Authors Note-
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Magneto experienced a range of emotions when he saw his dead daughter. After Ivan led Wonder Woman away, they engaged in a high-speed pursuit covering hundreds of miles, ultimately reaching a desolate desert where the confrontation halted.
"Why didn't you flee? Are you hoping to beg for mercy on your knees and spare your life?" Wonder Woman stopped, her gaze filled with murderous intent.
"I'm curious about what makes you so confident, but it doesn't matter. Let's settle this with strength. The one with the mightier fist determines the truth." Ivan produced a stunning golden knife.
"That's exactly what I desire. This time, I'll impart a valuable lesson and show you the meaning of despair."
Wonder Woman removed her shield from her back, gripping it with her left hand, and held the sword in her right.
Ivan chuckled, concealing the sword behind his back with his left hand and using his right to block with the sword. The swords clashed, and Ivan skillfully twisted and pulled, diverting Wonder Woman's sword. Seizing the opportunity, Ivan stabbed at Wonder Woman's shoulder.
In mid-air, Wonder Woman agilely flipped back, creating distance. She skillfully avoided the sword and regained her balance. When Ivan slashed again, something peculiar unfolded. The astonishing heroine seemed to anticipate Ivan's move, blocking it with her sword as he attempted to strike.
"Is it mere chance?" Ivan pondered. His hand didn't pause, and the sword reversed, slashing in a different direction. Yet, Wonder Woman again preemptively blocked Ivan's attack with her sword.
Once could be a coincidence but twice hinted at more. After blocking Ivan's sword, Wonder Woman seized the moment to counterattack. Unable to retreat in time, Ivan found himself facing her head-on.
Ivan reflected on Wonder Woman's swordplay, recalling her performance. A realization struck him, and an idea formed, awaiting confirmation.
With another sword strike, Ivan closely observed Wonder Woman's eyes. The pattern repeated. Wonder Woman anticipated the attack, focusing on Ivan's shoulders and predicting the sword's trajectory. This fighting style resembled ancient Chinese swordsmanship. Although Wonder Woman's proficiency seemed limited, it challenged Ivan.
"Dang!"
Ivan struck the sword hilt, causing Wonder Woman's sword to falter. He quickly retreated, remarking,
"Ah, indeed. You've been practicing Chinese swordsmanship, but who's your teacher? Didn't they mention that mastering this style requires a corresponding level of expertise? You're barely a novice. Using this against me without fear of ridicule."
Ivan interjected, "Honestly, I don't think this suits you. Although demigods have no nationality, your mindset aligns more with the West. Embracing concepts from Eastern ancient countries poses challenges; some aspects may be beyond your comprehension, leading to flaws easily exploited by others."
Wonder Woman considered Ivan's words, reminiscent of her old master's cautionary advice. The last encounter with Ivan, with his magical prowess, prompted her to investigate and discover an ancient Chinese fighting style. Despite an expert discouraging her, Wonder Woman insisted on learning. The expert, facing trouble, reluctantly taught her. Initially, she defeated her fellow Amazons with limited skill, bullying the inexperienced.
"No! It won't be like this. I'll defeat you!" Flustered but resolute, Wonder Woman continued her onslaught.
Ivan stood firm, effortlessly parrying Wonder Woman's attacks. He casually remarked, "There's a considerable gap. Masters' clashes are delicate. A minor flaw can lead to defeat. Are you trying to defeat me with this half-baked swordsmanship? You're overly optimistic."
Switching from defense to offense, Ivan slashed with precision. Wonder Woman instinctively blocked with her shield, but Ivan deftly adjusted, tapping lightly on the edge and exploiting a vulnerability. He seized the chance, leaving a scar on Wonder Woman's arm.
Backpedaling, Wonder Woman abandoned mercy, pursuing and attacking. Her heavy sword waves rained down like a storm.
Unable to focus on Ivan, Wonder Woman wielded a sword and shield, but some areas remained vulnerable. Wounds appeared, bleeding profusely, though not threatening, given her robust vitality.
After prolonged combat, Ivan noted Wonder Woman's significant improvement. Her strength, speed, and flexibility had surged, a testament to her years of dedicated practice.
Unfortunately, Wonder Woman's strength couldn't keep pace with Ivan's exponential growth, making the comparison starkly uneven. As her wounds multiplied, her movements slowed. In contrast, Ivan remained unperturbed, casually pointing out, "What suits you best is simplicity. It would be best if you didn't dabble in complicated techniques. Perfect the basics, and you can achieve advanced mastery—return to the essence; that's the truth."
"I won't heed your advice. I won't give up," retorted Wonder Woman, her face flushed with anger and fatigue. It seemed she was destined to lose once again.
Increased irritability led to more mistakes. Provoked by Ivan's taunts, Wonder Woman exposed additional flaws. Seizing an opportunity, Ivan's knife flashed, catching her off guard and resting on her neck.
"Admit defeat now. Promise not to bother me again, and I'll spare you," Ivan offered.
Tears welled up in Wonder Woman's eyes. Admitting defeat meant swallowing her pride. The frustration lingered—years of dedicated practice, yet the gap between them widened.
Seeing her tearful expression, Ivan sighed in exasperation. "Alright, alright, no need to cry. We'll call it a day—no promises are needed. Go back, reflect on strengthening yourself, and return when you're confident. We'll have another match. If I lose, you can do as you please."
With a defiant glare, Wonder Woman declared, "I won't be pitied. I will defeat you in the future. You let me go this time, but I owe you a favor. I'll repay it in due time!"
She leaped into the air, propelled by magical boots, and disappeared in a streak.
As Wonder Woman vanished, Ivan shook his head. "What a hassle! Well, let's not worry about her. There are more pressing matters." He had acquired the soul of Apocalypse, a valuable asset. Intent on studying its abilities, he contemplated the potential gains.
Realizing he hadn't returned to Earth in a while, he yearned for Tina, his sons, and his newlyborn daughter, Elizabeth. Resolving to clarify matters with them, Ivan displaced himself back to the farm.
He found Chris on the swing at the farm, gazing into the distance. Uncharacteristically troubled, Chris seemed to bear a weight on his shoulders. Ivan, usually confident in his eldest son, approached with concern. "What's bothering you, Chris? Can you talk to Dad about it?"
With a bitter smile, Chris confided, "Mom's memories have returned, you know? She looked at me with eyes that held a trace of resentment. At that moment, my heart felt an indescribable pain, almost driving me mad. I know it's not her fault, but it's still hard to accept."
Ivan was at a loss for words, grappling with how to comfort him. Reflecting on his actions, he acknowledged his share of responsibility. Despite his intelligence, Chris was still a teenager facing challenges beyond mere cleverness. Ivan reached out, gently patting Chris's head to provide solace. Meanwhile, the others in the room, aware of Ivan's return, discreetly stayed back, allowing space for Chris's emotions.