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Chapter 159 Divine Realm

Diana tenderly wiped the stone statue of her mother, Hippolyta, contemplating the grave situation. She realized that if Hippolyta was petrified, then surely the entire island had suffered the same fate.

Venturing further, Diana confirmed her fears as she found the entire Amazonian clan frozen in stone, seemingly frozen in the moments just after her departure. The warriors on the main road, the soldiers in training, and even the inhabitants in their homes—all were turned to statues.

The sight filled Diana with a mix of sadness and anger. She knew she had returned just in time; any longer, and the elements would have weathered away these statues, erasing her people forever.

Suppressing her grief, Diana hardened her resolve. Hera's actions had to be stopped, and her people had to be freed.

"Let's go, Diana. I'll take you to the Realm of the Gods where Hera resides," Hermes said solemnly, ready to guide her.

Diana nodded curtly. "I will confront her," she stated flatly, sending a chill down Hermes' spine. He couldn't imagine the turmoil Diana must be feeling, having to seek aid from the very person responsible for this tragedy—something that would be unfathomable for him.

As they prepared to depart, Hermes couldn't shake the feeling that this time might be different, thanks to Peter's unexpected presence and abilities.

Peter, meanwhile, casually opened a portal. Despite having used such magic before, Diana still marveled at the sight of the portal leading directly to the divine realm. She glanced at Peter with a mix of gratitude and amusement for his convenience.

If Peter had heard Diana's thoughts, he might have been taken aback, but they proceeded through the portal, leaving Hermes behind momentarily.

Alone, Hermes looked at his staff, contemplating his role. Eventually, he followed through the portal, muttering to himself as he reentered the divine realm.

Once there, Hermes recognized the familiar sights and felt a renewed sense of purpose. However, he couldn't help but feel apprehensive about Peter's capabilities, which seemed to surpass even those of the gods.

Peter, nonchalant, surveyed the divine realm with his enhanced vision, noting the trivial pursuits of the immortal beings around them. He scoffed at the sight of a pool party in broad daylight, finding it amusing and somewhat pitiful.

"Where is Hera?" Peter asked, refocusing on their mission.

Hermes pointed towards the mountain where Hera's temple stood. "Up there. I'll guide you," he offered, though Peter dismissed the need with a glance.

Understanding Peter's intent, Diana stepped forward, taking his hand. Their connection was almost instinctual now, a result of their shared experiences and unspoken understanding.

Watching them, Hermes felt a foreboding sense of unease. "Wait, what are you... No! Don't..." Before he could finish, Peter took flight with Diana towards Hera's temple, smashing through its roof and into the hall below.

Inside, they found Hera's temple adorned with ancient Greek sculptures and murals, centered around a sky mirror embedded in the ground—a device Hera used to monitor mortal affairs, particularly Zeus's indiscretions.

Unbeknownst to Diana and Hermes, Hera had been watching their every move since Hermes had first set foot on Earth to find Diana. She anticipated this confrontation, unwilling to let Diana's return go unchallenged.

For Diana, Hera's motives had become apparent over time, but until now, she had not grasped the full extent of the danger.

As they landed in the temple hall, Hera's attention shifted from Zeus's escapades to the unexpected intruders—Peter and Diana.

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