Behind Thanos stood two figures.
One was a thin, eerie-looking man with sharp, monkey-like features and an unsettlingly elegant demeanor—Ebony Maw.
The other was a bald, half-human, half-cybernetic woman—Nebula.
Fenric's expression turned grim the moment he saw this lineup.
Nebula was not a serious threat, but Ebony Maw was another matter entirely.
Among the feared Black Order, Ebony Maw was considered one of the most dangerous.
His power—telekinetic manipulation—was similar to Fenric's telekinetic ability, but far more refined and deadly.
In Avengers: Infinity War, Ebony Maw's performance had been terrifying. He had effortlessly overwhelmed Doctor Strange and even toyed with Iron Man and Spider-Man, all while barely lifting a finger.
And standing next to him was someone far more terrifying—Thanos himself.
At that moment, Fenric actually felt the urge to use his Warp Bracelet and flee immediately.
If he hadn't known the original plot—if he didn't understand that Thanos was more of a cold idealist than a bloodthirsty maniac—he might have bolted already.
"Earthling, welcome," Thanos said at last, his deep voice carrying a strange weight. There was genuine curiosity in his tone as he observed Fenric.
"..."
Fenric exhaled slowly and replied with feigned respect,
"It's… an honor. I didn't expect to meet you here, Mad Titan."
Before Thanos could respond, Ebony Maw snapped sharply,
"Watch your tone! You dare call my lord by name? Show respect!"
Ebony Maw's eyes narrowed as he prepared to strike, but Thanos casually raised a hand to stop him.
"You know me?" Thanos asked, tilting his head, his voice surprisingly calm.
"Of course. You are Thanos, the Conqueror. Your name is known even on Earth," Fenric answered, his gaze unwavering.
Fenric ignored Ebony Maw's menacing glare. While the telekinetic warrior was powerful, Fenric wasn't exactly weak.
If it came to a direct fight, the outcome was far from certain.
Doctor Strange had been utterly crushed by Ebony Maw because Strange's physical resistance was too weak. Fenric, however, was protected by Armament Haki and monstrous strength. Even telekinetic binds might not hold him.
"Since you know me," Thanos said with a faint smile, "why stand against me?"
"The Earth is my home," Fenric replied with a casual shrug. "I can't just watch you destroy it."
This was, of course, pure nonsense. To Fenric, this world was just another mission instance. He was only pretending to care.
Thanos studied him for a moment, seemingly convinced.
"Interesting. I will give you an opportunity. Serve me. If you pledge loyalty, I will ensure Earth remains unharmed."
"..."
Fenric blinked, feigning surprise. He hadn't expected Thanos to actually recruit him.
But after a moment of thought, it made sense.
Thanos had sent Loki to retrieve the Infinity Stones. Clearly, Loki had failed—Fenric's presence aboard the warship was proof of that.
Thanos knew Earth was dangerous, and he wasn't ready to confront it personally until certain key defenders—like the Sorcerer Supreme—were no longer obstacles.
Recruiting Fenric was his way of using an Earthling to do his work.
Fenric pretended to hesitate.
"If I were to serve you… you promise you won't invade Earth?"
In reality, he was stalling for time.
There was still over an hour left on his mission timer. If he used his Warp Bracelet now, there was a chance Thanos could still pursue him.
But if he delayed until the very end of the mission, he could vanish back to Samsara Space safely, no matter what happened.
Fenric still had an Ark Ferry Ticket, which would teleport him instantly to a safe location, but that item was worth 65,000 points!
Using it now would be a colossal waste.
Ebony Maw sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
"How dare you question the word of my lord? Lord Thanos never breaks his promises!"
Fenric gave him a flat, uninterested glance.
"Your flattery skills are impressive," he said dryly before looking back at Thanos.
"Give me some time to think it over."
Thanos frowned slightly. Normally, anyone who didn't immediately accept his offer would be executed on the spot.
But Fenric was different.
Thanos needed someone strong—and someone who understood Earth.
"How long do you need?" Thanos asked. "My time is valuable. Don't test my patience."
"One hour," Fenric replied casually. "I'm… slow to make decisions. I need to think through what it would mean to serve you."
Thanos narrowed his eyes but, after a pause, nodded.
"Fine. One hour."
Fenric sat cross-legged on the floor, pretending to meditate deeply.
Thanos, Nebula, and Ebony Maw watched in silence.
The latter two looked extremely impatient, but none of them dared to speak while Thanos tolerated it.
(Side note: In the comics, Ebony Maw is notorious for his manipulative flattery and cunning schemes. The movie version downplays this trait, so I'm leaning closer to the comic portrayal.)