Chapter 87 - The Empress's Wrath and the Descent of Heavenly Tribulation - Part 1

Themyscira

Moments before the Titans emerged from the ruins, Ares, Circe, and the remaining Godswatch team stumbled out of the portal onto a secluded corner of the island. Circe panted, her magic depleted, while Ares released his grip on Veronica and knelt. In the outside world, he felt his connection to war rekindle. His divine core began absorbing power from the surroundings, and a torrent of winds circled around him as his strength grew. His injuries healed, muscles bulged, and his eyes glowed ominously red. As he stood, his iconic black and indigo battle armor materialized on his body.

"After centuries, I, Ares, the God of War, have returned!" he exclaimed, feeling the rejuvenated power flowing through him. "So much conflict. You humans never change. You fight over the smallest reasons."

He then noticed the ball of light hovering near Veronica. Knowing that the souls of the living couldn't remain outside their bodies for long without becoming distorted or worse, turning into wraiths, he moved swiftly and arrived behind the ball of light, catching both Veronica and Isadore off guard. Veronica snapped out of her grief and immediately tried to shield her daughter, but Isadore, still trusting her "big brother" Ares, watched as he placed his hand over her. In the next moment, a thin layer of blazing red surrounded Isadore's soul.

"Ares, stay away from my daughter! What did you do?" shouted an anxious Veronica, positioning herself between her daughter and Ares. She had just lost her best friend and partner; all she had left was Isadore. She couldn't bear the thought of losing her too, even if it cost her life.

Circe, understanding what Ares had done, explained, "Veronica, calm down. Souls of the living can't exist outside their bodies for long without degrading. Ares infused some of his divinity to protect Isadore's soul."

Isadore, feeling lighter, heard Circe's words and realized her big brother was still protecting her. She hovered happily around both her mother and Ares. "Thank you, big bro! Mom, don't worry, I'm good. I know big brother won't harm me."

Hearing Circe's and Isadore's reassurances, Veronica relaxed a bit, but her glare at Ares remained. His sons had ruined her family's lives by dragging them into the battles of the gods.

Ares found Veronica intriguing. Despite knowing the power difference between them, she stood up to him. "Interesting," he thought. After a moment of contemplation, he looked at Isadore and said, "Thank you for accompanying me these past months, little girl. Now you should head back home and reunite with your body." He extended his hand, and Isadore landed on his palm. He continued, "I'm sorry for what my foolish sons did. But I hope one day you'll understand they acted out of love. It's time to part ways. Live well, child."

Isadore, hearing his words, immediately became animated. "Big Bro, come with us! We have many rooms in the mansion. You can live with us, and we can play together."

The innocent girl's casual invitation for the Greek God of War to live with her and play caused Veronica, Circe, and Ares to visibly twitch.

Ares chuckled softly, clearly touched by her innocence. "Perhaps one day, little one," he said, gently placing her soul on Veronica's shoulder. "But for now, I have other matters to attend to."

Just then, a thunderous noise echoed across Themyscira, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The sky darkened, and a sense of foreboding filled the air.

"What was that?" Veronica asked, her eyes wide with fear.

Circe's face grew serious. "It seems the Titans have escaped Tartarus. This island is under attack."

Ares' eyes narrowed, a grin spreading across his face. "So, this was Zeus's plan all along. The Amazons won't fall easily, but if they're occupied with the Titans, I'll take this chance to hunt down Zeus. That bastard must be nearby if he intends to capture my sister." He paused, raising his palm before his face. In an instant, his iconic helmet materialized. Isadore couldn't help but exclaim, "You look so cool, big bro!" causing Ares to almost falter, his right eye twitching slightly. Regaining his composure, he declared, "It's time to hunt." With that, he leaped into the air, heading towards the source of the commotion, the God of War ready to reclaim his place and exact vengeance on those who had wronged him.

Circe observed the interaction between Ares, Isadore, and Veronica with great interest. Noting Ares's unexpected kindness, she pondered, 'Could the stories about him be wrong? Or has his time in the dungeon changed him? Or perhaps...' Her gaze shifted to the glowing orb on Veronica's shoulder, and she narrowed her eyes. 'Is it her? Establishing a good relationship with this mother-daughter pair might be wise.'

Noticing the strain on Themyscira's barrier due to the Titans' influence and heeding Circe's advice, the group decided to seize the opportunity presented by the chaos. Circe conjured a portal of green magic, and they swiftly traveled through it, vanishing from the tumultuous scene.

Themyscira

On a high vantage point stood Zeus, his eyes cold and calculating as he observed the chaotic battle between the Titans and the Amazons below. Everything was progressing according to his grand design, save for Ares defying him. He planned to use the commotion to draw out the mother-daughter pair he sought to capture. He would let the Titans and the two women exhaust themselves, revealing their powers and trump cards. Then, in their moment of weakness, he would strike and capture them.

A grin slowly spread across Zeus's face as he admired his own cunning. However, his expression quickly shifted as he sensed two powerful figures approaching. One surged from the ocean, causing the waters to churn violently, while the other flew toward him, surrounded by a dark, ominous aura. He recognized them immediately—his brother Poseidon and his son Ares.

"ZEUS! You madman! What do you hope to achieve by releasing the Titans? Weren't you only planning to capture Orach's family members? Why release those monstrosities?" Poseidon's voice thundered as he landed nearby, his tone dripping with anger.

"That's what I want to know as well," shouted Ares, landing with such force that he created a crater. The ground beneath his feet cracked, sending shockwaves through the area.

"Ares! You're free? Don't tell me you've joined Zeus in this madness?" Poseidon asked incredulously. He could sense the immense power radiating from his nephew and was shocked. "Your power... it's nearly at the God-King rank! The surface world conflicts have truly spiraled out of hand."

"No, Poseidon. I would never join him. Today, Zeus is my prey. But tell me, were you aware of his plans? Did you initially support him?" Ares's gaze narrowed beneath his helmet, his eyes burning with intensity.

Poseidon's expression turned serious. "He did speak to me about capturing Orach's family. But I would never support this madness! Releasing the Titans? It took the combined efforts of all three of us brothers, along with the entire Greek pantheon, to defeat and seal them. What were you thinking, Zeus?" He pointed to the Titans wreaking havoc below. "Titans should never have been brought into this fight! Your pride and hubris will cost us all dearly."

Zeus's eyes gleamed with arrogance. "Why not? Both Orach's family and the Titans are threats to us. Let them fight and kill each other. We'll swoop in and finish off whoever remains."

"You're a fool, Zeus! Even if your plan makes some twisted sense, the risks far outweigh the benefits. If even one Titan escapes, the world will be plunged into darkness. And if Orach's family dies, Orach, that higher realm being will burn us all! You've doomed us!" Poseidon's voice was filled with a mixture of rage and despair.

Just then, they sensed divine presences entering the fray.

"Mother..." Ares murmured, recognizing Hera's presence on the battlefield. A touch of worry crossed his eyes.

"Look! That's your wife, doing what you should be doing! We gods are meant to protect mortals, not endanger them!" Poseidon reprimanded Zeus.

Zeus sneered in disdain. "It's good she is here. She and those daughters of mine can just die. Fitting punishment for usurping the throne from me..." Before he could continue, Ares vanished and reappeared in front of him, landing a fierce punch right to Zeus's face, sending him crashing into the nearby lush forest.

Ares's eyes blazed with fury. Despite his anger toward Hera, he still felt a deep love for his mother. He had enough of Zeus's madness. His divine core fully agitated, he leaped toward Zeus to continue the fight.

Poseidon, seeing the turn of events, decided to execute his plan. He jumped back into the ocean and closed his eyes, centering his trident with a tight grip. Unlike most gods who relied on faith energy from humans, Poseidon had discovered a way to harness faith energy from all sea creatures. Synchronizing with the life forms of the deep ocean, a massive influx of faith energy surged into him, causing his divine core to stir. His power surged, ascending to the formidable rank of God-King.

Feeling the immense power, he opened his eyes and raised his trident, commanding the ocean to churn violently. Massive whirlpools and tidal waves formed around the island, isolating it completely. He intended to prevent anyone from leaving and hoped Zeus and Ares would destroy each other.

Uninhabited Island - Diana and Rachel's Dummy Training Grounds

A ripple in space opened on the island, and two figures emerged. Refreshed after a pleasant bath and lunch in Azarath, Diana and Rachel decided to return to Themyscira to see their friend Barbara and the other Amazons. Though only a month or two had passed in the outside world, they had spent nearly a year and a half inside Azarath, only occasionally visiting Themyscira.

This time, they intended to spend more time in the outside world. However, just moments after enjoying the peaceful sight of the ocean, Diana's terminal alerted her to a message received now that they were connected to the outside world. Her happy, peaceful expression quickly turned solemn as she read the message.

"Mom, look," Rachel pointed towards the disturbance in the clouds over the distance in the direction of Themyscira. Realizing that her first home, family, and sisters were in danger, Diana quickly informed Rachel of the situation. Without hesitation, Rachel opened a ripple in space that led directly to Themyscira. Both prepared for battle, they stepped through the ripple, ready to defend Themyscira.

Themyscira - Battlefield

The clash between Titans and Amazons raged on with relentless fury. Many Amazons fell, their courageous spirits extinguished, but their sacrifice only fueled the unyielding resolve of their sisters. The arrival of their revered gods—Athena, Artemis, and Queen Hera—bolstered their confidence, infusing them with newfound strength and courage.

Queen Hippolyta, leading the Amazons with regal authority, raised her sword high. "For Themyscira!" she cried, her voice echoing across the battlefield. The Amazons responded with a unified battle cry, their spirits unbreakable.

Hera, using her divine magic, cast protective barriers around the warriors, shielding them from devastating attacks. Her hands glowed with celestial energy as she healed the wounded and empowered the fighters. "Stand firm, Amazons! The gods are with you!" she called out, her voice filled with unwavering resolve.

Each goddess, clad in divine armor, led a platoon of warriors. Athena wielded her spear with unparalleled precision, Artemis's arrows flew swift and true, and Hera's regal presence commanded respect and bolstered their courage. With their combined might, they delivered devastating blows to the Titans, managing to subdue one of the colossal foes. Yet, the battle was far from over. The other Titans loomed like insurmountable mountains, each a formidable adversary.

To the Titans, the Amazons were mere ants to be crushed. With murderous intent, they advanced, their colossal forms casting shadows of doom. Cronus, towering above the battlefield, sneered. "You think your gods can save you? Pathetic."

Athena's eyes blazed with defiance. "Do not underestimate us, Titan! We stand united, and you will not break our spirits."

Cronus laughed heartily, his voice resonating like thunder. "Is that so? It took the combined strength of all three of my sons to bring me down, and now you think you can stand against us with just gods of your level and mortals? Very well, let us show you the true magnitude of your folly!" Cronus then waved his hand giving the signal to the powerful Titans to make their move.

The Titans unleashed a devastating assault. Hyperion's fiery blasts scorched the earth, forcing the Amazons to scatter. Iapetus's thunderous stomps created massive craters, threatening to swallow warriors whole despite Hera's support. Yet, the Amazons remained steadfast, their resolve unbroken.

Artemis, with her bow drawn, unleashed a volley of arrows infused with divine light. "Athena, cover me!" she commanded, her voice unwavering amidst the chaos.

Athena nodded, her shield raised high to deflect a massive blow from Hyperion. "Keep firing, Artemis! We must weaken them!"

Noticing their efforts, Cronus narrowed his eyes and waved his hand, manipulating time to slow the actions of the Amazons and gods, aiming to give Hyperion an advantage.

However, Hera, her eyes blazing with determination, rallied her warriors. "For Themyscira! For Olympus!" With a powerful swing of her scepter, she unleashed a wave of energy that disrupted Cronus's control, knocking him off balance.

Barbara, in her Cheetah form, fought with unmatched ferocity. Her claws slashed through the air, her speed a blur. "Antiope, on your left!" she yelled, intercepting a Titan's attack aimed at her mentor.

Antiope, her sword gleaming, parried the strike and countered with a swift, deadly blow. "Stay close, Barbara. We fight together!"

As the battle raged on, the ground quaked under the immense force of the conflict. Suddenly, the sky above darkened with swirling clouds, mirroring the chaos below. A powerful clash between two gods erupted, capturing the attention of everyone on the battlefield. The Titans halted, their monstrous eyes fixated on the source of the clashing divine energies. The Amazons, locked in fierce combat with their foes, looked skyward, their faces a mix of awe and dread. Even the other gods—Athena, Artemis, and Hera—turned their gazes toward the epic confrontation unfolding above.

Ares and Zeus clashed with a fury that shook the skies of Themyscira. Lightning crackled around Zeus as he summoned his divine power, while Ares's eyes burned with unbridled rage.

"You've always been a disappointment, Ares!" Zeus snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "You think you can challenge me? You are nothing but a pawn in my grand design!"

"Enough of your arrogance, Zeus!" Ares roared, his voice echoing across the island. "I will end you today!" With a mighty swing of his sword, Ares unleashed a devastating shockwave that sent Zeus sprawling backward.

Zeus quickly regained his footing, his eyes blazing with fury. He summoned a massive bolt of lightning and hurled it at Ares. The ground exploded in a shower of sparks as Ares narrowly dodged the attack. He retaliated with a powerful strike that sent Zeus crashing into the trees.

"By Olympus, look at them!" Athena exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Ares and Zeus are tearing each other apart!"

"This is madness. Wasn't Zeus under house arrest? Did Ares escape from Tartarus along with the Titans?" Artemis muttered, her bow at the ready. "First the Titans, and now this. What cruel fate has befallen us?"

Hera's expression was a mix of concern and sorrow as she watched her estranged husband and son locked in combat. Her voice barely above a whisper, she murmured, "Ares... my son, please be careful."

Their surprises didn't end there, as they soon witnessed another stunning event. The ocean responded to Poseidon's commands with a ferocity that matched the battle on land. The waters churned violently, forming massive whirlpools that surrounded the island. Tidal waves crashed against the shores, creating an impenetrable barrier. The ocean seemed alive, responding to Poseidon's will with unwavering loyalty.

Hera and Athena both uttered, "Poseidon!" upon seeing the oceans isolating the island. It was rare to see Poseidon these days, ever since Zeus's actions against Poseidon's wife. So, this sight made them worried about the intentions of the brothers.

They weren't the only ones reacting to the clash between Zeus and Ares and also recognizing the power of Poseidon.

Cronus narrowed his eyes and sneered as he watched Zeus and Ares fight. "Oh, the irony! Once my son rose against me, and now history repeats itself." He pointed at the two locked in combat as he addressed his fellow Titans. "Now his own son, my grandchild, is going after Zeus. Hahaha!"

Other Titans joined in the laugh, reveling in the sight as well.

Oceanus then brought up Poseidon's actions. "Cronus, what about your other son? Poseidon seems to be isolating this island. It's clear he has grown into his potential to be able to manifest this spectacle. From the looks of it, he hopes to seal us all here."

Cronus, coming out of his revelry, looked at the churning oceans and said, "I agree. Only if he has reached the Godking rank would he be able to manipulate the oceans like that. Truly my seed. But, he is still a fool to think this will stop us. Today, nothing will stand in our way of restoring the age of the Titans."

Suddenly, a brilliant light pierced through the titanic tidal walls. Emerging from the gap were Diana, in her formidable Pseudo Rosé form, her sword blazing with her God Ki, and Rachel, her Dark Magic wings unfurled majestically, casting an imposing shadow over the battlefield. Their dramatic entrance drew every eye, igniting a spark of hope among the beleaguered Amazons.

A chorus of cheers erupted from the warriors of Themyscira as they beheld their mighty princesses return. Swords were raised high in salute, while the injured and near-death Amazons raised their hands in a plea for strength and vengeance.

"Diana! Rachel!" Barbara cried out, her voice a mix of relief and exhaustion, tears brimming in her eyes.

Even the goddesses sighed in collective relief, their beacon of hope had returned. Athena, Artemis, and Hera exchanged determined glances, their spirits lifted by the arrival of their champions.

Diana, already aware of the assault on Themyscira, had steeled herself for the sight of her injured sisters. But as her eyes took in the devastated landscapes, the fallen warriors, and the lifeless bodies of her comrades, her heart clenched with sorrow and fury. Her eyes, now ablaze with righteous anger, locked onto Cronus and the other Titans.

With a voice that echoed with authority and seething rage, she pointed her sword at Cronus, "Did you do this? Are you responsible for the lives lost today?"

Cronus, who had felt the immense power behind the strike that tore open a gap in the wall, observed the reverent behavior of the Amazons and the relieved sighs of the goddesses. Realizing the significance of the two women, he narrowed his eyes and smirked, "Indeed, mortal. This is just the beginning. But more importantly, who are you that these ants treat you as their hope?"

Diana, upon receiving the confirmation, nodded resolutely. "I am Diana Prince, princess of Themyscira and future mistress of the house of Gula. You, Titans of legends, have crossed my bottom line by killing my people and devastating my home. Today, I swear here and now, you will die." With those final words, she wasted no time closed her eyes and began to transform into her new form that she now had complete control over. Her inner realm became agitated, and a roar echoed from the Sadala within her. Her aura flared intensely as her muscles became prominent, looking natural and controlled. She felt the immense power flowing through her as she opened her eyes. Ethereal lightning of pink hue, crackled around her, and strands of her hair lifted in an excited state. Her hair color shifted to a luscious blackberry hue, shimmering with power. She stood before the Titans, fully transformed into her Super Saiyan Blackberry Rosé form.

The Titans looked on, momentarily taken aback by the sheer intensity of her transformation. Cronus narrowed his eyes, sensing the formidable power emanating from Diana. "You think this transformation can save you, princess? We are the Titans, eternal and unyielding!"

Diana's eyes gleamed with a fierce determination. "We shall see," she replied, her voice resonating with an otherworldly echo.

With a burst of speed, Diana launched herself from the air at Cronus, her fists crackling with energy. Cronus barely had time to react before Diana's punch connected with his jaw, sending him sprawling backward.

The other Titans, initially stunned by the sight of their leader being sent flying, roared in fury and charged at Diana. But Rachel was ready and would not allow anyone to hinder her mother.

She moved with fluid grace, her wings spreading wide as she unleashed a barrage of small, dark Ki blasts at the advancing Titans. Each strike was precise and devastating, sparing neither the lower-ranked Titans nor the powerful ones like Iapetus and Hyperion, forcing them onto the defensive. Observing this, Hera issued a command to the Amazons and the goddesses to charge and assist the young princess of the house of Gula.

With renewed vigor, the Amazons, led by the goddesses, attacked the lower-ranked Titans. The sight of their princess and her daughter fighting so valiantly filled them with hope and determination.

Hyperion and Iapetus, seeing how the tide had turned, grew agitated. Iapetus decided to shield Hyperion, buying him time to build up a powerful attack. Iapetus charged forward, taking the full brunt of Rachel's relentless assault, allowing Hyperion to prepare a massive fire blast. Once ready, Hyperion unleashed it at Rachel.

Rachel, seeing the incoming attack, raised an eyebrow. The power level of Hyperion's blast was considerable; before her recent training, she would have had no choice but to escape to Azarath. But now, she stood her ground. She raised her hand, gathering her Ki into a concentrated dark Ki blast the size of a basketball and launched it towards Hyperion's fireball.

The Titans watching this sneered, believing Rachel's smaller attack would be overwhelmed and she would be burnt to death. They expected this scene to demoralize the Amazons and goddesses attacking them. However, they noticed that the Amazons showed no signs of worry. Their confidence in Rachel was unwavering. They had witnessed her strength and knew she was capable of incredible feats.

Their faith was justified as Rachel's blast collided with Hyperion's fire blast. The smaller dark Ki blast neutralized Hyperion's attack, dissipating its energy and sending shockwaves reverberating through the sky.

The Amazons and goddesses, emboldened by her display of power, fought with even greater ferocity with low ranking Titans.

Hyperion and the other powerful Titans stood in stunned silence, their mouths agape as they witnessed Hyperion's strongest attack neutralized by a mere mortal. Hyperion's eyes widened in disbelief, his voice trembling with shock and rage. "How... How is this possible? How can a mortal be as powerful as me?" His face contorted in fury as he glared at Rachel. "YOU! You can't be human! What abomination are you?"

Rachel's eyes narrowed slightly, her voice carrying a hint of displeasure. "How rude! I am human! And did you just claim to be as powerful as me? On what basis? Just because my blast neutralized yours? If that's your reasoning, then you're sorely mistaken!"

"WHAT? No way!" Hyperion's disbelief was palpable, his mind refusing to accept the reality before him.

"Yes, way! Sheesh, you're incredibly rude," Rachel retorted, shaking her head. "If you had attacked a year ago, perhaps I wouldn't have been a match for you. But I am no longer the same me. I have broken through to the next level of my cultivation and have grown stronger. So, rejoice, Titan! You get to be the first to experience my new strength."

As she finished speaking, Rachel closed her eyes, tapping into her inner realm where a nascent world spun, responding to her call. Her dark magic surged, and her aura flared with an oppressive might that sent shivers down the spines of Amazons, Titans, and goddesses alike. A ring of dark magical fire emerged behind her, and her wings grew larger, unfurling wide. Her luscious hair cascaded down, causing her hood to fall and revealing a more radiant and beautiful visage.

Rachel opened her eyes, a confident smirk playing on her lips as she surveyed the Titans below. "Now," she said, her voice filled with power and resolve, "Titans of old, shall we dance the dance of death?"

The battlefield fell silent as Rachel's transformation reached its zenith. Her presence radiated an overwhelming aura of raw, ominous power, striking fear into the hearts of all who beheld her. Hyperion's rage wavered, giving way to a mixture of fear and anger. His colossal form trembled with uncertainty in the face of her newfound strength.

"You dare mock us, mortal?" Iapetus's voice boomed, attempting to regain control of the situation despite his injuries. "We will crush you and reclaim our rightful dominion!"

Rachel's smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with mirth and mockery. "Try if you can," she challenged, her voice steady and unwavering. "But be prepared to face the consequences."

With a roar, Hyperion and Iapetus exchanged serious glances and nodded in unison. Joined by Coeus, another formidable Titan, they charged forward, their immense power causing the ground to tremble. Hovering in the air, Rachel remained motionless, her dark magic swirling around her like a tempest. As the Titans closed in, she unleashed a torrent of dark energy that clashed with their combined might, creating a shockwave that reverberated throughout the island.

Rachel used their disorientation from the shockwave as an opening, moving with grace and power. Her attacks were precise and , each blow landing with the devastating force. The Titans, though formidable, found themselves struggling against her newfound strength.

Hyperion, recovering from his initial assault, shook his head and lunged forward, his massive fist descending like a meteor. Rachel sidestepped effortlessly, her wings propelling her skyward. She countered with a blast of dark magic that sent Hyperion staggering backwards.

Enraged, Iapetus followed, his eyes blazing with fury. He swung his colossal arm in a wide arc, but Rachel spun gracefully in mid-air, evading the strike. With a swift motion, she conjured a sword from her wings and delivered a precise slash that cut through his thick hide, severing his arm. Iapetus screamed in sheer agony, retreating in terror from the formidable mortal.

Coeus attempted a sneak attack, his speed surprising for his size. But Rachel was ready. She summoned a vortex of dark fire, engulfing Coeus and causing him to scream in agony. The flames danced around him, consuming his very essence.

Hyperion, enraged by the sight of his fellow Titans suffering from Rachel's attack, let out a furious roar and charged once more with renewed vigor. But Rachel was relentless. She met his attack head-on, their clash sending shockwaves through the battlefield. With a powerful thrust, she drove her hand into Hyperion's chest, channeling her dark magic directly into his core. His eyes widened in shock and pain as his body began to disintegrate from within, finally crumbling into dust.

Iapetus, witnessing Hyperion's demise, roared in desperation. He unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, but Rachel deflected them with ease. She closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, her eyes blazing with killing intent. With a swift, decisive strike, she severed his head from his body, the Titan's form collapsing lifelessly to the ground.

Coeus, engulfed in dark fire, made a final, desperate attempt to attack. But Rachel's power was overwhelming. She summoned a massive sphere of dark magic, hurling it at Coeus. The sphere engulfed him, and with a final, anguished scream, he was obliterated, his essence scattered to the winds.

As the final Titan crumbled, an eerie silence settled over the battlefield. Hovering amid the ruins, Rachel's aura still pulsed with dark energy. Both Amazons and goddesses gazed at her in awe and respect as she descended, her wings folding gracefully at her sides while the ring of dark magical fire gradually diminished with her restraint of her magic. She had not only defended her honor but also demonstrated the immense strength of her resolve and the profound depth of her power.

"Let this be a lesson," Rachel declared, her voice resonating powerfully across the battlefield. "The era of the Titans has ended. The House of Gula will remain resolute, and we will safeguard our allies and those in our protection from any who dare to threaten them."

The Amazons erupted in cheers, their spirits reinvigorated by Rachel's victory. The battle was won, and Rachel had emerged as a true protector. Her strength and courage inspired all who witnessed her triumph.

Meanwhile on Diana's End

After sending Cronus sprawling, Diana, trusting her daughter to handle the other Titans, charged towards Cronus with unrelenting determination. She was resolute in making him pay for the losses suffered by her people.

Ethereal lightning with a pink hue crackled around Diana, amplifying the impact of her every move. As she charged towards Cronus, who was staggering to rise, her ferocious intensity left him scrambling to keep up. Each blow she landed fueled his frustration and fury. Desperate to turn the tide, Cronus invoked his time manipulation ability, creating a field of slowed time within a 5-meter radius, hoping to cripple her movements. Instantly, Diana felt the resistance, as if she were wading through thick syrup.

Cronus, seizing the brief respite to recover, sneered, fully expecting to see Diana immobilized. But to his utter shock, she wasn't frozen; she was merely slowed.

"How? How is this possible? What power defies time? What are you?" Cronus roared, his voice tinged with a mix of panic and disbelief.

Realizing that expending more God Ki could counteract Cronus's time manipulation, Diana pressed on. Though her speed was reduced to what might appear merely human to an onlooker, she still advanced relentlessly. Hearing his incredulous questions, she pondered briefly. Indeed, this level of time manipulation should have halted anyone else in their tracks. Then it hit her: her God Ki, partly derived from the higher realms, was not easily subjected to the laws of the lower realm. A triumphant smile spread across her face as she continued her charge.

Seeing her smile, Cronus felt his pride crumble. "Stop that! Stop that, I say! How dare you mock me? You are all beneath me! I am a Titan, and I will not be looked down upon by a mortal!"

But before he could finish his tirade, Diana, expending even more God Ki, surged forward with renewed vigor and landed a devastating punch squarely on his face, sending him hurtling through the air.

"So what if you are a Titan? Big deal! I'm a Super Saiyan and the future mistress of the House Gula of the higher realms! In front of my power, you might as well be a puny ant!" Diana declared, her voice a blend of fury and authority. She took slow, deliberate steps towards the fallen Cronus, who was desperately trying to rise. With each step, she tapped into more of her Ki, releasing a pressure that felt like a mountain bearing down on him, making his struggle even more excruciating.

Cronus, his body trembling and his pride shattered, looked up at Diana with a mixture of fear and rage. "You... you cannot do this! I am a Titan, ruler of time itself!"

Diana's eyes blazed with unyielding determination. "Titles mean nothing when faced with true power. Your reign ends here, Cronus."

Drawing her sword, Diana took a deep breath and channeled her God Ki into the blade. The weapon began to glow with an ethereal pink radiance, its edge crackling with immense energy. Cronus's eyes widened in terror as he comprehended the true extent of her power.

"No! This cannot be!" he bellowed, but his voice was drowned out by the roar of her energized blade.

"This is for my people," she declared, her voice filled with righteous fury. "And for the countless lives you've tried to destroy."

With a final, resolute swing, Diana brought the sword down upon Cronus. The impact was cataclysmic, a blinding explosion of energy that shook the very foundations of the battlefield. When the light finally dimmed, Cronus lay defeated, his colossal form sprawled on the ground, utterly vanquished.

Diana stood over him, her chest heaving with exertion, as her God Ki was nearly depleted. She had faced the leader of the Titans and emerged victorious. The more she used this power, the more she understood Orach's perspective as a higher realm being. She realized how easy it would be to mold the world with such power. However, despite having that power, Orach practiced non-interference when it came to the natural course of the lower realm, unless it impacted his loved ones. Her respect for him and pride in being his partner grew, as did her love.

Reining in her God Ki, Diana decided to follow Orach's example and wield her power responsibly. As she looked around the battlefield, she saw Rachel heading towards her. From the look on Rachel's face, it was clear—the battle was over.

Suddenly, Ares's body plummeted from the sky, crashing violently between Diana and Rachel, startling them both. Before either could react further, Zeus appeared behind the exhausted Diana. Sensing the malevolent intent in Zeus's eyes, Rachel instantly unfurled her wings. With a single, swift heartbeat, she sprang forward, pushing Diana aside and taking her place. Zeus's attack struck Rachel, sending her hurtling backward.

"Rachel!" Diana screamed, scrambling to her feet to rush to her daughter's side.

Blood trickled from Rachel's mouth, her face contorted in pain. Though her armor protected her on the outside, Zeus's attack caused internal damage, disrupting her Ki channels. She cursed herself for being caught off guard and more so for being hurt by such a despicable weakling. Yet, she felt no regret for saving her mother. The thought of losing another mother was unbearable, and she had vowed to protect Diana in her father's absence.

Zeus laughed coldly, his eyes fixed on Rachel. "The power within her... it's extraordinary. I will take it for myself." In a flash of lightning, Zeus vanished and reappeared in front of Rachel. Rachel's eyes blazed with defiance and rage as she tried to summon her magic but failing.

"You will not touch her!" Diana shouted, her voice quaking with a mix of fury and desperation as she called forth her remaining God Ki, transforming into Blackberry. She charged towards Zeus, but the god merely sneered and waved his hand, creating a multi-layered barrier. With her God Ki nearly depleted, she broke through the first few layers but was still repelled as her God Ki became exhausted.

Seeing the struggle and pain etched on her mother's face, Rachel steeled herself. She offered a reassuring smile and shook her head and mouthed 'Thank you' to Diana. Turning her gaze to Zeus, the so-called god of this world, she stood tall with the defiance and pride of a true Saiyan warrior.

'Even if I die, I will die as his daughter. I may not carry Saiyan blood, but in spirit, I am Saiyan. Isn't that right, Dad? Just like you told me, I won't fear death. Even though I know where my soul is headed, I still hope to enter the cycle of reincarnation and be born as your real daughter. It was fun being raised by you, Dad.'

She took a deep breath and declared, "Do your worst, false god. But know this, if I survive, I will show you a fate worse than death! I swear it on my house's name," she vowed, despite her injuries.

Zeus sneered, "Let's see how long that will stays strong," he said, extending his hand, crackling with divine energy, aiming to drain her power.

"You dare!" Suddenly, a deep, resonant, and ethereal yet wrathful voice of a woman echoed from within Rachel's terminal. The jewel at its center gleamed brightly. The mark of the Strategic Division activated, materializing before Rachel and pulsing with an ancient, otherworldly power, heralding the arrival of a formidable, ancient entity.