their thanks.
"Goodbye, everyone. If you ever need my help again, you know how to find me," Li Yue said. He and Steve stepped onto the quantum platform.
"3, 2, 1, start transmission!" Bruce Banner activated the device, and Li Yue and Steve vanished instantly.
...
Li Yue couldn't know what reactions Tony and the others had when Steve didn't return. He had already returned to his original universe.