Night falls on Nova.
Two crescent moons hang high in the ink-blue night sky, while the bustling City on the planet below illuminates the streets and districts with its myriad lights, competing with the natural moonlight.
This is the star that never sleeps, built upon the technological civilization of the Galaxy.
As the eccentric alien residents begin their nightlife, the Nova Legion inevitably focuses its defensive efforts outside the planet. A colorful hovercar drives from the outskirts into the city, passing through a series of security checks before finally arriving at a relatively remote alien bar.
"Sir, you have arrived," The driver of the hovercar gets out and courteously opens the door, bowing slightly and gesturing to invite the passenger.
First, a pair of black boots extend, followed by a young, slender black-haired man stepping out from the back seat. He nods slightly to the diminutive alien driver, and tosses a small bag of Units, and the alien driver hastily accepts it, thanking him profusely.
As the alien driver drives the hovercar away, the black-haired young man looks up at the sign of the bar. He presses the doorbell next to the tightly closed door, and a camera in the corner of the building's wall activates, aiming its blinking red lens at the young man's face.
"Outsider, please state your identity and purpose," A hoarse voice sounds.
The black-haired young man furrows his brow slightly, making no other unnecessary movements. With just a finger snap, a burst of dazzling light shoots out from his fingertips, swiftly exploding towards the camera in the corner.
In the Nova Empire, there's nothing that represents one's identity more than fusion energy.
"Boom!"
The camera explodes, arcs of electricity scatter, and flames splatter outward, leaving only a scorched mark on the original corner of the wall.
"Ding Dong—"
At the same time, the tightly closed electronic door of the bar abruptly opens, and without hesitation, the black-haired young man strides in. Once he crosses the threshold, the thick electronic door automatically closes behind him.
What was originally a pitch-black interior suddenly lights up as lights illuminate the ceiling and walls. Dance floors, tables and chairs, bar counters, liquor shelves, and everything else needed for a bar are present.
However, the interior is deserted, with only one middle-aged man in a gentleman's uniform standing behind the bar, still holding a glass of colorful cocktail.
"Are you the mediator on Nova?"
The black-haired young man looked at the only person in the room and continued to approach him. In the final few steps, he removes the Venom disguise from his body, turning his jet-black hair to silver-white, his golden pupils shining brightly, and even his physique expands to become tall and robust.
"More accurately, I am one of the mediators on Nova, Albert. As one of the top empires in the Galaxy, Nova has more than five underground mediators, including myself."
The bartender smiled and looked at Kyle, who was approaching. "I didn't expect you to choose to come to my turf alone when given the choice of location. You truly deserve to be the one who escaped the encirclement of the Nova Legion."
"Just call me Kyle." Kyle casually sat on a chair, picked up the pre-mixed cocktail, and took a sip as if quenching his thirst. After letting the taste bloom on his tongue for a moment, he praised, "Your cocktails are also quite good."
"I'm not only good at making cocktails," Albert chuckled. "Mr. Kyle, you must have arrived in this part of the Galaxy not long ago and encountered Leo's Interstellar Hunters as soon as you entered the area. It's a pity that Leo and his team have roamed the galaxy for decades, yet they were so unlucky this time, robbing someone as formidable as you, who even the Nova Legion couldn't handle."
Kyle remained expressionless and calm. "How did you know, did Green tell you?"
"He is currently working for you, so naturally, he wouldn't dare to speak casually. I deduced all this based on the intelligence I have," Albert explained. "Leo's Interstellar Hunters like to hunt outsiders, and powerful figures like Mr. Kyle, who have no records in the Union's intelligence network and suddenly became famous due to the pursuit of the Nova Legion at noon, lead me to conclude that you are a newcomer to the Union."
"Well done," Kyle smiled faintly. He wasn't worried that the other party was too cunning; rather, he was concerned that the so-called mediator might not have enough intelligence channels.
Albert poured a drink for Kyle and smiled, "Mr. Kyle, please don't take offense. I wasn't specifically investigating you. You displayed your abilities at noon, so naturally, I also had to demonstrate my intelligence capabilities."
Kyle nodded feeling amused. Even if the other party didn't know, investigating and judging the power of fusion energy, Kyle himself hadn't fully understood it yet.
Kyle decided not to beat around the bush and looked at Albert, getting straight to the point. "I need to know the whereabouts of a few individuals."
"Purchasing intelligence, I see," Albert said with a sudden realization. After a moment of thought, he quickly responded, "You might as well tell me the names or characteristics of the individuals you're looking for."
"Vis."
Kyle called out softly, raising his left hand. The electronic watch on his wrist emitted a faint blue light, forming a holographic screen in the chilly air of the room.
The names and faces of the three people— Howard, with his gentlemanly demeanor and small beard; Logan, with his cool wolfish short hair; and Lucy, the charming blonde— appeared on the screen.
As Kyle looked at the three familiar faces on the holographic screen, his heart was filled with countless emotions. His former comrades, subordinates, and lover— after their separation shortly after the end of World War II on Earth, he hadn't seen them for decades.
Regardless, he was determined to bring them back safely to Earth. It was one of the few remaining wishes Kyle had.
Albert carefully examined the screen, his gaze pausing slightly on Howard. He rubbed his chin and pondered, "Would it be acceptable if I only have information on one of them?"
"It will do!" Even with Kyle's resilient temperament, at this moment, it was difficult to suppress his emotions. His fists clenched tightly as he spoke in a deep voice, "Do you know the whereabouts of any of them?"
"Well..." Albert pointed to Howard on the screen. "I know of someone who definitely has information about this human. Because that person once mentioned encountering an elderly human who is very skilled in manufacturing and modifying technological equipment while repairing equipment on a planet."
"Who is that person?" Kyle couldn't help but ask. Seeing Albert's hesitant expression, he instantly understood and took out a Kryon from his pocket, placing it on the table. "I'll use this to purchase all the information you have about Howard!"
"Very well, very well." Albert smiled greedily as he picked up the Kryon, his eyes showing the face of a greedy merchant. He looked slightly surprised at the bloodstains on the energy crystal. "Why does this energy crystal have blood on it?"
"Don't worry, it's always been mine, but it was touched by the Interstellar Hunter Leo," Kyle replied coldly.
Albert gasped, not daring to delay. He exclaimed urgently, "Deal! The person's name is Quill, also known as Star-Lord, another Interstellar Hunter! He claimed to have seen the human named Howard on a certain planet."
(End of Chapter)
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