Time, for ordinary carbon-based lifeforms, is long and agonizing.
But for Frieza, these past two weeks were merely spent drinking a few bottles of fine wine and sunbathing a few times on a private beach on Earth.
"Hoo..."
Frieza stood on the helipad on the top floor of the Frieza Tower, tidying his immaculate white suit.
The weather was nice today—it was a good day for an inspection.
"Natasha, Maria."
Frieza waved his hand behind him without turning his head.
"Let's go."
"Let's see what kind of answer our Director Thanos has delivered."
"Yes, Master."
Natasha and Maria, dressed in maid outfits, responded respectfully.
Then, they skillfully started the golden hover-pod parked nearby.
Ever since Earth's moon was crushed and replaced with Io, although Earth's climate was still in an adjustment period, at least there was no need to worry about waking up the next day to find seawater at the bedside.
Everything was developing according to the grand blueprint of 'Frieza Paradise'.
Frieza gracefully settled into the hover-pod, the comfortable velvet cushion drawing a satisfied sigh from him.
"Depart."
Boom!
The Space Stone flashed blue and a massive portal tore open above Manhattan.
—
Planet Frieza 002, outer orbit.
When the light of the portal dissipated, a wonderful sight greeted them.
Even Frieza, who was accustomed to grand spectacles, couldn't help but have his crimson eyes slightly brighten.
Stunning.
Absolutely stunning.
The originally vast and silent cosmic expanse was now filled with a white ocean of steel.
A full ten thousand warships!
Each battleship adopted a streamlined design and was pure white. Its side was emblazoned with distinctive purple stripes and the eye-catching 'Frieza' emblem.
They floated silently in orbit, arranged in neat formations, like a steel army awaiting review.
And at the very front of the fleet, the fully refitted flagship—the former Dark Aster, now the 'Emperor', had completely transformed.
The grim and dark Kree style had been thoroughly eradicated, replaced by extreme luxury and technological sophistication. The massive circular bridge stood like a crown, with the secondary gunports on either side emitting a chilling, faint glow.
"Oh ho ho ho..."
Frieza sat in the hover-pod, looking at this magnificent scene, and couldn't help but let out a joyful laugh.
"Excellent."
"It seems Thanos has some capabilities."
This unified aesthetic, this overwhelming sense of pressure...
This is what befits the identity of the Emperor of the universe.
Thanos's old donut spaceship and Ronan's dark, clunky ship were simply too tacky.
Just then, the hatch of the flagship, 'Emperor', slowly opened. Several figures flew out using anti-gravity devices, hovering in front of Frieza's pod.
Leading them was Thanos.
This former cosmic overlord, now the Demolition Office Director, was now clad in a brand new golden battle armor bearing the Frieza Force emblem.
Though still bald, and still with that purple face, his spirit and demeanor were noticeably more restrained and profound than half a month ago.
That was the composure of a senior executive.
Behind him were Apocalypse, Erik, and the visibly jealous Loki, all wearing Ginyu Force uniforms.
"Lord Frieza."
Thanos placed one hand on his chest, bowing slightly, performing a flawless subordinate's salute.
His voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the entire star system via the communication channel.
"I have fulfilled my mission."
"Ten thousand Star Destroyer-class battleships, one Emperor-class flagship, and fifty thousand accompanying mechanical soldiers have all been assembled."
"All weapon systems have been upgraded using the Power Stone's energy circuits."
"All armor has been infused with Vibranium and Adamantium coatings."
Thanos raised his head, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "This fleet is capable of crushing the Kree Empire within a week. It can also reduce any rebellious civilization to dust within three days."
Hearing Thanos's report, Frieza clapped with satisfaction.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
"Very good."
Frieza floated out of the hover-pod and landed in front of Thanos. He extended his hand and patted Thanos's broad, sturdy shoulder.
"Thanos, you've given me a big surprise."
"I keep my word. From today on, you are the Grand Commander of this fleet."
"Also..."
Frieza pointed to the distant Planet Frieza 002.
"Go pick out the best property on it for yourself. Consider it an advance on your year-end bonus."
A flicker of emotion, the satisfaction of ambition fulfilled, crossed Thanos's eyes.
"Thank you for the reward, Lord Frieza."
Compared to Thanos's composure, Loki's eyes were almost red with envy.
Why?!
Why could this purple bastard become the Grand Commander as soon as he arrived?
He, Loki, was the first to surrender.
He was a veteran.
And this tight-fitting suit looks so ugly on him, is Lord Frieza blind?
Loki roared inwardly, but on his face, he had to force a fawning smile and lean forward.
"Lord Frieza."
"Although this fleet is mighty, it also relies on the spiritual infusion from our Ginyu Force."
"For the past half month, Captain Apocalypse and I have been training those mechanical soldiers day and night to dance... no, to train their tactical movements."
Frieza glanced at this drama queen, waving his hand in mild disgust. "Alright, I know."
"Don't just stand there, go decant the red wine in the flagship for me."
"If the wine at the celebration banquet isn't good later, I'll stuff you into a cannon barrel and launch you out."
Loki: "..."
Having dealt with his subordinates' squabbling, Frieza turned to face the vast array of ten thousand battleships.
He slowly spread his arms. At that moment, a terrifying aura, transcending all beings, erupted from his small frame, instantly sweeping across the entire star system.
At this moment, all mechanical soldiers and all shipboard AIs bowed their heads.
"Listen! My slaves! My warriors!"
Frieza's voice boomed through the broadcast, echoing in the command centre of every battleship.
"You are the sharp sword of the Frieza Force!"
"You are the maintainers of cosmic order!"
"And of course, you are my most loyal demolition team!"
Frieza pointed a finger towards a distant and mysterious coordinate on the star map.
That was the core of the Nine Realms.
That was the dwelling of Odin, the All-Father.
That was the legendary Asgard, where gold was said to be everywhere.
"Our journey has just begun. Earth is too small, and Xandar is too boring."
"I hear that in the distant reaches of the cosmos, there is a kingdom that calls itself a realm of gods."
"They live in palaces made of gold, drink millennia-old fine wines, and claim to protect the Nine Realms?"
Frieza's lips curved into a sneer of extreme greed and wickedness. "I think that such a good place, left in the hands of those barbarians who only swing hammers around, is simply a waste of resources."
"Since it's a realm of gods, it has even more value for conquest, doesn't it?"
"Thanos!"
"I am here!" Thanos abruptly raised his head, battle intent burning in his eyes like a raging fire.
"Issue the order!"
Frieza waved his hand, pointing to the starry sky. "All forces, attack!"
"Target—Asgard!"
"Oh ho ho ho ho..."
Boom!
At Frieza's command, the engines of ten thousand white battleships ignited simultaneously. Blue exhaust flames illuminated the entire star system.
The massive fleet slowly began to turn, adjusting its coordinates.
Space began to tremble, and the warp engines started charging.