167

Chapter 167: The Key Soul Gem

Thanos, relentless in his assault, lived up to his fearsome reputation. His steel armor was torn as easily as paper as he pulled Stark out with a single hand.

This scene signified the moment when mortal strength was finally overwhelmed by divine power.

Iron Man was gravely injured, his body battered with multiple broken bones, rendering him immobile.

Thanos lifted him up and whispered in his ear, "I admire you, Mr. Stark. Once my plan succeeds, half of humanity will survive. I hope they will remember you."

"You are a true fighter, and I will ensure you have a dignified death."

"Stop!"

Strange, who had been unconscious, awoke to the sound. He whispered, "Let him go. I will give you the Time Gem."

Thanos regarded him thoughtfully and nodded.

A gemstone glowing with green brilliance slowly floated into Thanos's hand.

"Why give it to him?"

As Thanos and the Black Order departed, Stark, too weak to stand, turned his head toward Strange and said through gritted teeth, "Do you know he will destroy 3.5 billion people!"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Stark."

Strange replied calmly, "He has already obtained the Mind Gem and can use it to control me to acquire the Time Gem."

"And he can only get three gems at most. Out of the six Infinite Gems, three are in Thor's possession, so he won't be able to get them."

"But Thanos just said that Asgard is also in trouble now."

Strange shook his head. "No, their troubles are likely over by now."

In the distance, a supersonic jet roared as it landed, and a robust figure jumped out.

"Oh! Mr. Stark, what happened? Why are you so badly hurt?"

T'Challa, the Black Panther who had reclaimed his throne, was the first to arrive, lifting Stark with concern.

"Your injuries are severe, and you might be paralyzed. Come back to Wakanda with me, and we will heal you."

He greeted Strange and helped Stark onto the plane.

Strange watched as the jet took off.

A golden circle of light appeared beside him. Wong emerged with a concerned expression and asked, "Why did you give away the Eye of Agamotto?"

"You deceived him. As the holder of the Time Gem, the Mind Gem cannot control it."

Strange remained silent for a moment before responding, "Because, in the ending we desire, Stark is an indispensable part."

Everything was settled when Thor addressed the threats of Surtur and contacted Stark.

Vision was dead, and Stark was gravely injured.

Furthermore, Thanos had acquired both gems!

All six stones hold equal status; none are superior to the others.

Logically, mastering the Power, Reality, and Soul Gems should be advantageous.

But Thor understood well that only the Power Gem was truly useful to him.

The Reality Gem is in its etheric state, which Asgard does not fully comprehend.

The Space Gem's teleportation abilities are beneficial to others, but with both the Sling Ring and Bifrost at his disposal, it is less useful...

Thanos, however, has an unparalleled understanding of the Infinite Gems and can manipulate each one with skill.

Thor pondered for a moment and made a call.

The phone line was busy.

He made several more attempts, but none connected. Thor's expression grew serious.

He needed to contact the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Thanos was already on the move. As the strongest among the gem bearers, the three stones in his possession would be the most challenging for him to acquire, so he would undoubtedly seek the remaining gems first...

No one knew better than Thor what it meant to lose contact with the Guardians at this critical moment.

"Crunch..."

In a room at Sanctuary II, a group of scientists operated cutting tools on a piece of green metal.

This was Vision's skull. The source of this strange alloy was unknown.

A voice interrupted, "Why did you let him go?"

Thanos did not turn around. "He gave me the gem."

"Don't forget your agreement with my master!"

"I promised to destroy Kamar-Taj, and I will do so as promised. Don't treat me like one of your masters who are unreliable." Thanos stopped his work, turned, and said sternly, "I make the final decisions here."

He felt a pang of disdain. If he made a promise, he would keep it, without exploiting loopholes.