166

Chapter 166: First Blood

"Okay, now it's just you."

Stark was trapped under the rubble, unable to free himself. Thanos turned his gaze toward Doctor Strange.

Strange shook his head. "I don't think so. This means you'll have to face the kamar taj head-on."

Thanos remained indifferent. "Hand over the stones. Their purpose is to help me complete my mission. Once I collect all six, half the life in the universe will vanish with a snap of my fingers, without a trace of emotion. This is my version of kindness."

"Completely random, regardless of race or status. I see it as compassion."

Strange slowly rose to his feet. "And then?"

"Then, it's a long-awaited rest. Amidst the gratitude and curses of the entire universe, I'll watch the sunrise. Only the most powerful will have the will to make such a difficult choice."

Strange sneered and began forming magical seals with his hands. "Thanos, speaking of such grand-scale genocide."

Thanos sighed. "I dont expect you to understand me."

Opposite him, Strange struck the ground with both hands, unleashing two powerful bolts of magical lightning towards Thanos, causing massive damage to the terrain.

Unfortunately, Thanos leaped into the air, evading the attack, and delivered a punch.

While Kamar-Taj's magic is formidable, there's a considerable gap between them and a true warrior like Thanos. After a few exchanges, Strange was forced to use a significant spell— The Images of Ikonn .

This spell, akin to duplication, creates multiple copies, each retaining a part of the original's abilities.

Numerous duplicates surrounded Thanos. Strange used a red belt of powerful magic to bind Thanos's hands. This magic restraint was incredibly strong, even Thanos found it challenging to break free.

"Ah..."

As the red belt tightened, the surrounding area was devastated with a loud crash.

Magicians like Strange, who master various forms of magic, find pure fighters like Thanos to be the most troublesome.

Even if the magic doesn't inflict harm, the continuous harassment and control make it highly uncomfortable.

In the original timeline, Thanos was defeated when Strange had the gems in hand, making it easier to deal with him.

Strange knew this outcome and now wanted to see how Thanos, without the gems, could overcome his trap.

Thanos, unfazed, continued to press on...

"Where is everyone? Come and help me!"

"Hoo hoo..."

A truck flew through the air, circling Thanos, causing Strange's duplicates to pop like balloons one by one.

Only the main body managed to create a shield in time to absorb the impact.

Strange was knocked to the ground and was about to counterattack when several vines erupted from the ground, binding him tightly and lifting him into the air.

Thanos seized Strange by the neck and taunted, "Your tricks have improved, magician! It's a pity you won't get to use your ultimate weapon."

Strange rolled his eyes—how shameless to engage in a two-on-one fight. Ebony Maw hiding and attacking quietly, pretending not to be involved? If you're so capable, why not face me alone?

Clearly, Thanos's thick skin matched the armor of Sanctuary II.

Strange managed to pull off the Eye of Agamotto, shaking the debris from his hand.

"Fake?" Thanos's face darkened, and he threw Strange to the ground. "You've angered me, juggler."

The vulnerable magician struggled. Strange was badly beaten, his back aching and unable to rise.

"Boom..."

From the nearby rubble, a red figure soared into the sky and landed in front of Strange to confront Thanos. "If you hit me with a building again, I might lose control!"

"Stark? I know you. You're the man cursed by knowledge," Thanos said flatly.

He was met with a barrage of missiles.

Amidst the smoke and debris, Stark's armor's legs merged, and he delivered a powerful kick to Thanos's head, sending him staggering.

Stark concentrated all his energy into his arm and delivered a hard punch to Thanos's face.

"Boom--"

Thanos wiped the blood from his face and sneered, "All this effort just for a drop of blood?"

This was the first time Stark had gained the upper hand in the entire battle.

And it would be the last.

Thanos retaliated, flipping Stark and beating him so severely that he was barely recognizable.

Though Thanos was thick-skinned, he was deeply embarrassed to be beaten so badly by what he considered a mere mortal.

Thor had fought harder in Nidavellir, but at least Thor was a god, wielding the mighty Gungnir.

Stark tried to fight back, but confronting a powerhouse like Thanos was a nearly impossible task. Even with his advanced armor, Stark was no match for Thanos's might.