Chapter 125: When Weirdos Collide

While New York remains peaceful, the cosmos is a different story.

Whether on a microscopic or macroscopic scale, the universe is constantly plagued by explosions. Sometimes these are caused by the natural evolution of stars, and other times by the petty bickering of cosmic beings. Regardless of the cause, unknown planets are vanishing at every moment.

There was a handsome fellow named Quill.
There was a massive sphere named Ego.
This massive sphere was Quill’s biological father.

Due to a recent explosion, Ego’s vast planetary form was knocked off its orbital path, subjected to a violent surge of energy. Although the Power Stone’s energy was immense, Ego, as a Celestial, managed to withstand the onslaught through his own sheer power. Unfortunately, the planet seemed somewhat weakened and, due to various factors, detonated.

On his journey, Quill’s spaceship crossed paths with Thor, a fellow eccentric. The two became friends and decided to head back to Asgard together so Thor could report on his mission to Odin. Thor expressed a desire to show his new friends the hospitality of Asgard and the fashion of the Bifrost.

Upon hearing the word "Bifrost," the eccentric Quill immediately expressed great interest.

"The Bifrost? Wow, that’s stuff of legends! Hey, guys, I’ve heard of that. Asgard’s location is so mysterious that no one knows where it is, and the only way in is through the Bifrost. I’ve never seen it myself; it’s incredibly mysterious. So, are we really going to use the legendary Bifrost to get to Asgard, Thor?"

Rocket Raccoon was quite excited, Groot let out a happy laugh, and Gamora’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. Seeing the expressions of his companions, Thor chuckled, puffing out his chest with pride as he began to introduce Asgard and the Bifrost.

"That’s right, the very same Bifrost. It is guarded by my dear friend, Heimdall. Do you know of Heimdall? A dashing fellow. He possesses eyes that can see everything in the universe. Whatever is happening at any given moment, he can witness it. His gaze is always partially fixed on me—that is how my All-Father watches over me. So, as long as I call for him, he will answer and bring me back to Asgard."

"This is the most powerful magic of our realm and the reason for our strength. No one can withstand our Bifrost, and no one can escape Heimdall’s watchful gaze!"

"Wait, are you saying that dashing guy is watching you all the time? No matter what you’re doing?" Rocket Raccoon paused, voicing his greatest concern. "Even when you’re with your girlfriend?"

"Oh, little bear, please don’t point out such awkward details. It makes things terribly uncomfortable. Let’s get back to the subject of the Bifrost." Gamora steered the conversation back on track.

"Uh, why? I’m genuinely curious," Drax said, as blunt as ever.

The Bifrost is a strategic weapon of immense significance to Asgard, allowing them to create local advantages on the battlefield time and time again.

"Hey, guys, let’s focus on the Bifrost. If it’s what he says it is, I’m definitely interested!" Quill concluded, and the group stood by, watching Thor, waiting for him to activate the bridge.

"Hahaha, then feast your eyes!"

Thor laughed confidently and raised his hammer high. He tilted his head back and shouted with conviction:

"Heimdall! Do you hear me? I need to return. Bring me home!"

"Oh, and take my friends here with me. Odin will be pleased to meet them."

Just as he always did when activating the Bifrost, Thor summoned Heimdall and struck his signature pose, ready to be whisked away. However, a long time passed, and there was no sign of the Bifrost.

"Er... Heimdall?" Thor looked at the sky, feeling somewhat embarrassed, then glanced at the others. He found Quill and the rest with their arms crossed, staring at him. The air grew heavy, and the atmosphere became painfully awkward.

"I’m such an idiot. I shouldn’t have believed a word this guy said from the start," Rocket Raccoon was the first to speak.

"Yes, we are fools," Thor muttered, feeling exceptionally helpless.

"Heimdall, can you hear me?"
"Heimdall, if you can hear me, hurry it up!"
"Heimdall, you’re making this very difficult for me. I’m losing face here."

Thor continued to mutter to the sky, begging his friend to activate the Bifrost and bring him home. He had no idea that the real Heimdall had been replaced by Loki, who was posing as Odin. The bald man currently manning the gate was busy slacking off, playing with some trinkets he’d picked up from Texas, and trying to flirt with women while on the job.

Five minutes passed.

"Has that idiot been shouting for five minutes?" Rocket Raccoon asked.

"Yes, because he believes his good friend Heimdall will answer him," someone replied.

"Then why doesn’t he use a communicator? Do they not have those in Asgard?"

"Because he claims his friend Heimdall has eyes that see everything in the universe, so all he has to do is shout, and Heimdall will surely see him."

"But that dashing guy hasn’t responded to his request. Did he get stood up?"

Thor was still shouting. "Heimdall!"

"Alright, stop shouting!"

"You’re just wasting our time. With all this energy spent yelling at the sky, we could have just flown there! Our ship is capable of faster-than-light travel!"

"No, that’s actually unnecessary. As long as Heimdall hears my call, he can bring us to Asgard in the blink of an eye. There’s no need to fly."

"Hey, buddy, maybe your friend is on his lunch break?"

"No, that’s impossible. Heimdall’s eyes see everything. Not just here, but even into the darkest depths of the cosmos. There is no such thing as 'on or off duty' for him."

"Oh, I see how the employee benefits work in Asgard now."

"What are we talking about? What does this have to do with Asgardian benefits? I’ll have you know that Asgard is the happiest place in the Nine Realms!" Thor was becoming defensive, sensitive about his home.

"Then why hasn't that 'dashing' friend of yours opened the Bifrost yet?"

"Oh, forget about that nutcase. Isn't it simpler to just take the ship? My ship is top-tier," Quill added, drawing side-eyes from the rest of the crew.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"