Marvel : Super Soldier at the Start

Thanos's methods were truly extraordinary. When his army descended, it wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it was absolute dominance. The Sanctuary III, significantly larger than a Celestial's severed head, loomed ominously above the skull-shaped structure. 

There was no immediate attack or communication. Instead, a video was broadcast. It showed Thanos seated on his towering throne, surrounded by subordinates of varying species and physiques. 

The closest figure to the screen was Ebony Maw. "Gamora, and whoever else is with you—I don't care who you are. Lord Thanos has arrived. You have fifteen minutes to deliver the Collector to us, and all involved in this matter must kneel before Lord Thanos and beg for forgiveness. Otherwise..." 

The video abruptly ended. 

This broadcast was synchronized to every communication device within the area. Within a minute of its transmission, dozens of ships launched from the Celestial's skull, only to be immediately targeted and destroyed by the Sanctuary III's energy cannons. 

The wreckage served as a warning. No one else dared to risk an escape attempt. 

To ensure no one slipped through the cracks, over a dozen donut-shaped warships emerged from the Sanctuary III, spreading out to encircle the entire skull structure. 

"What do we do? We can't reach Blake. It looks like they've blocked all external communications," Natasha said, glancing at the repeated "connection failed" messages on her screen. 

"They've definitely blocked us," Tony replied, holding a communicator in his hand. "I tried contacting Xandar and Earth just now—same result. We're on our own." 

"If Thanos is as terrifying as the rumors say—and I mean *if*—then we could just use your ship to break out of here. After all, you've got the galaxy's best pilot right here," Rocket said, pointing to himself. 

He was referring to the *Wright*, the ship they'd built back on Earth. Rocket had coveted that ship for ages and wouldn't mind using it to take on the Sanctuary III head-on. 

"That's a last resort," Thor said lazily from the sofa, stretching out his hand. Mjölnir flew into his grasp as he added coldly, "We're not giving up on this place so easily. And if it does come to a fight, who needs to escape might not be as certain as you think." 

… 

Aboard the Sanctuary III's bridge, Thanos sat silently on his throne, his massive frame radiating an oppressive aura. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest, the only sound breaking the tense silence. 

Ebony Maw and the rest of his generals stood at attention on either side of the throne. Aside from Maw, none of the others had moved an inch. 

"Only two minutes remain, my lord. Allow me to go retrieve Gamora and the Collector. I will not fail you," Ebony Maw offered, stepping forward. 

Thanos didn't reply but gave a slight nod, gesturing toward Nebula. 

"Understood, my lord!" 

Maw immediately understood Thanos's intention: he was to take Nebula with him. However, with time still remaining and Thanos's word being absolute, Maw returned to his position, waiting obediently for the two minutes to pass. 

The bridge fell silent once more, save for the steady rhythm of Thanos's fingers tapping against the throne's armrest. 

As the seconds ticked by, the sound of his tapping became a metronome for the generals, each of them counting down silently in their minds. Suddenly, the massive screen opposite the throne flickered to life. 

It was an incoming transmission from Gamora. 

"That traitor dares to send a transmission?" Nebula snarled, stepping forward and dropping to one knee. "Don't bother answering, Father. Let me end her life and bring you what you desire." 

Thanos cast a glance down at Nebula. A single look was enough to send a shiver through her, and she trembled visibly as she knelt before him. 

"She is your sister. Remember that," Thanos said in his deep, commanding voice. "Answer the call. Let us see what my daughter has to say." 

Nebula's eyes flashed with brief fury but quickly returned to submission. She rose to her feet and went to connect the call. 

The screen displayed Gamora's upper body. Beside her was a transparent container holding none other than the Collector, trapped inside. 

The Collector gazed at Thanos in the video with an expression of delight, but Thanos didn't spare him a single glance. Instead, his attention was entirely focused on Gamora. 

"My daughter has grown up and wants to leave her father's side. But if that's the case, you should first hand over the person standing next to you," Thanos said. 

His completely different demeanor toward Gamora caused Nebula, standing nearby, to grow even more resentful, her eyes filled with bitterness. 

"This guy is of no value to you," Gamora said, her tone calm. "The Power Stone isn't in his possession. If you want it, come down and get it yourself—alone." 

Despite facing Thanos directly, Gamora seemed oddly relaxed. Yet everything she had seen on Vormir weighed heavily on her heart, leaving her feelings toward Thanos deeply conflicted. 

She knew, without a doubt, that this "father" did love her. Yet she couldn't forget the ending she had witnessed—herself being sacrificed for the Soul Stone. That bitter realization left her emotions in turmoil. 

"My daughter wishes to see me. How could I refuse?" Thanos said with a smile before closing the communicator. 

Ebony Maw stepped forward immediately, trying to dissuade him. "Your daughter is stalling for time, my lord. They do not deserve to have you come down in person. Allow me to go instead. I will bring the stone back to you." 

"That won't be necessary," Thanos said, waving his hand dismissively. 

He rose from his throne, grabbing the massive weapon known as the Blade of the Dead with ease. He spun it gracefully, its weight seeming inconsequential in his hands. 

Ebony Maw opened his mouth to argue further, but a single glance from Thanos silenced him. His intense gaze left no room for debate. 

"Then we shall await your triumphant return here, my lord," Ebony Maw said, stepping back into his place. 

… 

On the Avengers' side, the Collector had overheard every word of the conversation between Thanos and Gamora during the call. Realizing he had lost all remaining value, he frantically gestured from inside the transparent container, desperate to communicate something. 

Unfortunately, the container was soundproof, and none of the group paid much attention to what he was trying to say. 

Having arranged for Thanos to come down, a battle was now inevitable. The team exchanged glances, adjusted their equipment, and then marched out of the Collector's building as one. 

After walking two streets, they arrived at an open plaza, where Thanos was already waiting. His massive blade was planted firmly in the ground, and he stood tall, exuding an aura of dominance. 

"This place is spacious," Thanos remarked, his voice calm and steady. "It'll give us room to fight without restrictions. I know my daughter well—you won't hand over the stone so easily, will you?" 

He looked at Gamora, his face still carrying that faint, unsettling smile. 

"The Power Stone has already been given to someone else. You can give up on it," Gamora replied, unable to suppress her frustration. "Why must you insist on carrying out your plan? Isn't the current situation good enough as it is?" 

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