Harvey didn't resist as Lacy got closer but remained composed, allowing her to explain the unwritten rules of the bounty hunter world.
While Harvey was strong, he wasn't invincible—certain codes still applied, and he had no choice but to follow them. With Lacy's help, he registered an account on the bounty-hunting site. His profile, complete with a detailed resume and his appearance, was now live, showcasing his accomplishments and immediately granting him a second-tier ranking.
Lacy didn't stop there. She also helped Harvey sign up for the bounty hunter's dedicated intelligence network, Light and Shadow.
"This will allow you to search for more details about the bounty targets. You'll be better prepared for missions," she explained, pulling up a holographic interface. "However, the latest information usually comes with a price. Most of it is highly accurate when it comes to job details, but I wouldn't trust it entirely for info on intergalactic raiders or bounty hunters. You'll get general stuff, like where they've been spotted or what abilities they might have.
"These raiders and hunters tend to have enemies everywhere, so they rarely stay in one place for long. Only the truly powerful ones dare to hang around the same planet without fearing retaliation."
After she finished setting up his profile, Lacy continued explaining how Light and Shadow worked.
"That's more than enough information for now," Harvey said. "Lacy, can you tell me if there are any other groups—aside from the D'aar people, Kree, or Sovereign—that I should avoid crossing?"
Lacy thought for a moment before answering.
"Hm, besides those three, there aren't many who are untouchable in the galaxy," she said. "But you should be careful around the gods of Asgard and Olympus. Even if you haven't heard of them yet, anyone working as a bounty hunter will soon become familiar with names like Odin and Zeus. They're not just gods in name; they rule over multiple realms.
"However, they mostly keep to their worlds. It's rare to run into them in the galaxy, so you don't need to worry too much. Then there's the Grandmaster of Sakaar and the Collector from Knowhere.
"They're brothers—ancient creatures who have lived for more years than you could imagine. They've amassed insane wealth over time, the kind of wealth that makes our dealings look like pocket change. They have countless people working for them, and they post some of the highest-paying bounties. Cross them, and you'll have every bounty hunter in the galaxy on your back. Once they post a bounty, there's no stopping the wave of hunters after your head."
Lacy paused, watching Harvey's expression.
"The good news is that they tend to stay hidden too, so you won't bump into them. But the one you should watch out for is Thanos. He's been causing chaos across the galaxy recently."
"You can look up more details on him later, but for now, just know to steer clear of him if you get word he's nearby," she added.
What Lacy had shared was essentially common knowledge for those who had spent time in the galaxy. Harvey would have picked it up naturally as he stayed out here longer, so she saw no reason to withhold any of it.
From her perspective, Harvey was strong—strong enough to take on a mission that even an entire well-equipped fleet couldn't finish. He had done it. Though she had no idea how the fact that he had succeeded spoke volumes about his power.
However, the people she had mentioned weren't individuals you could take on alone, no matter how strong you were. But if Harvey avoided them, he could live quite comfortably and freely in the galaxy, doing as he pleased.
Harvey listened carefully, his mind absorbing the familiar names. Glancing up, he saw the most expensive drink at the bar priced at three thousand credits a glass. His right hand brushed Lacy's arm, activating a holographic projection. He casually tapped a few buttons, opened a transfer screen, and entered an amount: one hundred thousand credits. With a final tap, he confirmed the transfer.
"Lacy, your information has been invaluable," he said. "Consider this ten thousand as my way of buying you a drink. I'm sure we'll cross paths again, but for now, it's late, and I need to find a place to stay. Take care."
Harvey stood up, his voice carrying a note of gratitude.
Lacy had guessed from the start that Harvey wasn't just anyone, but his generosity still caught her off guard. She had chosen the soft approach with him, hoping to build a friendly relationship, not expecting such a large sum in return. Her monthly salary was only eight thousand credits, and while she earned a bit more through commissions and other means, this single payment was more than she would make in two months, possibly three. If she counted her base pay alone, Harvey had just handed her a year's worth of income. It was an impressive gesture.
"Harvey, we could talk all night," Lacy said, stepping closer, her hand lightly touching her chest. "You're new to Xandar, right? I could show you more around here."
She wasn't sure what Harvey's species was, or what he looked like under his armor, but his demeanor—his confidence—suggested he was probably very handsome.
Harvey shook his head, smiling slightly. "No need, Lacy. You've already helped me more than enough. This is just me fulfilling a promise. I'm sure I'll need more intel from you in the future, and I look forward to seeing you again."
With that, Harvey's body shimmered, vanishing into a purple light that disappeared from the bar.
Lacy stood there for a moment, stunned.
For years, she had used her looks and skills to make her way in this bounty hunter bar, starting as a server and working her way up to an information broker. She even had a few powerful people backing her. Most didn't dare disrespect her, even if she didn't possess any unique powers.
Her beauty had always been her primary asset. In the past, she'd easily ensnared new bounty hunters, her success rate nearly flawless. But tonight, she had made an uncharacteristic mistake.
She offered, even hinted at spending the night with Harvey, and yet, he declined—graciously. He didn't seem to reject her out of disgust or disinterest; in fact, he even said he looked forward to their next meeting.
That left Lacy feeling… perplexed.