139

Chapter 139: Battle Damaged Version of Diana

Steve No. 2 received the news the next day, long accustomed to the notion but still amazed by their swift battlefield solutions.

"What have you been up to these past few years?" he mused.

Meanwhile, Peter and Diana attracted more invitations and olive branches, diplomatic attempts to sway them.

Peter, again, shielded Diana from the overtures.

"..."

Despite seething with anger, Diana, for the sake of peace, dismissed their advances, hands on hips as she admonished Peter, "Next time, handle it yourself!"

"It's to help you integrate better into the human world," Peter justified.

"That's just an excuse!" Diana's dealings with politicians had clearly toughened her.

"Do you know how irritating they are!?" she fumed.

Peter sighed, glancing at her. "So, you prefer I unleash my anger on them?"

Diana had made progress but still felt manipulated.

Meanwhile, Steve No. 2 strategized anew, listing priority targets across various fronts.

"Take them in order. Lower priorities can wait if time's tight," he suggested.

"We'll do our best," Diana agreed wearily, bearing the weight of their responsibilities.

Their plans aligned with Peter's objectives, and soon they were ready to depart. Diana eyed Peter warily.

Sensing her apprehension, Peter asked, "What's wrong?"

Diana's narrowed eyes signaled unease. "You can't carry me like that again."

"Why? Not fond of being carried?" Peter smiled, teasing.

Diana hesitated, pondering alternatives. Without Black Superman, travel would be far slower. His speed allowed them to maximize their abilities.

Reluctantly, working with Black Superman was her only viable option.

"You can hold onto me," she conceded.

Amazon warriors were informal; this was a minor inconvenience. Yet, Diana's heart raced, recalling her childhood fear of bulls. Facing a formidable warrior, nerves were inevitable.

"This won't do," Black Superman rejected her abruptly.

Diana frowned, puzzled. Was he repulsed by her? Or perhaps he had some aversion, a scent or quirk?

She resisted the urge to check herself, having already cleaned up thoroughly. Stalling wouldn't help; she needed a resolution.

Thankfully, Black Superman relented. "Extend your hand."

Reluctantly, Diana complied.

Peter pulled her up, a compromise. Despite his jests, she was still his ally.

"Let's go."

Diana's mind raced. A biological force field allowed for carrying or pulling. Soon, they reached another battlefield.

"Ready to sneak in and eliminate the enemy commander," Black Superman's voice crackled.

Diana refocused, noting the heavily fortified camp.

Recalling Steve's briefing, "This is a vital military hub for them. Taking it swiftly won't be easy with our current forces."

"Should we strike directly?" Diana asked.

Peter nodded. "Their methods are too conservative. We'll attack head-on and dismantle them step by step."

Diana trusted Black Superman's judgment implicitly.

She surveyed the layout, cautioning, "We must avoid provoking a direct siege; even I would struggle."

She meant herself, not Peter. She gauged Black Superman's strength uncertainly.

"Don't worry," Black Superman reassured her.

Diana anticipated his extraordinary abilities. "How?"

"Just trust me, Diana," he replied cryptically.

With a flick of his wrist, Diana plummeted like a meteor into the enemy's midst.

Peter watched, nodding approvingly. Pressure spurred growth; Diana's injuries were testament to her burgeoning divine power.

Diana cursed inwardly but focused on the immediate threat.

Seasoned in combat, she deftly navigated firearms and soldiers, despite intensified opposition.

Using her speed and reflexes, she deflected bullets with her silver bracelets, incapacitating soldiers swiftly.

Anger propelled her, and battle scars began to show; her stockings tore under the onslaught.

Peter's ill-timed drop had compromised her position, drawing all eyes to her.

Initially manageable, the situation deteriorated rapidly.

Without Black Superman, her prospects dimmed.

Protecting herself with crossed arms and invoking her bracelets, Diana generated a divine shockwave, scattering soldiers and creating an opening to escape.

This marked her first independent use of her bracelets since her battle with Ares.

Unaware, she moved faster and jumped farther, fueled by rage.

Reaching the command room, Diana found Black Superman waiting.

Exhausted, stockings in tatters, she caught her breath.

Soldiers lay defeated around her, buildings in disarray.

What was planned as covert became a frenzied assault.

Breathing heavily, Diana confronted Black Superman, "Do you realize how reckless that was?"

Peter remained composed. "It was necessary to ensure success."

"But you—" Diana started.

Peter cut her off. "As an Amazon, I expected more resilience."

"Squeamish?" Diana recoiled. Such words were a slight on her honor.

"Not because of that," she countered, hesitating.

"Betrayal?" Peter finished for her.

Diana nodded silently. Trust was paramount; without it, their partnership faltered.

Peter changed tack. "Feel it?"

Confused, Diana listened as Peter explained her growing divine power.

Realizing her newfound strength, Diana clenched her fists, aware of her heightened abilities.

Peter's words struck a chord. "I promised your mother," he reminded her gently.

Diana's anger ebbed; perhaps Black Superman wasn't callous but instead training her.

Frustration gave way to a mix of emotions she couldn't quite define.

"Can I discard these?" Diana gestured to her stockings. "They're useless now."

"No," Peter refused firmly. "Their damage highlights areas for improvement."

Diana frowned, sensing a deeper lesson.