"What does that have to do with ordering an attack on Asgard?" Wanda asked in confusion.
"Because the Goddess of Death is even more unreasonable than Thanos and the Reality Stone," Aaron said half-jokingly. "I can't just make a move. If we wanted to get away unscathed without drawing Hela's attention, we had to abandon ship and run before he altered reality."
"But I've never suffered such a huge loss in my life."
"Thanos wouldn't naively believe that a few Infinity Stones gave him the capital to challenge Hela, either. If he didn't want Hela to notice him, he had to make collecting the Space Stone more difficult.
"Before erasing us, he had to erase those shells first. That gave us room to maneuver and a chance to negotiate."
"Just as I expected, Thanos didn't want to take unnecessary risks either.
"Before obtaining the Space Stone, he probably won't attack us again.
"Maybe he's feeling touched by his own mercy right now!"
"You seem to know him quite well," Loki said with an intrigued smile. "Did you study him specifically?"
"Give me a break! I've only met him a few times. What the hell could I know about him? But the education I received growing up made me understand villains better than most people.
"Putting aside their goals and whether they're right or wrong, most villains possess qualities and convictions rarer than those of heroes. But they also share the same flaws." Aaron paused. "They're conceited. They always think fate is on their side, with this inexplicable confidence that everything is under their control."
Loki rubbed his nose, feeling somewhat called out.
When he had invaded Earth with the Chitauri army, he seemed to have had that very mindset.
"So we're at peace with Thanos for now," Banner said thoughtfully.