章 87: CHAPTER 87

Rhodes extended his hand, and the Cosmic Surfer's body was drawn towards him. The Silver Surfer attempted to strip Rhodes of his superpower, but Rhodes remained unaffected.

Rhodes seized the cosmic surfer by the neck and inquired, "What's this? Have you discovered something, my little friend?"

The cosmic surfer was astounded. He hadn't anticipated his inability to deprive Rhodes of his superpower. "Why... Why can't I remove your superpower?"

Rhodes chuckled. "Hahaha, it appears that you've served Galactus for too long, and you overestimate Galactus's might."

"He is not my match. Do you believe you can strip me of my superpower with the abilities he granted you? You're naive, cosmic surfer."

"This... How is this possible?" It was the first time the cosmic surfer encountered someone immune to his power.

Rhodes injected his incredible energy, powered by the six infinite gems and his own strength, into the cosmic surfer's body. The cosmic surfer's silver form began to fracture and expand as it absorbed more and more energy from Rhodes.

Gradually, the cosmic surfer resembled a bomb on the verge of detonation. The cosmic surfer's silver body was merely a conduit for electromagnetic energy. He was an entity composed of pure electromagnetic energy, making it impossible to defeat him by attacking conventional body parts.

Rhodes employed his energy to fully assimilate, disintegrate, and break down the energy inside the cosmic surfer, causing his entire form to implode from within. Just before the cosmic surfer's body erupted, Rhodes sent him through a portal to a remote, uninhabited star field.

The cosmic surfer's body exploded in the universe, emitting a brilliance more dazzling than starlight, impacting nearby, smaller, uninhabited planets, shattering them into fragments. These fragments, scattered in the universe, would coalesce over time due to gravity, forming larger celestial bodies such as stars or planets.

On Vulcan, the Vulcan Empire's superpowers, previously horrified, observed Rhodes with astonishment. Although they knew Rhodes was extraordinarily powerful, the ease with which he had dispatched the cosmic surfer took them by surprise.

They may not have witnessed the cosmic surfer's demise firsthand, but seeing him struggle in Rhodes's grasp was sufficient evidence that he had perished.

Rhodes employed time reversal to restore Vulcan to its previous state, reversing the damage done by the cosmic surfer. All Vulcan Empire superpowers who had been permanently stripped of their powers were also returned to their previous state.

Laura, gazing at the scene of restoration, found it hard to believe what had transpired. She wondered if Rhodes possessed the legendary power of the gods.

The Vulcan Empire superpowers were equally stunned by the extraordinary display of power.

Rhodes teleported back to the ground, reassuring Lola and the Vulcan Empire superpowers. He downplayed his role, stating, "There's no need to worry. Everything destroyed by that individual has been restored, and that pesky little surfboard won't be coming back."

Laura admired Rhodes's actions and said, "Mr. Rhodes, you're truly incredible. You effortlessly defeated such a formidable foe. You're the hero of our Vulcan Empire."

Rhodes modestly replied, "I'm not a hero for eliminating that kind of foe. I couldn't stand by and watch that troublesome individual destroy such a beautiful planet. I wouldn't have a place to return to."

Laura persisted, "Mr. Rhodes, you saved our empire and protected our planet. Please accept our highest respect."

Crossing her hands, she gazed at Rhodes with admiration. Laura, with her girlish heart, was enamored of Rhodes.

Rhodes added, "This individual was only a scout, and there's another one on the way."

"The Planet Devourer's intent is to consume the Vulcan planet, but you need not worry. I will protect you."

The Vulcan Empire's leader warmly shook Rhodes's hand, and Rhodes and Hela remained on Vulcan, vowing to stay until Galactus arrived and was thwarted.

During their stay, the Vulcan Empire celebrated their saviors with a grand bonfire party, where the air was filled with the scent of fruit wine and barbecues. They even prepared delicious rice under Rhodes's guidance, enabling the Vulcan Empire superpowers to reduce their hunting needs.

Laura, with a slightly flushed face, presented Rhodes with a glass of fruit wine and said, "Mr. Rhodes, this is for you."

Rhodes accepted and replied, "Thank you."

Hela jokingly nudged Rhodes and suggested, "Honey, it seems this little princess has taken a liking to you. How about considering her as a little maid?"

Laura frequently approached Rhodes with questions and took care of him and Hela in every possible way. Hela even found herself growing fond of Laura.

Rhodes, chuckling, dismissed the idea, "Don't tease. How could I have her as a maid?"

Hela playfully added fuel to the fire, "I won't be jealous. Adding another woman would be a good thing."

Rhodes chuckled and replied, "It's out of the question. She's better off staying here. She will become a great queen in the history of the Vulcan Empire. Having her with me would only hinder her destiny."

Hela, persisting, commented, "You seem to be considering it. Just admit it; I won't mind."

Rhodes continued to deny it, and they engaged in playful banter.

Meanwhile, not far from Vulcan, a figure in dark red armor appeared in the universe. Galactus, sensing the cosmic surfer's absence, wondered, "Was that guy actually killed? Interesting. What kind of being could eradicate him so thoroughly?"

After surveying Planet Vulcan, Galactus was pleased and headed towards it to satisfy his hunger. The cosmic surfer had scouted a perfect planet for him, and he intended to consume it.

Galactus arrived at Vulcan and began to consume the planet. The entire planet took on the appearance of half an egg as it was devoured by Galactus. As the planet was entirely enveloped by Galactus's dark, substantial energy, the inhabitants watched in horror as their world faced annihilation.

The Vulcan Empire's superpowers attempted to resist by attacking the massive Galactus, but their long-range attacks were futile. Galactus continued to devour the Vulcan planet until it disappeared within his massive mouth. The inhabitants watched as Galactus consumed their world, realizing they had no escape from this all-encompassing destruction.