Outside Angel, an enormous fleet of Kree warships loomed over the sky, their vast hulls casting shadows that darkened an entire cityscape. These battleships, adorned with the insignia of the Kree Empire, were not positioned for immediate conflict but to negotiate terms concerning Angel Star and the celestial domain constructed under Ragna 's rule.
Deploying such an armada would typically indicate a campaign as protracted as the Kree-Skrull War, a conflict that had raged for millennia. However, despite the Kree Empire's rigid military dictatorship, it had just concluded its relentless purge of the Skrulls. The empire, still occupied with the extermination of its ancient adversary, was unwilling to risk creating another formidable enemy. As a result, diplomacy—though often a secondary tool of the Kree—became the preferred approach.
"Mighty new god! The Kree Empire extends its highest regards!"
The lead envoy from the Kree, a high-ranking aristocrat of pure-blooded Kree descent, addressed Ragna with exaggerated reverence. His skin, an unmistakable deep blue, gleamed under the celestial light of Angel Star. However, the two deputy envoys flanking him displayed visible disdain. Though they performed the required salute, their gazes wandered with undisguised scrutiny across Ragna and the sacred architecture of the Holy Heavenly Palace.
"Has no one taught you not to look directly upon a god?"
A golden radiance flashed from Ragna 's eyes. Instantly, the insolent envoys clutched their faces, shrieking as blue blood mixed with tears streamed from their ruined eyes.
"I don't have time for these petty intimidation tactics," Ragna said indifferently, his gaze fixed upon the lead envoy. "If you couldn't claim it on the battlefield, what makes you think you can bargain for it at the table?"
Unshaken by his subordinates' agony, the Kree diplomat merely gestured. Several Kree guards promptly dragged the blinded envoys away for medical treatment. Kree physiology and their empire's advanced biotech ensured their sight would be restored soon.
However, as Ragna observed the lead envoy more closely, he sensed a formidable presence—an immensely powerful psionic force, rivaling that of a fourth-tier god.
"Indeed, mighty Aesir," the envoy acknowledged, his tone devoid of fear.
Then, as if an unseen force took hold, his blue eyes faded to white, and his entire demeanor shifted. The Supreme Intelligence, the artificial god-mind of the Kree Empire, had fully occupied his body.
"I am here with a single request: Cease your expansion into the rest of the galaxy," Supreme Intelligence declared. "In return, we shall sign a peace accord, ensuring non-interference with your dominion over the Andromeda Galaxy."
Ragna tilted his head, his senses piercing beyond the envoy's vessel into the mental construct of Supreme Intelligence. Strangely, its form within his mind's eye resembled Odin—an aging, one-eyed deity who had long since abandoned his conquest-driven ways.
"So, you're offering me recognition of my territories in exchange for halting further expansion?" Ragna mused before smirking. "Then let's be fair. If you immediately halt your conquests, I will sign a peace accord guaranteeing your rule over the Magellanic Clouds. Does that sound reasonable?"
The Magellanic Clouds, the very heart of the Kree Empire—a deliberate counteroffer meant to underscore the absurdity of Supreme Intelligence's proposal.
A cold silence followed. Then, Supreme Intelligence spoke again, devoid of emotion.
"Is this your stance, or Asgard's?"
Ragna chuckled. "I have no allegiance to Asgard. Odin now plays the role of a peacemaker. Ever since Hela's rebellion and the slaughter of Asgard's elite, he has lost all ambition for war."
The Supreme Intelligence paused, seemingly calculating the risk. Was Ragna 's claim genuine? Was engaging both him and Odin worth the cost?
Finally, it stated, "The territories you now occupy are remnants of the Skrull Empire. As the victors of the Kree-Skrull War, those territories should rightfully belong to us."
"And?"
"A fourth-tier god, even an Aesir, is not invincible."
The Supreme Intelligence, the singular mind behind Kree military doctrine, had long studied how to counter high-tier threats. It had orchestrated the Kree's clash with the Phoenix Force, engineered experiments on the Inhumans, and cultivated strategies for neutralizing cosmic-level beings.
"Moreover, while you command technology comparable to Bifrost, allowing instantaneous troop deployment, your core combat forces are severely lacking."
Indeed, years ago, when Ragna sought the Space Stone, he had encountered Kree Starforce units, including Yon-Rogg's elite squad. The Supreme Intelligence had cataloged everything—except the final battle where Carol Danvers, now Captain Marvel, awakened and annihilated their fleet. Had Yon-Rogg returned with that intelligence, the Supreme Intelligence might have been far warier of Ragna 's might.
"Your forces consist primarily of indoctrinated raiders and second-rate civilizations," Supreme Intelligence continued. "They are no match for the Kree's primary battle fleets."
A pause, then a calculated declaration:
"If the Holy Heavenly Palace wages full-scale war with the Kree Empire, we will simultaneously strike at multiple Faith Worlds within Andromeda. Your forces will be too stretched to respond in time."
There was no malice in its words—just a cold, factual analysis.
Ragna grinned. "Then why haven't you started the war already?"
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