Vormir. A massive ring-shaped spacecraft landed here.
Thanos descended the gangway with Gamora and looked at a snow-capped mountain illuminated by faint sunlight in the distance. "The Soul Stone had better be on that mountain. Otherwise, your friends and your Sister will be finished."
Gamora said nothing. Thanos did not care and headed straight for the snowy mountain.
The mountain was not especially tall, and the blizzard was not too fierce. After walking for more than ten minutes, the two neared the summit.
"Welcome, Thanos, Son of Alars."
"Gamora, Daughter of Thanos."
A tattered black cloak floated in midair, blocking their only path forward as a hoarse voice spoke.
"You know us?" Thanos asked.
"I am cursed to know everyone who comes to this place."
"Where is the Soul Stone?"
"You should know... the price of obtaining it is immense."
Thanos took several steps forward, his resolve unwavering. "I am prepared."
"We all thought so at first." The black cloak drifted down dismissively. A faint light illuminated his face—a red skull.
Red Skull had once been Hydra's leader during World War II. During his final battle with Captain America, the Space Stone's energy had transported him here, where he had remained ever since.
Compared to more than half a century ago, Red Skull's face was now filled with the weariness of age, as though merciless time and solitude had washed over it again and again.
"But we were all wrong."
Red Skull said nothing more and silently led them to the mountaintop.
Between two rows of massive Stone Pillars lay a road cracked by wind and snow. Broken branches and shattered rocks littered the ground, while at the end stood two symmetrical giant boulders soaring into the clouds.
"How are you so familiar with this place?" Thanos asked.
"In my