When the energy shockwave dissipated, Stardust had vanished from the rooftop.
Elsewhere in the cosmos, one of Galactus's avatars, in the midst of consuming a planet's core energy, received a signal from his herald. After extracting the last dregs of the planet's lifeforce, the avatar turned and began its journey toward Earth.
"Hmm... Why has the location shifted? Another dimension?" The avatar noticed the Silver Surfer's signal now pointed toward a different spatial plane.
Though puzzled, Galactus's essence within the avatar rarely met resistance in the universe. The cosmos was vast, and surprises were few. The Nine Realms, except for Earth, resided in parallel dimensions, interconnected by Yggdrasil, the World Tree, drawing them unnaturally close.
Nebulous fragments of shattered worlds orbited the avatar, swirling as tendrils of cosmic power radiated outward. The avatar unleashed a surge of Galactus's might, opening a portal near Asgard.
Garus, wielding the silver surfboard, emerged near one of Asgard's hidden pathways. His arrival did not go unnoticed. From the Rainbow Bridge, Heimdall's golden eyes detected an anomaly in Asgard's northern forests—a potent energy signature mixed with the essence of death. Such power had no place here.
Yet, something cloaked the intruder from Heimdall's gaze, leaving only a vague impression.
"My king, an abnormal force has manifested in the northern woods—Galactus's power mingled with death itself." Heimdall's mind connected with Odin's, sharing visions of Earth and the recent upheavals.
"Stardust and Norrin still reside on Midgard. None other should wield Galactus's might." Odin's brow furrowed.
"It is likely the young Garus, bearing Norrin's equipment," Heimdall replied. "But I cannot see him."
"Why has he come to Asgard?" Odin's voice was tinged with both curiosity and concern.
Thor approached, his red cape billowing. Odin turned to his son. "My son, I have a task for you."
Thor's face betrayed reluctance—he had planned a day with Jane, a rare moment of respite. "But I—"
"A powerful being has entered the solar system. Find Garus before the Nine Realms face ruin." Odin's voice brooked no argument.
Thor's eyes widened. He had never known his father to fear any foe. What being could threaten the Nine Realms?
"What would you have me do?"
"Garus carries an artifact of great power. Bring him to me." Odin's vault housed the Eternal Flame, capable of destroying the object the herald bore.
Heimdall gestured northward. Thor spun Mjolnir, summoning a storm as he soared into the skies.
"Rumors spread that Garus possesses several Infinity Stones," Heimdall said. "Many covet them, including Thanos."
Odin's frown deepened. "The best course would be to entrust them to the Collector. But he would never agree."
The Elders of the Universe, powerful and ancient, could safeguard such artifacts—but only if they wished to.
Garus soared along Asgard's edges, where the world fell away into endless waters. The realm's immense landmass floated within its own dimension, larger than appearances suggested. He had flown nearly half an hour to clear the forests, now gazing upon Asgard's golden spires.
He maintained altitude to avoid patrols. Explaining his presence would be awkward—last time, he'd slipped away unnoticed. If Galactus arrived, matters would grow even more complicated.
A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky. Thor approached, flanked by Asgardian skiffs.
Garus descended.
"Garus, what are you doing here?" Thor's eyes flicked to the surfboard. "My father awaits you at the Rainbow Bridge. That object... it is dangerous."
"I know. I came to dispose of it."
"What is it? Could it destroy the Nine Realms?"
"Not by itself. No time to explain—let's move."
They flew toward the Rainbow Bridge, where Odin and Heimdall awaited.
"Earthborn, you have brought great trouble to Asgard," Odin growled.
Garus sighed. "I had no choice. Galactus is coming. We couldn't block the artifact's signal—our only option was to lure him to Sakaar."
Odin's gaze hardened. The convergence of cosmic forces threatened all existence—and Garus, unwitting or not, stood at the heart of it.
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