Entering a place like Sakaar from the outside is typically a difficult and dangerous endeavor. However, for Rhodes, it was a trivial matter. With his teleportation abilities, he and Hela arrived on the planet in an instant.
Asgard's recent activities—purchasing a large number of parasites and engaging in battles with the parasite army—had made its name resonate across the universe. The names of Asgard's rulers, Rhodes and Hela, were now well-known among many cosmic factions.
The arrival of Rhodes and Hela on Sakaar caused quite a stir. The Grandmaster, ever the opportunist, was thrilled by their presence. Upon receiving word of their arrival, he rushed to greet them personally.
The Grandmaster greeted them with his characteristic enthusiasm. "The great God-King Hela and Lord Rhodes! Welcome to Sakaar! Your presence here will surely bring prosperity to our humble planet."
The Grandmaster was well aware of Rhodes's ongoing efforts to capture parasites. With many parasite-enhanced gladiators under his control, the Grandmaster was slightly nervous that Rhodes might be here to investigate or challenge him. While the Grandmaster was powerful, he knew he was no match for the combined might of Rhodes and Hela.
"To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" the Grandmaster inquired, testing their intentions.
Rhodes replied calmly, "I've heard about the parasite duels you host here. I was curious, so I decided to come and see for myself. I hope you don't mind."
Relieved that Rhodes wasn't there to cause trouble, the Grandmaster relaxed. "Not at all! You are both esteemed guests. Since you've come to Sakaar, it's only right that I show you the best hospitality. Please, allow me to make the necessary arrangements."
The Grandmaster's subordinates quickly sprang into action. Rhodes observed the towering, chaotic structures of Sakaar. The planet's architecture was a stark contrast to the grandeur of Asgard or the familiarity of Earth. It was a blend of wasteland and cyberpunk aesthetics, a result of the planet's reliance on discarded technology from various galactic empires.
"Your planet's technological development is impressive," Rhodes remarked.
The Grandmaster chuckled modestly. "It's nothing compared to the splendor of Asgard. We're just a pile of scrap and junk here. But if you're interested, we currently have a parasite duel underway in the arena. Would you like to watch?"
Rhodes and Hela exchanged glances, their interest piqued. "That sounds intriguing. Lead the way."
The Grandmaster escorted them to his VIP viewing box, which offered a panoramic view of the arena. The luxurious seating, high-tech amenities, and an array of refreshments were all laid out for their comfort. The Grandmaster gestured toward the two figures battling below.
"Lord Rhodes, Lady Hela, allow me to introduce the combatants. Both are hosts to parasites, enhancing their strength and abilities. One is a humanoid alien, and the other is a monstrous creature."
Hela observed the two fighters with a critical eye. "Pitting a humanoid against a beast seems rather unfair."
The Grandmaster smiled. "Ah, Lady Hela, fairness is not a concept we concern ourselves with in the arena. Survival is the only rule here. Strength determines everything."
Rhodes nodded in agreement. "The Grandmaster is right. In a place like this, only the strong survive."
As Rhodes watched the battle more closely, he noticed something familiar about the humanoid fighter. The alien's movements, physique, and the way he wielded his dual knives reminded Rhodes of someone he knew.
"Who is that fighter?" Rhodes asked, pointing to the humanoid.
The Grandmaster glanced at the combatant. "Ah, that one. When I asked his name, he said it was Drax."
"Drax?" Rhodes repeated, his interest deepening. The name, combined with the fighter's appearance and combat style, immediately brought Drax the Destroyer to mind. While the name "Drax" wasn't unique, the combination of his physique, dual-knife proficiency, and distinctive markings made it clear that this was indeed Drax the Destroyer.
Rhodes tilted his head, puzzled. Drax was a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. How had he ended up as a gladiator on Sakaar? Rhodes's actions had altered the timeline significantly. Thor had never been captured by the Grandmaster, and the Hulk had never been sent to Sakaar. As a result, the Guardians of the Galaxy had followed a different path, and some of its members had evidently been caught up in Sakaar's gladiatorial games.
Hela noticed Rhodes's thoughtful expression. "Is something wrong?" she asked.
Rhodes shook his head. "No, it's nothing. Let's enjoy the show. I'm curious to see how powerful this Drax really is."
The Grandmaster, sensing Rhodes's interest, eagerly added, "If you'd like, I can arrange a more exciting match for you. We have top-tier gladiators who can showcase the true spectacle of Sakaar's arena."
Rhodes waved a hand dismissively. "That won't be necessary. This duel is intriguing enough. Let's see how it unfolds."
The Grandmaster stepped back, allowing Rhodes and Hela to focus on the battle. Below, Drax the Destroyer was locked in a fierce struggle with the alien monster. Despite the creature's massive size and strength, Drax was holding his own, his enhanced abilities allowing him to match the beast blow for blow.
Drax suddenly shifted his strategy. With a powerful thrust, he drove his dual knives deeper into the creature's face, causing it to roar in pain. Seizing the opportunity, Drax delivered a series of devastating punches, forcing the monster to stagger back.
The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting Drax's name. Drax raised his arms in triumph, basking in the adulation. The Grandmaster, impressed by Drax's performance, turned to Rhodes. "It seems you have a keen eye, Lord Rhodes. Drax is proving to be quite the formidable fighter."
Rhodes nodded, his attention fixed on the battle. "Indeed. But the fight isn't over yet."
The parasite within the alien monster, realizing its host was in danger, began to act. Black tendrils of liquid emerged from the creature's body, lashing out at Drax with deadly precision. The tendrils targeted Drax's head, heart, throat, and lower body, aiming to deliver a fatal blow.
However, Drax's parasite was no ordinary entity. It was cunning and powerful, and it reacted instantly to the attack. A black shield formed around Drax, deflecting the tendrils and protecting him from harm.
Drax's parasite was being overly cautious. Drax's natural durability was already impressive; his thick, dark skin provided significant protection against conventional attacks. Even in the vacuum of space or under the assault of cosmic rays, Drax's skin could withstand considerable damage. However, against opponents like Rhodes or Hela, such defenses would be meaningless.
The alien monster's parasite, undeterred, continued its assault. The battle had now escalated into a two-versus-two conflict, with both parasites actively participating in the fight. Drax's parasite maintained its defensive shield while Drax himself prepared for the next phase of the battle.
The crowd watched in awe as the two parasites clashed, their hosts locked in a deadly dance of strength and strategy. The outcome of the duel remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: Drax the Destroyer was a force to be reckoned with.