Chapter 177

Behind Thanos stood two other figures.

One was a peculiar man with an elegant demeanor but a face that was sharp and rat-like.

The other was a bald woman, half-human, half-cyborg—Nebula.

Seeing this trio, Chen Ye's expression grew serious.

He could dismiss Nebula as a threat, but Ebony Maw was a different story—he had to be taken seriously.

As one of the "Black Order's" most fearsome members, Ebony Maw was incredibly powerful.

His ability, "Telekinesis," was very similar to Chen Ye's own powers.

However, when it came to psychic abilities, Ebony Maw was leagues ahead, far surpassing Chen Ye by a wide margin!

In *Avengers: Infinity War*, Ebony Maw had an impressive performance—he not only overpowered Doctor Strange but also effortlessly dealt with the pursuing Iron Man and Spider-Man. If not for plot requirements, Ebony Maw's death wouldn't have been so easy!

And let's not forget, standing beside Ebony Maw was someone even more terrifying—Thanos!

At this moment, Chen Ye was already tempted to drop the "Disintegration Solution" and make a run for it!

If he didn't know the original storyline and understand Thanos' character—that Thanos was an idealist rather than a bloodthirsty killer—Chen Ye would have fled long ago.

"Earthling, welcome," Thanos finally spoke, his tone revealing a deep interest in Chen Ye.

Chen Ye exhaled slowly and replied solemnly, "Thanos, I didn't expect to meet you here!"

As soon as he spoke, Ebony Maw scolded, "How dare you address my master by name?"

Ebony Maw was about to teach Chen Ye a lesson, but Thanos waved him off.

"You know me?" Thanos asked, surprised.

"Of course, you're a conqueror. I've heard of your reputation!" Chen Ye nodded, his eyes fixed on Thanos.

He wasn't afraid of the loud-mouthed Ebony Maw.

While Ebony Maw was powerful, Chen Ye wasn't weak either!

If it came down to a fight between the two, it was still uncertain who would come out on top.

In the original storyline, Doctor Strange was overwhelmed by Ebony Maw simply because he was too physically weak. Ebony Maw easily restrained him with a vine-like constraint.

But if it were Chen Ye, even steel might not be enough to hold him!

Moreover, Chen Ye had Armament Haki, making him virtually impervious to weapons. Killing Chen Ye wouldn't be easy for Ebony Maw.

"Since you know me, why do you oppose me?" Thanos asked with a smile.

Chen Ye shrugged, "Earth is my home. I can't just let you destroy it!"

This was a complete lie to mislead Thanos. To Chen Ye, this world was just another mission, and he was merely a passing traveler.

Thanos, unaware of this, and deceived by Chen Ye's disguise skill, believed his words.

Then, Thanos suddenly said, "I'll give you a chance. Submit to me! As long as you are loyal to me, I can guarantee that I won't invade Earth again!"

Chen Ye was genuinely surprised by Thanos' offer.

He hadn't expected Thanos to try to recruit him.

But after thinking it over, Chen Ye quickly understood Thanos' intention...

Thanos had sent Loki to invade Earth to collect the Infinity Stones there.

Now that Chen Ye had made it all the way to the spaceship, it was clear that Loki had failed.

And Thanos, knowing how dangerous Earth was, wasn't eager to risk invading it himself, especially with certain powerful beings still alive there.

So, he tried to recruit Chen Ye, likely to use him to obtain the Infinity Stones.

Realizing this, Chen Ye put on a hesitant expression and asked, "If I submit to you, will you really not invade Earth again?"

Chen Ye was stalling for time!!

There was still over an hour left until the mission was complete!

If he dropped the "Disintegration Solution" and ran now, even with the teleportation function of his bracelet, Thanos would have enough time to catch up to him.

So, Chen Ye decided to trick Thanos, stalling for time until the mission was nearly over. Then he'd reveal his true intentions, drop the "Disintegration Solution," and make his escape in style!

Once the mission timer hit zero, he could return to the Reincarnation Space.

At that point, not even Thanos could do anything to him, no matter how powerful he was!

...

Seeing Chen Ye's apparent "doubt" about Thanos' offer, Ebony Maw couldn't help but reprimand him, "Human, do not question my master. He never breaks his word!"

Chen Ye glanced at Ebony Maw indifferently—this guy was indeed a master at flattery!

Ignoring Ebony Maw, Chen Ye turned to Thanos and asked, "Can I have some time to think about it?"

Thanos frowned.

Under normal circumstances, anyone he tried to recruit would either submit or die instantly!

Think about it?

Thanos wasn't in the habit of waiting for anyone.

But now, Thanos had to show some patience with Chen Ye.

He needed a powerful subordinate to help him retrieve the Infinity Stones from Earth.

...

Chen Ye was a "native" of Earth. No one was more suitable for the task than him.

If Thanos had known that Chen Ye was similar to him—already on the Ancient One's watchlist—who knows what he would have thought?

Ebony Maw was about to speak up again, but Thanos stopped him.

"How long do you need to consider? My time is valuable, and I can't wait too long for you."

"Is one hour enough?" Chen Ye bluffed. "I'm not very quick on my feet, so I need to think carefully about the implications of becoming your subordinate."

Hearing that it was only an hour, Thanos frowned, gave Chen Ye a deep look, and then nodded:

"Alright!"

Although Thanos sensed something was off, he didn't know about the Reincarnation Space. He believed that this human wouldn't escape his grasp.

For the Infinity Stones on Earth, Thanos could afford to be patient for an hour.

"Thank you!"

As soon as Chen Ye finished speaking, he sat down on the ground, pretending to be deep in thought.

Thanos and the others waited in silence.

Ebony Maw and Nebula were both highly impatient with Chen Ye.

But since Thanos had given his approval, they didn't dare to say anything!