Are You Familiar With Death?

"I need the Reality Stone in your hand." Thanos stated his purpose bluntly.

Xiang Qian noticed something interesting. Although Thanos's voice was stiff and brimming with determination, he did not sound commanding or harsh. The tone in which he politely made a request rather than a demand, when listened to closely, even carried a faint hint of pity.

Only when someone believed that what they were doing was right, while harboring no hostility toward enemies standing on the "wrong" side, would that sense of "pity" arise.

No matter how he thought about it, it felt awkward. To Thanos, anyone opposing him was apparently a group of ignorant fools—both pathetic and pitiful.

"If you wanted it, why didn't you come to Earth to find me sooner? Hearing you ask so politely, I might have agreed long ago."

"That would have been dangerous. The Scarlet Witch, the Phoenix Force, and all manner of superpowered individuals. I tried, but I failed. Until I found the right opportunity, I would not make a second reckless attempt."

"Now that you mention it, my coming to Asgard does seem rather reckless. Knowing someone is after the Infinity Stones, yet carrying one around everywhere."

"I think so too. So hand over the Stone. You are isolated and without aid now."

Xiang Qian and Thanos traded words, the atmosphere calm as though two acquaintances were chatting. But someone nearby could no longer stand listening.

Thor shouted indignantly, "What do you mean, isolated and without aid? He is a friend of Asgard, standing on Asgardian soil. We will not let our friends stand alone."

Thanos cast Thor a cold glance. "I sincerely advise you to worry about your people before worrying about your friend. My subordinates will land on Asgard in approximately one minute. Your scattered soldiers likely lack