"This is a magical stone. It is rumored that holding it allows one to see their own date of death."
"Of course, that's just a rumor. So far, no one has successfully seen it. I've experimented with it myself."
Collector Tivan continued, "Perhaps it requires specific energy to activate."
After his brief explanation, Tivan's attention returned to the enigmatic figure in white.
"Sir, may I purchase your body?"
"Of course, only after you are deceased."
Hearing Collector Tivan's unsettling offer, Syd's lips twitched, and Star-Lord and the others shuddered in discomfort.
Gamora could no longer tolerate this conversation and said, "Let's skip the small talk, Tivan. We're here for a serious matter."
"We have something you need."
As she spoke, Gamora glanced at the mysterious figure in white.
Syd, understanding her intent, knew what she meant.
With a brief look at Collector Tivan, Syd decided not to use his Chaos Magic.
Reaching into his black backpack, he pulled out an item.
Amidst the curiosity and astonishment of Tivan and his entourage, the clinking sounds from the backpack caught everyone's attention.
"What is that sound? Gems? Stones? Or something else?"
Star-Lord's professional instincts kicked in, and he wondered about the contents of the backpack.
What else was inside apart from the sphere? What treasures did it hold?
Soon, amidst their varied speculations, Syd pulled out a silver sphere—clearly the Orb of Power.
Gamora said, "Tivan, we came to show you this orb."
"Very well, let's proceed to view your item." Collector Tivan nodded.
With that, he took the silver orb from Syd's hand.
Watching Tivan walk towards the mechanical chamber, Syd glanced back at the black stone with growing interest.
He felt a keen curiosity about the black stone. The rumored power might not be a mere myth. After all, it was called an artifact, and it might indeed possess some divine power.
So, he harbored thoughts of obtaining it and studying it.
However, he did not voice his desire. Acquiring something from Collector Tivan would be challenging; it was clear that a few words wouldn't convince him to part with it.
Syd remembered that the Power Stone would soon cause a disturbance, which would lead to the destruction of many of Tivan's collections.
Perhaps this could be an opportunity to acquire the black stone.
With that thought, he followed Collector Tivan into another room.
After some adjustments, Tivan placed the Orb of Power onto a disassembly machine.
He then began to explain, "Ah, my new friends, let me tell you about the origins of this orb, which existed before all things…"
While he talked about the orb's history, he operated the machine to dismantle it.
The mechanical arms worked in a rhythmic pattern, and soon, the orb was partially opened.
Immediately, a purple light burst forth.
At the same time, some projections appeared in the room, displaying the images of the six Infinity Stones.
Collector Tivan continued, "These are the Infinity Stones. It seems that only immensely powerful supernatural forces can wield them. Observe…"
The holographic projection revealed a colossal Celestial, the Explorer Eson, clad in iron armor.
Holding a staff embedded with the Power Stone, Eson slammed it into the ground.
The purple energy of the Power Stone surged, instantly obliterating vast lands and life forms, reducing them to ashes.
Then, the purple energy from the Power Stone covered the entire planet…
"The wielder of these stones can effortlessly destroy entire civilizations, like harvesting wheat."
Although the projection did not show the planet's fate beyond that, it was evident that it was catastrophic.
This implied that if it were Earth, Explorer Eson could annihilate it in an instant.
Star-Lord, astounded, commented, "This is so terrifying it makes me want to wet my pants."
He then recalled something and looked at the mysterious figure in white with shock. "What you told us earlier was actually true?"
He then turned to Collector Tivan and muttered, "The things you just described are eerily similar to what he mentioned. Did you two coordinate?"
Gamora and the others nodded, confirming that the information from the mysterious figure matched what Tivan had just explained.
"And that giant being from earlier—was that a Celestial?"
"What did you just say?" Collector Tivan was startled and looked at Star-Lord with disbelief.
"How do you know about the Celestials?" he asked.
Star-Lord glanced at the enigmatic figure in white.
Understanding the answer, Tivan felt a deeper shock and stared intensely at the figure. This person seemed to know an unexpected amount of information.
Even the Celestials were known to him?
So mysterious, so incredibly mysterious…
After a moment of composure, Collector Tivan continued, "There was once a group of individuals who attempted to absorb the energy of these stones into themselves, but they turned to ashes in an instant…"
The projection showed some black-clad figures trying to absorb the Power Stone's energy, only to be immediately consumed by a burst of purple energy.
At this moment, the Orb of Power was fully opened!
A purple-glowing, oval-shaped stone floated in the air, seemingly unaffected by gravity.
Looking at the glowing purple Power Stone, Collector Tivan trembled with excitement, exclaiming, "Absolutely marvelous! Unparalleled!"
Meanwhile, Rocket Raccoon grew impatient and sarcastically said, "Blah blah blah, you sure can talk a lot. We're really scared, old man."
"Forget about all this; we just want to see the money!"
"How would you like to be paid?" Tivan's slightly effeminate voice asked.
Rocket Raccoon snapped, "Enough with the theatrics, just hand over the cash!"
"Certainly." Tivan walked to a cabinet and opened it, preparing to retrieve something.
However, just then, Tivan noticed something and looked towards the Power Stone.
The purple-skinned woman who had guided them earlier was slowly approaching the Power Stone.
Tivan warned, "Karina!"
"Step back!"
(End of Chapter)