Crimson molten iron poured into the mold, and once the lava-like high-temperature liquid solidified and cooled, the prototype of a gauntlet took shape.
From the iris, Sean overlooked the interior of the star ring. He released his arms, and the valve behind him closed shut, the surging energy gradually waning.
Seeing the Infinity Gauntlet forged to completion, Sean leaped down, landing with a crash near the massive furnace.
"This is the Infinity Gauntlet, a conduit capable of channeling the energy of all six Infinity Stones," said Eitri, gazing at the metal gauntlet shimmering with a reddish glow, a complex expression flickering in his eyes.
Many years ago, Odin had coveted the supreme power of the Infinity Stones and secretly commissioned the Dwarf King to replicate an Infinity Gauntlet. Unfortunately, its completion was subpar, amounting to little more than a failed creation.
It wasn't until the mad Titan Thanos descended in force, bringing blueprints for the Infinity Gauntlet; precise and intricate energy transduction circuits, highly compatible metallic materials, combined with the dwarves' unique forging techniques, that the true Infinity Gauntlet was forged.
"I've said before that I would never craft two identical works," Eitri let out a bitter laugh, as if drained of all his strength, slumping down beside the gradually extinguishing furnace.
Sean paid no heed to Dwarf King's tangled emotions. With a slight stir of his mind, the newly forged metal gauntlet flew into his hand, fitting perfectly as he donned it.
His arm vibrated faintly, and the four gems rose one after another, embedding themselves into their corresponding slots. In an instant, brilliance erupted!
The four colors of light merged into one, as if awakening the dormant Infinity Gauntlet. Boundless energy surged through the complex circuits, fine intricate patterns overflowing with radiance, like glittering stars.
Dazzling light enveloped Sean. He clenched his fist abruptly as immense energy flooded his body.
Then, a domineering aura burst forth, climbing higher and higher, like a hurricane sweeping through, forcing the nearby Eitri to squint his eyes involuntarily, a faint palpitation stirring in his heart.
Violent energy poured out unchecked. Sean stood tall within the star ring, akin to a stellar body, exuding a terrifying sense of power with every gesture.
"This feeling... it's truly intoxicating," Sean exhaled deeply, slowly reining in his astonishing aura.
The golden torrents surging through his body finally returned to calm.
"As expected from the dwarves, the most skilled in forging artifacts. Compared to Asgard's imitation, this gauntlet allows me to unleash my full power."
Hearing the praise, Eitri's face twisted into a self-deprecating smile. It was precisely because of the dwarves' unique forging skills that Thanos had brought slaughter upon them.
Originally, Nidavellir had been under Asgard's protection. Odin had once conquered the Nine Realms and was invincible and awe-inspiring across the galaxy. Few dared to provoke them lightly.
Who could have imagined that the once-mighty Allfather would grow old?
Thanos, in his quest for the Infinity Stones, had brazenly led an army to invade Asgard and storm the palace.
If even Asgard, self-proclaimed guardians of the Nine Realms, couldn't withstand that cosmic overlord, then the blood debt of the dwarves might never be repaid...
Sean looked at the despondent Dwarf King, then said with a smile, "To counter Thanos's inevitable resurgence and future major crises, Earth and Asgard have formed an alliance, preparing to unite the Nine Realms and build a defensive front. As one of the Nine Realms, Nidavellir rightfully belongs in the ranks resisting Thanos's tyranny."
Sean wouldn't pass up a top-tier talent with such forging gifts.
These words surprised Eitri. He hadn't expected the proud Asgardians who styled themselves as lords of the Nine Realms to ally with Midgard.
"As long as I can avenge my fallen kin, I'll give everything!" Eitri replied in a deep, rumbling voice.
As the leader of the dwarves, he bore a heavy blood debt. His three hundred slain clansmen demanded justice to find peace and return to the dark realm.
Sean stared at the gleaming metal gauntlet and declared, "You'll see that day come."
...
Sanctuary II, the colossal mothership carrying the Black Order, stretched across the cosmos like a black behemoth devouring planets.
The mad Titan sat upon his stone throne, a ghastly wound scarring his chest. The injury slashed diagonally from shoulder to abdomen, nearly cleaving him in two.
This was the horrific injury inflicted when the Sentinel, in his void state, had driven him into the planet's core, tearing the planet apart in a massive explosion and leaving Thanos teetering on the brink of death.
If Ebony Maw hadn't retreated in time, piloting Sanctuary II to retrieve Thanos from the dark space, this cosmic overlord who made countless civilized worlds tremble would have perished long ago.
After prolonged rescue efforts, they had barely salvaged a thread of life for Thanos. The Eternal's resilient physique allowed this mad Titan to survive such terrifying trauma, clinging stubbornly to existence.
Ebony Maw, the sole strategist among the Black Order, knelt before the throne, "Great Titan, the Orb will soon be in your hands. The supreme might of the Infinity Stones is worthy only of your command."
His eyes brimmed with awe and submission. Even with Thanos gravely wounded, not a single rebellious thought stirred in his heart.
"Has Ronan agreed to the terms of cooperation?" Thanos's voice carried a hint of weariness, lacking its former solidity and strength.
"Gamora persuaded that Kree Empire official, but..." Ebony Maw hesitated, cautiously lifting his head to glance at the cosmic overlord enthroned above, before speaking softly, "I believe Gamora's loyalty to you is questionable. I've sealed off news of your injury, but rumors still swirl across the universe. Various speculations abound, and forces like the three great empires have been probing frequently in recent times."
Ebony Maw recounted the Black Order's recent affairs. The vast star domains ruled by the Black Order had seen frequent unrest, forcing him to dispatch General Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, and Cull Obsidian to suppress it... {T/N: Didn't Proxima die during her clash with Odin, or am I mis-remembering?}
He alone remained to hold Sanctuary II, guarding the weakened Thanos.
"Mere rabble," Thanos sneered, seemingly unconcerned.
He recalled the figure that had dragged him to death's door, the opponent who possessed at least three Infinity Stones and was gradually gaining the upper hand in this contest for the gems.
"The Orb won't tip the scales of victory. I can sense that Earth human growing stronger by the day," Thanos said, bowing his head in contemplation, his eyes shadowed.
He looked down at the kneeling Ebony Maw and said sorrowfully, "Eradicating half the universe's life... I once thought this way could avert the inevitable end, delaying the day when all things wither and return to nothingness. But now, it's impossible. This universe itself is flawed, imperfect, destined to fall into ruin. To change it all, I need an even greater power!"
Thanos struggled to brace himself against the throne, rising slowly. His cold gaze seemed to pierce through the hall, staring into the unknowable darkness beyond.