I Created a Sanctuary in Marvel

Chapter 223 Laufey's Meeting with Thanos (Long Chapter)

As they traversed the subspace passage, Laufey stood alone by the bridge window, gazing at the distorted light and shadows outside.

His cold fingertips unconsciously rubbed the armrest of the throne.

He was gambling.

The fate of the Frost Giants is staked on this unprecedented battle.

He had heard of Thanos before, the Mad Titan!

He slaughtered half a planet to achieve what he called balance, his obsession with the Infinity Stones bordered on the pathological, and his Dark Order instilled fear in countless civilizations.

"Father, do we really need to come to this?"

A young voice came from behind me.

His adjutant, and also his youngest son, Cali, had never experienced a real war.

Laufey didn't turn around: "When Odin took the Casket of Ice, when Asgard banished us to the most desolate corner of the Nine Realms, we had no way out."

"Either we freeze into the dust of history in a slow decay, or we risk everything to reclaim our rightful place."

"Khorthanos—"

"Those who traded with him eventually became pawns on his chessboard."

Kali's voice was tinged with unease.

"So we need to make sure we're not expendable pawns."

"Malikis has his Aether, Surtur has his Eternal Flame, and I—have the hatred of all Jotunheim and the map of Odin's Treasury. We are not vassals of anyone, but allies who each take what they need."

Laufey finally turned around, her icy blue eyes flashing with a cold light.

He placed his hand on the other man's shoulder: "Remember, Kali, to survive in this universe, you either become a player or a pawn. The Frost Giants have been pawns for far too long."

The ship trembled slightly, and the navigator's voice came through: "Your Majesty, we are about to leave the subspace and enter the edge of the Dark Quadrant."

"Large-scale fleet signal detected — it is the Temple II and its escort formation."

Laufey took a deep breath, the chill condensing into tiny ice crystals inside the cabin: "Prepare the docking protocol. In my capacity as King of Jotunheim, request a meeting with Thanos."

He walked back to the throne and took a deep breath.

The anxiety in his heart was forcibly suppressed, replaced by the composure of a king.

He knew that every word he uttered next could determine the fate of his race.

Inside the command hall of Sanctuary II, Thanos sat on his throne, his gaze fixed on the photograph displayed on the holographic projection—the last transmission signal from the Chitauri.

In the photo, a black-haired human man floats above New York, crushing the core structure of a spatial portal with one hand.

Energy turbulence swirled around him, but his expression was eerily calm, as if he had done something utterly insignificant.

The background features a collapsing Chitauri mothership and Leviathan behemoths fleeing in all directions.

"Energy reading?"

Thanos's voice was deep.

Ebony Throat's slender fingers slid across the data panel: "Peak reached the Heavenly Father level threshold, duration unknown."

"The energy fluctuations released seem to be those of a deity."

"The power that ultimately stopped the portal was somewhat similar to divine power."

"A deity?"

Thanos repeated the word, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest of the throne.

His gaze shifted to the other projection, which was a model of the world tree of the Nine Realms, where the barriers between different realms were periodically weakening.

"The Unfamiliar God Ye Feng — Odin, the King of Asgard — The Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme —"

He closed his eyes, his mind racing as he processed the information.

"Owner."

"The spacecraft in Jotunheim requests access to communications."

General Corvus Glaive's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Thanos opened his eyes: "Jotunheim? The Frost Giant?"

"What do they want with us?"

"Connected! Stay alert."

He had some doubts, as he had never had any interaction with the Nine Realms.

The only action he took was making a deal with Loki when Loki was exiled.

When Laufey's icy projection appeared in the center of the hall, Thanos immediately saw through the Frost Giant's resolute determination.

He was all too familiar with the resolute determination in the Frost Giant's eyes, a determination to fight to the death.

That's the look in a gambler's eyes when they've bet everything.

The negotiations were as difficult as Laufee had anticipated.

Thanos's questions all went straight to the heart of the matter, and the Obsidian Generals' questions were as sharp as knives.

When Laufey offered the Mind Stone and Space Stone as the price for Thanos's invasion of Earth, Ebony Maw's sneer was undisguised: "How generous! Using stones that rightfully belong to your master to get him to risk his life for you?"

"Your Majesty Laufey, your scheme is so elaborate that it can be heard throughout the entire Dark Quadrant."

Laufey remained calm: "The gem is currently in Ye Feng's hands. Without our plan, how do you expect to take it from him?"

"To launch a full-scale attack on a planet guarded by two Celestial-level powerhouses and three Infinity Stones?"

"Even if we win, what price will your army pay? And if we successfully disrupt the Nine Realms, Asgard will be too busy to help itself, leaving Ye Feng isolated and helpless—"

"Your plan is based on too many assumptions."

"Assuming you can conquer Asgard, assuming Ye Feng doesn't interfere prematurely, assuming Odin isn't affected by divine power—"

"General Corrupt Blade said hoarsely."

"Therefore, we need Lord Thanos's power as insurance."

"If the plan goes smoothly, you will obtain two gems at minimal cost."

"If unforeseen circumstances arise, your army will be the decisive force that shifts the balance. In any case, this war will greatly weaken the Nine Realms, clearing obstacles for your future plans."

"Moreover, as long as we obtain the Eternal Flame and Surtur reclaims his rightful power, then reaching the Heavenly Father level won't be a problem!"

Laufey turned to Thanos, knowing that the final decision rested with him.

Thanos listened in silence, his gaze piercing through Laufey's projection, as if assessing something deeper.

Finally, he spoke: "Malekis and Surtur—have they agreed to form an alliance?"

"Malikis is on his way to Muspelheim."

"The contract will be concluded within three days."

Laufee answered truthfully.

"Surtur————"

"Ragnarok. Are you truly ready to unleash that power?"

Thanos tapped the armrest lightly with his finger.

He had heard of this fire giant.

After all, the Space and Time Stones have been in the Nine Realms for a long time, and he has explored many secrets of the Nine Realms and has always been paying attention to this area.

Laufey felt a chill run down her spine—Thanos's understanding of the Nine Realms was deeper than she had imagined.

"We will only unleash power sufficient to destroy Asgard. Surtur's wrath will be directed solely at Asgard."

"The flames will never burn only the targets you designate."

"But that's not something I need to worry about."

"Tell me, Laufey, when you get everything you want—the Aether, the Casket of Ice, the ruins of Asgard—you will become the new rulers of the Nine Realms."

"At that time, with two gems in my hands, were I an ally or a threat to you?"

Thanos said slowly.

After all, his goal was not just the two Infinity Stones.

This question directly addresses Laufey's deepest concerns.

He paused for a moment, then chose to be frank: "If you're only after jewels, then there's no fundamental conflict between us."

"The Frost Giants and Dark Elves rule only within the Nine Realms, but your ambition—as far as I know, is the entire universe."

"A wise answer."

"Then, one last question: the contract. How can you guarantee that you won't be crushed by Ye Feng or Odin before you get the gem?"

'

Thanos's lips seemed to curl slightly upwards, a confirmation of his control over the situation.

Laufey knew this was the most crucial moment.

He straightened his body: "We will forge a divine covenant with the laws of the World Tree as our witness."

"Any party that violates the covenant will be punished by the laws of nature."

"Even a Godfather-level powerhouse would find it difficult to withstand."

"The terms of the contract may include: your army will not be required to enter the core war zone of the Nine Realms before the Eternal Flame is released and the Vaults of Asgard are breached; and after the battlefield on Earth opens, we must provide at least one legion of Frost Giants to assist in restraining Ye Feng."

The hall fell silent.

Ebony Maw looked at Thanos, awaiting instructions.

The murderous aura of Proxima Midnight and Corvus Glaive flickered intermittently.

Thanos slowly rose from his throne.

"I accept this alliance, Laufey."

"But the terms of the contract need to be adjusted: First, my army will be deployed at the intersection of the Dark Quadrant and the Nine Realms when the Nine Realms begin to be connected, ready to be deployed at any time."

"Secondly, I need you to provide a detailed defensive layout of Odin's Vault, including the exact locations of the Eternal Fire and the Casket of Ice."

third----"

Thanos finally spoke, pausing for a moment, a deep, unfathomable light flashing in his purple eyes: "If the situation requires, I have the authority to adjust the battle plan, including but not limited to early intervention, changing the target of the attack, or even—abandoning allies."

Laufey's heart sank.

The last clause is almost equivalent to giving Thanos the right to betray them at any time.

But can he refuse? No.

Without Thanos's power, their chances of winning would decrease by at least 40%.

"I can accept the first two points."

"But the third point—we need a restriction: you can only exercise this right in the event of extreme force majeure that threatens the very foundation of the entire plan. And you must give prior notice."

Laufey said with difficulty.

Thanos scrutinized him for a few seconds, then nodded: "Alright. Then, let's form a divine pact."

As the magical runes intertwined in the air and split into several streams that merged into both of their bodies, Laufey felt a cold imprint etched into the depths of his soul.

The contract was established.

After the communication ended, Thanos did not immediately issue a battle preparation order.

He turned and walked back to the throne, bringing up another holographic star map.

"Owner?"

Ebony Throat inquired.

"Power Gem"

"According to our intelligence, it was last seen on Morag, in an abandoned Imperial temple."

Thanos said, sliding his finger across the star map until it finally stopped on a remote galaxy.

"But the defenses there—"

General Dead Blade frowned.

"It is precisely because of the protection that the accuracy of the intelligence is proven."

"Originally, I wanted to wait for a more suitable opportunity, but now—there are too many variables in the Nine Realms. Ye Feng, Odin, the Aether Particle, Surtur—we need more leverage."

Thanos's gaze sharpened.

He turned to Ebony Maw: "Send an elite squad to Morag. I want to see the Power Stone before the Nine Realms Connection begins."

Ebony Throat bowed: "Yes, my master."

As the Obsidian generals left the hall, Thanos sat alone on his throne, his gaze returning to Ye Feng's photograph.

This sudden appearance of a powerful Earth figure disrupted many plans, but also created new opportunities.

The nine realms are connected, Asgard is weakened, and ancient races unite to seek revenge—all these coincidences converge into a perfect storm.

"Father level —"

Thanos muttered to himself.

He recalled his long career of conquest, during which he had defeated countless powerful opponents, but there were almost no opponents who truly reached the level of the Heavenly Father.

That is the pinnacle of power in a universe. Apart from the creator of a single universe, the Heavenly Father is almost invincible.

Now, he is going to take the initiative to participate in this battle initiated by a Godfather-level powerhouse.

Without the Power Stone, he has no chance of winning.

"Ye Feng — I hope you will be an interesting opponent."

"But the Infinity Stones are destined for destiny. Power, space, mind—when they come together, I will reshape the balance of the universe."

Thanos clenched his fist.

He closed his eyes and began to consider every possibility of war.

This is his style of doing things—behind seemingly crazy ambition lies meticulous calculation and planning.

Morag, an abandoned Galactic Empire temple.

Peter Quill hummed an 80s pop song as he deftly evaded the ancient mechanisms within the temple.

His goal was clear: the secret chamber that supposedly contained the cosmic orb.

"Yondu always says I'm incapable of anything great."

"Once I get my hands on this thing, I'll sell it for a good price and see what he has to say then—but isn't this place a bit too quiet?"

He was talking to himself.

His intuition was right.

When Star-Lord finally cracked the final protective mechanism and entered the secret chamber, he didn't see the cosmic orb lying quietly on the stone platform, but rather an empty container and several corpses on the ground wearing Chitauri-style armor.

"What?!"

"No, no, no! Who?! Who beat me to it?!"

He rushed over and picked up the empty metal shell.

Unfortunately, he was destined never to get an answer.

Temple Number Two, the secret laboratory.

Thanos looked at the cosmic orb floating in the force field.

Ebony Maw stood to the side, scanning the container with sophisticated instruments.

"The protection is very ingenious."

"A specific frequency is required to activate it safely; otherwise, the energy burst would be enough to destroy half a fleet."

Ebony Throat said.

"Open it," Thanos commanded.

"Master, the risk is imminent—"

"Open."

Ebony Throat dared not say anything more and began to operate.

With a complex frequency modulation, the outer shell of the cosmic sphere slowly opened, revealing a gem inside that emitted an eerie purple light. The light pulsated in the laboratory, as if it had a living heartbeat.

Power Gem.

Even through the protective force field, one could feel the destructive energy fluctuations.

The laboratory instruments began to show abnormal readings, fine cracks appeared on the metal surfaces, and the air seemed to vibrate.

"So beautiful."

Thanos stepped forward, ignoring Ebony Maw's warning, and reached out to penetrate the force field.

The moment his fingers touched the gem, purple energy surged into his body like lightning.

Muscles swell, blood vessels bulge, and luminous patterns appear on the skin.

The laboratory lights flickered on and off, and the entire Temple II began to shake!

"Owner!"

Ebony Throat retreated in terror.

But Thanos showed no sign of pain; his eyes were filled only with fanatical satisfaction.

He could feel an endless surge of power within his body, enough to crush stars and tear apart dimensions.

This is the power of the Infinity Stones, this is the power of the universe's origin!

"ah!!"

He let out a low roar, and purple energy erupted from his body, instantly filling the entire laboratory, only to be perfectly contained and returned to his body in the next moment.

Thanos clenched his fist, purple light flowing between his fingers.

He raised his hand, pointing it at the test target in the distance of the laboratory. It was a target made of the strongest alloy in interstellar space, strong enough to withstand a direct hit from a planet-destroying cannon.

With a gentle squeeze, the target silently crumbled into dust.

"Perfect."

"Now, we have new leverage."

Thanos lowered his hand, and the Power Stone floated quietly in front of him, its purple light gently wrapping around his arm.

Ebony Maw knelt on the ground: "Congratulations, Master, on obtaining this priceless treasure!"

Thanos ignored his flattery.

He felt the power within him and mentally re-analyzed the possibilities of war.

With the Power Gem, he now had the confidence to confront Ye Feng, who was at the Heavenly Father level, head-on.

In addition to the Space Stone and the Mind Stone —

With the three Infinity Stones in hand, he had the ability to roam the universe freely, and with the Space Stone, he had no need to worry about being besieged.

The only problem now is figuring out how to control all three Infinity Stones at the same time.

Although he possessed the powerful physique of the Eternals, he relied solely on his physical body and his own strength.

The limit has been reached in terms of mastering the Power Gem.

To wield all three Infinity Stones simultaneously, you must rely on artifacts!

"Nidaville?"

"It looks like I have to go."

"How should we create a time difference?"

"Notify the entire army."

"Entering maximum combat readiness. When the Nine Realms Connection begins, we will proceed to Nidaville."

Thanos turned around, purple light flashing in his eyes.

If you want to wield the power of several Infinity Stones at the same time while minimizing the backlash, then Nidavellir is undoubtedly the best place to go!

"Yes, sir!"

Ebony Maw stood up tremblingly after Thanos left the laboratory.

As he watched Thanos's retreating figure, he truly understood for the first time the terrifying possibility that his master's ambitions might be realized.

Three Infinity Stones — no, the master's goal is all six.

Thanos at that time will no longer be a remnant of the Titans, nor a mad warlord.

He will become the god of the new era.

Three days later, Niflheim, the Shadow Crack.

Malekith returned from Muspelheim, bringing back the mark of the covenant with Surtur.

Laufey also returned from the Dark Quadrant, with a faint magical constraint on him—a trace of his pact with Thanos.

The two kings met again, and the atmosphere was even more somber than before.

"Surtur agreed."

"But he demanded that we retain our strength until we obtain the Eternal Flame. I agreed."

Malekith displays the fire rune on his chest.

Thanos agreed as well.

"But he demanded the right to adjust the plan at any time. I—agreed."

Laufey said.

They exchanged a glance and both saw the heaviness in each other's eyes.

The deal has been struck, and now they're all tied to the same chariot.

"So, the final plan."

"The Nine Realms Connection will reach its peak in seven days. At that time, I will lead the Dark Elf fleet to launch a surprise attack on Asgard's outer defense system and create chaos."

Malekith pulls up the holographic map.

"The Frost Giants will be teleported directly from Jotunheim to the main gate of Asgard."

"We are responsible for drawing away the main force of the Divine Realm."

Laufey chimed in.

"Surtur and his fire giants will arrive within half an hour of our battle, attacking Asgard from the rear, creating panic, and scattering the defenders."

"And Thanos—"

Laufey paused for a moment.

"His army will decide when to intervene after the war begins, depending on the situation."

"If all goes well, they will launch a surprise attack on Earth and seize the gems when the battle in Asgard is at a stalemate."

Malekith frowned: "To entrust such a crucial link to an outsider we can't control—"

"We have no choice."

"Moreover, Thanos is at least reliable! His interests are aligned with ours when it comes to obtaining the Infinity Stones."

Laufee interrupted him.

"So, what about the spoils after the victory?"

Malekith asked the most sensitive question.

"The Aether is yours, the Casket of Ice is mine, and the ruins of Asgard—we'll split them equally. As for the other treasures, whoever gets them keeps them. Thanos gets the Mind Stone and the Space Stone."

Laufey said, then asked, "Where's Surtur?"

"The eternal fire and Odin's head."

"That was one of the conditions he agreed to join."

Laufey was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Makes sense. So—only the last step remains."

"For the future of our race."

"For revenge and for glory."

The alliance was formally established.

Now we are just waiting for the day when the Nine Realms are connected.

At that time, Asgard's defenses will be at their weakest.

Their plan is very likely to succeed.

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