Thanos's purpose for coming to Earth was the Infinity Stones.
"But the gem is safe with Aron, so we don't have to worry about that."
"What we really need to do…"
"That's to defend against the invasion of Thanos's fleet!"
…
"I suggest we take the initiative and strike first!"
"Thanos's main ship, the Sanctuary II, has an antimatter annihilation cannon."
"If we allow it to fire, Earth will be destroyed in an instant!"
"So, I propose…"
"We assemble a team, infiltrate the Sanctuary II, and disable or destroy that planetary cannon."
"Besides, Gamora knows the internal structure of the Sanctuary II well and can lead us straight to the main control room."
…
Avengers Headquarters
There was still time left before Corvus Glaive's fleet arrived on Earth.
Tony, Steve, Star-Lord, and the others were busily working on the war plan.
In fact, the general battle plan had already been decided.
Now they were discussing only the specific tactical ideas and the deployment of forces.
"If it's just a matter of infiltration, I don't think that will be a problem…"
"We have a mage who can open a portal and teleport us directly onto Thanos's ship."
At Tony's words, Mordo stood up.
Mordo had long been withdrawn and had neglected his own training.
Just when Aron thought this guy would go astray like in the comics, Tony or rather Coulson, extended a hand of cooperation to Mordo.
Mordo, perhaps realizing he would never become the Sorcerer Supreme, decided to find his life's purpose among the Avengers.
"As long as you give me precise coordinates," he said confidently, "I can open a portal."
It could be said that Mordo was now full of confidence.
Ever since he had joined the Avengers, he had felt what it was like to be part of a true, great mission.
After all, he was like a high-level player descending into a lower-level dungeon, the experience was almost thrilling.
…
"Mage, I know you can open the portal," Steve said thoughtfully.
"But have you thought about what we'll do if the infiltration team comes face to face with Thanos?"
…
"Maybe we need bait to lure him," Tony suggested.
"For example… taking out the Mind Stone."
He pulled the orange gem out of his pocket.
The other three Infinity Stones were with Aron, so they were considered safe.
Therefore, Tony thought using the Mind Stone as bait shouldn't pose a great risk.
"Pfft~~~"
Just as everyone was seriously discussing the plan against Thanos, a suppressed laugh sounded from the corner.
"Sorry," said Aron with a smile, "I just remembered something funny… you go on."
He sat to the side, watching the discussion and calmly eating noodles he had prepared for himself, as if the whole situation was amusing.
Aron hadn't told anyone the news about Thanos's disappearance.
In fact, he was somewhat skeptical about the arrival of Thanos's fleet himself.
If the leader was missing, would the army still blindly follow orders?
He had to admit, Thanos's generals and army showed incredible loyalty.
"Hello?"
"Are you the greatest hero in the world, Aron?"
Because of Tony's earlier bragging, Rocket Raccoon, who had admired Aron for some time, decided to seize the opportunity and approach him.
"That's right."
Aron readily accepted the title of the greatest hero.
"So, can you really defeat Thanos, as they say?"
"Thanos?"
Aron sneered with disdain.
"I'm saying it here and now, if Thanos dares to show up today, I'll smash that purple head of his!"
Aron knew Thanos wouldn't appear that day, so he could joke about him without worry. It was all empty talk, there was no need to test it.
But the other Avengers didn't know what was really happening.
Hearing Aron's words, they felt relieved and regained their confidence.
If the big man said so, then there was no reason to panic.
"I am Groot~"
"What's this little creature talking about?" Aron asked, noticing Groot on Rocket Raccoon's shoulder.
He didn't understand the language of the Colossi. He had to look to Rocket Raccoon for an explanation.
"Oh, he said: who's better, you or Kevin Bacon?" replied Rocket.
"I am Groot!"
"And now he adds, can he get your autograph later."
Rocket served as the translator for Groot.
"Small things do have eyes!" Aron thought, for the first time paying real attention to Groot.
Even though he didn't know who Kevin Bacon was, it didn't stop him from finding Groot likable.
He remembered that in the movie, Groot liked to play games.
"Not bad, a good seedling," Aron thought with satisfaction.
"No problem with the autograph, come to me, uncle will show you how to stay in good shape," he said with a smile.
Aron intended to "cultivate" little Groot in advance, to make him the strongest esports player in the Marvel universe and earn some points in the process.
While he chatted with Rocket and Groot, Tony and the others were deploying their combat forces.
Star-Lord, Gamora, Black Panther, Tekken, and Mordo formed the team for infiltrating the Sanctuary II, with the mission to disable the planetary cannon.
Iron Man, Hercules, Quicksilver, Ares, Drax, Rocket, and Groot formed the main strike team that would create the first line of defense in space.
Steve Rogers led the remaining members – Hawkeye, Black Widow, Daredevil, Luke Cage, and others, who were to stay on Earth, coordinate with the military, and form the last line of defense.
The deployment of forces was complete. Everyone was ready to proceed according to the plan.
Tony, with a bit of hope in his voice, approached Aron.
"Man, are you really not going with us into space?"
"If I go with you," Aron replied with a smile, "I estimate your fleet won't even make it past our first line of defense."
Tony could now be called a true fan of Aron.
He no longer had any doubts…
Ever since he had seen the demonic army under Aron's command and the terrifying ship Naglfar, he knew just how powerful Aron was.
Even if his personal strength were ignored, the army under his command alone was at a level comparable to what Thanos had.
"I already said, Thanos is mine, the rest is yours," Aron added calmly.
In his mind, he added: I came here to eat, and now they're asking me to fight? That's not how this works.
"Alright then…"
Tony was a little disappointed, but also satisfied.
Aron's laziness was well known to everyone.
It was enough that he promised to personally deal with Thanos.
"By the way… it looks like we have visitors," Tony added and turned toward the entrance.
"Hm?"
Just as the Avengers were completing their final preparations, suddenly a huge dog appeared in the room, followed by a girl through a teleport.
"People!" the girl shouted.
"I'm Crystal!"
"I'm warning you on behalf of the Inhumans from the Moon!"
"Thanos is coming!"
"Thanos is coming!"
As soon as Crystal appeared, she immediately issued the warning.
But after repeating the same words twice, she noticed that something was off about the atmosphere in the room.
"Hmm…"
"First of all, thank you for the warning," Steve said in a calm voice.
"Second… who do you think we're preparing to fight when we're this ready?"