You’re Dead

Though Flash wasn't the most reliable, he was still Bruce's last glimmer of hope.

The kid's a chatterbox, but that doesn't mean he's useless!

So Bruce looked at Flash, head down in disappointment, and said softly,

"Stay quiet and come with me to meet the Amazon Queen.

We must hurry and review Themyscira's records on Darkseid!"

"OK, I'll follow you!"

Flash instantly lifted his head, his eyes gleaming with purpose.

He glanced around, then pointed toward Heisenberg at the arena's edge.

"If I'm not mistaken, isn't that the Queen of Themyscira?"

"Hmm?"

Bruce paused, looking in the direction Flash pointed. There, Hippolyta's head had just appeared on the steps below Heisenberg.

Bruce pursed his lips. These extraordinary beings' senses were too keen!

…

Nearby, Diana stood beside Heisenberg, turning to greet her approaching mother.

She then pulled Heisenberg closer, introducing him softly to Hippolyta.

"Mother, this is the Sun God, His Majesty Heisenberg, who has graced Themyscira!"

"I know, Diana!"

Hippolyta nodded solemnly, then knelt gracefully before Heisenberg.

Her left hand rested on her chest, her right gripping the hilt of her sword at her waist.

"Themyscira is honored by Your Majesty's presence. Your arrival is a blessing we'll forever cherish."

"Rise, Your Highness."

Heisenberg smiled, waving his hand. Hippolyta instantly stood, enveloped by his divine power.

Feeling the overwhelming force surrounding her, Hippolyta whispered in awe,

"Your power surpasses even Athena, who once visited Themyscira!"

"Haha, I don't compare myself to her. I dislike being likened to any goddess." Heisenberg chuckled.

As he spoke, Bruce and Flash approached from a distance.

Sensing their footsteps, Heisenberg nodded thoughtfully.

"Regarding Darkseid, Diana has likely informed you. I need to review all records related to him."

He pointed to Bruce, who was drawing near, and continued,

"That's Bruce Wayne. He's even more eager to see those records than I am.

Please have someone guide him to them."

"Of course, Your Majesty. Themyscira has always served and fought for the gods.

Though we don't serve all gods.

Those representing death, filth, injustice, or deceit won't earn our respect.

But you are the Sun, purer light and warmth than even Apollo.

I'm relieved we can assist you, Your Majesty!"

"Haha, no need for formalities. Let's simply stand together in battle!"

"Certainly!"

Hippolyta gave Heisenberg a deep look, then led two guards toward Bruce.

Seeing the Queen approach, Bruce furrowed his brow, placing his right hand on his chest to bow.

After all, she was a queen, and Bruce always respected other races' and nations' customs.

But Hippolyta swiftly declined his gesture.

"No need for formality. His Majesty has spoken of you. I'll personally guide you to the Amazon archives and share all information on Darkseid!"

"That's wonderful, thank you!"

Bruce nodded enthusiastically, then followed Hippolyta with Flash, growing distant.

As they walked, Bruce reflected.

It seemed every race he'd encountered—whether Atlantean or Amazon—held Heisenberg in high regard.

Heisenberg's threat level must be raised. If he ever turned hostile, these ancient races would likely back him.

Bruce had to prepare for that.

Not to target him now, but to counter him if he fell to darkness.

Bruce saw nothing wrong with this.

…

Watching Bruce and Flash leave, Heisenberg smiled, turning to the two women beside him.

"Bruce can handle the records, so…"

"Let's spar, Heisenberg!"

Diana immediately interjected, raising her left hand eagerly.

She slammed her hand into the air, and the Aegis Shield appeared instantly!

"I dislike tactics; they're not my style.

So, my only preparation for Darkseid is to hone my skills through real combat!

Having a god like you as a sparring partner is perfect.

Let me experience what it's like to face a foe like you!"

Diana raised her shield and roared, then—to Mera's shock—slammed it onto Heisenberg's outstretched palm!

BOOM!!!

The shockwave exploded, the deafening sound drawing countless Amazons' gazes.

Even Bruce, who was leaving, turned back in astonishment. Seeing Diana attack Heisenberg, he frowned in surprise.

Beside him, Hippolyta glanced back, then smiled in understanding.

"Haha, she always loves a challenge. She grows stronger through battle!"

She looked at the stunned Bruce and reassured him softly,

"Don't worry, they're just sparring. Let's continue to the library."

"Right!"

Bruce nodded heavily, then swallowed hard.

In his sight, Diana—who had just struck Heisenberg with her shield—was punched into the ground by him!

Watching the cracked earth ripple like a lake around Diana's impact, Bruce struggled to calm himself.

Was this really just sparring?

These teammates were too strong, far too strong!

…

Heisenberg punched Diana's shield, sending her deep into the ground.

Seizing the moment, he shook his fist and smiled at Mera.

"Mera, have everyone in the arena move to the stands. I'll train all warriors eager to improve.

And I'll teach you how to survive against me and Darkseid!"

BOOM!!!

As his words landed, Heisenberg tore through the air, charging at Diana, who was struggling to rise from the mud.

He ruthlessly grabbed her wrist, swinging her around like a windmill.

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!!!

Three violent impacts shook the arena. The other fighters abandoned their battles, rushing to the stands to watch intently.

Even Arthur, holding a dazed warrior he'd just locked in a crossface, sprinted to the stands.

At this moment, Diana had no strength to fight back. The arena was filled with her imprint.

Her plight excited the Amazon warriors in the stands, who cheered wildly.

"Nice move!"

"That's how it's done!"

"This is divine prowess—so thrilling!"

"I want to be tossed around by a god like Diana!"

"Haven't seen such exhilarating combat in ages!"

"Diana, get up! Don't be a punching bag!"

"Stay away from him! Engage in close combat, dodge his attacks, then slide tackle!"

"Right, slide tackle!!!"

Countless warriors roared with excitement, their cheers urging the embedded Diana to rise.

Looking at Heisenberg, Diana gritted her teeth and roared,

"Is our gap really that huge?"

"No, our gap isn't that big!"

Heisenberg replied calmly.

"I'm just a bit stronger, faster, and more durable than you!!"

As his words landed, Diana clenched her jaw.

Yes, he's better in every way!

In combat, the enemy is faster, stronger, more reactive, and tougher!

How do you fight such an opponent?

You simply can't!!!

Thinking this, Diana shook her right hand, and the Godkiller sword slid from its sheath.

"I must use my weapon. Be careful!"

"Haha, strike boldly. Even if you behead me, I won't enter death's realm!"

Heisenberg declared grandly, clenching his right fist. He suddenly appeared beside Diana, using his shoulder to meet her hastily swung blade!

CLANG!!!

The sword struck his armor, lodging firmly.

Seizing the moment, Heisenberg punched Diana in the face.

BOOM!!!

After the explosion, Diana vanished into the earth again. Heisenberg stood, explaining to Victor nearby,

"Against a foe superior in every way, don't aim for a perfect victory.

Targeted injury-for-injury is necessary.

Why not preserve life in battle? Because a weakling's only chance to harm a strong foe is often at the cost of their own life!"

As he spoke, golden chains shot from the earth, wrapping around Heisenberg.

Heisenberg nodded, grabbing the Lasso of Truth with his right hand.

"Ropes are effective in combat but useless against a superior foe!"

As his words landed, he yanked the lasso, pulling Diana from the earth.

"Against a much stronger opponent, restrictive chains become their tool. Unless outnumbered, avoid using chains against the mighty!"

Finishing his sentence, Heisenberg's left hand gripped Diana's neck, while his right slipped the lasso around her throat.

Moments later, he tugged the rope fiercely.

"You're dead!"

He told Diana.

Releasing the lasso, he tossed Diana aside, pointing to Cyborg.

"Watching isn't enough; experience it yourself.

Victor, let me teach you how to fight!"

"Yes, teacher!"

Victor nodded solemnly, removing his cloak to reveal his gleaming metallic body to the audience.

Seeing a new warrior join the fray, the Amazon women trembled with excitement!

Amidst countless cheers, Cyborg nervously assumed a fighting stance.

His arm and shoulder engines quickly adjusted, gathering energy.

But before he could react, Heisenberg appeared beside him.

SMASH!!!

A palm strike to Cyborg's left temple, followed by a grip on his neck. Heisenberg slammed the inexperienced Cyborg into the already shattered earth.

"You're dead!!!"