Thanos didn't want to be a villain.

Chapter 171 Temporarily Returning to Marvel—On Inspection

Dragon Group Base.

120 soldiers who had mastered the Devouring Star Technique stood in formation, fully equipped, next to the Salamander troops who had also received news of Dio's arrival.

Upon arriving, Dio saw a large expanse of dark green armor.

Zheng Xian rushed to greet Di E upon seeing him.

"Your Majesty, these are the results of our troops. Is there anything we could do to invite you to come and offer your guidance?" Zheng Xian kept a low profile and did not look at Di'e.

Zheng Xian's actions were not without reason; initially, after learning about Dio's deeds from Tony Stark, they hadn't really taken it to heart.

Without video evidence, no amount of hype will convince people.

But later, after they learned about Dio's deeds in the virtual universe network, they were filled with lingering fear.

After all, no one can conquer a planet on their own and then smoothly bring its military and political power under their control.

Dio's sudden arrival startled them, as his army was stationed on Earth and was the army of a powerful empire capable of intimidating an entire universe. They were always trembling with fear when facing such an army.

Fortunately, these troops don't engage in any fungal activities.

However, they still wanted to treat him with the same etiquette as previous emperors, so the burden of weighing this fell on Zheng Xian's shoulders.

Zheng Xian had no choice but to bite the bullet and do it.

However, Dio patted him on the shoulder: "No need for that. I'm not some kind of demon. Just treat me the way you used to treat me. To be honest, you're uncomfortable with how you are now, and I feel awkward too."

"Yes, yes, yes." Zheng Xian slowly raised his head, saw that Di E's expression had not changed, and slowly straightened up.

Dio ignored him and looked at the company of men in front of him.

The soldiers in this company are roughly at the second level of apprentice, with some at the third level as well.

To be honest, it's quite impressive to have reached this level, especially considering that it was only through the plot of the novel that he was able to train to this level over the past few years.

Because there aren't many people practicing the Devouring Stars Technique within the empire, instructional videos are not just scarce; there are practically no instructional videos outside of it.

They have no way of acquiring any knowledge through the virtual universe, so they can only try to fish in troubled waters on their own. It seems that the author being monitored must have given the Chinese government a lot of cultivation advice.

“These are all people who have been training since they enlisted. To this day, they are the youngest and strongest group of people.” Zheng Xian composed himself and stepped forward to say this.

"Not bad, to be honest, I'm even thinking of recruiting soldiers here now," Dio exclaimed.

Indeed, he really had this thought, after all, apart from him, there were practically no other people who could cultivate the Devouring Star Technique and achieve success.

If he could really recruit a group of Earthlings, especially those who had cultivated the Devouring Star Technique, then he could expand the empire's influence!

Dio's attitude toward the universe was subtle; he liked to extend his influence into the universe to create a kind of deterrent.

At that time, regardless of whether the universe belongs to us or not, our influence will still be there, and we can still deter the universe!

However, after traveling through the multiverse, Dio began to look down on this particular universe.

But seeing these soldiers now has brought that thought back to me.

"You...you're joking, right?" Zheng Xian, in a bad mood, swallowed and chuckled awkwardly.

However, seeing that Dio did not intend to speak or express his opinion, Zheng Xian's smile slowly disappeared, and he spoke again: "...Right?"

Dio remained silent, but seeing Zheng Xian's terrified expression, he knew that the other person might have made some connection to something.

A nation on a planet simply cannot refuse a demand made by a cosmic superpower-level empire. If it compromises for too long, it may very well become a vassal state. But the reality is, they have no right to refuse...

Dio shook his head and laughed, "Don't overthink it. I meant foreign mercenaries."

Zheng Xian was taken aback. Foreign mercenaries were different from regular troops; they did not need to be fully integrated into the empire and would still have their own autonomy.

"However, these soldiers are not of high rank. Shouldn't we buy them something to nourish them?" Dio asked.

Zheng Xian was brought back to his senses by Di E's words, and said with a helpless bitter smile, "It's not that there's no other way. The country doesn't have money. It's already very difficult to invest a lot of resources to raise them to their current level."

After establishing diplomatic relations with the Empire, the purchasing power of Earth's currencies became somewhat low, and these countries on Earth were reduced to poverty in the face of these alien goods.

If it weren't for the existence of vibranium deposits on this planet, and the fact that the Empire had organized mining operations, the nations on this planet would have been left watching these cosmic artifacts with envy.

Forget about buying it, I don't even have enough data for internet access.

Dio nodded, then waved to the fire lizard company commander who was on guard nearby, and said in a relaxed tone: "Next, you will secretly support them in training more soldiers like these. When I get back, I will have them write a plan. I will then release the training program for these super soldiers. The fire lizard troops will provide assistance first. If there are any results, I will not forget your contributions!"

The salamander's company commander was very excited after hearing this, his face beaming with excitement even without a helmet.

Is His Majesty planning to amass troops?

They're planning to add another type of soldier? Does that mean we're going to war?

No, that's not right. The number of people is too small. They probably plan to stockpile them for a hundred or two hundred years before launching a war!

The company commander, beaming with excitement, nodded emphatically and stood at attention, declaring, "I guarantee the mission will be accomplished!"

Ignoring the other person's strange expression, Dio waved his hand, telling him to go back.

Then, turning to Zheng Xian, who was standing there dumbfounded, he asked, "Have you used the virtual universe for training?"

Zheng Xian was brought back to his senses by Dio's words, and he was very excited as he recalled Dio's words.

This feeling is so familiar, isn't this just like my old big brother!

No, it's a mobile phone!

Regardless of any conspiracies, just use the benefits for now and do your own research when the resources arrive.

Even though she was very excited, her expression didn't change much, but you could tell she was very happy.

“We’ve used them, but they’re mostly for mental training, not much for physical health,” Zheng Xian complained, handing the virtual reality helmet they were using to Dio.

"Even if you enter the Giant Axe Arena, there won't be much of a boost."

Dio immediately understood why.

Dio has essentially replicated all the functions of the virtual universe helmet from the Swallowed Star world. Of course, wearing the helmet won't enhance your body, but training in the Giant Axe Arena can still improve your reaction speed, muscle power techniques, and muscle memory.

But that's the adult version of the virtual universe helmet.

To prevent minors from causing trouble, Dio made two types of helmets.

You can't exercise your physical abilities, and you can't even indulge in a life of luxury without affecting your physical health in reality.

And what they are using now is this virtual universe helmet.

This also has another name: Minor Protection Helmet!