386

[Corvus Glaive]

"How?" Forseti asked.

"I can enhance this ship's durability and expand its space," Eitri said, touching the cramped ceiling.

The Waterdrop was an escape vessel, with tight quarters that left Eitri uncomfortably squeezed. He curled up behind the seats, nearly brushing against the cabin's roof.

"With all the Scarborough Iron we've collected, we can afford to upgrade the ship," Eitri suggested.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you," Forseti agreed after a moment's thought. The aging ship could indeed use some refurbishment with Eitri's expertise.

---

The Shiar Empire, one of the universe's three major technological powers alongside the Kree and Skrull Empires, faced severe internal strife. A rebel faction, born from interstellar pirates, relentlessly gnawed at the empire's flesh.

On a provincial planet of the Shiar Empire, after a prolonged battle, the rebel fleet launched a devastating assault on the last Shiar stronghold.

"We've taken another province," the rebel general, clad in black armor and wielding a long blade, strolled across the scorched earth, smiling. He turned to his companion, "Ebony Maw, your strategies have proven invaluable in ending this battle swiftly."

Ebony Maw remained composed, "General Corvus Glaive, you overestimate my role. I merely facilitated."

General Corvus Glaive scoffed, "Shi'en Yahui, whose plan do you think it was, then? Ebony Maw, you're too modest."

"Credit goes to Lord Thanos," Ebony Maw replied calmly. "All my wisdom and power derive from him. I am nothing compared to his brilliance."

General Corvus Glaive frowned, slightly irked by Ebony Maw's solemnity. After a moment of silence, he persisted, "Nevertheless, I admire Thanos greatly. However, you, with your formidable abilities, might surpass him..."

Ebony Maw's expression darkened, cutting off General Corvus Glaive, "Lord Thanos taught me to respect others' opinions, but I cannot abide by your slander."

"Slander?" General Corvus Glaive hesitated, taken aback by Ebony Maw's serious tone. "It's merely a fact. Thanos has never stepped onto the battlefield, preferring to reside in his studies—a scholar, not a warrior."

Ebony Maw's cold snort indicated he would say no more, turning away.

Observing Ebony Maw's departure, General Corvus Glaive muttered to himself, "Unreasonable!"

This exchange soured his mood, prompting him to vent his frustrations by executing several Shiar captives.

Afterward, with his mood improved, General Corvus Glaive sat in a room, meticulously polishing his peerless long blade.

Despite his efforts, Shiar Empire's foremost weapon bore no stains—a testament to his contemplation.

---

Holkes,

Once an obscure interstellar pirate, now leader of the Shiar Empire's anti-government forces and General Corvus Glaive's superior.

To General Corvus Glaive, Holkes was contemptible. In his opinion, Holkes lacked the capability even of his younger sibling, number 50. He couldn't fathom how such an individual ascended to a position of leadership within the Legion.

Yet, what vexed General Corvus Glaive more was another figure: Thanos, a purple-skinned potato of a man.

General Corvus Glaive joined Holkes' ranks briefly, quickly rising to a prominent position due to his military prowess. Nonetheless, despite his achievements, he felt overshadowed by Thanos—a recluse, unattractive and rotund, yet inexplicably revered within the Legion.

This nerdy recluse wielded greater influence than Holkes himself, the Legion's supreme leader—a fact that rankled General Corvus Glaive.

He'd heard tales of Thanos: how he compelled Shiar Empire to overhaul its communications, yet General Corvus Glaive believed strategy outweighed deception.

"I should lead the Legion," General Corvus Glaive often thought.

Setting aside his weapon, he frowned, engrossed in thought.

Moments later, resolute, he departed for Legion headquarters, where Holkes presided.

"Lord Holkes," General Corvus Glaive greeted respectfully.

"What brings you to me, General?" Holkes luxuriated amidst a harem of beauties, each vying for his attention. Diverse in appearance, they clamored for every inch of his flesh.

General Corvus Glaive: "I must discuss a matter of importance."

Holkes hesitated briefly, then dismissed his admirers, "Speak. What troubles you?"

"It concerns Thanos."

"Thanos?" Holkes straightened, his expression grave, sensitive to this name.

General Corvus Glaive continued, "Thanos claims the Legion's highest regard. I respect him, but he supersedes even your authority..."

Hearing this, Holkes bristled, standing abruptly. "What? Thanos!"

General Corvus Glaive affirmed, "Indeed, Lord Holkes, you are the true master of the Legion—an exceptional statesman, thinker, and peerless military commander in Shiar history."

Holkes relished these accolades, his posture becoming more erect, embodying the image General Corvus Glaive painted.

General Corvus Glaive persisted, "Thanos' assertions undermine you and the Legion. I believe he warrants punishment."