Beckett, Standing on His Own

"The universe, an auction house?"

Centaurus Galaxy, Dark Order Base, Virtual Image Conference Room.

Thanos, having ended his call with Corvus Glaive, frowned as he looked at Beckett's communication image in front of him.

"Why did you suddenly think of the Cosmic Auction House?"

Why did I have to go to that money pit after just one trip to Chitauri Prime?

"I have found a way to resurrect The Other, Father." Standing in the Chitauri Prime gene database, Beckett told his adoptive father Thanos about the resurrection plan devised by Woz.

"Are mechanical components capable of withstanding the power of the Infinity Stones?"

After listening to Beckett's description, Thanos stood up, his calm face showing no emotion whatsoever.

"Indeed, there are no mechanical components of this strength level in the Dark Order."

"So, Father, I want to go to the Cosmic Auction House."

Beckett's respectful demeanor made Thanos even more silent.

After a long pause, a response finally came. "It seems that this time, you have really grown up, Beckett."

Thanos's words carried a hint of inexplicable satisfaction.

Beckett, who has been by Thanos's side since infancy, has always been the perfect person to carry out missions. He is powerful and ruthless.

But in Thanos's eyes, Beckett was imperfect.

Because he has no desires of his own, or rather, no demands of his own.

Up to now, every year has been filled with missions and training. While this has undoubtedly led to a rapid increase in Beckett's strength, in Thanos's eyes, Beckett is still just a child who obeys him.

A child who hasn't grown up yet.

Thanos had high expectations for Beckett, so high that he regarded him as his future successor.

However, to become his successor, formidable strength alone is not enough; one also needs to have one's own thoughts and actions, independent of Thanos.

Thanos didn't want Beckett to become a puppet that would only move when he gave him a task.

For the first time in over two decades, Beckett has proactively proposed his action plan to his adoptive father, Thanos.

Thanos was pleased.

The child has finally grown up and understands that the world is not just about tasks.

Whether it's winning people's hearts or expanding his power, Beckett, who has begun to learn to take the initiative and change his past behavior, is the successor that Thanos wants to cultivate.

Perhaps he should properly thank Malekith, whom he killed with a single blow?

If it weren't for Malekith, Thanos would probably have had to personally set up several schemes to help Beckett grow after Beckett had been able to mature for some time.

"After you get back, go to Ebony Maw to get the funds."

Needless to say, Thanos fully supported Beckett's decision.

You can't go to the Cosmic Auction House without enough funds.

"Do we really have to go to the auction?"

Beckett frowned upon hearing this.

According to the information Woz had gathered, the next auction at the Cosmic Auction House was still fifteen days away, but he didn't want to wait that long if he could.

Beckett's plan was to directly descend upon Knowhere and forcibly snatch the mechanical component he had his eye on from the Cosmic Auction House.

"Beckett, do you remember what I told you before?"

"Never let pride blind you; there are far more powerful beings in this universe than you can imagine."

"The Cosmic Auction House on Knowhere is backed by an ancient being who has existed since the birth of the universe. No one knows his name; his reputation in the universe is— the Collector."

"A guy who is dedicated to collecting all sorts of rare items and even races from the universe."

"Don't clash with this ancient being for the sake of some unnecessary conflict until you are absolutely certain."

Thanos's tone was unusually serious.

He wasn't afraid of the legendary the Collector. Even if the Collector teamed up with his brother, the Grandmaster, to Thanos, he wouldn't panic. But Beckett was different.

He still needs room and time to grow.

Most importantly, Thanos didn't want Beckett to grow up to be a muscle-bound brute who recklessly charges into anything when in doubt.

The ability to make the most of available resources to maximize one's own interests is the most basic quality of a qualified king.

As his successor, Beckett must learn this.

"... I understand, Father."

Beckett nodded and then shut down the communication signal.

"Woz, search for the Collector on Knowhere." After ending his communication with his adoptive father Thanos, Beckett did not hesitate to have Woz begin searching for the mysterious figure on Knowhere who was said to have existed since the birth of the universe, but all he got was a blank page.

"Your His Highness Beckett, Woz is unable to detect any information about the Collector."

Woz's exploration of the Dark Order intelligence network yielded nothing.

"Forget it, let's get ready to go back." Since this person was so mysterious that even the Dark Order's intelligence network hadn't included any information about him, Beckett stopped pursuing the matter.

With the Energy Devouring Beast, Beckett withdrew from the Chitauri Prime gene database and returned to the Dark Order aboard his warship.

He promised Gates he would come back to have dinner with him, but before that, he had to go see Ebony Maw.

He has to go there in person to get the universally applicable resource planet card.

That's the rule.

Ebony Maw, who oversees logistics for the entire Dark Order, had been waiting for him at the base for quite some time.

"If that's not enough, you can take this card." After putting the mountain of resource planet identification cards into his bracelet, Beckett reached out and took a blue card from Ebony Maw.

"This card is Lord Thanos's identification in the Cosmic Auction House. With it, you will receive preferential treatment." Ebony Maw spoke slowly, leaving only Beckett to savor the meaning behind his words.

"I look forward to the day you resurrect The Other, Beckett." Having learned his lesson once, Ebony Maw did not repeat the same mistake this time, but the meaningful look in his eyes before leaving amused Beckett.

"Still not convinced?"

"Interesting."

After carefully putting away the card that represented Thanos's identity, Beckett leaped into the air and was back in front of his base in the next second.

Gates, who was sitting on the steps by the door with his hands supporting his chin and looking dejected, suddenly looked up when he heard the sound of wind breaking. When he saw that it was Beckett returning, his face lit up with a smile, "Welcome back, Your His Highness Beckett!"

Meanwhile, in Asgard, on the Bifrost.

Hela, riding her divine horse, is saying goodbye to her parents.

The Bifrost has not yet been opened to reach Knowhere. Even someone as powerful as Hela can only travel to Knowhere by riding Asgard- specific vehicles across dozens of star systems...

The journey was long and arduous, and the traveler was exhausted...