Helheim, the Underworld among the Nine Realms, had remained silent for ten thousand years. It was not completely dark here. A moon hidden behind the clouds flickered in and out of sight, and when its light fell upon the barren land, it only made the place seem colder and lonelier.
A male figure in a jacket and mask stepped out of the portal. In an instant, he smelled the rich Power of Death in the surrounding air—the scent he had long dreamed of.
Glowing red eyes, long pointed ears, and a mouth that drooled constantly while maintaining an evil grin all showed that he had long since been transformed into a crazed monster. He chuckled twice and looked at the furry little companion on his shoulder.
"Rocket... Rocket! Very soon, we'll be able to grant this world's superheroes the greatest immortality! That problem of yours which that idiot Iron Man couldn't solve will definitely be resolved!"
Rocket Raccoon, standing on his shoulder, was barely recognizable as a raccoon anymore. The mechanical structure of half his body was exposed, covered in mottled rust and uncleaned bloodstains. His head drooped limply to one side, secured to the shoulder on the other side with crude, rough steel wires.
Yet Star-Lord seemed completely unaware. He stroked his little companion's head, an even more sinister smile appearing in his eyes. "I know the experiments we used to transform you caused you great pain, but it's all right, Rocket. Soon, we'll be able to share that great knowledge together. That day—was almost here!"
The fur around Rocket Raccoon's right eye had completely fallen away, leaving only a metal eye socket around a faintly glowing eyeball. The light in it flickered, but he said nothing.
After falling into the hands of these monsters consumed by madness, he