The Benatar was slowly drawn into the crystal planet by the gentle yet irresistible tractor beam. The instant it passed through the entrance, the oppressive stillness of the chaotic star field vanished, replaced by a strange, soothing sensation, as though even time itself had slowed.
The view suddenly opened up before them.
The planet was not solid inside. Instead, it housed an immense city, hollowed out and transformed, filled with countless translucent crystalline buildings. Every building, every street, and even the vehicles drifting slowly through the air were made of a special, flawless crystal that radiated soft white light. A faint, mintlike aura of cool energy suffused the air, refreshing both body and mind. The light came not from a star, but from the city itself, an even, gentle glow that illuminated every detail without the slightest glare.
It was far too quiet here. There were no vendors shouting, no engines roaring. Even conversations between residents seemed to take place through some form of telepathy or barely audible whispers. The "people" walking the streets came in various shapes, but most had pale skin and wore simple, elegant robes. Their eyes were calm and profound, and faint crystalline energy fluctuations flowed around them, sharing the same source as the city. The arrival of the Benatar, a battered foreign ship so utterly out of place, seemed to cause little surprise. They merely cast calm, faintly appraising glances its way.
"It's... too quiet here... so quiet it's creepy..." Star-Lord lowered his voice, feeling as though his usual loudness would be sacrilege here.
"The energy level is high, but extremely restrained and peaceful... completely different from Hive's aggression and the savagery of chaos..." Gamora watched their surroundings warily, her hand still resting on her sword hilt.
"Their technology... or rather, the way they use