First, the Infinity Stones must precisely target all life forms in the universe. This is likely the role of the Space Stone and the Mind Stone.
Next, the Power Stone amplifies the power of the other stones. The Soul Stone and Reality Stone randomly erase half of all life. As for the Time Stone, it reduces the time needed for the stones' power to reach every life form, ensuring that half the universe's life is wiped out simultaneously.
It's important to realize the universe is boundless. Without the Time Stone, the process of erasing life bit by bit would take billions of years.
From this perspective, when all six Infinity Stones are gathered, they amplify each other, unleashing energy on a whole new level.
Realizing this, Zane became even more eager to obtain the final Soul Stone. At the same time, he felt a surge of confidence about the impending arrival of the Celestials, along with a strange sense of excitement and anticipation.
While Zane was still lost in thought, Eitri hesitantly approached him. Trying to keep his tone from sounding too urgent, Eitri said:
"Lord Zane, outside, there's still Thanos' fleet. Could you help us deal with it?"
He then looked at Zane with an expectant gaze.
Zane, having been interrupted from his thoughts, showed no sign of annoyance. He had a soft spot for the Dwarves, who were kind of endearing in their simplicity, and there was no reason to get angry over such a small matter.
"Sure, give me a moment." Zane nodded decisively, smiling as he spoke.
Eitri immediately let out a long sigh of relief. The heavy weight pressing on his chest was lifted, and a look of profound gratitude appeared on his face.
The next moment, Zane nodded at him and turned to head outside.
From a distance, where Zane couldn't see, a flash of hesitation crossed Eitri's face as he watched Zane walk away. But in the end, that hesitation was replaced by firm resolve, as if he had made an important decision.
As Zane exited the heart of the Dwarven realm, the first person he encountered was Ebony Maw, Thanos' most loyal servant.
Upon seeing Zane, Ebony Maw instantly took two steps back.
After Thanos had left Asgard, he had shown his subordinates the footage of Zane's duel in the arena, to prevent any of them from provoking Zane and bringing about their own deaths.
So naturally, Ebony Maw recognized Zane and knew just how terrifying this man was. But what was this man doing here?
A sudden question rose in Ebony Maw's heart.
But in the next moment, he realized something. If Zane had come out of the Dwarven kingdom, then that must mean his master, Thanos...
Just as Ebony Maw was about to speak, Zane glanced at him casually.
That single glance made Ebony Maw feel as though his very soul had been frozen. A wave of overwhelming fear instantly consumed his entire mind.
But Zane simply looked at him briefly, then moved on, not lingering for even a second. His gaze swept over the soldiers surrounding the Dwarves and the tens of thousands of warships beyond.
The next moment, Zane spoke:
"I, in the name of Death, condemn you all. Your crime is worthy of death."
As soon as he finished speaking, an inexplicable force surged through the void, sweeping over all of Thanos' followers.
In an instant, whether it was the powerful telekinetic Ebony Maw or the most ordinary soldier, they all turned to ash, unable to resist.
Thus, Thanos and his forces made their final exit from the grand stage of the Marvel universe...
As Thanos' subordinates turned to ash, the Dwarven King, Eitri, came running out. When he saw that all of his people were unharmed, his eyes filled with tears. Not even noticing Zane standing nearby, he rushed frantically to his terrified people, hugging each one like a fool.
No one could understand the immense pressure he had been under these past two days, with the fate of his entire race weighing on his shoulders. Eitri himself didn't even know how he had managed to endure it all.
But now it was over. Everything was fine.
Zane stood quietly on the side, watching the Dwarves embrace and cheer, wisely choosing not to interrupt these innocent and skillful craftsmen. The heavy, oppressive atmosphere that had previously loomed over the Dwarven kingdom vanished.
After a while, when Eitri had finally released all the pressure and joy in his heart, he turned and saw Zane smiling at them. Hurriedly, Eitri wiped his nose and tears with his sleeve.
Then, with deep solemnity, he knelt before Zane. Seeing their king kneel, the other 300 Dwarves followed suit. Even the children, weak from two days without food, joined in.
In the eyes of these simple-minded Dwarves, this was the only way they could fully express their gratitude.
Zane, knowing the Dwarves' stubborn nature, didn't try to stop their bowing. Otherwise, these headstrong fellows would likely follow him around, trying to kneel wherever he went.
The next moment, Eitri led the Dwarves in a heavy kowtow to the ground. The sound of 300 heads colliding with the metal floor echoed through the Dwarven kingdom.
"I, Eitri, the 7396th King of the Dwarves, represent the entire Dwarven race in thanking Lord Zane for saving our people!" Eitri pressed his head firmly against the ground, shouting hoarsely.
"Thank you, Lord Zane, for saving our people!"
"Thank you, Lord Zane, for saving our people!"
"…"
The Dwarves behind him echoed their king, shouting as well. Though their voices weren't perfectly in sync, the overwhelming gratitude in their cries was something Zane could clearly feel.
A heartfelt smile appeared on Zane's face. Though his reason for helping the Dwarves was due to the promise they made after crafting the Reaper's Scythe, receiving such genuine thanks felt undeniably good.
"Alright, I've received your gratitude," Zane said, smiling. "Those kids are practically starving. Go and rest up. If you keep kneeling like this, some of you might actually die."
Looking at the stubborn Dwarves who remained kneeling, Zane spoke with a hint of concern in his voice.
But Eitri, upon hearing Zane's words, showed no intention of rising. Naturally, the other Dwarves, seeing their king still kneeling, wouldn't stand up on their own either.
"Lord Zane, aside from expressing our gratitude, I have one more thing to discuss with you," Eitri said loudly.
"Go ahead, say it," Zane replied casually, waving his hand. Instantly, the power of death surged around him, gently lifting the weakened children from the ground. A golden ripple appeared in the air beside him, and countless foods and drinks spilled out, piling into a small mountain.
The Dwarven children, who had been dragged over against their will, gazed longingly at the food, but were too scared to make a move.
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