Deep in the Universe, the Dark Quadrant.
The enormous, beast-like hull of Sanctuary II hung silently in the dead, silent starry sky.
Upon the throne.
Thanos, resting his chin on one hand, stared with his deep, oppressive eyes at the Chitauri messenger kneeling below.
The air inside the grand hall seemed to have solidified, broken only by the rapid breathing of the messenger, fueled by fear.
"Are you saying..."
Thanos spoke slowly, his voice deep, like the grinding of stars.
"The three armed satellites surrounding Xandar, along with the resource companion Planet, vanished at the same instant?"
"Y-yes."
The Chitauri messenger buried his head even lower, trembling.
"According to the final images transmitted by the probe, there was a burst of dark red energy. That level of energy reaction instantly caused the spatial readings in that sector to max out, followed by absolute nothingness."
Thanos's gaze flickered slightly as he asked, "Has Galactus been here?"
If it were that ancient entity who feeds on Planets, it would make sense.
"Reporting, no movement trajectory of high-level cosmic energy was detected, nor was any trace of the Herald of Galactus found."
"Oh?"
Thanos slowly sat up straight, a look of gravity appearing on his purple face.
"It wasn't Galactus, nor was it the Celestials who fancy themselves creators."
"In this Universe, there aren't many things that possess this kind of pure destructive power."
Thanos stood up and walked to the massive porthole, gazing at the endless sea of stars outside.
In his mind, the image of that purple gem appeared.
"The Power Stone."
Thanos muttered to himself, "Only that Infinity Prime Stone, which represents the ultimate power of the Universe, could tear Planets apart so easily. It seems someone got there first."
"And they are a reckless brute who doesn't know how to control that power."
Thanos turned around, a cold light flashing in his eyes.
The Infinity Stones are an indispensable piece of his plan. He absolutely cannot allow them to fall into the hands of others.
Especially an existence that might threaten his Great Mission of Balancing the Universe.
"Ebony Maw."
"I am here." Ebony floated out of the shadows.
"Adjust the course."
Thanos waved his large hand, and his golden armor let out a sharp, clanging sound.
"Target, Xandar."
"I want to see who is squandering my treasure."
...
Xandar, which is now Planet Frieza 002.
Sunlight once again shone upon the scarred and devastated land.
Frieza sat in the luxurious lounge on the top floor of the Nova Corps Headquarters, having taken only a short break.
When he walked to the floor-to-ceiling window to look down at the city, he let out a soft, satisfied laugh. "Oh-ho-ho..."
"Is this the efficiency of a High-Level Civilization?"
"Compared to those monkeys on Earth who still need shovels to dig dirt, the productivity here is much more pleasing to the eye."
Looking out the window, he saw that the squares and streets, which were originally littered with ruins and corpses, had now been completely cleared.
Countless strangely shaped engineering robots and anti-gravity suspension devices were busily moving back and forth.
Collapsed buildings were rapidly repaired by Nanobots, and broken road surfaces were restored to their original state using molecular restructuring technology.
More importantly, that massive, three-pointed star flag, emblazoned with the character "Frieza", was already flying high at the city's highest point.
On every massive holographic billboard, the original Nova Corps recruitment advertisements were now all replaced by Frieza's elegant smiling face.
Even the roadside broadcasts were continuously playing hymns of praise for the emperor of the universe.
Everything was in perfect order and filled with that comfortable atmosphere of servitude.
"Good."
Frieza swirled the red wine glass in his hand, and a light of pleasure sparkled in his crimson eyes.
"It seems Charles and Erik both have quite the talent for being butlers."
"As long as I apply a little pressure, their potential can be infinitely developed."
Thinking of this, Frieza's gaze turned towards the boundless sky outside the window.
Since the territory has been acquired and the rule is on the right track, as the emperor of the universe who values quality of life, it is time to consider transportation issues.
"I can traverse the Universe with my physical body."
"But..."
Frieza glanced disdainfully at his feet. "Always flying around... Not only does it risk dirtying my shoes, but constantly floating is also tiring."
"As an emperor, how can I be like Superman, foolishly flying around all day?"
"It lacks all style."
He needed a vehicle.
A vehicle that suits his status, is comfortable, and doesn't require him to move his own feet.
"Natasha."
Frieza called out toward the door without turning his head.
"Master, I am here."
Natasha, wearing a white and purple Battlesuit, immediately pushed the door open and respectfully bowed her head. Although she was still resistant internally, her body had become incredibly obedient under that accursed contract.
"Go, summon that old man who plays with magnets for me."
"Yes, Master."
Natasha left without any unnecessary words.
Less than two minutes later.
A faint sound of metal friction was heard.
Erik, wearing the Ginyu Force uniform, floated into the office.
"Lord Frieza."
Erik knelt on one knee, his movements so standard they looked like he had practiced for two and a half years. The initial resentment in his eyes was long gone, replaced by a fervent worship.
This was the charm of power.
After witnessing Frieza's great power in casually destroying celestial bodies, Erik had completely achieved enlightenment.
Being a dog for such a powerful being is not shameful. This is called conforming to destiny.
"Rise."
Frieza turned around and casually waved his hand.
"Erik, I hear your control over metal is quite good?"
"Reporting to Lord Frieza, any metal is as easy to manipulate as my own arm." Erik said confidently.
"Even the liquid iron in this Planet's core, I can extract it and make it dance for you."
"Very good." Frieza nodded in satisfaction.
He extended a finger and traced a circular outline in the air. "Since that is the case, I now assign you a glorious mission."
"I want you to immediately build me a personal, small-scale flying vehicle."