Chapter 50 - Calculations and Contempt

Ebony Maw's robes billowed as he knelt before the throne, his symbiote-enhanced form trembling with barely restrained fury. **"My lord, grant me the Legion! I will carve through Asgard's defenses and—"**

Lin Fan's laughter cut through the war room like a knife.

**"You?"** He leaned forward, pink features twisting in mock surprise. **"The same Maw who still bears Gungnir's scar? Who wept like a child when Odin pinned him to that Wall?"**

Lin Fan waved a dismissive hand. **"Sit down, Maw. Odin played his hand well—but he's still just an old man clutching stolen power."**

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The observation deck displayed the vaporized remains of Morag—a warning to any who might follow Odin's trail.

**"The Allfather didn't stumble upon the Power Gem,"** Lin Fan mused, tapping the Mind Stone in his gauntlet. Asgard must have archives on where all the stones are kept or perhaps only Odin has that knowledge

A schematic of the Nine Realms flared to life, highlighting three more potential Stone locations.

Ebony Maw, still seething, forced himself to analyze the data. **"You believe he'll hunt the others."**

**"I** know **he will."** Lin Fan's eyes gleamed. **"Pride won't let him hide. And when he marches out with his stolen trinket..."**

The unspoken promise hung heavier than a neutron star.

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Alone in his sanctum, Lin Fan studied the Mind Stone's pulsating depths.

*Creation.*

The thought slithered through his consciousness. Vision's birth had proven what the Stone could forge—not just puppets, but true life. His fingers hovered over the gem.

**"An army of my own design..."**

The Stone pulsed in agreement.

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