478

Ronan, Supreme Wisdom

The battle raged on relentlessly. The Kree and Chitauri suffered devastating losses, compounded by the fall of Proxima Midnight and the Supreme Accuser in quick succession. Defeat seemed inevitable.

The remaining forces chose to retreat, their thousands of warships turning away amidst relentless artillery fire, escaping into the reaches of space.

"The Skrulls have defeated the Kree!"

"We've won! Victory is ours!"

"We've vanquished the Cree!" exclaimed Talos, his excitement palpable as the Skrulls behind him cheered in unison.

Forseti approached. "Gather all the wounded soldiers. The Silver Hand will tend to them."

"Of course," Talos nodded eagerly, swiftly mustering the injured Skrulls. Those who could still move gathered while the critically wounded were carried on stretchers.

Combined with Forseti's forces, hundreds of thousands of wounded soldiers congregated, their ranks tightly packed.

"Holy Knights, activate the Aura of Benevolence!" Forseti commanded, igniting the aura.

Hundreds of Silver Hand knights responded, their benevolent auras overlapping to bathe the surroundings in a dazzling golden light. The healing glow encompassed hundreds of thousands, visibly accelerating their recovery.

After some time, the less fortunate among them remained motionless, having succumbed before receiving aid. Even the layered benevolence couldn't revive them.

Observing these fallen warriors, Forseti couldn't help but question once more:

Is true resurrection possible?

With the wounded tended to, the garrison commanders convened for discussion.

Talos voiced his concerns. "Goddess of Death and Sun God, while we've achieved a significant victory, I fear the Kree won't relent. They've always been aggressive and may regroup."

Forseti regarded him solemnly. "Our primary adversary is Thanos and his legion. As long as Thanos remains, Asgard stands firm."

Though Talos sought Asgard's enduring support, Forseti hesitated.

Despite the Kree's historical animosity towards Asgard, Forseti considered Thanos a far graver threat. Moreover, the complexities between Kree and Skrull histories made intervention without a Thanos connection unwise.

Talos pressed on. "The Skrulls will fight alongside us against Thanos. He poses a threat to all sentient life."

...

In the Dark Quadrant, headquarters of the Thanos Legion.

A purple, potato-shaped man sat upon his throne, surrounded by his formidable lieutenants.

"Master, allow me to avenge my wife! Send me to battle!" pleaded Corvus Glaive, kneeling before Thanos with palpable emotion.

Thanos contemplated, fingers on his forehead, silent in thought.

Corvus Glaive looked up expectantly. "Master?"

Thanos shook his head. "Corvus, I understand your pain. I too have lost loved ones. But now isn't the time for personal vendettas. We've just suffered a major setback, and the Kree have incurred heavy losses."

The Ebony Maw interjected. "Our priority is securing our alliance with the Kree. Without their cooperation, our conquests might unravel."

"Indeed," Thanos agreed. "Ebony Maw, handle this matter."

"As you command, Master," Ebony Maw bowed. "I won't fail you."

"I know you won't."

Corvus Glaive persisted. "Master, when will I get my chance to strike at Asgard?"

"It's not feasible at present. Our losses are significant. We must adjust strategy, consolidate our defenses, and buy time," Thanos reasoned.

"And for how long?" pressed Corvus Glaive.

Thanos hesitated briefly. "Odin, the Allfather, is nearing the end of his 6,000-year reign. Soon, circumstances will change. Or, we may find allies powerful enough."

A blue-skinned woman in a resplendent white robe spoke softly. "Who might these allies be?"

Her appearance stood out in the grim environs of the Dark Quadrant.

"The universe is vast, and there are beings far mightier than us, even surpassing Odin," Thanos reflected.

He then turned to Corvus Glaive. "Until then, Corvus, heed my counsel. Impulsive actions will only set us back."

Corvus Glaive clenched his fists in frustration but bowed his head. "Yes, Master."

...

Clair Star.

Ronan stirred from unconsciousness, finding himself amidst a shifting panorama of light and shadow.

He realized the Supreme Wisdom was summoning him.

The Supreme Intelligence governed the Kree Empire, a collective consciousness embodying the wisdom of Kree sages through the ages.

Supreme Wisdom transcended physical form and gender. It appeared to each viewer as their most revered figure—in Ronan's case, resembling Hulan.

"Supreme Wisdom," Ronan greeted respectfully.

"Ronan," Supreme Wisdom acknowledged, approaching slowly.

Seeing Hulan's likeness in Supreme Wisdom stirred memories of Hulan's futile demise in battle—a moth consumed by the sun's flames.

Perhaps choosing survival was wiser.

Ronan pondered, reflecting on his past decisions...