Forbidden Island, The Edge of the Mystical Forest
The sun had barely begun its ascent, casting long shadows across the landscape as Clark, Diana, and the group of Amazons made their way toward the edge of the mystical forest. The air was thick with anticipation, but it wasn't just the excitement of the upcoming trial that had Clark's nerves on edge. It was something else—a sensation deep in his bones that something was wrong.
Philippus led the group of Amazons, her silent command over the warriors radiating strength and confidence. She held in her hand a glowing, ornately carved artifact, a magical tool given to her by Queen Hippolyta to communicate over long distances. The Queen herself wasn't physically present, but her authority was ever present through Philippus, guiding and monitoring the trial from afar.
As they walked, Diana, ever the optimist, chatted excitedly beside him. She was brimming with energy, eager to see the fabled Forbidden Island up close, eager to witness the legendary Gorgonaeus in all its terrifying glory. For her, this was an adventure, a test of courage and bravery. For Clark, however, the air felt... off.
[Clark,] the familiar voice of SS echoed in his mind, quiet but direct.
[I've detected a fluctuation in the magical energy surrounding the Forbidden Island. It's massive.]
Clark's heart skipped a beat, though he kept his outward composure, not wanting to alert anyone—especially not Diana. He could hear the analytical tone of SS—the system integrated into his mind since his early training—its purpose clear. SS was always watching, always calculating, and in moments like these, its insights had proven invaluable. But no one knew about SS. Not Diana, not the Amazons, no one.
"How massive are we talking?" Clark thought back silently, his face calm despite the rising unease in his chest.
[Significant enough to suggest that this trial is no longer as simple as the Queen described,] SS replied.
[The magical signature is beyond the typical energy emanating from the island. Based on the initial readings, I'm analyzing it as a potential external source—someone or something is amplifying the natural chaos of the forest.]
Clark's brow furrowed slightly as they continued their journey, Diana blissfully unaware of the storm brewing inside his mind. He stole a glance at her, smiling and pointing out landmarks along the way. She was so full of life, so certain of his success in the trial, so sure that the challenge ahead was simply another step in proving his worth to the Amazons.
Clark, however, was growing less certain.
"Do you know what it could be?" Clark asked SS, his mind spinning with the possibilities. The magical energy on Themyscira was powerful in its own right, but this… this felt different. There was a darkness to it, a coldness that didn't belong to the vibrant, natural magic of the island.
[I am still analyzing,] SS responded.
[However, based on the pattern of the energy and cross-referencing with known threats from the DC Database, the most likely source of this disturbance is the sorceress Circe.]
Circe. Of course.
Clark's pulse quickened as he remembered the stories he'd read in his DC Database—myths of an ancient sorceress who wielded power beyond imagination, capable of bending reality and controlling the minds of those who dared to oppose her. Circe had always been a thorn in the side of the Amazons, her vendetta against their people fueled by ancient grudges and her thirst for chaos. She was no ordinary foe. She was cunning, dangerous, and relentless.
Clark glanced at the forest ahead, its towering trees casting long, ominous shadows. 'If Circe is involved, this trial just got a whole lot more dangerous.'
"SS," Clark thought quickly, "keep analyzing the energy signatures. I need to know exactly what we're dealing with. If Circe is here, there's a good chance she's manipulating things behind the scenes. I need to be ready."
[Understood,] SS replied.
[Be extra cautious, Clark. This could be more than just the Gorgonaeus. Circe is known to manipulate environments to her advantage.]
Clark nodded subtly, keeping his expression neutral as they reached the edge of the forest. His thoughts raced, but he knew he couldn't let anyone, especially Diana, see his concern. She was counting on him, and so were the Amazons.
As they reached the forest's boundary, the towering trees loomed over them, their twisted branches like skeletal hands reaching for the sky. The air was different here—thicker, heavier, as though the island itself was alive and watching their every move.
"This is it," Diana whispered beside him, her voice filled with awe. "The mystical forest. It's even more incredible than I imagined."
Clark offered her a reassuring smile, though his mind was still reeling from SS's warning. He had to keep his guard up, but he couldn't let his fear show. Diana's belief in him was unwavering, and he needed to protect that.
"I'll be okay, Diana," Clark said, his voice steady despite the swirling thoughts in his mind. "I'll face whatever's in there."
Diana nodded, her eyes filled with admiration. "I know you will. You're one the bravest persons I've ever met."
Clark's heart swelled slightly at her words, but he pushed the emotion aside. He needed to focus. Circe was out there, and she wasn't going to make this easy.
As the senior Amazons prepared to send Clark off, SS chimed in again.
[I have completed the analysis, Clark. It is confirmed—the magic is definitely of Circe's origin. She is likely manipulating the creatures within the forest, making them more aggressive, possibly even summoning others to test you.]
Clark's stomach dropped. He had prepared for the Gorgonaeus, but now he was facing an entire forest filled with deadly creatures, all likely under Circe's control. The trial wasn't just about the Gorgonaeus anymore—it was about survival against a sorceress who thrived on chaos.
SS continued, its tone more serious now.
[Clark, I advise that you prepare for the worst. Circe is likely manipulating the creatures in the forest. You'll need to fight without holding back. Unleash your full power if necessary. And don't forget—the Orichalcum you acquired from Atlantis can protect you from her magic. Use it wisely.]
Clark nodded imperceptibly, processing SS's advice. He had the Orichalcum secured within his suit, hidden beneath layers of reinforced Kryptonian armor. It was a precious, rare metal capable of defending against magic, but he had been hoping he wouldn't need to use it so soon. Yet, if Circe truly was manipulating the forest, he would need every advantage he could get.
Ahead of him, Philippus held the glowing artifact up to her lips. The magical light from the tool intensified, and the deep, commanding voice of Queen Hippolyta rang out, echoing across the dense foliage.
"Kal-El," Hippolyta's voice sounded distant, yet still powerful. "This is where you must part from the Amazons. From here, you will face the trial alone. Trust in your strength, in the gifts bestowed upon you by your heritage. You have earned our respect, but now you must earn your place as our Great Companion."
Clark inhaled slightly, nodding in acknowledgment. He could feel the eyes of the Amazons on him, their respect palpable, but their concern equally present. They knew what this forest contained, knew the dangers he would face. But none of them knew what Clark did—that Circe was manipulating everything.
Beside him, Diana gave him a small, reassuring smile. "You've got this, Kal-El. I know you'll win. Just... come back safe, okay?"
Clark gave her a warm smile in return. "I will. Promise."
Philippus handed Clark a small pouch filled with enchanted tools—flasks of healing elixirs, a stone of light to ward off the darkness, and a ceremonial blade crafted for emergencies. "These are gifts from the Queen," Philippus said, her voice low and steady. "Use them well."
Clark accepted the pouch and fastened it securely to his suit, grateful for the additional resources. Then, without another word, he stepped forward into the darkness of the forest.
---
At The Center of The Mystical Forest
The world around him shifted almost immediately. The further Clark ventured into the forest, the denser the air became, the trees growing taller, their twisted branches blotting out what little sunlight had managed to filter through. The sounds of the Amazons behind him faded, replaced by the eerie stillness of the forest. Each step felt heavier, the oppressive magic thickening like fog.
Clark clenched his fists, his mind racing through the strategies he had prepared. The Gorgonaeus was somewhere out here, but now, thanks to Circe's interference, he'd likely be facing more than just that. He'd be facing the entire forest—its creatures, its magic, and whatever other horrors Circe had summoned to test him.
"SS," Clark thought quickly. "Is there anything else you've detected?"
[The fluctuations are growing more chaotic,] SS reported.
[It's possible Circe has placed magical traps throughout the forest. Be cautious. You're not just dealing with physical threats—you're dealing with the unknown.]
Clark nodded, his resolve hardening. He was ready for this. He had trained, prepared, and now it was time to fight—without restraint.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, the ground beneath his feet began to shift, becoming softer, almost swamp-like. The trees grew even more twisted, their bark blackened as though scorched by ancient fires. The whispers of the forest grew louder, like voices murmuring just out of reach.
And then, from the shadows ahead, something stirred.
The first creature to emerge was the Manticore. Its massive form prowled out of the trees, its lion-like body rippling with muscle, its leathery wings spreading wide. Its tail, armed with venomous spines, flicked dangerously as it locked eyes on Clark. It growled low, its predatory instincts kicking in as it circled him.
Clark tensed, preparing himself. He'd faced this creature before in simulations, but this was the real thing. He couldn't afford any mistakes.
The Manticore lunged, its wings propelling it forward with incredible speed. Clark reacted instantly, dodging to the side as the beast's spines shot toward him. He landed in a crouch, his fists clenched, eyes tracking the creature's every move. He could hear SS's voice in his mind, calm and steady, offering tactical advice.
"Remember, Clark—its wings are fragile. Take them out first."
Clark's muscles tensed as the Manticore's venomous tail whipped past his face, barely missing him by inches. His senses were on high alert, every nerve firing as he danced through the battlefield.
The air in the forest was suffocating, heavy with the dense magic that Circe had unleashed. He could feel the difference immediately—the creature he faced was stronger, more aggressive than in the simulations he had trained in. This wasn't just the natural magic of the Forbidden Island at work; this was Circe's doing, and she had made sure the odds were stacked against him.
The Manticore circled him, its deadly claws digging into the earth as it prepared to strike again. Clark had faced this beast before in simulations, but here, in the real world, it moved with a speed and ferocity that was far beyond what he had prepared for. He barely had time to react as it lunged at him, jaws wide open, fangs glistening with venom.
Clark rolled to the side, his heart pounding as the Manticore's claws raked the ground where he had just stood. He was used to holding back, used to tempering his strength, but now, he couldn't afford to be cautious. The creatures were stronger—too strong—and he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep up the fight without unleashing his full power.
As Clark readied himself for another strike, SS's voice echoed in his mind.
[Clark, be careful. The creatures are showing signs of magical enhancement. This is definitely Circe's work. They're stronger than anticipated.]
Clark gritted his teeth, wiping sweat from his brow. "I can tell," he thought back, keeping his eyes trained on the Manticore. "What do we do?"
[You need to adapt,] SS replied, its tone matter-of-fact. [Fight as you trained, but be prepared to go all out if necessary. The simulation data will only get you so far.]
Clark was about to respond when the forest around him suddenly erupted with movement. The ground shook beneath his feet as two more figures emerged from the shadows—one with the towering bulk and twisted horns of the Minotaur, the other with the slithering, serpentine bodies of the Hydra. Both creatures bore down on him at once, their eyes gleaming with an unnatural hunger. Circe had sent them all after him.
So much for facing them one at a time, Clark thought grimly.
The Minotaur roared, its hooves thundering against the earth as it charged, lowering its head to impale Clark with its massive horns. At the same time, the Hydra hissed and reared back, its many heads snapping toward him with venomous fangs bared.
Clark pivoted, barely dodging the Minotaur's charge, the beast's horns missing him by a hair's breadth. But there was no time to recover—the Hydra lunged forward, one of its heads snapping toward him. Clark ducked and rolled, but the Hydra was relentless, each head striking out with deadly precision.
He moved fast, faster than any human could, but still, it was barely enough. His mind raced through the simulations, recalling every move, every strategy he had learned. But this wasn't a controlled environment. The creatures were faster, stronger, and Circe's magic seemed to pulse through their very bodies, making them even more dangerous than they had been in his training.
Clark blocked another swipe from the Manticore's claws, his armored suit absorbing the brunt of the attack, but the force of it sent him skidding backward, his boots digging into the earth. He needed to get control of the situation, but with the Hydra snapping at him from one side and the Minotaur charging from the other, it was becoming increasingly clear that he couldn't hold back much longer.
And then, through the chaos, Clark heard it—the sound that sent a chill down his spine.
ROARRRRRR!!
A deafening roar echoed through the forest, shaking the trees and sending birds scattering into the sky. The ground trembled beneath his feet, and Clark's heart clenched with fear. The Gorgonaeus. It was far off, but not far enough. The roar had come from the edge of the forest—the same place where Diana and the Amazons were waiting.
Clark's breath hitched, and in that moment, he realized just how dire the situation had become. He could hear the urgency in the roar, the bloodlust in the beast's cry. Diana's group was in danger, and there was no time left to play it safe.
Clark's eyes hardened, and with a single breath, he made his decision.
No more restraint. No more holding back.
In an instant, he unleashed his full strength—power that could level mountains, speed that could outpace lightning. His body moved with blinding speed, far beyond anything his enemies could perceive. At Mach 40, he blurred out of sight, his movements becoming a mere flicker to the creatures around him.
BOOM!!
The Manticore barely had time to register what had happened. One second, it was lunging at Clark, its claws extended for the kill. The next, Clark's fist connected with its skull, the force of the blow instantly shattering bone and sending the creature crashing to the ground—dead before it hit the earth.
Clark didn't stop. His momentum carried him forward, and in a split second, he pivoted toward the charging Minotaur. The beast roared in rage, but it was already too late.
BOOM!!
Clark's fist slammed into its chest with the strength to lift 4,000 tons, and the Minotaur crumpled like paper, its body collapsing to the ground in a heap of broken muscle and bone.
The Hydra hissed, its many heads rearing back in confusion as it sensed the shift in power. Clark's eyes burned with intensity, his heat vision flaring to life as he moved with lethal precision.
SLASH!
With a single swipe of his hand, he severed one of the Hydra's heads clean from its body. The beast howled in pain, but Clark didn't give it a chance to regenerate.
PZZZZZZZZZZAT!!
Before the Hydra's remaining heads could react, Clark unleashed his heat vision at full intensity. The red beams tore through the creature, incinerating its flesh and reducing it to ash before it could reform. The ground sizzled where the Hydra had stood, the air filled with the stench of burning scales.
It was over in seconds.
Clark stood in the aftermath of the carnage, his chest heaving with the exertion of his power. The forest was silent, save for the crackling embers of the Hydra's remains. But he had no time to rest. The Gorgonaeus was still out there, and Diana—and the others—were in danger.
Without a second thought, Clark launched himself into the air, his speed tearing through the trees as he flew toward the edge of the forest. The wind whipped against his face, but his mind was focused on one thing: reaching Diana before the Gorgonaeus could.
He broke through the thick canopy of trees, the edge of the forest coming into view. The roars of the Gorgonaeus grew louder, more menacing, but Clark was faster. In an instant, he burst through the clearing, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
He wouldn't let anything happen to Diana. Not today. Not ever.