Chapter 3654: Injustice League (6)

Clark just found it amusing, but recalling the plan Bruce had mentioned to him earlier, he patiently said, "Actually, I haven't seen many Wonder Women from other universes. Most of them are quite similar to Diana. I'm also curious, with this universe's Superman and Batman at odds, does it change you in any way?"

"Of course, it's caused irreparable damage to me as well." Wonder Woman sighed, turned, and leaned against the windowsill, saying, "They are both my good friends. If there's anyone who least wants to see them like this, it's me."

"Yes, I understand completely. You must be very sad. Sometimes when Bruce and I argue, even before we start, Diana already seems anxious. Sometimes we think she appears a bit worried, what do you think?"

"I don't believe anyone can dictate your relationship." Wonder Woman cleared her throat and said, "Matters between the two of you shouldn't be judged by outsiders. If she does so voluntarily, then she is somewhat lacking in boundaries."

"She might just be too kind," Clark said, "She's so much older than us, her perspectives are certainly broader. Sometimes, we have to admit, it's beneficial to listen more to the elderly's advice."

"Do you think… I mean, the Wonder Woman in your universe acts old-fashioned?"

"She's much more mature than us." Clark wore a reminiscing look, smiled, and said, "She often reminds me of my mom. Of course, I'm not saying she's old, she's a beautiful and highly respectable lady."

Wonder Woman's expression gradually turned cold, though she was oblivious to it while Clark merely chuckled internally.

He wasn't angry, just felt this universe's Wonder Woman was a bit pitiful, as if Superman and Batman of this universe rarely spoke sweetly. Has she never heard such praise before?

Seizing the moment, Clark amped up his words, saying, "Thinking about how many women as respectable as Diana exist in the cosmos makes me feel much more at ease. As the backbone of the Justice League, she can undoubtedly lead the Justice League to create better worlds."

"Batman is the leader of the Justice League!" Wonder Woman emphasized.

"What?" Clark feigned surprise, saying, "Leader? You mean you have a head?"

"Oh, how could I forget." Clark gently patted his forehead, saying, "Every universe's situation is different, perhaps that's just how it is in yours. However, we're somewhat different, as Bruce mentioned earlier, we don't have a designated leader, we all collaborate."

"Diana, being the oldest among us, tends to offer valuable suggestions. Like today, she was the first to propose splitting the troops, effectively pulling us clueless beings out of the bewildering swamp."

Clark's tone was lighthearted as he said, "We can always rely on her, any time and for anything. And of course, there's you, madam. After all, you are one and the same, equally insightful and respected."

Wonder Woman's face turned very grim. She certainly wasn't, and she knew she wasn't.

Before Batman and Superman fell out, the undisputed leader within the team was Batman. Typically, Batman would consider Superman's opinions, but he had never adopted any opinions she had previously offered.

Wonder Woman wouldn't reflect on whether she was too foolish, she'd only feel her universe teammates weren't understanding enough.

They neither paid her the attention Bruce did nor offered her the blunt praise Clark did. Lacking actual leadership authority in the team, it was even less likely they'd hint at respect.

Yet another universe's Wonder Woman had, almost every Wonder Woman from other universes had.

Wonder Woman was almost mad with jealousy.

Imagining the endless Multiverse, countless Wonder Women being praised like Diana from Clark's universe every day, speaking with weight, whether by Batman or Superman, being highly regarded and referred to as 'respected lady', she nearly went mad with jealousy.

Seeing Wonder Woman's somewhat distorted expression, Clark appeared even more disdainful, because he knew that Diana from his universe didn't care for such titles. She would scold those who called her that as 'utterly hypocritical, cloaked in gentlemanly guise to mask a prejudiced heart.'

Generally, being respected is good, but if someone says to you 'you're always respected,' those somewhat sensitive would find it peculiar. This is because, fundamentally, it's a type of gaze on the object.

When you praise someone as strong, smart, and capable, you regard them as the subject; but if you say someone is respected, welcomed, valued, fundamentally you're treating them as the object passively receiving something, and those with strong subjectivity would feel offended.

For respect, welcome, and valuation all hinge on others, not oneself. Qualities like smart and strong can be self-cultivated, but what others give can be easily taken back. This is unreliable, dependent, and weak.

Diana evidently excels in this regard, she despises the judgment that treats her as an object, disliking even praises of her beauty. For beauty remains subject to others' judgments; aesthetics are forever subjective starting from the evaluator, unlike the indisputable reality of being a 'strong warrior.'

In the vast majority of universes, Dianas are like this: their demand for independence verges on obsessive compulsiveness. Most people find it hard to praise them accurately, which makes them appear somewhat picky about praise.

But the Wonder Woman of this universe is different. Not only does she accept compliments unconditionally, but she is also very happy to be judged as an object. Words like "popular" are practically poison to her; that's exactly what she wants.

It wasn't until Clark was silent for a while that Wonder Woman realized she might have lost her composure. Clark pretended to know nothing and asked, "You look a bit unwell, ma'am. Is it too exhausting to study and plan the battle against Brainiac?"

"Ah, yes." Wonder Woman took a deep breath, trying hard not to let the surge of negative emotions inside her show on her face.

"Actually, I'm quite interested," Clark said. "You didn't offer much of your thoughts at today's meeting. Are you still undecided? Or do you have your own plan?"

Wonder Woman was nearly going mad. What plan did she have? Facing such a powerful enemy, she had no solution at all, or she would have already talked to Superman.

When there were no outsiders, Superman was the sole focus of her attention. Had she been able to come up with some idea to catch his attention, she would have told him long ago.

Her brain, not particularly sharp, couldn't think of anything constructive, but this was the first time someone had asked her so earnestly. If she could indeed talk eloquently, maybe she could become the respected lady Clark mentioned.

Of course, she wanted these things so badly it drove her insane, but she really couldn't come up with anything. She felt as if her brain was being squeezed and twisted by a giant hand, both painful and blank.

At this time, she noticed Diana talking with Bruce at the meeting room door. Diana's expression was quite serious, and Bruce was nodding frequently.

Wonder Woman pricked up her ears and heard Diana say:

"…the base may be under Brainiac's surveillance. Even if he can't hear, this universe's Batman might be able to. So, you must be careful. When studying the images, don't mention concrete plans to anyone; keep them in your mind; it's safer that way."

"Of course, I think that this universe's Batman is reliable. From his performance when he visited our universe, you can see he doesn't want his universe destroyed. People from this universe have some grudges with him, but that has nothing to do with us. You'd better stay clear-headed, don't be swayed by those extreme views, and form your own judgment toward this universe's Batman. If necessary, we can rely on his power; we need to unite every ounce of strength…"

"Also, in my view, this universe's Superman has a risk of losing control. Although we are temporarily cooperating with him, you must keep a close watch on him. You should inform Oliver because he has a keener sense of emotions. If Superman shows any emotional problems, be prepared early and don't let any big trouble arise."

"As for this universe's Wonder Woman, I still maintain…"

At this point, Bruce seemed to realize something abruptly; he quickly tugged at Diana and signaled her with his eyes that there was someone else in the room.

Diana looked over, slightly frowned, and seemed to realize someone was eavesdropping. She wanted to say something but was quickly pulled away by Bruce.

Wonder Woman became more anxious: So what was Diana's evaluation of her?

She must be speaking ill of her! Wonder Woman's anger nearly materialized; she must be viciously belittling and mocking her to Bruce, and Bruce values her opinion so much. What is she supposed to do?!

"Wait a minute, it seems Diana is discussing battle plans with Bruce; I have to go there." Clark hurriedly started walking in that direction and said, "Sorry, ma'am, but I really need to listen; what she has to say is definitely important, and it would be troublesome to miss it."

Clark also dashed off swiftly.

Thinking that Diana's negative comments about her would be heard by Bruce and Clark, completely affecting their judgment and making them think of her as not special, even stupid and ugly, Wonder Woman was on the verge of collapse.

People with degenerative regression are like this: their brains are not as chaotic as a child's. They possess the normal intelligence and logic of an adult, and from a rational standpoint, they can recognize how wrong their actions are, which means they can acknowledge how ugly and foolish they are.

The thoughts usually used to numb and deceive themselves are pierced entirely by a knife named anxiety.

Compared to maintaining a false happiness, they fear more that their hideous face will be discovered, as this might prevent them from obtaining that pleasurable attention ever again.

In order to ensure everyone can continue to be deceived in this childish game and keep providing her pleasure, these fools, driven to the edge, often burst forth with astounding energy, executing actions hard to comprehend with human logic.

This is what Bruce wants.