Jason launched a grand purge on Xandar.
The once-vibrant capital was transformed into Jason's private palace. Millions of residents were driven out to eke out a living in the forests. Only those willing to sell their souls and become unfailingly loyal slaves were permitted to remain in the dream-like city.
During this time, remnants of the Nova Empire launched several counterattacks. However, these attempts at resistance were easily crushed by the warriors and fleets under Jason's command. The charred corpses of the Nova Corps piled up in a foul-smelling landfill outside the city, a grim contrast to the opulence within.
In just one month, having destroyed Ronan's fleet and conquered Xandar, the name "Jason Walter" echoed through the entire star system and spread through the galaxy like a virus.
The former Nova Empire headquarters had been transformed into Jason's private court. Anything that was useless or unpleasant to his eye was demolished and replaced with decadent luxury.
In the council hall, Jason sat upon a totem-carved throne. He had discarded his tight-fitting suit for soft, comfortable silks; he looked less like a conqueror and more like royalty. The hall's modern, minimalist style had been replaced by a scene of gilded splendor.
Valkyrie and the others stood on either side of the twenty steps leading up to the throne.
"The Power Stone and the Mind Stone. Out of the six, two are now in my possession," Jason's voice boomed through the hall.
"Master, did you call us here to search for the remaining four?" Valkyrie stepped forward.
"Indeed. I have a rough idea of the location of the Time and Space Stones, so you needn't worry about those. You are to find the final two: the Soul Stone and the Reality Stone."
Yondu stepped into the center. "Master, I've received intel. Someone once saw the Reality Stone."
Yondu and his Ravagers were mercenaries who roamed the galaxy for bounties. To succeed, they had to understand local customs and mingle with all sorts of people; naturally, intelligence was a priority. They were always the first to hear of unusual secrets.
"Oh? Tell me."
"About two years ago, someone spotted two Asgardians in a tavern carrying a mysterious box. From their conversation, it was clear that the Aether—the Reality Stone—was inside."
"So, the Reality Stone is on Asgard!" Jason's brow furrowed in annoyance.
Asgard—home to a group of beings who called themselves gods. Loki, the God of Mischief, was a weakling who didn't even warrant a direct fight; half the people in this room could best him. Thor, the God of Thunder, had power and potential, but he was impulsive and a bit of a buffoon. He might be able to wipe out the subordinates here, but he wouldn't last a single round against Jason.
Jason's real concern was Odin, the All-Father, who had once ruled the cosmos thousands of years ago. When Odin first visited Earth, humans were still in the Stone Age. Though time was a cruel mistress and the old king was well past his prime, no one knew how much of his divine power remained. Until he was fully prepared, Jason wasn't interested in crossing paths with them.
"No, that's not it," Yondu said, providing a turning point. "The two men slipped up in their cups. They said the Reality Stone couldn't stay on Asgard because keeping two Stones in one place would only invite slaughter and hatred."
"Their mission was to deliver the Stone into the hands of someone trustworthy. Unfortunately, they didn't mention a name."
Jason was silent for a long time. "It's a shame we don't have a specific target, but knowing the Stone isn't on Asgard is good news."
"Yondu, the Reality Stone is yours. You are responsible for following this lead."
"Understood!"
"Gamora, you take Peter, Rocket, and the others. Your mission is to find leads on the Soul Stone."
"Understood!"
With the missions assigned, only Valkyrie was left empty-handed.
"Master, do you want me to search for leads independently?"
"No," Jason shook his head. "I will need some time to fully absorb and master the Power Stone. During this time, Xandar is yours to govern."
"A tip: I've cordoned off a sector of the capital to welcome galactic tourists. Keep a close eye on it. You might find a surprise or two."
"Understood!"
With their tasks in hand, the group filed out of the hall. Jason walked down the steps and into a specially designed chamber for his meditation.
Absorbing a Stone took only days, but mastering its power took years. To speed the process, one had to cast aside trivialities, clear the mind, and focus entirely on the energy. This was a pattern Jason had discovered when he first absorbed the Mind Stone on Sakaar. It had taken him a long time to learn how to empty his mind and face his true self.
Thus, he left Xandar to Valkyrie and the hunt for the Stones to Gamora and Yondu. He had built this chamber specifically for this purpose. Everything was set to master the Power Stone as quickly as possible.
Let the process begin. He hoped the second Stone would take less time than the first.
In the infinite darkness of the deep universe.
*
A massive vessel was hurtling through space at an incredible velocity.
The Sanctuary II.
Its owner was the infamous Mad Titan, Thanos. News of Jason defeating Ronan and conquering Xandar had spread across the stars and eventually reached his ears.
"Ronan lost!"
Thanos was genuinely surprised. Ronan's own combat ability was mediocre; it was entirely possible for some unknown power to defeat him. However, Ronan had been wielding the Power Stone at the time. Truth be told, even Thanos wasn't confident he could have beaten Ronan then.
For Ronan to fall to a complete nobody in those circumstances was shocking. Either Ronan was so weak he couldn't tap into the Stone's potential, the Power Stone wasn't as strong as legend suggested, or this "Jason Walter" possessed power that rival the Stones.
If it were the first two, there was no cause for alarm. Thanos truly feared the third possibility. Thus, even though his grand plan for the Stones wasn't complete, he had to act early. He had to haul in a "small fish" he had been keeping in a pond for two years.
Two years ago, the Reality Stone had fallen into Asgardian hands. Whether it was brilliance or folly, Odin didn't want two Stones on Asgard, fearing it would draw unwanted attention. He decided to give the Reality Stone to someone he trusted.
Yondu's intel ended there, but Thanos's network was superior. He had a name.
The Collector—Taneleer Tivan.
And the destination of Sanctuary II was the planet he called home: Knowhere.
Calling it a planet was technically incorrect; Knowhere was the severed head of an ancient Celestial. Centuries ago, the Collector had arrived and sent mining crews into the skull to harvest organic material. Blood, bone, brain tissue, spinal fluid—all were rare and valuable. Furthermore, Knowhere was the largest black market in the galaxy; almost every high-priced item originated here. It was a place teeming with outlaws, where cruelty and crime happened every second.
The Sanctuary II exited the jump point and soon appeared near Knowhere.
This mission was of the utmost importance. Thanos, in a rare move, donned his helmet and carried his double-edged blade. He led a few of his subordinates onto a small craft and arrived at a bar on Knowhere. The group moved with an air of absolute authority and menace, and people scrambled to get out of their way.
The guards at the bar's entrance were nearly pissing themselves.
Thanos! Why was the harbinger of death here?
Thanos marched forward without a word.
"Where is Tivan?"
"In... in the collection room!"
"Take me there."
"Right away!"
The collection room was Tivan's favorite place. His greatest passion was collecting rare things from across the universe—artwork, household items, living things, dead things. If it caught his eye, he would pay any price to own it and put it in his room.
At this moment, Tivan was standing before a glass case, staring at the contents with a smile. It was his newest acquisition: a small child, less than five years old. The child came from a near-extinct race, with a head shaped like an ostrich egg, pointed ears like an elf, and skin as white as snow.
Suddenly, Tivan spotted a smudge on the glass. His smile vanished.
"Carina!"
"Yes, Master!"
A red-skinned woman standing nearby, rag in hand, trembled.
"Do your people have joints in their arms, or are they just decorative?"
"They have joints, Master!" Carina glanced at her arm and nodded quickly.
"Then move them and clean this room again. I shouldn't have to remind you what happened to the last servant who disappointed me!"
Carina looked up toward a glass case not far away. A red-skinned woman was locked inside, wearing electronic shackles on her wrists, ankles, neck, and forehead. These weren't just for restraint; they delivered timed electrical shocks—not enough to kill, but enough to make you wish you were dead.
A chill ran down Carina's spine. She dropped to her knees and began scrubbing the smudge with all her might.
Clack!
The doors to the room suddenly opened.
"Who gave you permission to enter!" Tivan spun around, shouting in rage.
"Master..." The guard stood at the door, shaking uncontrollably.
"What is wrong with you?"
Before the guard could speak, a massive purple hand shoved him aside.
Seeing the man walk into the room, Tivan's face went pale. He managed a forced smile. "Thanos. What brings you here?"
"Tivan. I heard that a few years ago, you received an Infinity Stone." Thanos removed his helmet and leaned his blade against the wall.
"Yes... that is correct." Tivan's eyes darted around nervously. "But it wasn't a trade. The Asgardians asked me to keep it safe."
Clearly, Thanos was after the Stone. This man was a warmonger, and Tivan couldn't afford to cross him. But Odin of Asgard was just as dangerous. The best move was to tell Thanos the truth. If he could use Odin's name to scare him off, great. If not, he'd at least have an excuse for Odin.
"Excellent. Give it to me now. I will keep it safe."
"I see..." Tivan was disappointed. It seemed Thanos was set on this. Fine. "Wait a moment. I will bring it to you."
A few moments later, Tivan returned with a square metal box. He placed it on the table and opened it slowly. A swirling mass of crimson liquid appeared.
"This is the Aether. The Reality Stone."
Thanos leaned in to examine it. Once he was sure Tivan wasn't lying, he suddenly remembered Ronan's defeat at Jason's hands.
"What else do you know about the six Infinity Stones?"
Tivan waved his hand, and a holographic image appeared in the air—a vision of the Big Bang and the creation of the six Stones. Thanos and Tivan were bored by the familiar story, but the servant Carina watched it with wide eyes.
"I know no more than you do," Tivan said.
Thanos was disappointed. "Then what do you think of Ronan?"
"Ronan had the Power Stone and was defeated by Jason Walter. I imagine you're curious why."
"Tell me."
"The answer is simple. Jason Walter has the Mind Stone. That is how he beat Ronan. Yes—the very Stone you once possessed. You mounted it on a scepter and gave it to Loki, and well..."
"So that's it."
With Tivan's explanation, the doubt in Thanos's mind was finally resolved.
"Name your price."
Tivan smiled and shook his head. "The Aether is not mine to sell. I am merely holding it for Asgard."
"I'm talking about the fee for the intel. I want everything you have on Jason Walter."
"Heh. You are too kind. That will take some time. I'll take a billion. Cash or transfer."
"Transfer."
As the two men were processing the payment via their chips, Carina suddenly lunged for the table.
"Carina! Back away!" Tivan shouted.
"I am never going to be your slave again!" Carina screamed. She reached out and grabbed the Aether.
BOOM!
A red shockwave rippled through the room. Tivan was sent flying. Thanos stood his ground, his gaze sharp as he stared at the woman.
"ARRRGH!!!"
Red veins infested her body. Seconds later, Carina was vaporized, and Tivan's collection room was reduced to a smoking ruin.
Thanos picked up the box and collected the Aether.
"I'm taking the Aether. You may tell Asgard. As for the intel on Jason, move quickly. I shouldn't have to come back here."
Tivan crawled out from the debris, covered in dust. "I understand. Don't worry!"
Thanos returned to Sanctuary II and left Knowhere immediately.
Six months later, a Ravager ship arrived at the station. Yondu had spent half a year tracking down the Aether, but he was one step too late.
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200 power stones.
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