Nidavellir, the home of the dwarves, is built around a massive neutron star. For the dwarves, this star is not only the forge they use to create magical weapons but also their primary source of light and heat. Surrounding the neutron star is a steel city forged from the strongest metals, where the dwarven people live and work.
Under normal circumstances, Nidavellir, as Asgard's super arsenal, would never be targeted. But Thanos was no ordinary foe.
"Demon, you will pay for this! Asgard will not let you go unpunished!" King Eitri of the dwarves glared defiantly at Thanos and his party.
Only five attackers had come, yet each possessed terrifying strength. Within half an hour, the dwarves had been overpowered and forced to their knees.
"Devil or god, it doesn't matter what people call me," Thanos said coldly, holding the massive Overlord Blade. "Forge me the Infinity Gauntlet to wield the six stones, and I'll spare half your people. Refuse, and your entire race will vanish."
Nearby, Ebony Maw raised a hand, and dozens of steel spears floated in the air, pointing menacingly at the dwarves who lay trembling on the ground.
"Don't expect anyone to come to your rescue," Ebony Maw continued in his soft, chilling voice. "I detest prolonged negotiations, so here's how it will go. Every hour you delay, thirty of your people will die. You have ten hours to complete the gauntlet."
Thanos's words were devoid of emotion, yet filled with murderous intent. According to his intel, Odin was not in Asgard, and his whereabouts were unknown. To Thanos, this was a perfect opportunity to test Asgard's limits. Confident in his advantage, he'd brought only his four trusted generals, striking swiftly to prevent the dwarves from buying time.
"Master, look out!" Ebony Maw shouted suddenly.
With surprising agility for his massive frame, Thanos dodged a fiery streak descending from the sky. A blinding light filled the area, forcing them to shield their eyes.
"Hey, Purple Potato King!" Thor's voice rang out, teasingly. "If you're that afraid of me, I could've waited and given you more time to prepare."
As the light faded, Thanos saw Thor and Wanda standing between him and the dwarven captives, with Thor gripping the mighty spear Gungnir.
Wanda raised her hands, red energy crackling between them. With a single gesture, the steel spears in the air twisted and collapsed to the ground like crumpled paper.
Thanos's gaze shifted to Gungnir, his expression darkening. "Gungnir… a dear, old friend. Though I doubt you're worthy of it."
"Worthy or not, Gungnir's missed you. Especially the feeling of knocking you senseless," Thor retorted, smirking.
"Silence!" Ebony Maw snarled, stepping forward in anger.
Thor sneered back. "Quiet, slave. Grown-ups are talking. You call this guy 'Great'? This coward who sneaks around the Nine Realms and hides when Asgard's armies are near? The same guy who'd wipe out half the universe's lives without reason or mercy? Titan birthed a disgrace like him, so it's no wonder that planet is a ruin."
The Black Order generals exchanged uneasy glances. Ebony Maw glanced at Thanos's face and saw that his usual purple hue had darkened to nearly black in anger.
Titan's downfall had always been a painful subject for Thanos. His homeworld had collapsed due to resource depletion, driving him to his grim philosophy of "balance."
Thanos's eyes narrowed, a furious smile creeping onto his face. I'll make sure Thor sees Asgard fall—and knows he was powerless to stop it.
"Shall we do this the usual way?" Thor taunted. "Or are you brave enough to face me head-on?"
"Oh, I'll make you regret this, Thor." Thanos sneered, lifting his massive blade and stepping forward slowly.
The Black Order watched carefully, focusing their attention on Wanda. Their master wanted to handle Thor himself, so they would ensure the magician didn't interfere. They were confident in Thanos's strength; their job was simply to keep an eye on her.
Thor tightened his grip on Gungnir, preparing for battle. When Thanos was only a few meters away, Thor suddenly glanced over his shoulder, then whistled.
"Hey, Meteor!"
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