章節 168: Negotiation and war

Authors Note-

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Ivan understood that Thanos intentionally provoked him to reveal his identity, emphasizing that being a cosmic hegemon doesn't mean having a brain instead of muscles.

Ivan didn't fall for the trick, responding, "Why hide and seek? If you can grab our tail, there is no need for these tricks. We've kept our true identity secret well. Your people are so inept that they couldn't uncover it until now."

Ebony Maw interrupts, provocatively saying, "Eloquent words won't make you a leader."

Shaw retorts, "What are you? Stop talking nonsense and stay put?"

The other generals were ready to int, prepared for a confrontation with weapons in hand. Apocalypse's group responds in kind.

"Why don't you stop your subordinates?" Thanos disregards his team's actions, focusing solely on Ivan.

"Please, you should stop your subordinates first."

"Why?" Thanos widens his eyes, questioning Ivan.

Under the mask, Shaw appeared embarrassed, and his son felt the same way.

Thanos, feeling helpless, acknowledges the strength of the reasoning. Encountering someone shameless, he waves his hand, and the Generals return to him.

Ivan's team also retreated, a visible sigh under their masks. In the invisible confrontation between Ivan and Thanos, there's a slight advantage for Ivan, yet they feel more ashamed than happy.

"Okay, let's not beat around the bush. Let's get straight to the point. I believe our conflict is a misunderstanding. Continuing the fight benefits no one. Can we end it peacefully?" Ivan attempts, knowing it's unlikely.

Unexpectedly, Thanos looks at Ivan and asks, "Do you think that's possible? Anyone who has heard of me in the universe either resists, begs for mercy, or runs away. You're the first to propose such a condition."

Ivan shrugs, "I know it's unlikely. I don't harbor ill thoughts about you. In some ways, I admire your purpose, whether serving the goddess of death or maintaining the universe's balance. It doesn't concern me as long as I and those I care about aren't affected by the half of life that was killed. From this standpoint, I am a very selfish person. However, if you harm someone I care about, I'll kill you even if it costs me my life."

"You sound like you know me well. Tell me, how do you perceive me?"

"If you want to hear, it's just my personal opinion. You, as a villain, are undoubtedly the most ideal and confident. You do what you think is right. People label you the Titan of Destruction, the Titan of Death, or the Titan of Madness. Only a few speak well of you because your actions will be lonely. Surprisingly, the power of creation is usually associated with the Titans, and comprehension rules are related to creation. Yet, understanding the power of destruction rules opposite to creation, you advocate balance. Is this also the balance between creation and destruction?"

A murderous intent appears in Thanos's eyes. Ivan's words inadvertently touch on his biggest secret, but he quickly conceals it, pretending nonchalance, "I have to admit, you do understand me. It's just a bit strange. Normally, those who understand me call me crazy and oppose my methods. But you're different. Although you agree with my views, you don't endorse my methods."

"I don't deny it because I know your theory is correct, but I disagree. Destroying half of life might extend the universe's resources, but I still stand against it."

"Why is that? Are you watching this universe die? I thought beings like you would understand what I'm thinking. Can't you see? This universe is reaching its limit, overwhelmed by endless life. I am saving the universe."

Thanos becomes emotional, finally meeting someone who understands but still opposes him. The idea of letting the universe go extinct makes Thanos somewhat hysterical.

"So what? Life has a beginning and an end, and the universe is no different. The cycle of life and death is normal. It's not the first time the universe has been destroyed and reborn. Like Galactus, the five gods, including death, aren't remnants from the universe of the previous era. If the universe is truly destroyed, we'll accept the arrival of death, and you have to learn to accept it."

"No, I will never accept it! I want to save this universe!" Thanos's eyes turn red as he stares at Ivan.

Ivan shakes his head, saying, "Our ideas differ, and I don't intend to convince you. Thanos, it's a fact that the universe is approaching its limit. You believe maintaining balance and extending life is crucial, even if it means killing half of the universe's life. But to me, freedom is more important. On Earth, there's a saying: 'Life is precious, love is more valuable.' Even in the face of extinction, isn't it better to give life the right to choose freedom, even if they choose to perish in the end?"

"Freedom, Earth! Hmph, so it turns out you're mutants from Earth." Thanos looks at Apocalypse, "By the way, Apocalypse, you're the oldest mutant. Aren't you dead? No, since you're still alive, the one who killed you must have made a mistake."

Ivan, realizing his origin is exposed, shows a wry smile. "Well, I admit we're from Earth. Call me Ivan, a researcher. But now is not the time for this. Let's discuss business."

"I find your theory of liberty ridiculous. I've been paying attention to Earth. Humans give me a bad impression—cowardly, greedy, jealous, selfish, and always full of betrayal and killing. The smell of gunpowder smoke in the air, the dirtiest moths in the universe, unworthy of free will."

Standing behind Ivan, apocalypse, Shaw, and Borgin felt uneasy hearing Thanos belittle Earthlings so much. Though mutants and wizards, they were also Earthlings. They found themselves speechless as, extreme as it was, Thanos's words held some truth.

"Well, I admit that what you said is mostly true. Earth's people have done many wrongs, but they've been correcting themselves. Many good people on Earth are still making progress, and it's their business how they choose to live, as long as it doesn't endanger other planets. Others aren't qualified to deprive them of their lives."

Thanos stared at Ivan awhile, asking, "Did you mean what you said?"

"Well, actually, what I said was to fool you. I'm selfish because I care about people on Earth. I'll excuse them and protect Earth, and anyone harming the planet is my enemy."

Apocalypse, Shaw, Borgin, and Stakar listened to Thanos and Ivan's dialogue, finding it hard to believe the truth.

The feared titan, Thanos, often seen as a tyrant, was trying to save the universe by slaughtering half its inhabitants. Apocalypse and others disagreed with his actions, but their impression of the tyrant had changed. Even as enemies, they sincerely admired him for the extent he went to.

Thanos sighed, "It seems we're not comrades after all. We can only solve this with strength."

"It should be this way."

Ivan remained calm, and suddenly, his momentum burst forth. Thanos responded in kind, their energies colliding with an invisible force stirring between them. They knew that if they fought, the sky and earth would shatter. Anyone accidentally involved in their battle would surely die. Observing from a distance was the only option.

Ivan and Thanos stood motionless, competing in spirit and will, trying to overwhelm each other at the spiritual level. Both were strong-willed, patiently waiting for the other to reveal a flaw.

A stone pillar weathered over the years broke apart, signaling the moment. Ivan and Thanos threw their fists at each other, deadlocking the scene. The explosion of momentum engulfed the battlefield, dust flying, concealing the fierce battle. The Generals and the others stared nervously at the spaceship screen, understanding the battle's crucial importance.