"Nebula."
Thanos suddenly called out, his deep voice echoing through the throne room.
"Yes, Father," Nebula immediately replied, lowering her head respectfully.
"Go find the Accuser. I have a deal to make with him."
"Ronan? The Accuser of the Kree Empire?" she asked cautiously.
"Find him. Watch him. I need him to locate something for me," Thanos said calmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Nebula bowed slightly. "Father, whatever it is you seek, I can find it myself. I don't need Ronan's help—even if it costs me my life."
Gamora, standing silently beside her sister, felt a flicker of unease. She didn't speak but listened carefully.
Thanos waved his hand lightly, and a projection appeared before them—a metallic orb spinning slowly, its surface etched with mysterious runes.
"The Orb of Cosmic Power," Thanos said solemnly. "It's hidden somewhere in the Milky Way. Have Ronan find it, and then bring it to me."
He turned to Nebula, his gaze sharp and commanding. "Even if it costs your life, you must bring it back."
"Yes, Father. But… why not go yourself?"
"I have other matters to attend to," Thanos replied coldly. "I cannot go to the Milky Way right now. Tell Ronan that once he delivers this to me, I will give him what he desires."
He didn't say the rest out loud—but the truth was simple. Thanos dared not step foot in the Milky Way at this moment.
Something—someone—had emerged there, a being whose existence made even him uneasy. And even if that mysterious power hadn't appeared, his presence alone would spark chaos. Too many gods and cosmic entities despised him.
"Understood, Father. I will go immediately."
Without hesitation, Nebula turned and left.
Gamora's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to speak—but she stayed silent. Her instincts told her there was something more to this "Cosmic Orb," something even Thanos feared.
She needed to find out what it was—and why he wanted it so desperately.
"Gamora."
The sudden call of her name froze her in place. Thanos's voice was calm, but it carried the weight of command.
"Yes, Father," she answered quickly, masking her unease.
"Find Ebony Maw. His progress has been too slow. Tell him I expect results."
"Yes, Father. I'll speak to him at once."
The great metal doors slid open and closed behind her.
Thanos did not turn to watch her go. A faint, chilling smile curved his lips.
"Don't disappoint me, Gamora."
Meanwhile, on Earth, the demonic invasion had finally subsided—but the world remained shaken. The battle of the Saints had become the most discussed event on the planet.
If the Saints had not intervened, Earth would have been reduced to purgatory.
Social media across every continent was flooded with posts, images, and videos—humans discussing demons, Saints, and the mysterious God Kings who had appeared among them.
"This world is insane. Death felt so close today."
"I swear, this day will go down in history. The day of destruction—and salvation."
"Look at them! Every Saint Seiya is so majestic, standing tall in their armor, defying the armies of hell!"
"Those people living in the Sanctuary are so lucky. Protected by the God Kings, living in peace while we're stuck in chaos. I'd give anything to be recognized by the Sanctuary and move to Madripo Harbor or Kosovia."
"Yeah, I heard people living near the Saints get to see them in person! I'm jealous just looking at those pictures online."
Many spoke with awe, others with envy.
"They are the most loyal believers. They would die for the God Kings without hesitation. They're blessed."
"I'd do the same if I could. But I'm stuck in District 7—a place crawling with gangs and dealers. I don't even know if I'll survive the week."
"Why can't the God Kings just rule the world already? I work thirteen hours a day and can barely feed my family. My daughter's school fees are killing me!"
The discussion shifted—from admiration of the Saints to questioning the world itself.
Why couldn't the Sanctuary rule the world?
As smartphones and the internet connected the globe, people from Madripo Port, Kosovia, and even within the Sanctuary began sharing glimpses of their lives—prosperous, safe, and blessed.
The rest of the world could only look on in jealousy.
For every person living in peace, there were ten living in misery—jobless, hungry, and desperate. The inequality was maddening, and public anger began to boil.
Massive online debates and movements broke out across nations.
In the East, things were relatively stable—people could at least eat and live decently if they worked hard. But even there, life couldn't compare to the Sanctuary's near-utopian prosperity.
The unrest swept across the world like wildfire.
Even the Sanctuary hadn't expected such a reaction—but the situation was quickly contained.
Ophelia, however, didn't seem bothered at all. She had no interest in politics.
Under her leadership, the Sanctuary had established trade partnerships with nearly every nation. Even the poorest countries could exchange resources for food and goods.
Unlike the exploitative "Lighthouse Country," which ruled through dominance, Ophelia promoted mutual growth—a balance similar to that of the Eastern nations.
Trade between the Sanctuary and the East flourished more than ever, while the United States… could only watch in silence.
(End of Chapter)
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