บท 74: CHAPTER 74

Hela inquired with curiosity, "Who is it?"

Rhodes responded with a smile, "There's only one person besides me who desires to collect all six Infinity Gems and wield the Infinity Gauntlet."

Hela questioned, "Isn't that just Thanos? If Thanos gets these five Infinity Gems and Infinity Gauntlet, I doubt anyone could stop him from obtaining the last Soul Gem."

Thanos, the one who sacrificed Gamora to assemble the six Infinity Gems, naturally seemed like the most fitting candidate.

Hela expressed her concerns, "What if Thanos acquires all six Infinity Gems before we do? His power will be overwhelming with the Infinity Gauntlet."

Hela was uneasy about the risk involved in this endeavor.

Rhodes, however, remained undisturbed, "It's simple. As long as the Infinity Gauntlet appears 'accidentally' in the universe, we don't need elaborate plans. Thanos will be lured to it."

Reassured by Rhodes's confidence, Hela put her worries to rest. She trusted Rhodes's preparation and planning.

Rhodes securely stored the Infinity Gauntlet, which now bore five Infinity Gems, in a heavily guarded location. He then sought out a renowned cosmic thief in the universe, finding one named Anderson.

Rhodes teleported to the cosmic thief Anderson, who was hiding on an abandoned asteroid somewhere in the universe.

Cosmic Bandit Anderson possessed a menacing appearance and formidable strength, while his race excelled at shape-shifting and disguising themselves. He was an expert thief capable of cracking advanced anti-theft technology.

Anderson had once acquired the energy core of a highly advanced cosmic empire and disabled the energy defense shield of an entire planet, earning a hefty bounty for his skills.

However, despite being a wanted fugitive, Anderson had eluded capture and continued to thrive.

Rhodes intended to enlist this rogue's assistance in a scheme to deceive Thanos.

Only this way could their plan have any credibility.

Rhodes teleported to where Cosmic Bandit Anderson was hiding, surprising the thief.

He had set up extensive detection equipment in his hideout, but everything appeared normal. He never anticipated someone like Rhodes teleporting into his presence so boldly.

Rhodes had the upper hand by teleporting directly from Asgard. No level of technology could counter that.

Space Bandit Anderson swiftly brandished a laser gun, aiming it at Rhodes while demanding, "Who are you? How did you find me here?"

Rhodes smiled and replied, "Seems like you're not as hard to locate as you think."

Without further ado, Rhodes used his mind control abilities to subdue Cosmic Bandit Anderson. Despite the thief's extraordinary skills, his combat capabilities were lacking, and Rhodes took control with ease.

Rhodes instructed Cosmic Bandit Anderson, "Follow my commands, and don't concern yourself with anything else."

Cooperating obediently, Cosmic Bandit Anderson nodded, "Alright, Lord Rhodes, I'll do as you say."

"Very well."

Now under Rhodes's control, Cosmic Bandit Anderson awaited further instructions.

Rhodes proceeded to implement his plan.

Afterward, he teleported back to Asgard, taking up his usual residence. He continued to visit Asgard and neighboring planets with Hela, seemingly at ease. He hadn't utilized the power of the Infinity Gems for quite some time, appearing less vigilant.

Many of Asgard's defense forces had been downsized, suggesting to outsiders that there were no longer threats capable of endangering the realm.

Soon, Cosmic Bandit Anderson received instructions from Rhodes and discreetly replaced his spaceship to mimic an Asgardian vessel. With many cosmic civilizations engaging in communication and trade with Asgard, this disguised vessel easily infiltrated Asgard's territory.

Then, Cosmic Bandit Anderson, posing as an Asgardian businessman, entered the palace under Rhodes's well-prepared disguise. Aided by the cooperative Asgardian guards along the way, he reached the location where Rhodes had stashed the Infinity Gauntlet embedded with five Infinity Gems.

Despite the help of Rhodes's prepared attire and identity, it appeared to be a straightforward mission.

Anderson was careful to avoid attracting attention. During the night, he departed Asgard while the guards were less vigilant.

In a matter of days, rumors circulated in the shadowy corners of the universe that Cosmic Bandit Anderson had stolen the Infinity Gauntlet from Asgard.

Many dismissed the news, believing it improbable that Anderson, despite his reputation, had successfully stolen the Infinity Gauntlet from Asgard.

It was clear that this was a deliberate misinformation campaign by an uninformed source, without any real credibility.

However, the rumor reached Thanos's ears. He had been monitoring the news regarding Asgard's Infinity Gauntlet closely.

While initially skeptical, Thanos's interest grew as Rhodes intentionally revealed a loophole in the story.

When Anderson stole the Gauntlet, both Rhodes and Hela were away from Asgard on a distant planet, making it seem like an excellent opportunity for theft. The information was convincing, and Thanos couldn't resist the allure of the genuine Infinity Gauntlet.

Now, Thanos was convinced that Anderson held the real Infinity Gauntlet. He summoned his five Generals – General Deathblade, Proxima Centauri, Black Dwarf, Ebony Maw, and Supergiant.

"Bring me General Black Dwarf," Thanos commanded his subordinates, summoning the five Black Yaowu Generals who served him.

Upon their gathering, Ebony Maw, his voice dripping with skepticism, inquired, "My great Thanos, you have called us together, but we wonder why."

Given that Thanos rarely summoned all five of them, Ebony Maw couldn't help but wonder about the purpose of this meeting.

The burly Black Dwarf responded with a smirk, "Of course, there must be some action to take. I've been itching for a fight; it's been too long."

He couldn't help but display his eagerness for battle, eager for the chance to employ his powerful fists.

Amused, Proxima Centauri, bedecked in armor and armed with a spear, commented, "All you know is to fight; does your brain contain anything other than muscles?"

In response to Proxima Centauri's taunt, Black Dwarf pointed to his substantial head, protesting, "My head isn't just muscles; it's even larger than your entire body."

Proxima Centauri disdainfully huffed, but the matter at hand drew their attention.

Thanos intervened, silencing the trivial bickering, "Enough with the nonsense. You five are needed for a mission – to retrieve the Infinity Gauntlet for me."

Ebony Maw expressed doubt, "Master Thanos, this story of the stolen Infinity Gauntlet is based on mere rumors and seems unreliable."

He believed the entire matter was a hoax.

Thanos appeared displeased, responding sternly, "True or not, you will find the thief and recover the Infinity Gauntlet for me."

With Thanos's tone, Ebony Maw dared not argue further, acknowledging, "As you wish, great Thanos. We shall retrieve the Infinity Gauntlet for you."

In the end, Black Dwarf realized that this mission did not involve combat, a bit disappointed by the lack of action.

Proxima Centauri couldn't resist teasing, "Looks like we're merely hunting for something this time."

With Thanos's plans in motion, the five Black Generals – Proxima Centauri, Black Dwarf, Ebony Maw, Supergiant, and General Deathblade – set out to track down the elusive space thief Anderson, who now possessed the genuine Infinity Gauntlet.

Meanwhile, Anderson marveled at the Infinity Gauntlet's beauty and contemplated the immense power it could wield. As he held it, he couldn't help but imagine the overwhelming might that would be unleashed if all six Infinity Gems came together.

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