The Beginning of Change

"It’ll be fine. Trust me."

"We just need to work out a plan together."

Seeing Rocket looking like he was waiting to die, Star-Lord spoke up.

Then Yondu gave Star-Lord and the others a chance to gather together.

After learning all kinds of information about Ronan from Gamora, Star-Lord knew that Ronan absolutely could not be allowed to reach the ground.

And after learning Ronan’s habits and weaknesses, he still came up with a plan.

Although the plan had less than a fifty percent chance of success, he still managed to persuade Yondu with his silver tongue.

In truth, Star-Lord had something to rely on as well. Void Island of the Void Cult was near Xandar City.

If the Void Cult learned that Ronan was carrying an Infinity Stone and that landing on the ground could directly threaten the Void Cult…

Then the Void Cult could not possibly stand by and do nothing.

Because if Ronan successfully landed and unleashed the Power Stone’s ability, even if God of the Void Kassadin, who could cross the cosmos directly, could escape unscathed…

The other members of the Void Cult would have little chance of escaping unharmed. When the nest was overturned, how could the eggs remain intact?

And Nova Corps should also know how powerful the Void Cult was. As long as the Void Cult intervened, Ronan would definitely fail.

So, early the next morning…

Yondu’s Ravager Corps ignored the strain caused by repeatedly traversing wormholes and rushed toward Xandar at top speed.

To intercept Ronan’s Dark Aster, they had to reach Xandar in advance and set an ambush.

Within Xandar City, the Precognitor and Renoli were leisurely eating breakfast.

They did not doubt Mr. Kassadin’s claim that a change would occur.

But they had no idea when that change would arrive, so they continued living their normal lives.

However, while the two were having breakfast, the bandages around the Precognitor’s body suddenly unraveled on their own.

Purple light gleamed in the Precognitor’s eyes as he directly saw the future half an hour ahead.

A massive Cosmic Battleship and swarms of space fighters were approaching from the cosmos.

He saw intense fighting erupt above Xandar City, followed by Nova Corps mobilizing in full force.

After seeing countless fighters crash because of the battle, while energy blasts and shockwaves devastated Xandar City…

He saw Ronan the Accuser, fearful of the Void Cult, land without hesitation and immediately unleash his power, destroying all of Xandar.

"Is it coming?"

Seeing the magical bandages that sealed the Precognitor’s powers suddenly unravel, Renoli’s expression changed as well.

For the Precognitor’s full-body bandages to unravel on their own as a warning meant that this change would directly threaten his life.

"Yes. The change will begin in fifteen minutes."

Having seen the future, the Precognitor stopped eating, wiped his mouth, and spoke.

"What exactly is this change?"

Hearing that it would begin in fifteen minutes, Renoli hurriedly asked.

"Ronan the Accuser has acquired a treasure known as an Infinity Stone."

"If he carries that treasure and reaches the ground, he can instantly destroy all of Xandar, wiping out its billions of people and every living thing."

"No wonder Lord Kassadin said not to interfere recklessly."

The Precognitor briefly explained the root cause of the change he had seen.

"Destroy an entire planet directly? What exactly is this Infinity Stone?"

Renoli was startled by the Precognitor’s words.

"I don’t know, but I think Lord Kassadin understands it very well."

"After all, he knew this would happen several days ago."

"Then Ronan the Accuser acquiring that so-called Infinity Stone must have been within Lord Kassadin’s expectations as well."

The Precognitor shook his head as he spoke.

Although he had tried using his precognition to ask many people in the future, those people were too busy fighting desperately or fleeing in that dangerous situation.

"Inform the other members."

Since even the Precognitor did not understand it, Renoli knew he could not learn more about the origins of the Infinity Stone and spoke.

"The change will occur in fifteen minutes."

"The main cause is that Ronan the Accuser has brought an Infinity Stone and intends to tear up the peace treaty and destroy Xandar."

"This change may directly result in Xandar being destroyed."

"So everyone, please act according to your abilities and strictly follow Lord Kassadin’s will."

"Great God of the Void Kassadin shall protect us."

The Precognitor sent several messages in succession, explaining when the change would arrive and the consequences it could cause.

"Xandar might be destroyed?"

"Isn’t this too sudden?"

"What is an Infinity Stone? How can it give Ronan the Accuser such terrifying power?"

"Lacey, do you know?"

"I haven’t heard of it either."

By eight in the morning, nearly everyone in the Void Cult was awake, so they saw the Precognitor’s messages immediately.

They knew about the Precognitor’s abilities, so they were certain he would not joke about something like this.

Laboratory Zone.

After seeing the group community messages, Tony and Banner both gulped down the water they had just been drinking.

"This actually involves an Infinity Stone?"

"Could it be the Power Stone or the Soul Stone?"

"Based on its ability to destroy everything, the Power Stone seems more likely."

Tony and Banner immediately began discussing it.

Harvey had already told them about four of the Infinity Stones.

The Reality Stone was in their hands, while the other three were all on Earth.

He had not received any message from Steve, which meant Earth had not been invaded.

Therefore, the Infinity Stone Ronan had acquired could not be the Mind Stone, Time Stone, or Space Stone.

It could only be one of the two stones Harvey had mentioned that had yet to appear: the Soul Stone or the Power Stone.

"But can the power of a single Infinity Stone really reach such a terrifying level?"

Banner said in shock.

"Every Infinity Stone represents an extremely terrifying, ultimate ability."

"It is merely limited by the user’s capability, preventing its greatest effect from being unleashed."

"The Power Stone may simply grant its user immense power."

"So it isn’t impossible for it to destroy a planet with a single blow."

Tony thought for a moment before speaking.

"Mr. Tony, Mr. Banner, from what you’re saying, it sounds like you know quite a lot about the Infinity Stone the Precognitor mentioned?"

Lalatina, who was beside them, saw the Precognitor’s message and heard their discussion. She asked in surprise.

"There are four Infinity Stones on Earth, so we know a little about them."

"There’s no time to explain right now. I’ll tell you after this matter is dealt with."

Tony glanced at Lalatina and casually explained.

"Then what do we do now?"

"Ronan the Accuser is one of those warlike Kree, right?"

"Before he reaches the ground, he’ll probably fight Nova Corps and cause many casualties on the surface."

"So I want to go out and rescue some people."

Banner understood after hearing Tony’s words and asked.

"I understand how you feel. I want to lend a hand too, but we should wait for Lord Kassadin’s instructions."

"He knows this change will happen, so he must have his own plans."

"And since an Infinity Stone has been delivered right to our doorstep, I think Lord Kassadin will take it as well."

Tony considered it before speaking.

They already knew that Harvey had no intention of collecting all six Infinity Stones, but if one was delivered right to him…

Harvey would still take it, just as he had taken the Reality Stone.

"Alright."

Banner nodded at Tony’s words.

Although Lalatina was curious after hearing them, she did not press the matter further.

Inside the Summit Villa.

"Lord Kassadin, the Precognitor has discovered that the change is about to arrive."

"They know that with you here, everything will be fine in the end."

"So many members want to go out and do their part to help some of Xandar’s people."

"Mr. Dam, in particular, knows how serious the consequences will be and hopes that the Void Cult Brethren can lend a hand."

Since the group community was so lively, there was no way Sonia had not seen it. She spoke.

"Since they want to help, let them wait until Nova Corps makes its move before acting."

"Xandar is Nova Corps’s territory, after all."

"Our Void Cult has been established in Xandar City for years, and Nova Corps has never caused us trouble. Naturally, we must observe the etiquette of being guests."

"However, this is only the beginning of the change. The true disaster has yet to arrive."

Harvey spoke after hearing this.

Harvey had always treated others according to how they treated him.

Nova Corps had made no attempt to conceal its wariness toward the Void Cult.

But even though Nova Corps was deeply wary of the Void Cult, it had never deliberately made things difficult for them over the years.

Nor had it arrogantly come to their door demanding an explanation from the Void Cult. Instead, it had hoped to pay a great price just to meet him.

So Nova Corps was still much more pleasing to the eye than S.H.I.E.L.D.

Harvey did not interfere with matters on Earth because he knew Tony and the others would handle them.

But with Ronan attacking Xandar this time, if he did not lend a hand, at least two billion people would die afterward. So he still had to help.

Besides, Star-Lord and Ronan the Accuser had delivered the Power Stone right to his doorstep. If he did not take it, he would feel like he had let himself down.

"Understood. I will convey your will."

Sonia’s eyes narrowed when she heard that this was only the beginning, but since she did not yet fully understand the situation, she did not explain further on her own.

"According to the will of Great God of the Void Kassadin."

"Great God of the Void has felt everyone’s desire to support Xandar."

"However, we must observe the etiquette of being guests. We may only provide support after Nova Corps enters the battle."

Sonia directly conveyed Lord Kassadin’s will in the group community.