The Black Order arrived at last, descending before the towering obsidian palace that crowned Thanos' main star.
Without warning, the colossal gates shuddered and parted.
A column of golden light surged outward, washing over the five generals where they stood.
Warm radiance clung to their bodies like liquid fire, though Corvus Glaive's form stubbornly remained wrapped in swirling black mist as his very presence was a silent defiance of illumination.
Proxima Midnight and Supergiant, by contrast, had their faces laid bare by the glow.
If one ignored their alien features and skin tones, they would have appeared almost human and unsettlingly beautiful.
"Master."
The word echoed together from all five as they caught sight, through the widening doors, of the lone figure seated upon the throne.
"Enter," Thanos commanded. His voice carried the weight of a collapsing star.
The generals obeyed, filing in according to their ancient hierarchy. They halted at the base of the throne and knelt, eyes lowered.
They had ruled battlefields and conquered civilizations on behalf of Thanos, yet none dared to lift their gaze without permission.
Until now, even they had not known why their master broke centuries of silence, why he had shaken the Sanctuary with a planetary decree and declared Earth his next target.
Black Dwarf shifted uneasily, confusion creasing his massive brow.
To him, Earth was a nameless world among billions. Destroying it shouldn't require the full strength of the Black Order… let alone Thanos himself.
"Master," He rumbled, hesitant but unable to contain the question burning in him, "It is only an unknown planet."
"Must we stir the entire Sanctuary for such a small matter? Is… is it not excessive?"
The temperature in the hall seemed to plummet.
"Silence, fool!" Corvus Glaive snapped before Thanos could react.
The sacred blade in his hand flared with a warning shimmer. "You presume to question the master's will? Forgive him, Lord Thanos, absence from the wider cosmos has dulled his sense."
But the damage was done.
A single flicker passed through Thanos' eyes.
An invisible force struck Black Dwarf. The giant was lifted bodily from the floor and smashed into the far wall, the impact thundering through the hall.
He crumpled, trembling, staring at the ground in terror. The mere glance of Thanos had undone him.
"So," Thanos murmured, rising from the throne. "Have I been still for so long… that even my own generals forget the cost of disobedience?"
His power flooded the chamber, a tidal wave of cosmic intent. The five generals staggered backward despite themselves, the weight pressing on their chests.
Even Corvus' artifact blade, glowing fiercely, barely carved out a breathing space around him.
"Forgive us, Master!" Corvus shouted, voice strained as he fought the crushing aura. "None intended disrespect!"
Then~
As swiftly as it surged, the aura vanished.
The sudden void of pressure made their bodies recoil.
Their lungs seized and their hearts were pounding violently against their ribs.
Several nearly coughed blood, Supergiant swayed as the rush of normal air burned her throat.
Only then did they truly understand.
Thanos had not weakened during his long dormancy… instead, he had become far more dangerous.
For countless years of Thanos's silence, the Five had learned to think only in terms of obedience.
Each of them carried faint, secret ambitions in the shadows of their hearts but now, confronted with the full force of Thanos's aura, even those thoughts dissolved like dust.
The weight of his presence was suffocating. Any rebellious whispers they had entertained in their long dormancy were instantly obliterated.
Several of the generals could feel sweat prickling on their skin, their stomachs twisting as if trying to flee.
"Hmph."
Thanos's even in his long dormancy, his perception had never faltered. Every minor grievance, every whispered complaint among the Obsidian Five had been noted.
Today, his demonstration of sheer majesty was meant to eradicate all doubt.
"The so-called Great Devil Soren," Thanos continued, his gaze all-consuming, "Is a human from Earth."
"He slew Ronan and annihilated the Chitauri army. At present, he possesses at least four Infinity Stones."
The words struck the Black Order. Even for them, seasoned warriors of the cosmos, the mention of Infinity Stones demanded awe.
Just one of these cosmic relics could elevate a being to the pinnacle of existence… four?
A silence fell. Sweat ran freely down the generals' spines, and every instinct screamed caution.
Yet Corvus Glaive, ever the boldest and quickest to act, stepped forward.
"Master, I volunteer to lead the vanguard!"
The others followed immediately, bowing in unison, each declaration echoing through the hall.
"We will clear the path for you, Master. No obstacle shall stand!"
Thanos's expression softened slightly, the frozen chill retreating from his features.
"Very well," He said calm but lethal. "You will set out with the elite forces of your army."
"I am aware there are powerful individuals on Earth, but none can match the full might of your legions. Deal with them and remove all opposition."
He leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing like twin eclipses.
"As for the Great Devil Soren…" His words dripped with menace, deliberate and sharp. "He will fall by my hand alone."
"Understand?"
Every general's head snapped down in unison. They understood perfectly.
The prize could not be touched. The mission was to annihilate resistance and prepare the battlefield… nothing more.
"Good," Thanos said, rising slightly on the throne as his aura expanded. "Prepare immediately."
"In three days, we march. When my throne descends on Earth, let there be none except Soren himself."
Then imperceptibly, Thanos closed his eyes. The words ceased, but the weight of command lingered in the air.
Corvus Glaive and the others withdrew, moving with urgency back to their respective planets.
Each began purging doubt and reigniting loyalty, calling forth their legions, sharpening their weapons, and awakening horrors long held in dormancy.