In the Southern Milky Way, within the Furnace Galaxy, lies a region far from Earth. The distance is so vast that even hypothetical light-speed engines would take millions of years to traverse it. Therefore, advanced civilizations in the universe often rely on space-jump technology for long-distance travel.
Within the Furnace Galaxy, there's the Taejo System, whose relationship to the Furnace Galaxy is akin to the Solar System's relation to the Milky Way. Although both are called "systems," their meanings are vastly different.
The Taejo System is a chaotic star field surrounded by dense asteroid belts, making space jumps impossible. Ships entering or leaving must dangerously navigate through the asteroids, akin to drifting skills of a mountain racing legend.
"You haven't seen me, I haven't seen you. Young friends meet, instantly connect, no need for introductions, young friends together, happier than anything else..."
A melodious song echoed, unaffected by the vacuum of space, enveloping the surrounding area.
Amidst the song, a magnificent, snow-white, eight-legged steed trotted through space, rushing towards Sakaar along the asteroid belt's edge. Its speed surpassed all technological spacecraft in the universe, reaching a terrifying light speed.
Aboard the steed were a young man and woman.
The man, a pure East Asian, was incredibly handsome, shaped by the influence of the theme song from "Watch My 72 Changes" – the universe's most handsome man.
The woman, a stunningly beautiful mixed-race individual, had a distinctly feminine charm. If the man's looks scored 100, she would easily be above 90.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, filled with attractive people, only Clark could be called the universe's most handsome man – a fact acknowledged by one of the five primordial cosmic entities, Death itself.
Sitting behind Clark was Daisy Johnson, the second strongest in the Avengers after Clark, having fully awakened her Eternals' bloodline post-genetic reversion optimization.
Before leaving Earth, Clark made sure to inform everyone and arranged for some important tasks, delegating responsibilities.
Learning that Clark was leaving Earth, the Avengers, especially the scientists, were eager to experience alien civilizations.
Given everyone's enthusiasm, Clark didn't want to dampen their spirits. However, Sakaar was under the Grandmaster's control, and even Thor, the God of Thunder, was trapped there, losing his honor. How could other Avengers fare better?
Confident in his ability to protect himself on Sakaar, Clark still hesitated to take others along. After careful consideration, he decided to bring Daisy.
Choosing Daisy was based on three considerations:
First, her strength wouldn't hinder Clark but would be an asset. Awakening her Eternals' genetics, Daisy reached early skyfather-level power, similar to Hyperion, with super strength, speed, endurance, perception, recovery, and flight capabilities, only lacking heat vision. However, her vibrational powers made her even stronger than Hyperion.
Second, as the top hacker and a scientific member of the Avengers, her presence would be more acceptable to others.
Third, Daisy was attractive – important for long journeys in space where living planets are scarce. Having someone visually pleasing was preferable to constantly being around gruff men.
Of course, this wasn't the primary reason for choosing Daisy. Clark wasn't superficial – he considered more than just looks.
With Sleipnir under him and the Spear of Eternity in hand, Clark felt like a cosmic Zhao Zilong, ready to charge in and out of dangerous territories across the universe.
He didn't show off his driving skills in the perilous asteroid belt, instead charging straight through, blasting any obstructing asteroids, tearing a path through the dense field, a display of sheer dominance.
Daisy, behind Clark, peeked out and gasped, "Clark, is that Sakaar ahead? It feels like we're diving into a black hole."
"It's just a space vortex, the gateway to Sakaar. A real black hole looks more like a red ring. Besides, even if it were a black hole, our strength could resist it for a short time. With the Space Stone, escaping is just a matter of minutes," Clark explained, shattering an approaching boulder with a wave of energy.
Daisy, remembering the Space Stone, asked, "Since you have the Space Stone, why didn't you teleport directly to Sakaar? Why spend a week jumping through space and charting star maps with me?"
"You wanted to witness the vastness of the universe," Clark smiled and patiently explained. "This journey expands our star maps, satisfies your curiosity, and keeps the Space Stone hidden as a trump card. As for Thor, he must learn from his troubles. Without hardship, he won't learn."
"Hold on, we're crossing the space vortex!"
As they spoke, they passed through the asteroid belt. Sleipnir dashed through the vortex, landing on a desolate planet covered in garbage.
The sky was filled with unstable vortices, unsuitable for safe entry or exit.
Dismounting between two trash mounds, Clark put away Sleipnir and the spear, standing beside Daisy.
Despite her strength, Daisy, a girl at heart, cringed at the sight of the trash-covered landscape and debris falling from the sky, commenting, "Is this Sakaar? It's disgusting!"
"Sakaar is indeed a cosmic junkyard, encircled by cosmic pathways and a junction of known and unknown worlds," Clark explained. He noticed different species eyeing them greedily from a nearby trash mountain.
Seeing this, Clark continued, "Due to valuable debris from across the universe falling here, a unique profession emerged on Sakaar – scavengers. They survive by collecting valuable junk and even use fallen alien life as food. Among all 'trash,' powerful warriors are most valuable, as the planet's ruler pays a high price for them."
Clark's gaze swept over the hostile group, "Like these fellows here."
Daisy shivered, "You mean they... eat people?"
Clark nodded and added, "This is a savage planet, and 'human' definitions vary across species. Regardless, their intent to attack us will be their downfall. In the universe, mercy only brings harm."
As he spoke, Clark formed a sword gesture, launching a space-energy sword beam, instantly decapitating most of the weapon-wielding scavengers.
The apparent leader was blasted away by a shockwave, crashing into a spaceship hull on the trash mountain, breaking several bones.
The Spear of Eternity's tip now pressed against the scavenger leader's throat, and Clark coldly demanded in English, "Where is the Grandmaster?"
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