Early morning.
The sun slanted down onto Paradise Island, and the morning dew glistened like crystals on the tips of the green grass.
Behind Paradise Island stretched dense forests, with towering jungle trees rising and falling like waves. There were even plants from the ancient Jurassic era, forming an immense and endless sea of green.
Diana took a deep breath of the morning air. The fragrance of fresh earth, the coolness of dawn, and the pleasant chill against her skin filled her senses.
She wore straw sandals, stepping on the wet grass. Animal skins wrapped around her waist, her chest full and firm beneath a tube top also made of animal skin. With a vigorous and athletic posture, she ran swiftly across the peaks of the jungle.
Holding a Greek spear in her hand, she moved like a cheetah. Her shadow leapt nimbly through the green forest, shaking droplets of water from the tree trunks as she passed.
The morning sun shone on her healthy wheat-colored skin. The beauty bestowed upon her by the gods made the world itself seem pale in comparison. Her sharp eyebrows reflected her determination, her beautiful face was radiant with excitement, and her calm, confident eyes glimmered. The corners of her mouth curved into a charming smile as she climbed a mountain in high spirits.
It was a flat-topped mountain, its peak shaved smooth for the purpose of combat training.
The icy mountain wind, sharp as a blade, whipped through her hair, sending her curls fluttering in the breeze.
With slender fingers, she tucked the strands of black hair away from her eyes. Gazing into the distance with her beautiful dark eyes, she could see the Amazon palace buildings not far away, nestled amid the vast, connected forests.
The Amazon architecture, built in the Greek style, was famous for its grand spans. Whether arch structures, truss systems, beam-and-column frameworks, fountains, lintel designs, vaulted arches, cross vaults, or multi-domed structures, each building was massive yet adorned with delicate carvings. From Diana's vantage point, the scene was breathtaking and majestic.
As Diana watched the Amazon capital slowly awaken beneath the rising sun, she imagined that by now her mother had noticed her absence and was likely eating breakfast with a dark expression, already sending people out to search for her.
She smiled faintly, her gaze drifting beyond the Amazon city. In the distance, the blue sea and sky merged into a vast, rippling horizon. Her eyes were filled with longing and curiosity.
There lay the outside world, the world of men.
After watching for a while, Diana held her Greek spear firmly and began her morning practice. At dawn, she trained diligently with the spear. Her figure was strong and graceful, radiating dazzling brilliance under the sunlight. Her black hair swayed in the breeze, and her beautiful face remained calm and confident.
About an hour later.
Another Amazonian leapt through the jungle, agilely climbing and jumping up onto the peaceful mountaintop.
Diana's ears twitched slightly at the sound of the approaching footsteps. She spun around, spear in hand, turning sharply to aim at the newcomer. Raising an eyebrow, she smiled and said, "Perfect timing, Artemis. How about we spar for a bit?"
The visitor had blond hair tied up high behind her head. Her face bore the fierce spirit of a woman who would never yield to men. With a slender figure and heroic bearing, she was Artemis.
Artemis and Diana were the two most skilled Amazon warriors. They often sparred with each other, exchanging combat techniques.
At the same time, Artemis was also one of the commanders and instructors of the Amazon army.
"Diana, you know I would love nothing more than to punch that pretty face of yours, but now's not the time. A man was caught inside the palace. The queen wants you back immediately. Apparently, this man has something to do with you."
Artemis spread her hands helplessly, her golden hair fluttering in the sunlight, shining brightly.
Diana slowly lowered her spear, doubt flashing across her beautiful face. Someone related to her?
She knew that ever since the Amazons revealed their existence to the world, many humans had tried to investigate and approach Amazon.
But those who ventured near were either repelled by the magic barrier surrounding the island or, in some cases, killed by it.
No human had ever truly entered Amazon, let alone infiltrated the palace.
"Someone related to me? How is that possible? I don't even know any men."
Diana's face was full of confusion. Frowning, she gripped her spear tightly and followed Artemis down the mountain, leaping gracefully through the trees as the rustling of leaves echoed around them.
"It seems that outside forces are plotting to dominate the world. This man is said to be a rebel. He somehow discovered the secret passage from your room to the forest and used it to sneak into the palace," Artemis explained, though she sounded just as puzzled. How could a human so easily breach Amazon's defenses?
What?
Diana's eyes widened in shock. The secret passage in her room's bathroom… how could it have been discovered so easily?
…
Inside the palace hall of Amazon.
Queen Hippolyta, draped in a luxurious golden cloak, sat upon the Amazon throne. Her dignified beauty remained striking, the kind of grace that once even tempted Zeus himself.
At this moment, her gaze was thoughtful as she stared at Victor, who was held down by two Amazons, kneeling on the floor where the light filtering through the walls cast reflections all around.
"In the future, you and Diana will be comrades-in-arms?" Hippolyta asked, her sharp eyes fixed on Victor, searching for any sign of deceit in his expression.
Victor bore the marks of a beating. The moment he was discovered, the Amazons had attacked him fiercely. He had been beaten nearly to death.
Paradise Island was a land of women. What's more, this man had come through the secret passage that led directly to Diana's bathroom. Fortunately, she had not been there at the time. Otherwise, he might already be dead.
"Yes. We need Diana's help. We need Amazon's help. In the future, Diana and we will be founders of the Justice League, standing together to protect this planet," Victor replied firmly, his eyes unwavering.
Hippolyta's breath slowed slightly. She leaned back against the throne, her gaze steady as she stared down at Victor, remaining silent.
Several Amazon warriors had requested to deal with him immediately. For a man to so recklessly enter the palace was an unforgivable insult to them.
But Hippolyta had refused.
At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside the hall. Diana and Artemis ran in, their chests rising and falling with each breath.
Artemis dropped to one knee, bowing respectfully before standing at attention.
"Mother!" Diana greeted her, her chest still slightly heaving as she caught her breath. Her gaze quickly shifted to Victor's face.
(To be continued.)
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