Thor, who had recovered his strength on Earth and even advanced further, immediately became embroiled in this war upon returning to Asgard.
Seeing Thor arrive, and feeling that he hadn't fully recovered, the Great Serpent chose to temporarily avoid conflict. As the previous All-Father of Asgard, he understood the Nine Realms' passages quite well, so he hid in the territories of the Dark Elves and Frost Giants, beginning a protracted war with Asgard.
This war dragged on intermittently for a year or two until recently, when the Great Serpent Cul suddenly felt his power greatly increase, with endless fear converging upon him. Only then did his battles with Asgard become more evenly matched.
Soon after, Asgard received news of the arrival of the Zerg. Subsequently, Odin and Cul, these brothers, probed each other several times and finally ceased their war.
Cul wanted to use the fear brought by the Zerg invasion to further enhance his power, and Odin also hoped for the young Thor to have more opportunities for growth. Both sides were playing for time, and a battle between them was certainly still to come.
Of course, this was their initial thought, but as the Zerg's invasion intensified and their terror grew, both Odin and Cul gradually realized the severity of the problem!
Judging from the current battles in the universe, the Annihilation Zerg almost held an absolute advantage. In less than a year, nearly half of the entire universe had fallen, and more than a third of the active combat forces were lost. Far from being weakened, the Zerg were constantly growing stronger and evolving in their battles against the various cosmic races!
Especially after capturing the Planet Eater, and relying on the primordial cosmic energy it converted, the Zerg also gained powerful individual units, further crushing the major civilizations of the universe.
By this point, both Odin and Cul understood that their greatest enemy was not each other, but these Annihilation Zerg!
To be honest, Odin would rather let Cul rule Asgard than see Asgard become a meal for bugs! Similarly, although Cul hated Odin, he also didn't want to live in a world overrun by Zerg. Bugs don't have much fear, after all... Today, some special guests arrived in Asgard, led by a woman with blue skin and some metallic machinery implanted on her body.
"I know your name, Nebula, isn't it? The daughter of that Mad Titan." Odin, radiating a fierce battle aura, sat on his throne. The Gungnir in his hand seemed to flicker with faint red blood beads, which then vanished in an instant.
That was an illusion Nebula experienced, caused by the recovered killing intent of Odin, who had once again wielded Gungnir in battle during this period.
Nebula's face was respectful. This unfortunate child was not like Thanos's other daughter, Gamora, who still harbored some defiance. Nebula had long been trained in how to face powerful individuals, having often followed the capricious and deranged titan.
Nebula's training was not very effective against Thanos, who was a pure madman, but it worked well with normal powerful individuals like Odin.
"Great All-Father of Asgard, the universe is now in peril. My master hopes to receive Asgard's help."
"Hmm?! That Mad Titan wouldn't say such a thing..." Odin chuckled softly and said, "Asgardians never fear war. We will defeat any enemy who wishes to invade our universe!"
"But I imagine Thanos didn't send you here to discuss whether Asgard will participate in the war, did he?"
Even before Nebula arrived, other cosmic empires had already sent pleas for help to Asgard. Both Odin and Cul, as well as the Asgardians, were people who rejoiced in war and knew no fear.
Odin had cultivated his mind for so many years, merely refraining from external aggression, but he had never said he would stop fighting altogether. Cul, needless to say, as the God of Fear and an Asgardian, had war practically flowing in his veins.
The Zerg were coming fiercely. Other races might be afraid, but for these barbarians of Asgard, dying on the battlefield was their greatest honor. So, Asgard had agreed immediately upon receiving the plea for help.
If it weren't for Odin and Cul having just ceased hostilities, the first wave of Asgardian warriors would probably already be crossing the Bifrost to the battlefield. There was truly no need for Thanos to come and dictate terms.
Moreover, Thanos's Black Order didn't even have a territory, so there was no issue of being invaded. Coupled with his notorious reputation, it was inconceivable that he would come as a good character seeking aid.
"Yes, the great Master Thanos has devised a permanent solution and hopes to utilize the crafting abilities of the Dwarves to forge an artifact for himself," Nebula said respectfully, bowing her head.
The entire Golden Palace of Asgard immediately fell silent. Nebula dared not lift her head or even breathe. She only felt as if a storm of lightning was gathering above her head, constantly accumulating. Then, just as she felt she could no longer bear it, the pressure suddenly dissipated.
"Hahahaha! Thanos is truly an interesting little fellow!" Odin suddenly burst into laughter. "Has he made up his mind? If so, I will naturally grant his request!"
"Heimdall, escort our guest to Nidavellir! Tell the Dwarves to fulfill all of her requests."
The Dwarves live on a star ring called "Nidavellir," not a planet. There are over three hundred Dwarves in total, loyal to Asgard, protected by Asgard, and specialized in forging weapons for Asgard.
Of course, Asgardians call it Nidavellir, just as they refer to Earth as Midgard.
Odin had already guessed the equipment Thanos wanted to forge, which was naturally the Infinity Gauntlet.
In reality, for beings of their power level, the Infinity Gauntlet's enhancement isn't too significant. A close look at the battles in the movie reveals that even with the Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos's combat power didn't increase to an irresistible degree.
In fact, when fully equipped with all Infinity Stones, Thanos's combat power even regressed somewhat due to the immense pressure brought by the Gauntlet.
And to fully utilize a fully gemmed Infinity Gauntlet, the cost is simply too great. With Thanos's physique, which had almost reached the peak of flesh and blood life in the universe, a single snap nearly cost him half his life. This is precisely why Odin's tone even carried a hint of admiration.
Regardless of Thanos's future intentions, his first wish would undoubtedly be to eliminate the Zerg. In that scenario, if he still wanted to achieve a second wish, even if Thanos didn't die, he would be completely crippled.
*******************************
If you would like to gain early access, you can join me at www.patre on.com/bookbattalion
Now available - Chapter 671: New Drip