Earth, top floor of Frieza Tower.
Sunlight streamed through the massive French windows, bathing Frieza's immaculate white suit in gold. He swirled a glass of vintage whisky.
Crimson eyes looked through the glass at the Ragnarok Exhibition Hall hovering in low orbit. Inside were imprisoned the mightiest gods and heroes of this Universe. They were like soulless marionettes on display in transparent cages.
Frieza sipped, brows knitting slightly.
"The liquor of this Universe's Earth can't quite match the MCU's Planet Frieza 001's."
"A bit astringent."
He set the glass down and turned toward the center of the hall.
There, Thanos, with Apocalypse, Erik, Loki and other key lieutenants, knelt on one knee, awaiting their sovereign's address. Tempered by the last war, these villains exuded an even darker, more terrifying aura.
Especially Thanos.
Black glints flowed beneath his purple skin, proof Frieza's gift of Ki had remade him. Now, even without the Infinity Gauntlet, he could crush a planet with one hand.
"Everyone."
Frieza's voice echoed, elegant and languid.
"Earth's renovation is essentially finished. The stubborn troublemakers have become fine ornaments."
"However…"
Frieza tapped the table with a finger.
"My appetite is not satisfied by one tiny mud ball. Since we've opened a branch, we must expand, yes?"
He waved and a hologram unfolded, showing the Universe's map. Countless galaxies lay upon it like virgin land waiting to be tilled.
"Look here." He pointed to a spiral arm of Andromeda.
A radiant Planet gleamed there, shining with the light of civilization.
"According to Charles's probe of Cyclops's brain, this is Xandar of this Universe. Also called the 'Galactic Council' seat."
Frieza's lips curled in mockery. "Sounds much like Planet Frieza 002's setup."
"Old acquaintances, then—simple."
His gaze turned razor-sharp. "Thanos."
"Lord Frieza!" Thanos jerked his head up, battle-lust blazing in his eyes.
Frieza said, "I name you Director of the Ultimate Universe Relocation Office."
"Take your fleet and these useless fools…"
He glanced at Apocalypse and the rest.
"Seize that planet for me."
"Remember."
Frieza raised three fingers.
"One, I dislike that so-called Irani's hairstyle. Have her pick something more pleasing."
"Two, bring that 'World Computer', this Universe's Supreme Intelligence, back intact. I'll use it to upgrade the tower."
"Three…"
His smile turned cruel.
"Tell them: Surrender and live."
"But if they refuse, let them taste true despair."
"By your command, Lord Frieza!!!" Thanos roared, the floor trembling.
He rose, purple face alight with hunger for war.
His first battle in the new Universe!
He would bathe it in enemy blood to prove his loyalty.
"Ginyu Force! All hands, board ship!"
With a sweep of his arm, Thanos strode from the hall.
"Depart! For the glory of Lord Frieza!"
In the vast starry sea, a colossal white fleet jumped to hyperlight.
Ten thousand planet-busting battleships.
Each hull bore the purple "Frieza" that struck terror across the cosmos.
On a ship's bridge, Thanos stood, arms clasped behind him, watching starlight stream past.
"How long to target?" He asked, voice low and imperious.
"Report, Commander!"
Loki, reluctant communications officer, checked the screen.
"Three minutes to reversion."
"Excellent."
Thanos turned to Apocalypse and Erik and said, "You heard Lord Frieza. Swift and merciless. Show these natives what real power is."
Apocalypse cracked his knuckles. "Rest easy, Thanos. I can't wait to crush those so-called Nova Centurions' skulls."
Erik smiled coldly, nearby metal quivering with his mood. "Metal… I smell it in abundance. That planet will be my playground."
—
Xandar, capital of the Nova Empire.
One of the Ultimate Universe's richest, most peaceful planets.
Without flashy superheroes, its technology and strict laws let the Nova Corps keep order across half the galaxy.
Until today.
"Warning! Warning!"
"Massive spatial fold detected!"
"Energy signature… incalculable!"
"What is that?!"
The Nova Corps Commander stared in horror at the swarm of red dots on the scope.
Countless, blotting out the sky like locusts. A fleet, immense beyond imagination.
"Where did they come from?!"
Before defense orders could be given—
BOOM!!!
Space shattered.
Ten thousand white warships ghosted from the void, encircling Xandar in an instant. The sheer pressure plunged the planet into darkness.
Invasion!
"Activate the planetary shield!" Irani shrieked the order.
A pale yellow energy dome flared, cloaking the planet.
Gazing at that thin layer, Thanos aboard the flagship merely curled a contemptuous smile.
"A shield? Before the power Lord Frieza bestowed, such a thing is paper."
Thanos raised his right hand.
No main cannon.
Just a fist.
Boom!!!
A purple-black inferno erupted from his knuckles.
Across tens of thousands of kilometres, he punched the planet.
"Shatter!"
Bang!!!
A visible violet shockwave, like death's scythe, crossed the void and slammed into the shield.
Crack!
One blow and the famed stellar-flare-proof barrier burst like glass under a hammer.
Shards of light rained everywhere.
"Wh…what?!"
Irani collapsed, eyes bulging.
One punch?
This was the enemy's might?
Thanos flicked his hand. "Attack. No survivors, except those who surrender."
Rumble!
Ten thousand cannons fired.
Purple beams poured like a storm.
Xandar's proud defense fleet never cleared the tarmac before being pinned and incinerated.
Apocalypse, a blue titan, stamped the parliament building to dust.
Erik bent every scrap of metal into a killing tide.
This was no war.
It was carnage.
Half an hour later, the once-glorious Xandar was an ocean of flame.
Irani knelt in the ruins, watching the purple giant descend. Only despair remained in her eyes.
"Who… are you people?"
Thanos stood over her, gaze imperial. "We are the Frieza Force. The emperor of the universe's blade."
He seized her head and said, "Now. Tell me."
"Will you kneel and become Lord Frieza's slave or will you choose death?"