Thanos finally smiled in satisfaction.
"Deal."
At that moment, the two cosmic overlords, each with their own agenda, reached a perfect "win-win" agreement.
In Thanos's view, he had successfully traded a tool for a powerful force no weaker than himself, bringing him one step closer to the Infinity Stones.
In Dago's heart, this was likewise a perfect transaction.
As a pawn Homelander had placed in the shadows, Dago's mission was to play the role of an unrivaled tyrant and spread pure fear throughout this universe.
But to accomplish that, relying on one person to wreak havoc everywhere was far too inefficient.
Building a force from scratch would waste too much time as well.
The easiest approach was to simply take what already existed.
The Black Order, an army renowned across the universe for slaughter, was practically a tool tailor-made for him.
Dago sneered inwardly.
"Your destiny is about to end, Thanos. And the fear of all living beings will begin with me."
Elsewhere.
The Vought Holy Crusader hovered quietly in orbit.
Beyond the panoramic window stretched a boundless sea of stars.
Brilliant nebulae flowed slowly across the black backdrop of space like vibrant paintings.
Ancient One sat cross-legged on a woven meditation cushion.
Her hands rested naturally on her knees, her eyes lightly closed as she faced the stars.
She had been sitting there for a long time. She had neither spoken nor moved.
It was as if she had become one with the silent universe.
Suddenly, Ancient One's previously relaxed brows furrowed slightly.
The usually composed Sorcerer Supreme even showed a trace of disorder in her breathing.
"Master, your mind seems rather unsettled."
Homelander's voice sounded behind her.
Holding a steaming cup of milk, he strolled over unhurriedly, a seemingly concerned smile on his face.
Ancient One slowly