Xandar possessed considerable military strength and enjoyed the protection of the Nova Corps, making it fairly well-known throughout the universe.
Otherwise, Star-Lord and his group would not have continued storing the Power Stone here back then.
Yet for some unknown reason, Xandar, once renowned for its prosperity and peace, had suffered one disaster after another in recent years.
Ronan, having obtained the Power Stone, had once come charging in with his hammer and blown up countless ships.
Just a few years after things had settled down, an even larger fleet now filled Xandar's orbit...
"It's Thanos's legion..."
Among the ships that had risen to establish a defensive line, the Nova Corps commander wore a grave expression.
Thanos's reputation was renowned throughout the universe.
Having replaced Odin and entered his "benevolent" phase, he bore the image of the Cosmic Overlord!
He conquered everywhere he went, staining his hands with countless lives. Whenever he conquered a race or civilization, he coldly slaughtered half its population.
That trait was even more terrifying than wiping out every enemy.
Those who survived would spread his terrifying reputation.
Just as the Nova Corps stood ready and activated their defensive force field,
a single-person craft flew in from beyond the atmosphere. There was only one person aboard, a gaunt, skeletal figure.
It was none other than Ebony Maw, one of Thanos's chief lieutenants!
In the original story, he had used a first-meeting ambush to defeat and capture Doctor Strange, who possessed the Time Stone.
"People of Xandar, I have come to negotiate."
Ebony Maw descended from his craft with an utterly calm expression, as though he did not care in the slightest that he stood beneath the enemy's guns.
"My master requires the Power Stone you protect. Hand it over, and we will leave. Otherwise, once we