Xandar was a very peaceful planet. It seemed like the kind of place Earth might have become if it had developed without war. At the immigration checkpoint, I showed the medal I received from Asgard and went through the reporting procedure.
"Oh, you're from Asgard! Welcome to Xandar. Just write your name here, please."
I wrote my name and completed the simple immigration process. It was true that holding this medal meant being welcomed anywhere. It was proof of Asgard's impressive reputation.
'Asgard really is something.'
Looking through the tourist guide available at the checkpoint, I slowly explored Xandar. I couldn't buy anything yet since I had no Units, but just sightseeing the futuristic, beautiful city and the various alien species living here was enjoyable enough. The funny thing was, many aliens stared at me intently, but since there were many species that looked similar to me, I didn't know why at first. After walking a bit more, I realized the reason.
"Hey, do you have a moment?"
"Love at first sight. Would you like to have some tea?"
"You're so handsome. Can I take a photo with you?"
It was kind of nice that my looks worked even in a place like this. But it was also embarrassing that even aliens with strange tentacles on their faces reacted this way. I politely declined and hurried to the mineral exchange. Before trading, I first hacked the surrounding devices to check the transaction ledger.
'Gold is expensive here, too.'
Gold was definitely traded at high prices, but it was interesting that diamonds were dirt-cheap. They were only slightly more expensive than glass.
"Well, with enough technology, diamonds can be made easily."
Fortunately, Vibranium was also traded. Seeing it traded for enormous amounts like on Earth, it was clear that Vibranium was a rare mineral even in space. Thanks to that, I didn't need to take out many minerals at once for trading.
But Uru didn't seem to be handled. Uru was also a rare mineral, but it was a special metal used only by Asgardians, and probably because of the setting that it causes mental corruption if ordinary people touch it, making it difficult to handle.
I decided to start trading by taking out two Vibranium ingots.
"I'm here to trade Vibranium."
When I showed the ingots, the employee initially thought it was a joke.
"Huh? Don't joke around! Vibranium doesn't come in ingots like this... Gasp!!!"
The moment the employee saw the result from the nearby composition analyzer showing "Vibranium purity 99.999%," they were shocked.
"Please wait a moment. This seems like something beyond my authority. I'll bring the supervisor."
After a short while, an elderly-looking, short alien hurried out.
"You're here to trade Vibranium? And in ingots..."
"That's right."
"I see. May I take a look?"
I showed the ingots to the supervisor again. He examined them carefully, checked the machine, and couldn't hide his surprise, just like the employee.
"Incredible! It really is Vibranium. This is the first time I've seen this much Vibranium. And in ingots..."
"What do you think? Will you buy it?"
"Hmm... With this amount, our available Units are a bit tight. How about this price?"
The price offered by the supervisor was similar to but slightly lower than what was recorded in the transaction ledger. However, he didn't seem to be trying to cheat. When I checked the ledger, it was most of the Units this company had. I decided to probe to see if I could get more Units elsewhere.
"Hmm... It's a bit low."
"This is all the Units our company has available at the moment."
When I made a thoughtful expression, the supervisor was sweating nervously, looking tense. He seemed anxious about missing out on the rare Vibranium. Since it didn't look like more Units would come from elsewhere, I decided to trade just the two ingots.
"Well, fine. Since it's our first transaction, I'll make a concession for the future. In return, I'd like you to assign a reliable person as a guide for a day."
The supervisor's face brightened as he answered.
"Of course! For a day, no, for as long as you're here, we'll keep a guide assigned to you!"
"Thank you."
The supervisor handed over the Unit chip and assigned an employee as my guide. I thought about hacking the Unit chip, but I didn't want to cause trouble, so I gave up. After that, I asked the guide.
"I'm thinking of buying a spaceship. Can you guide me?"
"Ah, I see. Sure. There's a place not far from here that sells the latest models. Let's go there."
Actually, I could have made a spaceship myself, but star maps were a different story. I needed a universal star map used in the Marvel world, and to check out new technology, I decided to buy two decent spaceships.
Guided to the spaceship sales area, various models were on display. An employee came out and explained the models in detail.
"This spaceship has energy shields for emergencies, and... blah blah..."
Listening to the explanation, I bought two spaceships that looked similar to the Benatar that Star-Lord rode in the original. One was a model for research purposes. Both spaceships were very fast, equipped with laser bolt cannons and hyperspace jump capabilities. Also, the interiors weren't designed drably for practicality alone but were decorated with luxurious interiors like an expensive camper van. It made sense, as they were designed for wealthy individuals to travel comfortably.
Even after buying two such expensive spaceships, a considerable amount of Units remained. I decided to save these Units separately for future use as a reserve. First, I went to a restaurant with the guide, had a meal, gave him some Units as a tip, and sent him back. Then, I took one of the purchased spaceships into space, stored it in my Inventory, teleported back, and slowly headed to Earth in the other spaceship.
While heading to Earth, I checked the star map installed on the spaceship. It seemed I could now travel conveniently anywhere in space. Also, since I was in space, I collected useless planets or large asteroids into my Inventory whenever I saw them. This was for [Material Manipulation], to avoid continuously consuming Earth's materials. For this reason, it was a pity that I didn't have the [Material Creation] ability.
"It'll probably come out someday, but I wish it would appear sooner."
After collecting a large amount of material this way, I decided it was enough and jumped near Earth using space jump. Then, I stored the spaceship I was in into my Inventory and teleported back to my house on Earth.
Back on Earth, I thought deeply about the future. Next year had an unusual number of problems. It was the year when as many as three works would unfold in the Marvel universe: 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', 'Guardians of the Galaxy', and 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'.
'Maybe I should ignore Guardians of the Galaxy... It'll probably resolve itself without me.'
What could be gained from the Guardians of the Galaxy series were the 'Power Stone' and Ego's abilities. The Power Stone could probably be stolen after Guardians of the Galaxy Part 1 ended, but Ego was the problem. Frankly, I thought it might be difficult to win in a direct fight. Ego was among the weaker cosmic beings but still an insurmountable level of existence. This made me seriously consider whether to take the risk and challenge him or not.
'Hmm... It would be good if I could use the Power Stone to catch Ego, but he won't just sit still...'
This issue seemed like something I needed to think about more carefully.
First, I went to the lab and analyzed the Cursed Stone. The analysis showed that the Cursed Stone greatly increased a lifeform's metabolism and substituted the consumed energy with dark energy inside the stone, granting immense power. However, the problem was that the increased metabolism also consumed lifespan, significantly reducing it. If used on a human, they would die immediately. The reason Dark Elves could endure it seemed to be because their bodies were affinity to dark energy.
"So that's why it has effects like Kaioken."
The Cursed Stone had many disadvantages. I decided to put research on the Cursed Stone on hold and started analyzing the spaceships I had collected so far, one by one. First, I analyzed the Dark Elves' mothership and fighters, and the most useful technologies were the excellent stealth capabilities and mobility. The stealth function, in particular, was highly advanced technology that even Heimdall couldn't detect. Analyzing this, even Nano acknowledged it, so that says it all.
Just analyzing the Cursed Stone and Dark Elf spaceships took a considerable amount of time. Focusing on the analysis, a week had already passed, and it was time to go to Asgard to pick up Wanda. First, I showered, then went to Asgard and met Frigga.
"It was truly amazing. Her learning speed was very fast, as if it were her own. Of course, she still lacks theoretical parts, but I believe that will improve over time. And this is a secret from Wanda. She might become arrogant."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Hearing the praise for Wanda, I started to understand why the Darkhold chose her.
I took Wanda and returned home via the Bifrost.
"Ah... Home is the best, after all."
"Why? Was it tough?"
"Learning wasn't hard, but not having things to enjoy was tough. Watching videos online was kind of my hobby, and not being able to do that was hard."
"I see. Then next time you go, take some dramas and movies with you."
"I really should."
Wanda seemed to have had a hard time because there was nothing to do while resting in Asgard. I dropped Wanda off at home and returned to the lab. Looking at the current situation, it seemed necessary to upgrade the Odyssey 2. I added automatic repair functions through energy shields and nano-technology and adjusted it for space travel. However, I didn't include hyperspace jump technology.
Additionally, I started making several ordinary Thalaria camper vans for members who were active separately. Of course, these were ordinary Thalarias, so like the Thalarias provided to members, they were versions without future technology.
The analysis of the spaceships collected so far wasn't complete yet, but since spaceship analysis and the Zeronic Project were long-term plans, I decided to proceed while doing other tasks.
[Master, the Avengers base has been completed.]
"I see. Understood."
Although it was built as an Avengers base, it was difficult to use that name officially yet, so it was reported as the Hero Business Headquarters for construction, and that's how it was known to the public. I checked the completed buildings. Since I didn't build it directly, I couldn't completely rule out the possibility that some group had installed hacking, bugging, or surveillance equipment.
'Nothing.'
Checking with [Naked Eye], fortunately, no surveillance devices or bugging equipment were found. SHIELD probably couldn't easily do such things because of the Baby Shark virus. It was a bit disappointing that I couldn't show them Baby Shark version 3.
Anyway, from the next day, I started moving various supplies. With the help of drones, I installed auxiliary equipment, research equipment, security devices, and other items in the base, then informed the members. Banner said,
"Well, no matter how big this house is, we can't keep working from home like this forever."
Banner had started developing Hulkbuster Mk2, so he absolutely needed a large space. So, we began a major move. Maya moved with us too. She was reluctant to move because she was making significant progress in her research, but there was no choice.
The members were greatly surprised when they arrived at the base and saw the vast grounds, beautiful architecture, and various amenities.
"Wow~ I only heard about it through rumors, but seeing it in person is much cooler."
Natasha said in admiration.
"Right? I put some effort into it. And there are many vehicles purchased in the company's name in the basement, so take and use them if needed. But a driver's license is mandatory! No illegal activities allowed!"
I pointedly said this to Deadpool.
"Geez, I get it! You nag like an ex-wife's mother-in-law."
This move included not only the members but also Captain America, Hawkeye, Tony, Rhodey, and even 'Murder Bucker' touring the base, and in the evening, we held a party to celebrate the completion. At the party, since I served dishes I had prepared in advance and stored in my Inventory, everyone enjoyed eating deliciously. And so the day passed.
From the next day, Tony seemed busy installing something in his space at the Avengers base. Every day, he brought new items and continued decorating. Since I trusted Tony and was busy myself, I didn't particularly ask about it.
The Odyssey would now also undergo maintenance and supply replenishment at this base. Accordingly, I stored various supplies in the warehouse. Thanks to the vast grounds, internal security was handled by drones, and entrance security was entrusted to Rhodey, who hired trustworthy retired soldiers. I also secretly installed an energy shield enveloping the entire base, a top secret known only to the android Mimi, the AI Minerva, and me.
While proceeding with all these preparations step by step, time passed, and before I knew it, a year had gone by, and it became the problematic year 2014.