41 Light and Dark, Enemies on All Sides

In the vast cosmos, huge spaceships could be seen drifting.

Sanctuary II, mothership of the Black Order.

The personal ship of the Mad Titan, Thanos!

Clad in golden armor, Thanos slowly walked back to his throne while cleaning his blood-stained double-edged sword.

Coming from yet another ''achievement'', another step towards its noble objective, relentless, impartial, inevitable.

Another world was conquered, another civilization fell, half perished so that those who lived could survive.

However, Thanos was still not satisfied.

No matter how fast he conquered, he could not keep up with the speed of reproduction as life multiplied - that way, he would never be able to realize his vision.

"Lord Thanos, about the Infinity Stones you asked us to investigate earlier... We brought you the latest news."

When Thanos had just sat on the throne, an alien creature, whose gray skin and cadaverous appearance would give you nightmares, approached.

He was one of the members of the Black Order, Ebony Maw, Son of Thanos.

"So... Maw, tell me what I want to hear."

Thanos said as he put his sword aside.

"As expected - it is indeed impossible for us to break through Earth's mystical defenses."

The meaning of Ebony Maw's words demonstrated... Clearly Thanos' interest in Earth.

"The Ancient One... Along with her sorcerers maintains a strong defense around the planet."

After hearing Ebony Maw's words, Thanos' expression remained stoic, showing that everything that was said was already known to him.

Many forces in the universe know Earth as Midgard of the nine kingdoms under Asgard, but few knew that the small blue planet guarded an order of Sorcerers, who together with their disciples, formed a powerful line of defense, guaranteeing safety to the weak humans who live in Planet.

"Which is?"

But even so, Thanos still looked at the Ebony Maw.

He knew that if it was just information that was already known to them, his subordinate would not report it, after all, Thanos' wrath is known throughout the universe.

"We have detected energy fluctuations on Earth, we can confirm the presence of the Space Stone on the planet."

After hearing this news, Thanos' expression finally showed some emotion.

"Interesting... Are you saying that before we could start planning, Earthlings took the initiative to try and exploit the power of the space gem?

According to his original plan, Thanos would send a subordinate to Earth, carrying the Mind Stone, with the intention of controlling the Earthlings, locating the Space Stone, and with the help of his power open passage for his army, bypassing Earth's defenses. Earth.

But now, his plans haven't even started... But there were people on the planet who wanted to make use of the Stone's power.

"Exactly, Lord Thanos."

Ebony Maw's little eyes lit up for a second as he finished the report.

"Continue monitoring carefully, Ebony Maw."

Thanos also spoke solemnly: "Once the space jewel's energy fluctuations get out of control, immediately open the space gate and let the earthlings know the consequences of touching a power that does not belong to them."

"Yes, Lord Thanos... But my lord, there is one more thing."

"Say?"

"Not long ago, the Frost Giant King ''Laufey'' of Jotunheim was killed."

"The coward who survived long enough... He should have been dead a long time ago."

Thanos calmly assessed Laufey with disdain: "Did Odin do this?"

"No... Laufey died on Earth."

"Oh?"

After hearing these words, a gleam of curiosity could be seen in Thanos' eyes: "The Ancient One... No, lately the dimensional lords are very restless, she must not have the time to worry about such things now."

"Yes my Lord and as you say - it was not the Ancient One, who killed Laufey, but an Earthling you have not heard of, Lord Thanos... An Earthling who goes by the name of Asher Oaks."

"Interesting"

Thanos said casually.

"He seems to be powerful, even incomparable, to you my Lord."

Ebony Maw, didn't miss the chance to fawn over Thanos, like the good dog she was, and then said, "But... Rumor has it he killed Laufey with just one blow."

"Oh?"

Then Thanos also raised his eyebrows: "Do you think the Chitauri won't be enough to take the earth?" "

"I'm just being cautious, Lord Thanos."

"I appreciate your caution, Maw."

Thanos rubbed his chin, and then smiled softly, "In that case, then you go to Hala." "

"To mean..."

"Go find Ronan, tell him the Space Stone is on Earth, and then order him to dispatch his fleet of accusers."

"What if he doesn't agree?"

The words stopped abruptly, and the entire throne space remained quiet.

Until the silence was broken by Thanos' calm words.

"He'll agree."

"Because he has to agree."

———————————————————

At the same time, S.H.I.E.L.D. Triskelion Headquarters.

Alexander Pierce felt like he's been a little down on his luck lately.

As an infiltrator who has reached high-ranking status in the Security Council, almost every action he has planned so far has been successful!

But not long ago, he made his first mistake.

Based on Project Insight and Zola's calculations, he determined that the super-powered individual ''Asher Oaks'' is a major threat to the organization, so he sent the Winter Soldier to plant explosives in order to eliminate him as quickly as possible. possible.

But he didn't expect that the Winter Soldier wouldn't return from the mission.

His decision directly led to the loss of a valuable asset of the organization, which was, without a doubt, a big mistake.

And the only thing that made Pierce feel a little comfortable is that the other party shouldn't know that the Winter Soldier was sent by Hydra.

But today, Pierce had a bad feeling.

Nick Fury asked him to come to the office to discuss some secret plans - and based on past experience, he should have obtained highly valuable information.

However, when Pierce entered the office, he was stunned.

Because unexpectedly, Nick Fury wasn't alone.

Sitting in the main chair was a woman – and Pierce, who was the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D., certainly knew her.

"Miss Peggy, you…"

Looking at Peggy Carter, who had returned to her youth, an even worse bad premonition arose in Pierce's heart.

And of course....

"Pierce... I wonder when?"

Peggy looked at Pierce, the man she trusted enough to allow him to become director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

"When did you betray S.H.I.E.L.D.?"