This night was destined to be a sleepless one for Paradise Island.
In the cells, the enslaved Amazons prayed to the gods on Mount Olympus, hoping for rescue. In a corner, the once-proud queen and general, now wearing shackles, had lost their previous grace and elegance.
After they had awakened, they were locked here and learned about what had happened before they lost consciousness. Not long ago, Artemis had come to explain the situation regarding the Amazons, Diana, and Su Sheng, leaving the normally resolute Hippolyta struggling to make a decision.
Anger? Worry? Regret?
If she had known that a white horse would bring such suffering to Diana and Paradise Island, Hippolyta would have gladly given up her own horse, or even led it herself.
The night wind blew gently, rustling the leaves outside.
In Hippolyta's room, Su Sheng lay on a blanket made from some unknown animal hide. He pulled Artemis, who had just removed her armor, closer.
"Finally, I have a pillow that's just the right size." With a chuckle, he drew Artemis to his side and lay down.
Despite being a seasoned warrior, Artemis was surprisingly stiff at that moment. She closed her eyes slightly, not moving a muscle, even suppressing her breathing. Su Sheng, feeling satisfied, wrapped his arms around her and drifted off to sleep.
After a while, Su Sheng's steady breathing filled the dimly lit room.
"Asleep?" Artemis whispered, slowly opening her eyes to look at Su Sheng. He was indeed asleep.
In the darkness, Artemis stared at Su Sheng's face, lost in thought. She didn't know how long she had been staring before she, too, fell asleep. Her disciplined lifestyle caused her to wake up early, and when she opened her eyes, she found herself still in Su Sheng's embrace, as if they were inseparable.
The door suddenly swung open.
"Who's there!" Artemis instinctively tried to rise but saw that it was Diana, striding quickly toward them.
Wearing her iconic red breastplate, blue skirt, and golden over-the-knee boots, with bracelets on both wrists, a W-shaped tiara on her forehead, a shield in one hand, and a sword in the other, Diana pointed her blade at Su Sheng and shouted with confidence.
"Su Sheng, I challenge you!"
Su Sheng was jolted awake by the fierce roar and opened his eyes, his arm still draped over Artemis's shoulder.
"What?" Seeing Diana dressed as Wonder Woman standing before him, Su Sheng chuckled, "Are you here to challenge me, or are you here to catch a lover? Coming so early... Can't wait to have a baby with me?"
"I will defeat you!" Diana spat through clenched teeth.
"Because of the Excalibur?" Su Sheng said dismissively as he got up and motioned for Artemis to assist him. Artemis hesitated briefly before hurrying over to help him dress.
This sight only fueled Diana's anger.
"Bring everyone out. They'll want to see this challenge," Su Sheng said nonchalantly.
Artemis quickly donned her armor and left to gather the Amazons.
"You can wear that outfit when we have a baby later. This time, no need for the Lasso of Truth—it's too distracting. I'd rather focus on you." Su Sheng patted Diana on the shoulder as he stood up and walked out.
Despite the powerful aura of her Wonder Woman persona, Diana was undeniably captivating. However, because of the Lasso of Truth, much of Su Sheng's attention the previous day had been on their unusual "academic" discussion.
The Amazons were led out one by one and gathered in the square. They were filled with excitement upon hearing that Diana was going to challenge Su Sheng for their freedom. Hippolyta and Antiope were initially worried, but when they saw Diana holding the Excalibur, they felt a bit more at ease.
Though the Godkiller couldn't actually kill a god, its quality and power were superior. With the Godkiller in hand, Diana might just be able to defeat Su Sheng.
Under their hopeful gazes, Su Sheng casually strolled to the center of the square.
He looked around at the eager Amazons and at Diana, who was ready to fight. With a casual tone, he said, "Come on."
"Ha!" Diana shouted as she charged forward, shield raised.
It was on!
Everyone held their breath, their eyes glued to the two fighters.
Diana had undergone the most rigorous training since childhood, making her several times stronger than most. Now, with her divine power awakened and the Godkiller in hand, she had a chance… right?
Boom!
Su Sheng blocked the shield with his hand, and then, with a swift move, pushed Diana's legs out from under her. The Godkiller flashed as Diana swung it at him, but before the sword could connect, Su Sheng's hand met it with a powerful fist.
Diana grunted as the force pushed her back, the Godkiller digging into the ground, leaving a long trail behind her.
"You can't beat me with just that. Use all your strength," Su Sheng chuckled. "Even with all your strength, you still can't beat me."
"Haah!" Diana cried out again, her divine power surging, the Godkiller glowing with a fierce, dazzling light.
The Amazons retreated in shock, the divine power radiating from Diana making it hard for them to even keep their eyes open, as if they were in the eye of a storm. At the storm's center, Diana held the Godkiller high, charging at Su Sheng with all her might.
Lightning flashed, thunder roared.
Hippolyta watched with bated breath, her mouth agape.
It had to work, it just had to!
This strike, imbued with all of Diana's divine power, came with the prayers of all the Amazons.
Su Sheng snorted softly and raised his hand to block the Excalibur.
Blocked?
He actually blocked the Godkiller with his bare hand!
Everyone was stunned. Diana's surprise was fleeting as her eyes filled with determination. She tightened her grip on the Godkiller and pushed forward with a roar.
Even gods could be killed with the right sword!
But as she pushed, she suddenly heard a cracking sound.
"Crack." "Crack."
Su Sheng hadn't moved, but the Godkiller was shortening.
The Godkiller, broken?
Diana stared in shock, her mind reeling as she saw Su Sheng smile, his grip tightening on the blade. With a flick of his wrist, the Godkiller shattered. He then grabbed her wrist, forcing her to drop the hilt, bent down, and with a surge of strength, hoisted Diana over his shoulder.
"Let's go, time to have a baby."
...