If There Was No Torchlight Thereafter, Beckett Would Be the Only Light

To be honest, the Time Stone is exactly what Hela wants, and she really wants it.

After all, not long ago she made a promise to her future father-in-law Thanos, saying that she would give him the last Infinity Stones that still existed on Earth— the Time Stone.

However, she had considered many ways to seize it by force these days, but she never expected that the current Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange, would voluntarily hand over the Time Stone to her.

Used as bargaining chips in transactions.

"And what about him?" Out of caution, Hela did not reach out to take it, but instead turned her gaze to Thor, who was bound hand and foot, behind the Sorcerer Supreme.

Strange's behavior seemed truly unusual to her, and she suspected there might be a bomb involved.

Especially with her foolish younger brother standing right next to her.

"As I said before, so is he."

Strange shrugged and withdrew his hand, but did not put the Time Stone back around his neck.

It's strange, really.

Strange had expected Thor to rebel, but to his surprise, the prince who had sat on the throne of Asgard for 1,600 years seemed to have sealed his mouth shut, saying nothing and just staring intently at Hela.

There was no anger, only utter calm.

The calmness was Central City unbelievable to Strange.

So cooperative?

"Since that's the case..."

"Then tell me, what do you want?"

Since it's a transaction, Hela naturally has to pay a price.

A Time Stone plus Thor — Strange's offer was undeniably generous. It was precisely because of this that Hela was curious about what this man wanted from her.

"Beckett," Strange raised an eyebrow and gave his answer.

"What?"

"I want to see Beckett, but unfortunately I haven't gained his trust yet. So, I'm giving you the Time Stone and Thor Odinson in exchange for a chance to meet Beckett."

"An opportunity for a peaceful meeting." Strange added at the end, fearing Hela might misunderstand.

"Why?" Hela walked step by step to the top of the steps, sat proudly on the throne, and her majestic aura instantly pressed down on Strange below the steps.

"This universe is in danger, and the only one who can save it right now is Beckett," Strange told the truth without any concealment.

"Saving the universe?"

In the Dark Order Quadrant, Thanos stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Ebony Maw floating in front of him, with the other Black Order lying around him in disarray.

Including Beckett, who was in a coma.

A minute ago, Black Order Ebony Maw suddenly attacked everyone who had attended the secret meeting, leaving Thanos alone in the center of the hall.

Even Beckett couldn't withstand a single blow from Ebony Maw and fell into a coma, not even having time to switch to Super Saiyan form.

"Thanos, you must save this universe."

This was the first thing Ebony Maw said to Thanos after he cleared the area.

"It's ironic to hear you say that." As a survivor of the Eternals and a renowned scientist on Titan, Thanos was extremely familiar with the energy fluctuations emanating from Ebony Maw.

One of the gods in cosmic legends, but no one has ever seen his physical form.

Including Thanos.

Thanos knew this because there were traces left by this person on Titan back then.

He has studied it.

"You have always been dedicated to maintaining the balance of resources in the universe, Thanos. So we believe you are well-suited to handle this matter."

"That's because you've remained indifferent to it all along." Thanos sneered, showing absolutely no respect for the legendary god who had taken over Ebony Maw's body.

If these gods were capable of anything, Thanos would probably be an old farmer growing vegetables and washing melons by now.

"The cosmic invasion war has begun. Your adopted son destroyed Sakaar where the Grandmaster resides, and has already triggered the Galactus."

Ebony Maw glanced at the unconscious Beckett on the ground, his silver eyes devoid of any emotion.

"That was my order." Thanos took the responsibility upon himself without a second thought.

"But the invasion of another universe was caused by your adopted son." Ebony Maw showed no anger and directly pinned the blame on Beckett.

"Are you afraid?" Thanos's face showed a rare hint of sarcasm.

"This is war, Thanos."

"All the gods have been held back, and Odin is dead."

"Now, the only one capable of stopping this invasion is you."

Thanos's eyes flickered upon hearing this, as if he had heard something interesting.

"No, if this war really breaks out, then the only one who can stop this invasion is Beckett." Thanos's eyes revealed undisguised pride when he spoke of his most beloved adopted son.

"He is not from this universe, Thanos, you should know that very well."

"No, he is. He is my son, and that will never change."

"He is not recognized by the rules."

"Then let's break the old rules."

"..."

Thanos refuted all of Ebony Maw's accusations.

"Your son is no match for Darkseid." Ebony Maw shook his head, pointing out Beckett's fatal flaw.

Darkseid, as the strongest New God in another universe, was completely outmatched by Beckett, who was not recognized by the rules.

The war has begun, and this universe simply doesn't have time to wait for Beckett's breakthrough.

Who knows how long it will take him to break through.

Once the opposing forces between the two universes lose their balance, the invasion will be unstoppable.

"We can offer you our final assistance, Thanos."

"You are very smart, and you are able to make full use of your wisdom to fight Darkseid."

"Don't act unilaterally."

"I imagine you wouldn't want the entire universe to fall into its darkest hour because of your decision."

[Ebony Maw] was not angry, but continued to persuade in an extremely harsh tone.

"You're right."

Thanos chuckled, his kind gaze then falling on Beckett: "However, this doesn't apply to Beckett."

"You'll regret this, Thanos."

"After Titan was reduced to ruins, I will never do anything that I will regret."

Thanos's toughness was something Ebony Maw hadn't anticipated.

After being rebuffed, this supreme deity, symbolizing Eternity, departed from Ebony Maw's body.

Snap!

The unconscious Ebony Maw fell to the ground.

Thanos didn't care.

As he said, he believed in Beckett.

Even if the universe were to fall into its darkest hour, Thanos believed he would not let himself down.

If there were no torches after that, Beckett would be the only light in the universe.

This is Thanos's expectation of Beckett.

Because he is his successor.