The morning light shone through the huge French windows, scattering across the incomparably luxurious bedroom.
Frieza slowly opened his eyes, his scarlet pupils devoid of sleepiness, only a clear and cold sharpness.
He turned his head and glanced beside him.
Wanda was curled up in the silk sheets, her scant black lace pajamas half-covering her, outlining a breathtaking figure. She was still asleep, her brows slightly furrowed, as if even in her dreams, she couldn't escape the ever-present despair.
"Heh, what a fragile little thing." Frieza chuckled and didn't wake her up.
After all, as the Emperor of the universe, he occasionally had to show some mercy to his pets.
"Master, you're awake."
Sharon, who had been waiting for a long time, opened the door and entered.
She was wearing her signature black and white maid outfit, holding toiletries, kneeling by the bed, her movements so skilled that it was heartbreaking.
Under Sharon's service, Frieza slowly finished washing up and changed into a brand new, spotless white suit. He adjusted his tie in front of the mirror, looked at the elegant face inside, and nodded in satisfaction.
"It's another day full of hope. Let's go see how that old man who plays with magnets is doing with my ride."
...
Nova Corps headquarters, now Frieza Legion Base 002.
The originally solemn and stately council hall had now been transformed into a huge display platform.
Erik was floating in mid-air, behind him a huge red cloth covering some kind of circular object.
Seeing Frieza walking in with elegant steps, Erik immediately landed. He knelt on one knee, his face filled with the pride and fanaticism of an artist completing a masterpiece.
"Reporting, Lord Frieza."
"I was fortunate enough to not fail in your mission. Using Xandar's top anti-gravity engine, combined with the molecular reorganization technology of Adamantium and Vibranium, your exclusive ride is complete."
"Oh?"
Frieza raised an eyebrow, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes. "Then unveil it and let me see, Erik. I hope your taste isn't as bad as your red helmet."
"You will definitely be satisfied, Lord Frieza." Erik smiled confidently and waved his palm gently.
Whoosh!
The red cloth fell.
A vehicle with a rounded shape and a yellow and pure white color scheme was quietly suspended in mid-air. It was like a cut-open egg, with a propulsion device at the bottom and an open cockpit at the top.
The lines were smooth, without any unnecessary edges, exuding a minimalist sense of technological beauty.
It was Frieza's classic hovering pod.
But compared to the original, this version had obviously been modified. The surface shimmered with a faint metallic luster, the unique texture of Vibranium.
Erik introduced it like a salesman, "According to your request, the interior is filled with memory foam borrowed from Stark Industries, and the surface is covered with the softest Alpha Star velvet."
"Moreover, this is not just a flying vehicle. It integrates a neural connection system, so you can directly control its flight path, speed, and even altitude with your mind, as smoothly as controlling your own limbs."
Frieza circled the pod, his fingers gently sliding across the cool and smooth surface.
"It's not bad."
He leaped gently and sat elegantly in the cockpit, sinking into it. The feeling was like being wrapped in clouds, soft and firm, perfectly fitting every inch of his back.
"Mmm..."
Frieza let out a comfortable sigh and crossed his legs.
"This cushion is much more comfortable than Irani's broken chair."
With a thought—
Buzz!
The anti-gravity engine under the cockpit emitted a barely audible hum, steadily holding him up.
Forward, backward, rotate, emergency stop.
There was no discomfort caused by inertia, as stable as if he were standing still on the ground.
"And this, Lord Frieza."
Erik pointed to a button on the side of the cockpit. "If you encounter sandstorms or a space environment, you can activate this."
Frieza moved his mind.
Tzz—
A layer of light red, translucent energy shield instantly rose, like an inverted bowl, perfectly sealing the cockpit opening.
"Energy cockpit cover?"
Frieza knocked on the energy wall, making a crisp sound.
"How is the defense?"
Erik said proudly, "Enough to withstand a direct nuclear strike. This is a combination of the Nova Corps' shield technology and my magnetic field shield, double insurance."
"Oh-ho-ho..."
Frieza removed the shield and let out a satisfied laugh.
"Well done, Erik."
"This is the way the emperor of the universe should travel. Finally, I don't have to fly around myself, that's just too degrading."
Frieza sat in the hovering pod, looking down at Erik. "Since your craftsmanship is so good, you should be able to handle the next task, right?"
"Please give your orders, Lord Frieza."
"I want a fleet."
Frieza held out one finger. "Ten thousand ships. Build me ten thousand cosmic battleships according to the craftsmanship standards of this pod."
"Whether it's dismantling the buildings on this planet or hollowing out Earth's core, in short, I want the best materials and the strongest firepower."
"One month."
Frieza's eyes became sharp. "Within a month, I want to see them parked in front of my reviewing stand."
A trace of fanaticism flashed in Erik's eyes.
If it were before, this would definitely be an impossible task.
But now?
All the resources on this planet were at his disposal, all the factories were running day and night, plus his superpower to control metal...
This was a feast for an industrial maniac.
"No problem, Lord Frieza."
Erik responded, "With all the productivity of Planet Frieza-002, I guarantee to complete the task."
"Very good."
Frieza nodded in satisfaction, controlled the hovering pod to turn around, and prepared to fly back to the top floor to enjoy his lunch.
However, just as he flew out of the factory gate and into the air—
Boom!
A blue figure fell from the sky like a meteorite, heavily smashing onto the plaza in front of Frieza, stirring up a cloud of smoke.
"Lord Frieza."
The smoke cleared, revealing Apocalypse's blue face.
"Hmm?"
Frieza stopped the hovering pod and frowned unhappily.
"Apocalypse, are you trying to scare me to death with your recklessness?"
"I dare not."
Apocalypse quickly knelt on one knee, but the fighting spirit in his eyes could not be concealed.
"Lord Frieza, we have work."
Apocalypse pointed to the azure sky above, his tone filled with a bloodthirsty desire. "Our radar just detected that a huge fleet has warped to the vicinity of Planet Frieza-002's orbit."
"The number is large and..."
"That's Sanctuary II, Thanos's flagship."
"And those disgusting Chitauri."
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Frieza's originally lazy expression instantly became lively.
He sat in the hovering pod, leaning forward slightly, his scarlet eyes flashing with dangerous light.
"Thanos?"
"And those Chitauri?"
Frieza shook his head helplessly and sighed.
"Really..."
"Didn't I already destroy their mothership on Planet Frieza 001?"
"What? Haven't you had enough of the fireworks last time?"
"These insects... Do they not learn from their mistakes? They actually dare to chase here to die?"
Frieza's lips curled into an extremely arrogant sneer.
He gently patted the armrest of the hovering pod. "Just right. I just got a new vehicle and am worried about not having a place to test drive it."
"Since they are so enthusiastically offering themselves up, let's not be impolite."
Frieza waved his hand. "Pass down the order. Ginyu Force, assemble."
"Accompany me into the sky. Let's go meet them."