Time, for ordinary carbon-based lifeforms, is long and torturous.
But for Frieza, half a month was just the time it took to drink a few bottles of fine wine.
And sunbathe a few times on his private beach on Earth.
"Phew..."
Frieza stood on the rooftop helipad of Frieza Tower, adjusting his spotless white suit.
The sunlight was nice today.
A good day for inspecting goods.
"Natasha, Hill."
Frieza waved his hand behind him without turning his head.
"Let's go."
"Let's see what kind of answer sheet our Director Thanos has handed in."
"Yes, Master."
Natasha and Hill, dressed in maid outfits, responded respectfully.
Then they skillfully started the golden hover pod parked nearby.
Ever since they had this "spare moon" modified from Io.
Although Earth's climate was still in an adjustment period, at least one didn't have to worry about waking up to find seawater flooding the bed.
Everything was developing towards the grand blueprint of "Frieza Land."
Frieza sat elegantly in the hover pod, the comfortable velvet cushion drawing a satisfied sigh from him.
"Depart."
Hum—!
The Space Stone flashed blue.
A massive portal tore open over Manhattan.
---
Planet Frieza 002 (formerly Xandar), Outer Orbit.
When the light of the portal faded, the scene that entered his eyes.
Even for Frieza, who was used to grand scenes, made his scarlet eyes light up slightly.
Shocking.
Absolutely shocking.
The originally empty and dead cosmic starry sky was now filled with a sea of white steel.
A full ten thousand ships!
Every battleship adopted a streamlined design, pure white throughout.
The sides were printed with iconic purple stripes and that striking "Fu" (Fortune/Blessing) emblem.
They hovered quietly in orbit, arranged in neat square formations, like a steel legion waiting for inspection.
And at the very front of the fleet.
That flagship which had undergone a comprehensive modification—formerly the Dark Aster, now the Emperor.
Had completely changed its appearance.
The original gloomy, dark Kree style was completely eradicated, replaced by ultimate luxury and a sense of technology.
The massive circular bridge towered like a crown, the secondary cannon ports on both sides emitting a cold, ghostly light.
"Ohohoho..."
Sitting in the hover pod, looking at this spectacular scene, Frieza couldn't help but laugh with pleasure.
"Not bad, truly not bad."
"It seems that Purple Sweet Potato really has something."
This uniform aesthetic, this oppressive force rushing towards the face.
This was fitting for a Galactic Emperor's status!
Thanos's previous donut ship, and Ronan's black brick, were simply too tacky!
Just then.
The hatch of the flagship Emperor opened slowly.
Several figures flew out using anti-gravity devices, hovering in front of Frieza's pod.
Leading them was Thanos.
This former cosmic overlord, now the Director of the Demolition Office.
Was now wearing a brand-new golden battle armor bearing the Frieza Legion emblem.
Although still bald, still possessing that purple face.
His spirit and demeanor were visibly more restrained and profound than half a month ago.
That was the composure of a senior executive.
Behind him were Apocalypse, Magneto, and the jealous-looking Loki, all wearing Ginyu Force uniforms.
"Lord Frieza."
Thanos placed a hand over his chest, bowed slightly, and performed an impeccable subordinate salute.
His voice was low and resonant, spreading through the entire star sector via the comms channel.
"Mission accomplished."
"Ten thousand Star Destroyer-class battleships, one Emperor-class flagship, and fifty thousand supporting mechanical soldiers, all assembled."
"All weapon systems have been upgraded using the energy circuits of the Power Stone."
"All armor is coated with a Vibranium and Adamantium alloy layer."
Thanos looked up, confident light shining in his tiger-like eyes.
"This fleet is enough to flatten the Kree Empire within a week."
"Or turn any resisting star system into dust within three days."
Hearing Thanos's report, Frieza applauded with satisfaction.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
"Good! Very good!"
Frieza floated out of the hover pod, landing in front of Thanos.
He reached out and patted Thanos's broad, hard shoulder.
Like a benevolent old father... pfft, like a generous boss.
"Thanos, you have given me a big surprise."
"This Emperor keeps his word."
"From today on, you are the supreme commander of this fleet."
"Additionally..."
Frieza pointed to the blue Planet 002 in the distance.
"Pick the best real estate on that planet for yourself."
"Consider it an advance on your year-end bonus."
A flicker passed through Thanos's eyes—the pleasure of satisfied ambition.
"Thank you for the reward, my Lord."
Compared to Thanos's composure, Loki beside him was red-eyed with envy.
Why?!
Why does this Purple Potato get to be commander-in-chief as soon as he arrives?!
He, Loki, was the first to surrender! He was a founding member!
And this tight suit looked so ugly on Thanos; was the King blind?!
Loki roared internally, but on his face, he had to force a fawning smile and lean forward.
"My King! My King!"
"Although this fleet is mighty, it cannot do without the spiritual injection of our Ginyu Force!"
"This half-month, Captain Apocalypse and I have been training those mechanical soldiers day and night to dance... oh no, to practice tactical maneuvers!"
Frieza glanced at this drama queen and waved his hand with a look of disgust.
"Alright, got it."
"Don't be idle either. Go decant the red wine in the flagship for me."
"If the wine at the celebration banquet later doesn't taste good, I'll stuff you into a cannon barrel and fire you out."
Loki: "..."
Having dealt with the subordinates' jealousy.
Frieza turned around, facing the vast fleet of ten thousand warships.
He slowly spread his arms.
In that moment, a terrifying aura that overrode all living beings.
Exploded from his petite body, sweeping through the entire star sector instantly.
All mechanical soldiers, all shipboard AIs, lowered their heads in this moment.
"Listen! My slaves! My warriors!"
Frieza's voice exploded inside the bridge of every battleship via broadcast.
"You are the sharp sword of the Frieza Legion!"
"You are the maintainers of cosmic order!"
"And of course, this Emperor's most loyal demolition team!"
Frieza pointed a finger towards a distant and mysterious coordinate on the star map.
That was the core of the Nine Realms.
The dwelling of All-Father Odin.
The legendary Asgard, paved with gold!
"Our journey has only just begun."
"Earth is too small, Xandar is too boring."
"I hear that on the other shore of the distant starry sky, there is a kingdom that calls itself gods."
"They live in palaces made of gold, drink wine aged for thousands of years, and claim to protect the Nine Realms?"
A grin of extreme greed and evil curled Frieza's lips.
"This Emperor feels that leaving such a nice place in the hands of those barbarians who only know how to wave hammers around is simply a waste of heavenly treasures!"
"Since it's a kingdom of gods..."
"Then it has even more value to be conquered, doesn't it?"
"Thanos!"
"Subordinate is here!" Thanos looked up sharply, battle intent burning like fire in his eyes.
"Pass down the order!"
Frieza waved his large hand, pointing to that starry sky.
"All forces, advance!"
"Target—Asgard!"
"Ohohohoho..."
BOOM————!
With Frieza's command.
The engines of ten thousand white battleships ignited simultaneously.
Blue tail flames seemed to light up the entire starry sky.
The massive fleet began to turn slowly, adjusting coordinates.
Space began to tremble, warp engines began to charge.