Authors Note-
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In front of the Collector, Ivan placed all the specimens into the box, locked it, and positioned it on the table.
"The box boasts constant space magic, with dimensions of 100 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and 30 meters in height, totaling 150,000 cubic meters."
The Collector's face lit up with joy, his interest in the box surpassing even that in the specimens. "This is delightful. I'll offer 700 million cosmic coins for all the specimens and this space magic box. To round it up, I'll add an extra 300 million. What do you say to this price?"
"Deal!" Ivan had no qualms about the price. To him, these specimens were mere waste. The only valuable item was the space box, but he would discard it once he acquired a superior backpack, given its more excellent interior space.
"How would you like the payment? Through a transfer or in cash?"
"Transfer 800 million to my account and the remaining 200 million in cash. Also, could you help me build a specialized spaceship? I'll provide the materials. Can you recommend the best manufacturer?"
"No problem. I have some influence in this void. Not only will I be able to connect you with the finest manufacturers, but I can also help you with special enhancements. Installing them on your ship will undoubtedly give it unparalleled power, a privilege befitting the supreme ruler of certain planets."
"Thank you so much!" Ivan accepted without hesitation. Both parties were satisfied, and the transaction concluded in just 30 minutes.
…
While there's no law in the void, and strength is the ultimate determinant, it comes with perks, notably the ability to acquire anything through monetary means.
The Collector, a local influencer, displays extensive connections, likely aiming to secure future collections from Ivan. He genuinely assists Ivan, and the recruited spaceship engineer proves exceptionally skilled. Surprisingly, the spaceship's material turned out to be vibranium. Impressed by its strength, the team collaborates to create a top-tier spaceship.
Initially smooth, conflict arises during internal structure design. Others find Ivan's plan wasteful, needing more space, but Ivan stands firm. Unbeknownst to the designers, Ivan can magically expand the spaceship's interior, eliminating space issues.
Ivan invests lavishly, completing the spacecraft in a month. The 12-meter-long, 7-meter-wide ship houses a laurel-powered warp engine and the control system. Using 20+ space energy crystals and the traceless extension spell, Ivan transforms it into a super troop carrier.
With the spaceship finished, Ivan no longer needs to stay in the void. The remaining funds go into substantial purchases. Drawing attention but avoiding confrontation, Ivan spent the month wisely, defeating Moro's gang and maintaining a formidable reputation.
After spending nearly all funds, Ivan sells the Asgard spaceship, recovers some costs, and departs on Knowhere to planet Morag, where the original power stone from the Guardians of the Galaxy resides. Ivan aims to try his luck in obtaining the gem.
Observing Ivan's extravagant spending, various forces in the void grow greedy. They secretly monitor Ivan to prevent robbery and plan to strike as soon as he leaves the void.
"Dr. Ivan, multiple spaceships are trailing us, scanning our vessel," a beam of light projects a three-dimensional image of a white jade rabbit inside the spaceship, alerting Ivan.
After considering the situation, Ivan paused briefly and replied, "Initiate the scan and report on the situation."
Less than ten seconds later, the Red Queen updated, "Sir, based on recent data, the approaching vessels belong to various factions, including interstellar pirates, cosmic mercenaries, and ravagers."
"Alright, please don't worry about them. I think we should go ahead. As long as they don't attack, they're inconsequential. I hope they understand each other. If not, they can't blame me for taking decisive measures. Prepare the ship's weapons. Whoever fires first, we'll respond in kind."
Suddenly, a beam of light projected an image of a little girl onto the back of Ivan's hand, and she inquired, "Dr. Ivan, with our current spacecraft configuration, we can reach the space jumping point by accelerating. Why not increase speed to evade the pursuers?"
"We can indeed escape, but I can't escape their avarice and the attention of the forces behind them. The Vibranium material used in building the spaceship is a top-tier item that could attract those with sinister motives. Instead of waiting for them to plot against us, I'd rather take a pre-emptive strike to deter them and establish authority. Even if they harbor ill intentions in the future, they'll think twice."
"I understand now, Dr. Ivan. Your foresight is commendable," acknowledged the Red Queen, displaying a more human-like understanding.
Ivan maintained the original speed deliberately. After about ten minutes, numerous tiny spaceships appeared ahead—approximately a hundred in number. The largest, over fifty meters long, broadcasted a message.
"To the occupants of the vessel ahead, you are surrounded. Surrender half your wealth, and under the protection of the Predator Leader Stakar Ogord, I guarantee your safety. We will transport you to a secure location." As the voice concluded, the giant spaceship's deck rose, signaling Ivan to dock.
Prepared to order Red Queen to counterattack, Ivan hesitated upon hearing the name Stakar Ogord.
Recalling the character from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, played by Stallone, Ivan couldn't help but pause. Stakar Ogord, known for his stern demeanor, was a predator, much like Yondu. However, Yondu's transgressions led to expulsion by Stakar Ogord and other Ravagers.
While Stakar Ogord's strength isn't prominently featured in the movie, he mentored Yondu like a father. Their collaboration placed Stakar Ogord in a higher status, earning respect from other ravagers. Despite Yondu gaining fame with his arrow, Stakar Ogord, armed with a similar weapon, could easily overshadow him, showcasing a formidable prowess.
Stakar Ogord is depicted as a superhero in Marvel comics. An accidental discovery of an Eagle God statue endowed him with incredible powers after triggering a trap that merged his wife's energy with his own. His abilities include super strength, speed, endurance, agility, flight, light manipulation, and heightened senses, particularly enhanced vision capable of tracking across stars.
Driven by curiosity, Ivan decided to meet Stakar Ogord. Landing on the deck and approaching alone, he noticed a group of aliens, with a tall man in black leading—the unmistakable Stakar Ogord.
Seeing Ivan unarmed, the looters relaxed as he confidently presumed, "You're wise to surrender. Hand over half your wealth, and I'll ensure your safety."
"No, no, you misunderstand. I didn't come to surrender. I was merely curious about the renowned Stakar Ogord and wanted to see for myself," Ivan clarified.
Simultaneously, Ivan discreetly probed his thoughts with his mental power, intrigued by the hermaphroditic form resulting from the fusion with his wife, as per the comic lore.
His demeanor shifted, expressing frustration, "This infuriates me. The moment you stepped out, you were in our hands. Though skilled, defeating Moro's lackeys in the void doesn't mean facing us. Do you think you can overcome us alone?"
To prove his point, he signaled nearly a hundred ravagers, all aiming their weapons at Ivan, ready to fire.
With a hint of humor, Ivan ignited a fiery response from the surrounding ravagers, saying, "How do you know if you don't try? People need dreams; otherwise, what distinguishes them from mere existence? Perhaps a miracle awaits!"
Unimpressed, Stakar Ogord demanded, "Arrogant fool! I'll ask again: will you pay?"
"Not. Surrendering before a fight goes against my principles."
"Since you court death willingly, no one else can be blamed. Attack!"
With Stakar Ogord's command, all the ravagers unleashed a barrage of unique weapons. These seasoned individuals, accustomed to life on the edge, proved far more formidable than Moro and his minions.