An hour earlier, the roars of Surtur rampaged across Asgard, echoing through the galaxy. Even aboard Sanctuary II, Thanos could feel the reverberations of the fire giant's fury.
He observed the chaos unfolding in Asgard from a distance, suppressing the temptation to intervene.
The timing isn't right, he reasoned. Surtur's destructive rampage was indiscriminate—enemy or ally, it made no difference. To involve himself would be to risk everything for uncertain gains.
But Thanos wasn't idle. His focus was on something far more crucial.
Asgard's Infinity Stones were counted and accounted for, but two remained on Earth: the Mind Stone and the Time Stone. With Thor and most of the Avengers occupied with Ragnarök, Earth's defenses were weaker than ever. It was an opportunity too good to pass up.
Vision was the first target.
As the bearer of the Mind Stone, Vision was considered one of the Avengers' strongest members. His Vibranium body, combined with his ability to phase through matter, made him nearly untouchable. Few could match him in power.
But power often breeds isolation. Confident in his strength, Vision often operated alone.
In the heart of London, Vision was completing a reconnaissance mission when he felt a sharp, searing pain in his chest.
"Ugh…"
Looking down, he saw the tip of a spear protruding through his body. Turning, he met the cold, calculating gaze of Corvus Glaive.
The weapon's strange energy disrupted Vision's abilities, preventing him from phasing or even flying.
In desperation, Vision unleashed a ray from the Mind Stone, pushing Corvus Glaive back and sending a signal to Tony Stark. But his foe was prepared.
Corvus Glaive deflected the ray with ease, his double-bladed spear absorbing the energy.
"They've planned for this," Vision realized with a sinking heart.
His realization came too late. Proxima Midnight and Ebony Maw emerged from the shadows, joining the ambush. Vision now faced nearly the entire Black Order.
If it had been a one-on-one fight, Vision might have held out long enough for reinforcements. But against three of Thanos's most formidable lieutenants, his chances were slim.
Proxima Midnight struck next, her precision honed to perfection. Her spear pierced Vision's shoulder, sending him flying into a nearby building.
Vision crashed into the rubble, groaning in pain. His Vibranium body was strong, but the Mind Stone's disruption weakened his defenses.
Before he could recover, Ebony Maw extended his hand, and vines erupted from the ground, coiling around Vision and pinning him in place.
"It's over," Corvus Glaive declared, stepping forward. His spear gleamed as he raised it high, aiming for Vision's forehead.
The Mind Stone flared with a desperate burst of energy, causing Corvus Glaive to pause.
But even the gem's immense power couldn't save Vision. The spear came down, stabbing toward the Mind Stone.
"Something's wrong," Corvus Glaive muttered, his spear grinding against Vision's forehead. The gem, despite his efforts, refused to budge.
"Why won't it come loose?"
Ebony Maw studied Vision's skull. "Perhaps it's the metal."
Vision's head was composed of a unique green alloy—a gift from Carol Danvers, brought back from the depths of space. Stronger than Vibranium, the metal had been integrated into Vision's design to fortify his most critical component.
The Black Order exchanged uneasy glances. Their plan hinged on extracting the Mind Stone quickly. Any delay increased the risk of interference.
Their worst fears materialized when a shadow fell across the scene.
Thanos arrived, his massive frame casting an imposing silhouette over the battlefield.
He approached Vision slowly, his movements deliberate. Reaching out, he grasped Vision's neck with one hand, studying the trapped Avenger with cold detachment.
"So this is what became of the Mind Stone," Thanos said, his voice a low rumble.
Vision struggled in vain, his body immobilized under Thanos's crushing grip. He knew exactly who his attacker was—and he understood the hopelessness of his situation.
Thanos smirked. "Resistance is futile. The Mind Stone belongs to me."
With his free hand, Thanos clamped down on the Mind Stone and twisted. The gem held firm, its green casing resisting even Thanos's immense strength.
For the first time, Thanos's composure faltered. He growled in frustration, his grip tightening around Vision's throat.
In the distance, a streak of light raced across the sky. Tony Stark, clad in his latest Iron Man armor, was responding to Vision's distress signal.
Tony pushed his suit to its limits, the propulsion system roaring as he hurtled toward London. But the distance between New York and London was vast, and Vision's battle was already nearing its tragic conclusion.
Thanos, irritated by the delay, sneered. "You think your defenses can stop me?"
With a sudden motion, he wrenched Vision's head to the side.
CRACK.
The sound of snapping metal echoed through the street. Vision's lifeless body crumpled to the ground, the faint glow of the Mind Stone fading.