Chapter 5: Trials, Trials
"Very well. Since you have reached this understanding, I believe it's time for you to return to the nutrient chamber." Ebony Maw crushed the sphere in his hand with deliberate calmness, pointing languidly toward the direction of the Sanctum, officially declaring the end of the current assessment to the child before him.
"Starting tomorrow, you must be wary of everything within the Sanctum. Remember—everything. That includes me... or even your father, Thanos."
"No one will help you. Everyone who appears before you will be your enemy. The nutrient chamber will no longer be your safe haven. You must always be on guard for sudden attacks. Because if you're careless... you will die."
Ebony Maw's final warning echoed in Lothar's ears. Shedding his tattered combat suit, he donned a custom breathing apparatus and immersed himself one last time in the green nutrient fluid, relishing the tranquility he would rarely experience in the coming year.
The surging life energy continuously poured into Lothar's exhausted body, making the Saiyan cells within him rejoice. As the first non-royal infant in a millennium to exhibit the potential of an elite warrior on Planet Vegeta, Lothar's latent power was beyond doubt.
It was precisely Lothar's existence that had once prompted King Vegeta to gamble on a daring rebellion—an attempt to overturn the hierarchy from below. Unfortunately, a leaked whisper doomed the plan before it could even begin, leading to Frieza's swift eradication of Planet Vegeta.
Lothar's unique nature allowed him, at only three months old, to vividly remember his mother's anxious murmurs about the cosmic emperor Frieza.
Witnessing his mother's death and the planet's destruction planted the seeds of hatred deep within the infant Lothar's heart—seeds that took root and flourished under Thanos' care.
Especially because Thanos himself served as Lothar's guardian during his formative years.
"In the world of the strong, there is no place for the weak."
These words from Thanos left a profound impression on the young Lothar. If Planet Vegeta had possessed warriors powerful enough to make Frieza hesitate, how could the tyrant have annihilated his home?
A burning fire raged within the boy's chest, his mind lost in visions of the future. The Saiyan blood within him left no room for fear—only an uncommon anticipation of what growth awaited him.
When the nutrient chamber's alert signaled his body's saturation, Lothar removed the breathing apparatus, stepping out with his damp body. His red tail swayed from side to side as his flawless, unscarred skin was gradually concealed beneath his custom black combat suit—the fruit of years spent soaking in nutrient fluid.
"Prince Lothar, per General Ebony Maw's orders, Gaitz will no longer provide information consultations, household management, or any other services starting tomorrow—until your trial period is complete."
That night, after enjoying Gaitz's final service, the blue, feline-shaped AI robot—created by Thanos specifically for Lothar—delivered its strike notice and quietly waddled away on its stubby legs.
"Ebony Maw?" Lothar's brow arched in surprise. He hadn't expected Ebony Maw to possess backend access to Gaitz. But if that were the case... could Gaitz himself become an enemy starting tomorrow?
Licking his lips, Lothar gathered his supplies and returned to his room, slipping into a sweet slumber.
The next morning, his vigilance instinctively heightened, but everything within the Sanctum appeared unchanged—identical to any other day.
In the dining hall, preparing to cook his own breakfast, Lothar unexpectedly found Gaitz—the blue feline robot matching his own height.
"Gaitz?"
"Good morning, Prince Lothar."
Wearing a pink apron, the round-bodied robot greeted Lothar with its usual cheerful wave, the bell around its neck jingling with the motion.
"Didn't you say yesterday that you wouldn't be providing services during my trial period?"
"..."
The lively atmosphere vanished in an instant. Gaitz's wide eyes locked with Lothar's wary gaze. Three seconds later, the blue robot bolted—pink apron still tied around its waist, vanishing with a tray in hand.
"So... Ebony Maw didn't modify Gaitz's code—just issued a verbal order?"
Staring at the untouched meal on the table, Lothar's expression briefly clouded.
A surge of energy erupted from his body, his heightened senses narrowly dodging an unseen attack. The illusion of the dining hall shattered beneath his immense power.
"I told you yesterday—every living creature in the Sanctum will be your enemy."
Ebony Maw's voice echoed through the broken illusion. Though unseen, Lothar's eyes locked onto the brute wielding a massive battle axe—Cull Obsidian, Ebony Maw's partner and Thanos' powerhouse.
"Your hesitation, your doubt—even the slightest delay could cost you your life."
"Want to taste this axe, Lothar?"
With Ebony Maw's voice lingering, Cull Obsidian hefted his weapon, the axe's edge glinting menacingly.
Facing two of Thanos' most formidable generals, Lothar crouched low, his eyes alight with excitement. Power exploded from his small frame, propelling him toward Cull Obsidian in an instant, a fierce whip kick aimed at the brute's face.
"Too weak, Lothar."
Cull Obsidian didn't flinch, letting the kick land squarely on his face before grabbing Lothar's leg and hurling him out of the Sanctum like a ragdoll.
"Too slow."
"Is this your limit?"
"If this is all you have... you will die."
Retrieving his embedded axe, Cull Obsidian leaped into the air, following Lothar's trajectory. The weapon's edge carved a deep chasm into the ground where the boy landed.
If Ebony Maw's methods were sinister and unpredictable, Cull Obsidian embodied brute strength and direct combat.
"You'll have to try harder than that to kill me."
Lothar's response came in the form of a searing energy blast from above. The milky-white energy beam washed over Cull Obsidian's massive frame—signaling the true beginning of Lothar's year-long trial.
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