Although this replica Infinity Gauntlet was something Ronan really wanted, he still had some reservations about it.
The reason was simple: could a replica truly harness the power of the Infinity Stones?
No, to be more precise, could the gauntlet allow the wearer to use the Stones without paying a huge price?
Throughout the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, only a handful of people could use the Infinity Stones.
Thanos was one, Loki another, and then there were people like Ronan and the Sorcerer Supremes from Kamar-Taj.
But aside from Thanos, whether it was Loki or Ronan, they only used one Stone at a time.
The former was a god, and the latter had unique magical support.
So when they used the Stones, they could resist the side effects.
Yes, don't think using the Infinity Stones comes without side effects. Not only are there side effects, but they are also significant.
Ronan had used the Time Stone before, but it was only with the unique spells of Kamar-Taj that he could wield it.
As for the other Stones, he couldn't use them at all.
That's why Ronan wanted this replica gauntlet so much.
However, he also had concerns.
Remember, in Avengers: Endgame, Tony Stark made an Infinity Gauntlet, but its effect was limited to snapping fingers.
Ronan had seen firsthand that when Thanos fought Captain Marvel, even while wearing the gauntlet, Thanos struggled for a tie.
And that gauntlet had the Power Stone on it!
In the end, Thanos had to take the Power Stone out of the replica gauntlet to punch Captain Marvel away.
But the real Infinity Gauntlet didn't need that.
Whether it was on the nearly destroyed planet Titan, where Thanos faced Tony Stark and Doctor Strange, or during the battle on Earth, he used multiple Stones without ever taking them out of the gauntlet.
For example, after Scarlet Witch killed Vision, Thanos merely waved his hand to rewind time and restore the Mind Stone.
This clearly showed the difference between the real gauntlet and the replicas.
If this replica could only be used for snapping fingers, then what good would it be for Ronan?
After all, snapping a finger and sacrificing his life? Ronan wasn't that foolish!
That's why Ronan hesitated.
"By the way, can this Infinity Gauntlet even work?"
Ronan looked at Thor.
Since he wasn't sure, he decided to ask someone who might know.
"Uh, I'm not sure either," Thor replied.
"But from what my father told me, this thing has been sitting here for years. It's supposed to be a replica."
Thor glanced at the Infinity Gauntlet, unaware of the fear it would bring him in the future!
You don't know either?
Ronan couldn't help but frown in disappointment.
If this thing turned out to be useless, wouldn't he be making a huge mistake by picking it?
So Ronan hesitated again.
"But I heard my father mention before that this gauntlet used to have a Stone on it."
"However, he later hid that Stone away."
Thor had provided a new clue!
Wait, what?!
Ronan's mind jolted.
There was once a Stone on this gauntlet?
Doesn't that mean there's a good chance it was used with the Infinity Stones before?
Could it be possible that this replica could use the power of the Stones but not for snapping fingers?
If that were true, it would fit Ronan's needs perfectly!
"I have an idea. Can I take this thing back and try it out first?"
"If I can use it, I'll keep it."
"When you next go to Earth, you can bring me that thing."
"If I can't use it, we can exchange it for something else."
Ronan pointed to the Orb of Agamotto.
He had once tried using the Time Stone to observe his own future, but unfortunately, he couldn't see anything.
Plus, ever since he traveled to alternate dimensions, people kept causing him trouble.
That's why the Eye of Agamotto, which could predict dangers and discern magic, was his best choice.
If there's danger, I'll be prepared for it!
"Hmm…"
Thor began thinking, which was rare for him.
Originally, he had planned to use this opportunity to ask Ronan for a favor—specifically, to help during Ragnarok.
But as Odin's eldest son and the next king of Asgard, Thor found it hard to ask a mortal for help.
It felt shameful for a god to ask a mortal.
But Ronan, being the clever guy he was, instantly saw through Thor's thoughts.
Initially, Ronan didn't want to get involved in the war. After all, no one knew how strong Hela was.
All he knew was that even fully awakened Thor was as weak as a little chick in front of her.
He had no chance.
Only because you're too weak.
So, according to Ronan's logic, there was no way he'd foolishly risk his life.
However, when he saw this treasure-filled vault in front of him, even though some items were likely replicas…
It was too tempting!
All these treasures… it would be such a waste to let them be destroyed with Asgard.
They probably didn't want to experience the suffering of war either.
So, hearing their "pleas," Ronan decided to rescue them from disaster.
When Asgard is destroyed, I'll save them and put them in a "safe" place.
After all, Ronan's treasure vault currently only had the Space Stone and the Tyrant's Blade. Two treasures seemed a bit lonely.
Adding a few more companions wouldn't hurt.
"I know what you want to say!"
"Although I won't fight, as your friend, I'll promise you one thing!"
Ronan nobly patted his chest, looking like a hero ready to make a great sacrifice.
Thor was taken aback and looked at Ronan in confusion.
"When the time comes, I can use the secret portal to bring Asgard's civilians to Earth."
"As the God of Thunder and Asgard's warriors, you can fight to the death for Asgard. But civilians are innocent."
"So, as Earth's peace ambassador, I can help you save the elderly and children!"
"After all, they're innocent."
Ronan patted Thor on the shoulder with a look of "I'm doing this for your sake."
Thor was deeply moved by this.
What a great friend!
Without any worries, he could now fight with all his might to protect Asgard.
"Thank you!"
Thor was on the verge of tears.
Look at that—he's even thanking me.
By then, I'll be the protector of Asgard!
Thor couldn't help but raise his head and gaze into the distance.
Unfortunately, they were in a basement, and the backdrop wasn't great. Otherwise, his stance might have appeared heroic.
Meanwhile, Ronan didn't even glance at Thor.
His eyes were glued to the Infinity Gauntlet, and he couldn't help but smile.
"Hehehe, my precious~"