Deployment

"You’re watching over them?"

Carol glanced at Wang Bert and asked, "You’re a Vampire. Why are you being so kind to humans?"

"Vampires are part of Earth too. Carol, you’ve traveled the universe, so don’t be so narrow-minded."

Wang Bert said, "In fact, Earth has not only Vampires, but also demons, Inhumans, and more."

"To be honest, I’m starting to wonder whether the Earth you’re talking about is the Earth I know."

Carol said, "Once this is over, I’ll return to Earth. I wonder how many old friends are still alive."

"You’re welcome anytime."

Wang Bert smiled. At that moment, Nova Prime suddenly came to visit Carol.

Nova Prime said in disbelief, "I never expected Captain Marvel to be from Earth. I always thought you were Kree."

"To avoid bringing trouble to Earth, I never revealed my true identity."

Carol smiled. She had a favorable impression of Nova Prime because the latter was a strong woman.

"Captain Marvel, would you be willing to help us? I can count your military merits twice—one share for you, one share for Earth."

Nova Prime asked eagerly. Carol was equivalent to an entire fleet.

Carol agreed without hesitation. "That’s exactly what I intended."

"That’s wonderful."

Nova Prime was overjoyed. With Carol, plus that Black Bolt, Xandar might not lose this time.

"Nova Prime, are you really not considering my plan?"

Wang Bert said, "Using the Space Stone to ambush Ronan’s allied forces has a high chance of succeeding."

Carol’s eyes lit up. Ronan’s allied forces definitely would not expect them to attack proactively. If they launched an ambush, the odds of success would be high.

"Mr. Wang, it’s not that your method is bad. It’s that we truly cannot use it."

Nova Prime smiled bitterly. "Ronan’s allied forces include not only the Three Great Empires, but also many other factions. Before they launch their attack, we cannot strike first, or we’ll give the powers behind them an excuse."

Wang Bert said bluntly, "Nova Prime, I think you’re being a little too rigid."

"Caution is necessary."

Nova Prime shook her head. "I won’t disturb you any longer. Captain Marvel, once again, welcome."

"You’re too polite."

Carol saw Nova Prime off. Wang Bert thought for a moment, then went to find Tony and the others.

Seeing Wang Bert arrive, Steve asked, "Bert, there’s no problem with Captain Marvel now, right?"

"No problem. She’ll fight alongside us."

Wang Bert said, "Tony, Ivan, the two of you together still couldn’t beat her. You need to work harder."

Tony and Ivan both curled their lips in displeasure. Then they said in unison, "That’s because I wasn’t prepared."

"Why are you copying me?"

Tony and Ivan glared at each other simultaneously. Everyone burst into laughter. Electro asked, "When are you two getting married?"

The two of them simultaneously gave Electro the middle finger. Then they realized what had happened and glared at each other again, making everyone laugh even harder.

"Remember to invite me when you hold the wedding banquet."

Wang Bert smiled, then turned to Hulk. "Hulk, you did well today. I’ll treat you to Dragon Meat. The lab just cultivated some."

Dr. Banner’s face turned green, while Hulk said excitedly, "Great! I want Dragon Bone wine too."

"No alcohol."

Dr. Banner said, "You go crazy whenever you drink. Betty said you’re not allowed to drink unless she approves."

Hulk said unhappily, "Fine, no alcohol. Then get me a vat of cola."

Tony rubbed his nose and said, "Banner, honestly, this is pretty weird."

"I think it’s quite nice. Hulk and I get along well."

Dr. Banner smiled. Compared to the misery and resentment of several years ago, he was clearly much more cheerful now.

Everyone shook their heads. Getting along, my ass. It was practically schizophrenia.

"Enough of that. Ronan’s allied forces should be arriving soon. Let’s get ready."

Wang Bert smiled. Everyone said expectantly, "We’ve been waiting for them for a long time."

At Ronan’s allied forces base, Tivan gathered the leaders and told them the intelligence he had just received.

"Captain Marvel Carol?"

Ronan sucked in a cold breath. She was a terrifying existence equivalent to an entire fleet on her own.

Gladiator, dressed in red and blue with a mohawk, said confidently, "Leave her to me. I’ll defeat her."

Ronan said coldly, "You have no idea how strong Carol is."

Gladiator said disdainfully, "Likewise, you have no idea how strong I am. I have never been defeated."

Tivan stroked his chin and said, "With your strength, Gladiator—your alias—you’ll have no problem dealing with Carol. But if you deal with Carol, who will deal with Blood God?"

"Why don’t you deal with him?"

Gladiator said, "You have the Power Stone. Wouldn’t dealing with him be effortless?"

Tivan stared blankly. "I have the Power Stone? Who said that? Why don’t I even know about it myself?"

"Tivan, is there any point in hiding it from us now? Everyone knows you spent four billion to buy a Power Stone."

A Ravagers member sneered. "Without the Power Stone, where would you get the nerve to provoke Blood God?"

"Exactly."

The crowd looked at Tivan with strange, mocking expressions. Tivan became even more stunned and hurriedly explained, "The Power Stone isn’t with me. Blood God took it."

"The Power Stone is in Blood God’s hands? If that’s true, I think we should just disband."

Fury sneered, and everyone laughed, their mockery undisguised.

A disguised Skrull said, "Tivan, there’s no need to keep hiding it. We won’t steal your Power Stone, but you must deal with Blood God."

"That’s right."

Everyone nodded. When two tigers fought, one would inevitably be injured.

Tivan was like a mute forced to swallow bitter medicine, unable to voice his suffering. He had deliberately concealed the matter of the Power Stone before, so no one would believe him now no matter what he said.

Clearly, someone had set Tivan up.

"Fine. I’ll be responsible for Blood God."

Tivan gritted his teeth and agreed. "Besides Blood God and Carol, Earth also has many powerful fighters. We need to be prepared."

Someone said disdainfully, "How many powerful fighters could a backwater like Earth possibly have?"

"You can’t put it that way."

Fury shook his head and said, "Earth has quite a lot of powerful people. The reason our Ravagers Alliance lost last time was because of their Super Heroes."

"Your Ravagers Alliance is just a bunch of weaklings. Don’t compare us to you."

A Kree Empire commander said disdainfully, "This is a space battle, not a ground battle. Unless they’re as strong as Captain Marvel, so-called powerful fighters are nothing to worry about. One blast, and everything is solved."

"Exactly."

Quite a few people nodded. They looked down on Earth and the Ravagers alike.

Fury shrugged. I’ve already warned you. If you don’t listen, that’s none of my business.

Tivan hurriedly said, "Earth’s Super Heroes cannot be underestimated. Some of them can even fight Carol."

No one believed him. Earthlings were merely a bunch of natives. How strong could they possibly be?

"Tivan, if you’re truly worried, then let’s have a contest before the battle."

Gladiator said arrogantly, "They have experts, and so do we. Even if no one else can handle them, I can kill them all."

Someone immediately mocked him. "What era is this? A contest before battle?"

"When individual combat strength far exceeds group strength, what’s wrong with a contest?"

Gladiator sneered. "Let me state this in advance: my battle with Carol may damage your warships. Those ships of yours are far too fragile."

"What did you say?"

Everyone was furious and began arguing with Gladiator. Ronan knocked on the table and shouted, "There’s no need for a contest. We’ll attack Xandar directly. Gladiator, lure Carol away. Tivan, deal with Blood God. As for the other Super Heroes, they’re nothing to worry about."

"That’s right, there’s no need."

Everyone nodded. Tivan frowned and moved closer to Ronan, whispering, "Ronan, those Super Heroes on Earth truly cannot be underestimated."

"I know."

Ronan said, "The problem is, they’re here for the Stones. If this turns into a contest, who will still be interested in attacking Xandar?"

Tivan glanced at Ronan and said nothing more. Their interests were different.

Not wanting to drag things out, Ronan shouted, "In ten days, we set out to attack Xandar."

"Good."

Everyone agreed in unison. The military meeting ended there. After the others left, Fury moved close to Ronan and said, "Alliance Leader, we’re short on funds again."

"We’re out of money again already?"

Ronan was stunned. "Didn’t I just transfer ten million to you ten days ago?"

Fury said honestly, "With a great battle approaching, morale must be encouraged. I went to nearby planets and found a group of robot beauties, so expenses were a little high."

"Robot beauties?"

Ronan almost cursed out loud. With a dark expression, he said, "I’ll transfer another ten million to you. Use it sparingly. There won’t be any more after this."

"I’ll do my best."

Fury left with satisfaction. Another eight million in hand. Money was so easy to make.

After Fury left, Ronan asked Tivan, "What are you going to do about Blood God? You don’t have the Power Stone at all."

Tivan said, "Don’t worry. Blood God won’t act easily. Even if he does, I have a way to deal with him."

Ronan asked skeptically, "Blood God has two Infinity Stones. Can you really deal with him?"

Tivan shook his head. "Blood God can’t use the Power Stone. In fact, he can only use the Space Stone."

"He can give it to someone else."

Ronan said, "For example, Carol."

"He can’t give it to anyone. Once an Earthling uses the Power Stone, I can join with the other Elders of the Universe to punish him."

Tivan said, "Nor would he give the Stone to the Xandarians, because it’s too precious."

Ronan looked at Tivan and said, "Then that’s for the best. Blood God is yours."

"No problem."

Tivan smiled. Thinking of something, he handed Ronan a special item and said, "This is one of my collectibles. You can decide for yourself whether to use it. I won’t force you."

After hearing the item’s function, Ronan first frowned, then accepted the special item. "Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

Tivan chuckled. "Blood God will soon learn how foolish it is to oppose me. I’ve lived for so long, and the treasures in my hands far exceed his imagination."

Tivan gave not only Ronan treasures, but also Gladiator and that powerful Champion treasures. This time, he was going all out.

"He will definitely regret it, because he has offended both of us."

Ronan said, gripping the Universal Weapon. Tivan smiled, turned, and left.

As he watched Tivan’s departing back, a cold glint flashed through Ronan’s eyes. In this fight for the Power Stone and Space Stone, Tivan was his greatest rival.

After leaving the conference room, Tivan found Nick Fury. He handed him a bottle of special black potion and said, "Add this to the food."

Fury looked at the black potion brimming with demonic energy and asked in astonishment, "What is this?"

Tivan said, "You don’t need to know that much. Just do as you’re told, and I’ll give you one million."

Fury said righteously, "What do you take me for? Would I betray everyone over a mere one million?"

Tivan glanced at Fury. "Five million. Don’t bargain with me. I’m not in the mood."

"Deal."

Fury immediately took the bottle. Tivan snorted, transferred the money to Fury, and said, "Don’t try to cut corners. I can sense it."

"Don’t worry. I never disappoint when I handle things."

Fury chuckled. Tivan nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave.

Once no one was around, Fury sighed. He missed his days as Director. Not only could he embezzle however he wanted, he also did not have to play the clown all day.

Fury shook his head, found a secure spot, and told Hill what had happened. After hearing him out, Hill immediately contacted Wang Bert.

Wang Bert was quite dissatisfied. "The lords are gathering to fight Dong Zhuo, yet there isn’t even a pre-battle duel? Bad review. A huge bad review."

Hill could not be bothered with Wang Bert’s nonsense. She asked, "Blood God, what is that potion? What should Fury do?"

Wang Bert sensed it from afar for a while, then said, "It’s Demon Potion. I didn’t expect Tivan to have connections with demons. Tell Fury to do as instructed. They’re just demons, nothing worth worrying about."

"You’re the professional in this area."

Hill said, "Oh, and Fury asked me to tell you not to bully Carol. She may be a little arrogant, but she’s a true Super Hero."

Wang Bert said, "How could I possibly bully Carol? I’m planning to take her as my disciple."

"Your tastes really are unusual."

Hill relaxed. If he was taking her as a disciple, then he definitely had no ill intentions.

More than ten days later, in the space outside Xandar, densely packed Xandarian ships, Earth ships, Knowhere ships, and Ronan’s allied forces, which blotted out the sky, faced one another from afar. Xandar had dispatched an interception force in advance because they did not want the war to take place on Xandar.

Ronan shouted through the public channel, "Xandar, today is your day of doom."

Nova Prime, who had personally come to the frontlines, shouted, "Ronan, we Xandarians will never submit."

"Xandar will never submit!"

The Nova Corps shouted in unison. Although they had fewer ships than their enemy, they had faith. They firmly believed they would not lose.

"A bunch of idiots."

Ronan smiled disdainfully. "Nova Prime, cherish your final moments. Everyone, prepare to attack."

"Bring down Xandar!"

Everyone shouted loudly. Although that was not their true goal, it did not stop them from chanting slogans.

"Xandar, prepare for battle!"

Nova Prime shouted. Xandar’s fleet arranged itself into formation and waited for the enemy’s attack.