Mercer ignored him outright, turned to Galacta, and asked, "Are you leaving?"
Galacta nodded silently. "If a God War is involved, I have to go back."
Mercer fell silent as well. When he had first asked her to stay by his side, he hadn't thought much of it. He had only wanted someone to keep him safe.
He hadn't expected her to bear such a great responsibility.
"All right, go. Come back once it's settled," Mercer said gently.
"Okay."
Galacta nodded and stepped forward. White light descended from above her head, restoring the purple outfit she had worn when she first arrived on Earth.
"I'll come hang out with you again."
Galacta gave Mercer a long look, then flew into the sky, turning into a streak of light as she accelerated in an instant.
Watching Galacta leave without pausing, Silver Surfer knew she was afraid that a moment's hesitation would make her unwilling to go.
He glanced back at Mercer and nodded to him, then flew off in the direction Galacta had taken.
Only after a long while did Mercer snap out of his daze, his gaze still fixed on where Galacta had disappeared.
"Come on, let's keep eating."
"Huh?" His reaction left Mysterio a little bewildered. "Boss, aren't you supposed to be heartbroken when your girlfriend leaves? You... don't seem to care much?"
"Who said she was my girlfriend?" Mercer gave Mysterio an odd look.
"Huh? You're not together?" Now Mysterio was truly confused. He had always thought they were a couple.
"No." Mercer took a bite from a skewer of grilled wagyu, and its distinctive chargrilled flavor instantly filled his mouth. "We're just friends."
"Then why were you both so reluctant to say goodbye?!"
"She lost a long-term meal ticket, and I lost someone to keep me safe.