Cold light flickered in Loki's eyes, and while Thanos didn't nod in agreement, his expression obviously indicated the same.
So many master manipulators gathered together, intelligent but lacking in morals, what wasn't within their capability?
If it weren't for the fact that the Three Great Empires did indeed possess mutually assured destructive power, why else would they worry?
Indeed, these weapons might not be useful against the formidable entities of these civilizations. For instance, even if these three things explode simultaneously, they wouldn't harm the Iron Demon God. Even without his ascension, as long as Thanos could run fast and far enough, hiding in some remote corner, he could survive.
But just like the predicament faced by mutants, whether it's Earth, Asgard, or the Dark Quadrant, they all desire a prosperous interstellar society and their status within this civilized society, instead of guarding a desolate wasteland and starting over from scratch.
The short-term goal of Earth is interstellar colonization, Asgard wants to harness energy in a civilized manner to make up for the deficit in the World Tree, and Thanos wants to be the Universal Overlord - the kind that has territory, population, and power, not a lone wanderer in the cosmos.
What this means is, none of these three factions can use extreme methods to force the Three Great Empires to make way for them, because if any of them pushed too hard, the leaders of the three forces could perhaps survive, but their civilization and clans would definitely be destroyed completely.
Among these factions, Thanos has the least to lose since he currently has nothing. But he also clearly understands that if he angers the Three Great Empires, causing them to level the cosmos, then the powerful survivors from Earth and Asgard certainly wouldn't let him go either.
Hence, Thanos had given up early on the idea of seeking out the Infinity Gems to forge the Gauntlet. He realized that once this extreme violent measure is mishandled, causing the Three Great Empires to drag the cosmos down with them in their death throes and resulting in the social extinction of humanity, he definitely wouldn't be able to defeat the combined forces of the Iron Demon God, the King of Brightness, the Father of All Gods, and the Supreme Magician.
Because the formidable entities in this universe are individually powerful, Thanos hesitates to make a move. You could say that if Peter's universe had just one of the above-mentioned formidable entities, Thanos wouldn't dare snap his fingers, because he wouldn't bet that the powerful person capable of killing him would be among the 50% that would die.
It's always been the case that a strong individual and a prosperous civilization complement each other. Both Thanos and Loki understand this principle, so they can sit calmly at the table and reach a tacit understanding on some aspects, even starting to cooperate.
Only when the strong fear each other can the best balance be achieved.
"It seems that your universe is lacking not only in superheroes," Loki said with a frown, "This may be a bit troubling. I was originally thinking that you would find a way to locate Thanos and then pit one against the other. But now it appears that will be very difficult."
Thanos leaned back in his chair, revealing a cold smile as he said, "Don't expect me to confront another me. I don't have the Gauntlet and I can't beat him."
Peter was surprised that this Thanos so easily admitted his weakness, but Loki stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "Shiller let you leave the sanatorium not without thought. I think he's not just luring Nick out to see his current progress..."
"Shiller's favorite thing is to wrap a plan like a ball of yarn, achieving many different objectives with one action. He let you leave the sanatorium, knowing you would definitely go to your universe, knowing that Nick would definitely come to rescue you, knowing you would definitely ask Nick for help."
Loki pondered aloud, "Shiller knew you would ask Nick for help, and since Nick knows your enemy is Thanos and also knows that I'm in negotiation with our universe's Thanos regarding the Interstellar Tech Expo, he would definitely suggest you come and find me."
"If Shiller knows all this information, then he should also be able to conclude that you will eventually come to find me, which means, he believes that I can provide you with useful advice."
Loki drew out his words, seemingly having difficulty making any further deductions. Indeed, he did not currently have any particularly good advice to offer, but suddenly, as if struck by a sudden revelation, he said, "Wait, it's not that simple!"
Loki spoke in a low voice, "Shiller didn't let you come find me before I mentioned my cooperation with Thanos. It was only after I revealed to him Asgard's plans regarding the Interstellar Tech Expo that you showed up here, which implies, the key lies in... my new collaborator."
Having said this, Loki's gaze rested on Thanos' face. Then he remembered, Thanos wouldn't fall for any challenge. They were of a kind, placing dignity and face behind interests. Without sufficient interests, Thanos wouldn't take action.
Also, as Thanos himself said, what could he do even if he took action? He currently had no allies, territory, or Divine Artifacts. In fact, he might not even be able to overcome his counterpart armed with the Infinity Gauntlet.
Suddenly, Loki's expression froze momentarily. A look of comprehension flashed in his eyes, followed by a smile.
Thanos carefully observed Loki's expressions, also curious about what those virtue-lacking earthlings were planning to do.
Just then, he heard Loki ask Peter, "The Thanos of your universe, he should be the ruler of the Dark Quadrant, right?"
Peter pondered a while before replying, "He seems to be the leader of some force. He even has a fleet."
Loki opened his mouth, raised his head slightly in a knowing gesture, and then asked, "So, the Dark Quadrant of your universe should still be intact, right?"
"I don't know what that place is, but he indeed comes from somewhere far away," Peter replied, shaking his head.
"He should also have quite a few strong subordinates, right?" Loki asked knowingly.
"Oh, absolutely," Peter replied with a frown, "His subordinates are all quite powerful."
"The Infinity Gems and the Infinity Gauntlet should be pretty useful, right?"
"Definitely," Peter replied instinctively.
Then, Peter noticed that Thanos sitting opposite him had brighter and brighter eyes. He had a bad feeling about this, he slowly leaned back, even doubling his chin, looking terrified as he asked, "Wha- what are you planning?"
Next, under Peter's shocked gaze, Thanos revealed a brilliant smile.
The naïve Spider Man heard the purple-skinned giant ask him in a kind and even affectionate tone.
"Kid, you're Peter, right?"
"Come on, tell me about it. In another universe... oh, no, my long-lost beloved brother, how's he doing?"