Almost simultaneously...
Inside the Dark Aster, Ronan's warship.
When Ronan first obtained the Orb, also known as the Cosmic Sphere, he immediately contacted Thanos.
Thanos had instructed Ronan to deliver the Orb to him as soon as possible. In return, Thanos promised to provide him with the necessary military support to annihilate Xandar.
Xandar was a formidable force, capable of holding its own against the Kree Empire on multiple battlefronts. However, compared to Ronan's faction of exiled Accusers, Xandar was overwhelmingly powerful. Still, to Thanos, Xandar was merely a militarized planet of moderate strength—nothing more than a stepping stone in his grand plan.
Thanos had never considered Xandar a true threat. If he wished, he could wipe it out in an instant. That was the power of the galaxy's most feared warlord.
Aside from the Kree Empire, the only other military power of significance was the Shi'ar Empire.
This was why, despite Thanos' long presence in the Milky Way, no force dared challenge him.
Not because they didn't want to—because they couldn't.
At first, Ronan had sought Thanos' assistance.
But now, he saw things differently.
"Nosas, you're right. According to our agreement, I should hand over the Orb."
"But now that I know it contains an Infinity Stone... why should I?"
"Since I can fulfill my ambitions on my own, tell me—what use do I have for you?"
Thanos' face darkened with fury. He hadn't expected Ronan to betray him.
Right now, time was of the essence.
He needed to collect at least two Infinity Stones as soon as possible. Only then would he have enough leverage to confront the Nine Realms and the Earth.
If Ronan defied him, it would disrupt his entire plan.
"Boy, you better think carefully," Thanos growled. "Do you have any idea what it costs to defy me?"
But Ronan remained unmoved.
"Master, you can't do this," Starhunter Korath cautioned. "Thanos is the most powerful being in the universe. His army is far greater than ours."
"Not anymore."
A cold smirk formed on Ronan's lips.
"With the Power Stone in my grasp, I have already surpassed him."
"Once I obliterate Xandar, I'll come for you, Thanos. And you will pay for all the insults you've inflicted upon me!"
Without another word, Ronan terminated the transmission.
Then, he opened the Orb, gazing into the radiant glow of the Infinity Stone within. His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Nebula's Warning
"Ronan, there's something you should know."
Nebula stepped forward, her voice steady but filled with a calculating edge.
"You're not the only one who possesses an Infinity Stone."
Ronan turned to her, his eyes narrowing.
"As far as I know," Nebula continued, "there is an Asgardian living on Earth. He is the so-called God of Magic, and he holds two Infinity Stones— the Mind Stone and the Reality Stone."
"Thanos fears him. That's why he's been so desperate to collect the Power Stone—to have something to fight back with."
Ronan's expression darkened.
"So you're saying I'm not the most powerful being in the universe?"
Nebula lowered her head slightly, choosing her words carefully.
"I wouldn't dare say that, Lord Ronan. I'm simply stating the facts."
Though she feared Ronan's wrath, Nebula hated Thanos more. If Ronan could defeat Thanos, she would do anything to help him—even if it meant destroying a thousand planets in the process.
Ronan sneered.
"Once I've dealt with Thanos, I'll head to Earth myself. What he failed to do doesn't mean I can't."
A cold, vengeful light flickered in his eyes.
He knew of Earth.
It was the place of his greatest humiliation.
His ultimate Waterloo.
That memory was still fresh in his mind.
Tightening his grip, he attempted to wield the Power Stone directly—but the energy was overwhelming. His body was not yet strong enough to withstand its might.
So, he made a compromise.
Instead of wielding it directly, he embedded the Power Stone into his Kree Warhammer, creating a devastating artifact.
Even this indirect power was enough to make him feel invincible.
At that moment, he knew—he was destined to become the strongest being in the universe!
Thanos' Wrath
Meanwhile, aboard the Sanctuary II...
Thanos sat in cold silence as the video call ended.
His patience was wearing thin.
A mere Ronan dared to defy him?
It seemed his reputation was not as feared as it should be.
"Master, Ronan has become arrogant and reckless. Should we act immediately?" Ebony Maw inquired cautiously.
"Yes, my Lord," Corvus Glaive added. "Give us the command, and we will put him in his place. Even the Kree Empire wouldn't dare challenge you."
They were Thanos' most trusted generals, commanders of his elite Black Order and the deadly Chitauri forces.
They had razed countless planets in his name.
But Thanos did not respond immediately.
Instead, he asked:
"What news from Earth?"
Ebony Maw hesitated before answering.
"Nothing significant. Our operatives dare not approach too closely. The only information we gather comes from intercepted Earth signals."
Thanos' expression remained impassive, but inside, he was displeased.
This answer was not enough.
He needed to know more—especially about the God of Magic.
The rest of Earth? He couldn't care less.
"Accelerate the infiltration. I want everything on him—his actions, his alliances, his weaknesses."
"Understood, Master."
"And what of Gamora and Nebula?"
Ebony Maw hesitated again.
"Gamora has completely turned against us. She's been traveling with a man named Star-Lord from the Ravagers. Nebula, on the other hand, remains with Ronan—but she may not have an opportunity to act against him. With the Power Stone in his possession, his strength has grown beyond measure."
Thanos' eyes flickered dangerously.
"Send a message to Nebula. I want her to monitor Ronan and report back the moment there's a change. As for Ronan... I will deal with him myself."
"Yes, my Lord!"
The Ravagers' Dilemma
Meanwhile, aboard Yondu's Ravager ship…
Yondu and his crew were furious.
Star-Lord had deceived them—he had planned to sell the Orb and keep the profits for himself.
The Orb was gone.
The four billion units were gone.
And now, it was in Ronan's hands.
Their anger burned.
Gamora tried to intervene.
"Listen to me! Our priority isn't the money—it's the Orb! Ronan has the Power Stone, and he's going to use it to destroy Xandar!"
Yondu scoffed.
"So? That's his business. Unless you've got a way to steal it back, I don't see how this concerns us."
Star-Lord took a deep breath.
"We have a secret weapon."
Yondu raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? And what 'secret weapon' would that be?"
Before Star-Lord could respond—
A spaceship suddenly blocked their path.
Alarms blared.
The crew rushed to the windows.
Their eyes widened in shock.
Outside…
Standing on the approaching ship…
Was Aaron—the God of Magic!
Yondu's expression instantly changed.
He turned to Star-Lord with a forced grin.
"You sly dog... you should have told me you knew the God of Magic! No need to be so secretive!"
Star-Lord blinked.
Wait... what?!
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