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Chapter 161: Max Selling Cakes
In the Thanos Sanctuary, Thanos sat quietly on his throne, eyes closed in meditation.
"Father, Black Dwarf's injuries have mostly healed, and he will soon regain his full combat strength. However, his mental state...is concerning," Nebula reported, kneeling before Thanos.
Thanos' voice was calm: "Mental state? What are the specifics?"
Nebula hesitated before answering: "Black Dwarf has become increasingly disobedient, impulsive, and irritable. He even clashed with Corvus Glaive once. The only positive is that he still shows respect and loyalty to you."
"That will suffice," Thanos replied flatly.
Despite surviving recent nuclear blasts, Black Dwarf, known for his formidable defense and vitality, was severely impacted. Ebony Maw had used his powers to shield Black Dwarf from a blast, almost sacrificing himself in the process.
Though Black Dwarf's status was low, his role as a meat shield in the Black Order was far more significant than that of Supergiant.
To revive Black Dwarf, Ronan had slaughtered tens of thousands of Kree to obtain the necessary serum. Although they were his enemies, Ronan's anger was justified.
However, Ronan's inability to challenge Thanos made him merely a source of frustration.
After a moment of silence, Thanos spoke: "The Thanos Sanctuary has become a playground for that Asgardian to visit at will, all due to one reason—the Tesseract! It seems the collection of Infinity Stones needs to be expedited."
He turned to Nebula and Gamora: "Ronan is aware of the Cosmic Spirit Orb's location, though he likely does not know it's the Power Stone. I am sending you to his spaceship."
"He will be very reluctant," Gamora interjected, her tone suggesting only she could handle such an assignment.
"Should he resist, he will be eliminated," Thanos said dismissively. To him, Ronan was insignificant, merely an ant whose death would be inconsequential.
"Ronan's obsession has blinded him."
Nebula stepped forward and bowed: "I will obey, Father, and not disappoint you!"
Gamora, observing from the side, rolled her eyes at Nebula's excessive deference.
"I have no doubt you will," Thanos said, waving them off.
Gamora and Nebula exited the chamber. Nebula whispered excitedly, "Father's plan is finally set in motion!"
Gamora shook her head, uninterested: "It's only one-sixth complete."
"It's already started! If he collects all the stones..."
"That day will never come."
Gamora cut her off: "Thanos is not the only one seeking the stones. He may not even be the strongest among them."
Thanos, having dismissed his subordinates, frowned in thought.
Thor, the second-generation god who had challenged him more than once, was a persistent threat. Beyond that his World-Exterminating Thunder and the mysterious Phoenix Force, the Tesseract was a significant concern for Thanos.
"The Power Stone must be secured. Ronan is an overambitious fool whose abilities do not match his aspirations. Trusting him was a grave mistake..."
In late June, England's high latitude kept temperatures mild. Schools were on vacation, with some students engaging in activities for credit or enjoying their only long break of the year.
Others chose to work for extra income, like Jane Foster's former assistant, Daisy Louise.
At a stall in a university town in London, Thor stood in front of a small cart selling cakes.
"This beautiful Miss Max, I'll take three of your beer-flavored cakes—no, make it five!"
A disgruntled voice came from behind the cart: "Damn it, can you even make cakes with beer? I don't do dark baking. You hammer god just stay out of my business and stop giving me silly nicknames!"
"Because I'm handsome!" Thor replied with a grin.
Daisy, taken aback, found Thor's comment oddly reasonable and was left speechless.
She waved her hand in frustration: "Fine, don't cause trouble. Business has been terrible lately, and if I can't sell these, I'll go bankrupt..."
"Never mind, I'll buy all of them."
Thor grabbed a cake, took a big bite, and smiled. "So, how about becoming my personal baker?"
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