[Starting as a Class 5 Mutant] Chapter 303/304 (Patreon)

As Ego's words fell, everyone—Star-Lord and his crew, and countless people worldwide listening through Rocket's transparent panel and broadcasting devices—were left stunned.

The Sovereign probes, which had just crossed the jump point to Earth, also caught Ego's statement.

"Are you referring to the universe's transformation?"

Inside the Milano, Star-Lord's eyes widened in surprise.

Rocket and the others shared the same incredulous expressions.

The changes to the universe were well-known, even to those in distant star systems.

Though they couldn't discern what caused the change or precisely when it happened, they were aware of the sudden appearance of strange new phenomena and forces in the universe.

Thus, Ego's mention of the changes didn't shock them too much—they were already aware.

However, what stunned them, along with countless Earthlings, was the revelation that these changes didn't just affect Earth but the entire universe.

"What exactly happened back then?"
"Terrifying!"
"The more you think about it, the scarier it gets…"

Conversations reignited across the globe as people discussed this event, which they had somehow forgotten about.

"Wait, did he say the source of the power that changed the universe… is on Earth?"

Replaying Ego's words in their minds, many people were left bewildered and confused.

Unable to suppress his own curiosity, Star-Lord asked the question on everyone's minds.

"The source is on Earth?"
"You've got to be joking," he said incredulously.

He couldn't believe it—no way was the source of a power that altered the universe on his ordinary home planet.

Earth was just so… normal. How could it possibly be that special?

Gamora, Rocket, and even the Sovereigns shared the same skeptical thoughts.

"I didn't sense wrong," Ego said confidently, sparing a glance at his son, Peter Quill. "That power—it's located here on Earth!"

Hearing his certainty, disbelief spread among his audience.

Sovereign

High Priestess Ayesha was utterly shocked.

"The universe changed… because of this tiny planet?"

Asgard

Odin furrowed his brows, casting his gaze toward Earth.

He had noticed the strange events on Earth back then, but by the time he focused his attention, it was over. He never learned the details, only that the anomalies indeed originated from Earth.

Kamar-Taj

The Ancient One, who had been quietly observing Ego's arrival, frowned slightly.

She knew Ego's words were true. The anomalies had occurred on Earth, and she had personally investigated when it happened.

At the time, she suspected it had something to do with the dimensional demon Kaecilius was communicating with, but she could never determine how such a being wielded such power…

Elsewhere

Kaecilius and his followers exchanged glances, stunned.

They had witnessed the transformation of the universe with their own eyes, orchestrated by their revered demon lord.

Even now, they couldn't fathom how something so impossible had been achieved.

As shock rippled through everyone, Ego fixated on Syd, scrutinizing the red glow emanating from his hand.

"That red power in your hand… it feels familiar. It resembles the force that changed the universe."

Ego's eyes widened with realization. "Was it you who changed the universe?"

"If that's true…" Awe filled his voice. "This is an incredible power—unparalleled in its perfection and brilliance…"

As Ego marveled, Star-Lord and the others gawked at Syd in disbelief, their gazes fixated on the red glow in his hand.

The power to alter the universe… was it really the White Knight's doing?

"That's insane!"

Star-Lord was utterly floored.

"This guy's got to be joking, right?" Rocket blurted, wide-eyed.

Gamora's brow furrowed deeply.

S.H.I.E.L.D.

Nick Fury's face betrayed his disbelief.

There was no way the White Knight could possess such terrifying power.

Sovereign

High Priestess Ayesha and her people shared similar thoughts, refusing to believe it.

Kamar-Taj

The Ancient One felt a flicker of astonishment.

Kaecilius and his followers, however, were overwhelmed.

"The lord… is the White Knight?"
"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Asgard

Odin was equally astounded.

Sokovia

Ultron shook his head.

If the White Knight were truly that powerful, he could have destroyed Ultron in an instant.

But judging by his current abilities, which seemed limited to a small radius, how could he possibly have influenced the entire universe?

Ultron refused to believe it.

Back on the scene, Syd frowned slightly at Ego's words but neither confirmed nor denied them.

Ego, however, continued, his tone brimming with admiration.

"I've heard you can control light as well?"

"If Peter here weren't my son, carrying my Celestial genes, I might even suspect that you were my child instead."

He marveled further, "Your power is magnificent—strong and perfectly aligned with mine."

Pausing briefly, Ego made his offer, his voice filled with anticipation.

"I formally invite you to join me and help me fulfill my great plan!"

Hearing this, Syd's frown deepened.

He was well aware of Ego's so-called plan—to turn every planet into an extension of his body.

Such a ridiculous notion was not something Syd would ever entertain.

Before he could refuse, Star-Lord interjected, yelling from the Milano.

"Wait a second, what did you just say?"

"Did I hear you wrong?"

"You said I'm your son?"

Star-Lord's expression was a mix of disbelief and awkwardness.

Rocket and the others wore similarly strange expressions.

"I thought Yondu was your dad," Drax muttered.

Ego, his attention now back on Star-Lord, smiled warmly.

"Yes, after all these years, I've finally found you!"

(End of Chapter)

Ego shrugged and said, "You truly are my son. I thought my rugged, handsome face was proof enough."

"My name is Ego, your father!"

Rocket and the others exchanged odd glances with Star-Lord, who frowned and studied Ego's face closely. After a few moments, he couldn't deny it—this man did bear a certain resemblance to him, the same kind of handsomeness.

At that moment, Star-Lord's expression grew complicated. If this man truly was his father...

Suddenly, Gamora asked with a frown, "I think I saw you surviving in space without any equipment earlier. Who exactly are you?"

Her question left not just Star-Lord and his crew but also people all over the world wondering about this mysterious figure's identity.

Ego, hearing this, shrugged and replied honestly, "I am what you would call a Celestial."

His words left everyone stunned.

"A Celestial? You're a god?" Star-Lord asked hesitantly.

Ego turned to Star-Lord and replied humbly, "Just a small god, my son."

He then began to explain his origins.

"I don't even know where I came from. From the moment I gained consciousness…"

Ego recounted his development over millions of years, evolving from a brain into a planet.

Hearing this incredible story, Star-Lord and people across the world were left speechless.

Millions of years? Evolved into a planet?
If that was true, then he really might be a god.

For a moment, countless people were left either shocked, fearful, or in denial, unable to reconcile this story with their worldview.

Star-Lord took a deep breath and said in a heavy tone, "My mother always told everyone that my father came from another planet. But she had a brain tumor, so everyone thought she was delusional."

"Look, I really want to believe all of this. But you left the most amazing woman on Earth, abandoned her, and let her die alone!" he said angrily.

Ego quickly responded, "I didn't want to leave your mother, Peter."

"If I didn't periodically return to my planet to reconnect with its light, both my planet and this body would wither and die!"

Star-Lord frowned. "Then why didn't you come back? Why did you send Yondu, someone everyone hated, to pick me up?"

Ego's tone grew impassioned. "I loved your mother deeply, Peter. I couldn't bear to return to a planet where she no longer existed. You have no idea what it felt like to lose her!"

"I don't know what it felt like? I watched her die!" Star-Lord shouted.

Ego fell silent for a moment before speaking softly, "I've lived for millions of years, Peter. I've made countless mistakes, but you are not one of them. You are my greatest creation."

"Please, give me a chance to be the kind of father she would have wanted me to be. I believe that's what she would have hoped for."

"I want to teach you about my planet and its light. There's so much I need to show you!"

Hearing Ego's heartfelt words, even the angry Star-Lord began to waver.

Rocket, who had been listening, felt moved, as did countless people across Earth who were following the conversation.

But amidst the swelling emotions, one person looked entirely unimpressed.

Syd, who had been silently watching, couldn't help but smirk.

If he didn't know better, he might have believed Ego's performance.

Shaking his head, Syd thought, Ego doesn't care about fatherly love. He just wants to use Star-Lord's Celestial power to accelerate his plan to take over every planet.

During his countless attempts to create a child, Ego had acted more like a seed-sowing machine, discarding all those who didn't inherit his power. Star-Lord was the rare exception.

Looking at the father and son's tentative reconciliation, a mischievous glint appeared in Syd's eyes.

"Well, Star-Lord is bound to find out sooner or later. Revealing it now shouldn't make much of a difference, right?"

Syd chuckled to himself.

As Star-Lord opened his mouth to say something, Syd interrupted, "You mentioned your mother had a brain tumor. Have you ever considered that it might not have been a natural occurrence?"

"What do you mean?" Star-Lord asked, startled.

"You should ask this Celestial here. He's the one responsible for your mother's tumor," Syd said nonchalantly.

"What?"

Everyone, including Star-Lord and his crew, turned to Ego in disbelief.

Ego's face showed a moment of shock before he asked instinctively, "How do you know that?"

Realizing Star-Lord's expression had darkened, Ego began to explain slowly, "I visited Earth three times to see her. I knew if I returned one more time, I'd never leave again."

"My expansion—my purpose—would have ended. So, I made a choice. But…"

Ego's voice turned somber. "I shouldn't have given her the tumor. I regret it, Peter. Please forgive me…"

But Star-Lord wasn't paying attention to the explanation. His focus was on one thing:

"So, my mother's tumor was really because of you?"

Fury burned in his eyes as he glared at Ego.

His mother had always been the most important person in his life, and now he knew that the man before him—the one claiming to be his father—was the very reason she had died.

At that moment, even though Ego was his father, Star-Lord felt an overwhelming desire to kill him.

Watching the scene unfold, Syd smirked. "As expected, a proper avenger for his mother."

Ego, desperate to explain and plead for forgiveness, found his words falling on deaf ears. Star-Lord's hatred was unshakable.

Frustrated, Ego's gaze turned toward Syd, his eyes filled with anger.

"This is your fault!"

Ego glared at the White Knight, his tone dripping with malice.

"Are you planning to attack me?" Syd asked calmly.

This moment sent shockwaves across the world.

This wasn't just anyone—Ego was a Celestial who had lived for millions of years!

And yet, the White Knight dared to provoke him?

Countless people, from the Sovereigns to Ultron and even spectators worldwide, felt a mix of disbelief and grim satisfaction.

Many believed Syd had finally overstepped.

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]