Chapter 164: The Death of Vision
An hour ago.
As Surtur raged across Asgard, his roar echoed through much of the galaxy, drawing the attention of Thanos, who kept a close watch on the realm.
With great effort, Thanos suppressed his urge to seize the opportunity.
Surtur's attacks were indiscriminate, targeting both friend and foe alike. Any intervention from Thanos might not yield the desired results.
Moreover, Thanos had more pressing matters to attend to.
Of Asgard's three Infinity Stones, only the Soul Stone was missing; the other two were on Earth.
Thor and the Avengers were occupied with Ragnarök, making Earth's defenses particularly vulnerable!
Vision, possessing the Mind Stone, was the first to be targeted.
As one of the strongest Avengers, Vision was only surpassed by Thor and Carol, who had not returned to Earth for some time. Few could match his strength.
His Vibranium body and ability to phase through matter made him difficult to harm, unlike many other heroes.
Thus, Vision usually worked alone.
On a street in London, Vision was attacked from behind by Corvus Glaive while on a mission.
"Ugh..."
Vision stared in disbelief at the spear protruding from his chest. He soon realized with despair that the weapon was suppressing his ability to use the Mind Stone's energy, including his crucial ability to fly.
Fortunately, as a Vibranium-based android, Vision was inherently strong.
He managed to send a distress signal to Stark before using all his strength to push Corvus Glaive away. The Mind Stone above his head emitted a powerful beam.
"Zzzzz...~~||."
Corvus Glaive's double-edged spear easily deflected the beam, indicating that they had been preparing for this confrontation.
It was possible that when Thanos sent Loki to invade Earth, he had tampered with the Mind Stone.
If it were just Corvus Glaive, Vision might have been able to hold out until reinforcements arrived.
However, Ebony Maw and Proxima Midnight were also present.
With the Black Order—excluding the deceased Supergiant and Black Dwarf—against him, Vision's chances were slim!
The beam from the Mind Stone did not last long, and the constant pain from the Stone made it increasingly difficult for him to maintain his defense.
"Boom...…"
Proxima Midnight launched another sneak attack, sending Vision flying.
The duo's coordinated attacks were relentless, with no respite for Vision.
Ebony Maw extended his hand, and vines emerged from the ground, binding Vision tightly and rendering him immobile.
"It's over!"
Corvus Glaive stepped forward, raising his spear to stab Vision in the forehead.
"ABES..."
Vision screamed in agony.
"What's happening?"
Corvus Glaive was puzzled as the Mind Stone remained firmly in place, despite their efforts to pry it out.
Compared to the original circumstances, Vision was both unfortunate and fortunate.
Unfortunate in that he lacked Wanda's support and the assistance of the exiled Captain America and others. Instead, he faced the additional threat of Ebony Maw.
Previously backstabbed once, he now faced three adversaries—what a predicament!
The only stroke of luck was that he had a piece of the toughest metal in the universe...
"Could it be the green metal?" Ebony Maw wondered aloud.
They had noticed earlier that Vision's skull was green, unlike the red color of his body.
This was an unnamed alloy from space, brought back by Carol, which proved far harder than Vibranium and was crucial at this moment.
The Black Order found themselves struggling.
Their initial plan was to surprise Vision, seize the Stone, and leave swiftly. Any delay could lead to complications.
Thanos arrived, surveying the scene with a grim expression. He approached Vision and seized him by the neck.
"Well..."
Vision was immobilized under Thanos' grip.
He had already deduced Thanos' identity and was filled with dread.
"It's futile to resist. I'll take the Mind Stone."
Thanos smirked, gripping the gem tightly and twisting it forcefully.
The Mind Stone did not budge.
In the distance, a streak of light approached.
Upon receiving the distress call, Stark rushed to the scene. Despite the impressive speed of his latest Iron Man armor, the journey from New York to London was lengthy, and the battle was nearly over by the time he arrived.
Thanos was irritated.
Glancing sideways, he sneered and said, "Do you think I can't handle you just because you can't retrieve the gem?"
He held Vision's skull and twisted it.
"Crack——"
Vision's neck snapped.