X-MEN- CH-69. Parting Ways

"Okay." Raven responded immediately, followed by Yondu.

The moment the energy touched Ego's brain, Martin stopped time across the entire planet. In the next instant, he transported them to the spaceship on the surface, and then brought everyone back to the larger spacecraft.

It felt like only a moment for Raven, Yondu, and the others, and suddenly, they were back.

Martin brought Raven out into the universe, looking down at the planets below, "Honey, look at the fireworks." He said.

With that, he released the time freeze on Planet Ego. Amidst a silent roar, the planet began to slowly break apart, dissipating some of its energy before suddenly shattering into pieces that flew in all directions. Any fragments that came too close to the spaceship were annihilated by Martin.

Ego had been almost entirely absorbed by Martin, so the explosion wasn't as spectacular as it could have been. However, the destruction of such a massive entity was still an awe-inspiring sight.

"You... you destroyed a planet?" Raven asked in surprise.

"Yes." Martin replied calmly.

His power had reached the level of a true god, not a sub-god. Destroying a planet, especially one as small as Ego, was no issue for him.

The Phoenix Force had grown significantly, and Martin's combat abilities had soared. His control over time had also become much stronger, though just how strong would only be clear when he had the opportunity to test it. In addition, he now had the ability to teleport through space, freeze time, and even travel through time and dimensions. The range of these powers was still uncertain, but Earth, the solar system, or perhaps even the Milky Way might be within his reach.

However, with greater strength came greater responsibility and challenges. To continue growing, he couldn't just rely on time manipulation or ordinary energy. He needed the universe's primordial energy. The Phoenix Force counted, but he wondered when he would fully harness it.

For now, his next goal was to acquire an Infinity Stone. There was no rush, though, as those would reveal themselves over the next few years. He could wait and claim them when the time was right.

"Isn't that too cruel?" Raven asked, her voice soft with concern, "I'm not talking about Ego, but what about the other creatures on the planet?"

"Don't worry, dear. This planet is Ego. There are no other creatures." Martin reassured her.

Raven nodded, then said, "Martin, promise me you won't cause such large-scale destruction so easily, okay?" She was worried that the overwhelming power might tempt him to become someone who destroyed worlds without a second thought.

"Okay, I promise you." Martin replied seriously, meeting her eyes.

Satisfied with his response, Raven smiled as she watched the aftermath of Ego's explosion, "It's beautiful, but please don't do it again. It's too terrifying."

"Hahaha… Don't worry. I'm here for you." Martin said, laughing.

"Good." She replied.

After watching the "fireworks," the two returned to the spaceship. The rest of the crew stared at them with different expressions, including Yondu. It was understandable; none of them had ever witnessed something as extraordinary as the destruction of a planet.

"Come on, Yondu. We're comrades. Don't look at me like that." Martin said with a grin.

"Heh... Okay." Yondu replied.

Martin shook his head, amused, then asked, "What are your plans now?"

"I'll take the kid and head out. We'll continue our lives as Ravagers."

"Are you planning to return to the place of Collector?"

"Not anytime soon. The Ravager Alliance is having a meeting, and I need to attend."

Martin nodded, "Alright, we'll part ways here. I'm planning to take Raven out to explore."

"Okay, by the way." Yondu said, remembering something, "I left you some information on known galactic forces and planet coordinates in your spaceship, including Earth's."

"Thanks, Yondu. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact my spaceship." Martin said.

"Of course." Yondu replied with a more sincere smile.

When they reached the location of Martin's small spaceship, he looked over its exterior, clearly impressed with how it had been cleaned. With a wave of his hand, he smoothed out a few imperfections, and the team's logo appeared on the surface in a sleek, metallic design.

The Phoenix Force granted him the ability to modify elements, achieving material conversion and reorganization. In the future, as his power grew, he would even be able to create objects from nothing.

Martin smiled, "Shapeless—that will be her name from now on."

"Thank you." Raven said, delighted that the ship had been named after her.

The two of them boarded the ship, using the same cleaning technique to make the interior spotless, "Beauty, do you want to try my new 'car'?" Martin asked with a playful smile.

"I'm honored." Raven replied, walking over to the driver's seat. She and Martin sat side by side as they started the spaceship, selected a destination, bid farewell to Yondu, and flew out into the dark expanse of space.

The ship flew quickly, but in the void of the universe, it was hard to tell.

"What are we doing here?" Raven asked.

"We're taking on missions to earn money."

"Haha… You just destroyed a planet, and you're doing it for money?" Raven teased.

"That's right." Martin said nonchalantly, "I'm just a regular guy. It's normal to make money. Besides, I've got to take care of you and others. My biggest dream was always to stop working for others, get a house, a car, and a girlfriend, but look I have many now. Now I have it all."

"Hahah…" Raven chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Martin asked with a grin. He set the ship to autopilot, then pulled Raven from her seat and carried her in a princess-style hug to the cabin below, "You'll never understand my thoughts." He said playfully.

The cabin served as both a storage space and a place to rest. Although it was called a "small" spaceship in comparison to Yondu's massive one, it was still large by human standards—comparable to a passenger plane. There was plenty of room.

Martin's next destination was a planet ruled by the Sovereign, a place where there was a market and mission board. He wanted to take on a mission to familiarize himself with the process. It wasn't about meeting the Sovereign people—at least, that's what he told himself.

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