Thanos stood over Tony Stark, his steel armor torn apart like tissue paper. With one hand, he lifted Tony's battered body from the rubble, his grip unyielding.
Tony's breathing was shallow, his body broken and unable to resist. Bones were fractured, and the Iron Man suit barely clung to him, its once-shining surface now scorched and dented.
"I admire you, Mr. Stark," Thanos said, his voice low and almost reverent. He leaned in closer, his tone laced with cruel certainty. "After my mission succeeds, half of humanity will survive. I hope they remember you—a true fighter."
Thanos paused, studying Tony's pain-stricken face. "For your courage, I will give you a decent death."
"Stop!"
The sharp cry came from behind. Thanos turned to see Doctor Strange, bloodied but conscious, struggling to his feet.
Strange raised a trembling hand. "Let him go, and I'll give you the Time Stone."
Thanos's eyes narrowed. He studied Strange for a long moment before giving a single nod.
From the center of Strange's palm, the Time Stone emerged, glowing with an ethereal green light. Slowly, it floated toward Thanos, who extended his gauntlet to receive it.
Tony, lying on the ground and barely conscious, turned his head toward Strange. "Why… why would you give it to him?" he rasped, his voice filled with pain and disbelief. "Do you know what he'll do? He'll wipe out half the universe!"
Strange knelt beside him, his expression calm but somber. "I'm sorry, Tony," he said quietly. "He already has the Mind Stone. He could use it to control me and take the Time Stone regardless. This way, we control the terms."
"But—"
Strange interrupted, his tone resolute. "And he can only get three stones at most. The other three are in Thor's hands. Thanos won't be able to reach them."
Tony gritted his teeth. "Thanos said Asgard's in trouble—what if he's right?"
Strange shook his head. "Thor will handle it. By now, their battle is likely over."
In the distance, the roar of engines broke the tense silence. A supersonic jet descended rapidly, landing amidst the rubble.
T'Challa, the Black Panther, leapt gracefully from the craft, his movements precise and fluid. His eyes widened as he saw Tony's broken body.
"Mr. Stark!" T'Challa rushed to Tony's side, concern etched across his face. "What happened here? You're gravely injured."
Tony attempted a weak smile. "Had a… disagreement with a giant purple grape."
"You must come to Wakanda," T'Challa insisted. "Our medical technology can heal you."
With Strange's help, T'Challa carried Tony onto the jet. As it took off, Strange watched them leave, his face unreadable.
A golden portal appeared beside him, and Wong stepped through, his expression a mix of confusion and concern.
"Why did you give him the Time Stone?" Wong complains.
Strange sighed, lowering his gaze. "Because in the one scenario where we win, Tony is essential."
Meanwhile, aboard Sanctuary II, Thanos stood motionless, watching as his researchers worked to dismantle Vision's skull. The green alloy, harder than anything they'd encountered before, resisted every cutting tool they applied.
Thanos's frustration grew as the scientists failed repeatedly. The Mind Stone, his prize, was tantalizingly close yet completely inaccessible.
A man stepped forward, their voice sharp with disapproval. "Why did you let Strange live? He's a threat."
Thanos didn't look away from Vision's skull. "He gave me the gem," he said simply.
"Do not forget your agreement with my master," the figure pressed.
Thanos turned slowly, his eyes narrowing. "I have not forgotten. Kamar-Taj will fall, as I promised. But do not compare me to your master. I am a being of my word."