011. Thought They Were Siblings
By the time Duke flew to the small boat, Diana was already waiting there. Much to his surprise, besides Steve, who shared a name with Captain America, pulling the ropes, there was another familiar figure—Doutzen Kroes.
Why was she there?
Was she going too?
But there was no time to think about it. Diana walked toward him, and before she could speak, Duke comforted her: "The recovery effect is much faster than I imagined. She's already awake. According to my judgment, she can leave the range of the Spell Formula to rest tomorrow."
"That's wonderful."
"By the way, this... she asked me to give it to you."
"The Starlight Tiara?" Diana gripped it tightly. This was the symbol of the strongest warrior, and she could feel Antiope's expectations for her residing within it. "Let's go."
"Mm."
Just as they turned around, a rapid sound of galloping hooves came from behind, thud-thud-thud-thud.
Duke shrugged: "Looks like we can't leave just yet."
Looking at the approaching Amazon Queen, Diana gritted her teeth but still stepped forward to face her: "I have to go, Mother. Innocent people are dying constantly; I cannot sit idly by. If no one in the world resists Ares, then I must go."
Duke watched from the side, looking at Wonder Woman's stubborn little face. Hmm... at this time, Wonder Womanwas still very pure, stubborn, and persistent.
"I know. At least I know I can't stop you." The Queen slowly dismounted and walked toward Diana, her eyes full of reluctance and sorrow. "There are so many... so many things you don't understand!"
"I understand enough. I am willing to fight for those who cannot protect themselves... just as you once did!"
Duke complained inwardly: Wonder Woman, there really is a lot you don't understand. If you don't listen to your elders, you'll suffer for it.
"You know, if you choose to leave, you might never come back." Her daughter was about to leave her sight like a kite with a broken string, which pained the Queen deeply, her eyes brimming with tears.
Of course, there was also concern for Duke now.
In the original plot, there was only one spy, which wasn't much, but now...
"What use is it for me to stay?"
"Be careful in the world of men, Diana. They do not deserve your salvation. You are my greatest love; today... you have become my greatest sorrow."
"..."
The mother and daughter shared a brief farewell. Wonder Woman turned... and strode away, heading toward the world of men.
"Goodbye, Ma'am! Don't worry, I'll take good care of her." Duke gave a gentlemanly bow—of course, it was a "gentlemanly" gesture of his own imagining, looking rather clumsy.
The Queen only nodded, looking at him calmly without saying a word. After all, in her view, her daughter's departure wasn't because of this man of unknown origin before her, but because of the sacrifice of tens of millions of lives out there. This man was just an unexpected variable; with or without him, her daughter would have left.
Moreover, he was the one who had saved her sister.
Feeling a bit embarrassed by her gaze, Duke gave an awkward laugh: "Goodbye."
He turned to leave.
Just then, the Queen called out loudly, "Who exactly are you?"
Duke waved goodbye with his back to her: "A... homeless person, I suppose?"
"..."
Homeless?
"At sunset, the cool wind rises; my boat drifts lightly along."
Under the escort of the moonlight, the small boat gradually sailed away from Paradise Island. Diana gazed at the hometown where she had lived for countless years until her mother's figure grew smaller and smaller, finally sailing out of the barrier and disappearing completely behind the shroud of mist.
Shaking off her slightly low spirits, Wonder Woman turned around and saw Duke chatting with Venelia.
"Doutzen Kroes, why are you here?"
"I think you're quite an interesting person, and going out might be a good way to train," Doutzen Kroes said.
(From now on, she won't be called Venelia.)
Duke was incredibly frustrated. Could it be that this Victoria's Secret supermodel was going to perish on the battlefield? She didn't have the powerful combat strength of Wonder Woman. The system told him that this supermodel was only at the Elite level. That was the same level as Black Widow. Even if the future Black Widowappeared on a World War I battlefield, she could still be gunned down if she wasn't careful.
Besides, she didn't have Wonder Woman's divine equipment; this was just asking for death.
"Doutzen Kroes? Venelia, when did you change your name?" Diana asked curiously.
"He changed it for me—Doutzen Kroes! I suspect he has inappropriate designs on me." After saying that, she laughed.
One was Duke, and the other was Duchen; anyone who didn't know better would think they were siblings.
Diana shook her head in boredom and turned to look at Steve: "How much longer until we reach the front lines?"
"The front lines? Which one?" Steve was still tying the ropes, reinforcing this small sailboat that looked like it could fall apart at any moment. "The Western Front in France stretches over four hundred miles from the Alps to the North Sea."
"Then let's go to the most intense battlefield." Wonder Woman was full of fighting spirit.
The two began to communicate in English, and the miserable Duke could only rely on Doutzen Kroes to act as a translator.
It was also strange as hell.
The system clearly said that when touching a target of Eliterank or higher, there was a low probability of obtaining one of their Talents. He had touched Wonder Woman many times, but unfortunately, he hadn't even touched a single Talent. Well, according to the system, when touching someone at a higher Realm than him, the probability of obtaining a Talent was... almost infinitely equal to zero. But Doutzen Kroes was only at the Elite Realm.
Not just her—back on the island, he had shaken hands with the female warriors one by one, but he hadn't managed to snag a single Talent.
"Linguistic Talent" is also a Talent, right?
Amazons are born knowing hundreds of languages; it's practically the most common and ordinary Talent, yet he still failed!
Sigh—this probability really is low enough.
"If you take me there, I'll definitely find Ares!"
Steve stopped what he was doing and turned to look at Diana. This pretty woman... she couldn't really be mentally ill, could she? Uh, that's not right either! A secluded island full of powerful warriors in ancient dress, and that Mysterious person who could manifest wings and had smashed his plane...
All of this was refreshing his understanding. The fact that his worldview hadn't collapsed yet was thanks to the high-intensity pressure training he'd had over the years.
"The 'God of War' Ares?"
"Finding him is our responsibility. Only an Amazon can defeat him, using this sword! Once I defeat him, the war will end!" Wonder Woman said.
At this point, she was still an innocent girl.
"Uh... I admire your spirit, but this war is a mess, and there's not much you or I can do about it. We can head back to London first and find someone who can change the situation..."
Although his worldview had been refreshed, Steve still didn't believe the war was caused by the God of War. Or rather, he didn't believe that killing Ares would end the war. War was caused by human greed, not some so-called God of War.
Duke chimed in at the right time: "See, I told you he wouldn't take you to the front lines. His only goal is to leave this place and then hand that notebook back."
He smiled after speaking. He didn't want Wonder Woman to develop any good feelings for Steve.
012. Captain Duke Sparrow
Upon hearing this, Diana immediately frowned and looked at Steve with an unfriendly gaze. She wasn't a total fool; after thinking about it, his previous words did indeed carry a sense of rejection.
"What's wrong?!" Steve took a step back. Although he couldn't understand Chinese, he instinctively knew Dukewas speaking ill of him.
Doutzen Kroes also stood up, holding her sword, staring at him with hostility.
The situation was not good.
But he didn't know what to say; there was a language barrier.
Duke smiled and shifted his position, turning around to face the two of them. "Don't be angry, Diana! So far, although he still wants to use you to leave Themyscira, that notebook is indeed very important. It contains a Spell Formula for a lethal poison gas that, once released on the battlefield, could claim tens of thousands... or even hundreds of thousands of lives in an instant."
Doutzen Kroes's mouth formed an 'O' shape as she froze in shock. Tens of thousands? There weren't even that many people on the entire island of Themyscira.
Diana's expression shifted as she reached out. "Let me see the notebook."
Steve was stunned. "How do you know about the notebook?"
He then looked at Duke suspiciously.
"Was it you?"
The latter made a shrugging gesture.
"Be careful, this notebook is very important." Although Steve felt frustrated, he still pulled out the notebook and handed it to Diana.
Opening it, she saw text recorded in Turkish and Sumerian.
"This is a Spell Formula for a new type of gas, Mustard Gas, using hydrogen to replace sulfur!" Diana said after taking a look.
Of course, as for her, she didn't quite understand what that meant.
"OK! Right! Based on the equipment of World War I, the gas masks of this era can't block hydrogen-based gases. Once released, people on both sides will die miserably." Duke shrugged again. "Diana, don't blame him. After all, he's just an ordinary person; he doesn't believe in the existence of the God of War. So in his eyes, the fact that you want to kill Ares is just a joke."
With Duke's hint, Diana understood, and she immediately threw the notebook back onto Steve's chest.
So after all she had said, she was being treated like a clown?
Steve felt miserable; this language barrier was a real problem.
Doutzen Kroes translated for him, though only the first half.
World War I?
What does this name mean? Steve was confused again. One must know that this name didn't exist yet; it was only after the outbreak of World War II that this war was named 'World War I'.
Diana was very angry. She felt her passion had been treated as a joke. She leaned against the bow, her thoughts unknown.
"There's no need to be angry. Never mind him; even I, before coming into contact with the 'Law God's Notebook', wouldn't have known that above mortals... there is such a magical world," Duke comforted her.
Diana: "..."
"A frog in a well cannot speak of the sea, a summer insect cannot speak of ice, and how can a sparrow know the ambitions of a swan? His horizon is bound by his education, restricted by his experience, and limited by his perception. You can't blame him. You must realize you are not the same kind of people." Duke shook his head.
He must be saying bad things about him again; Steve was dying of anger.
Yet he had no way out.
No one would translate for him.
Clearly, these two Amazons had a better impression of Duke than of him. He only knew the name Duke.
"How could you tell that he had no intention of helping us find Ares at all?" Doutzen Kroes asked.
"Do you believe 'World War II' will break out?"
"World War II... what, break... break out?" Doutzen Kroeswas dumbfounded. "A war like this has to happen again?"
Diana also pricked up her ears. Duke had mentioned it to her before. His world had a World War I and a World War II. Does that mean she won't be able to stop the God of War, Ares, this time?
"Do you believe it?!"
Doutzen Kroes shook her head.
"See, even you don't believe World War II will break out. He is a mortal; how could he believe in the existence of something like the God of War, Ares? From the beginning, he never thought about killing any Ares; he might even think Diana is mentally ill. He just wants to ride Diana's coattails to leave Themyscira and complete his mission."
Beside them, Diana's nose twitched in anger.
Don't be so blunt with your words.
Steve, on the other hand, blinked his eyes; the only word he understood was 'Diana'.
"Of course, in essence, he still stands on the side of 'justice'." After saying that, Duke stopped talking. He stood up, walked to the edge of the boat, and began drawing and writing on it with his index finger.
"What are you doing?" Doutzen Kroes asked.
"It's too cold; I need to get some warmth."
"Huh...?"
"Is it a Spell Formula?" Diana asked.
"Yes!"
Dark script covered the entire gunwale of the small sailboat. The moment the Spell Formula was finished, the wind died down. Without the cold wind blowing, the temperature naturally rose.
Steve looked up at the sail. Well... the sail was flapping loudly under the force of the wind: "...???"
(￣—￣)
There was clearly wind, yet they couldn't feel it. It was too magical. What kind of power was this?
"We're on the same boat; don't say I didn't look out for you." Duke glanced at Steve. Doutzen Kroes translated this sentence.
"..."
"Going to sleep, going to sleep. It's dark; hurry up and sleep." After saying that, Duke leaned closer to Diana. "I'll sleep... with you."
Diana: "..."
Doutzen Kroes laughed. "So it's not that you have designs on me, but on our Diana? Heh, then you'd better work hard; our Diana is no ordinary person."
As she spoke, she also leaned closer to Duke, covering herself with her cloak.
A sandwich?
The character '嫐'?
Duke felt a bit awkward. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had reached a peak.
Steve, meanwhile, was full of envy. He raised his eyebrows and ran to the other side of the stern... to be a single dog.
The next day, early morning.
Diana and Doutzen Kroes woke up one after another, looking around somewhat dazed.
"Good morning! We're lucky; someone gave us a lift and saved us a lot of time. Welcome to friendly London."
Diana complained: "So ugly!"
There was thick smoke everywhere, the low wailing of whistles, and a decaying scent in the air. It was very oppressive and gloomy, far from the freshness of Themyscira.
"Yeah, not everyone likes it."
"I think it's okay." Doutzen Kroes looked around excitedly; it was a completely different style from Themyscira.
"???" At this moment, Diana realized someone was missing. "Where's Duke?"
"..." Steve was silent for a moment, then pointed upwards.
"...?"
Diana looked up in astonishment and found Duke standing on top of the cross-mast. One hand gripped the mast while the other was on his hip, his body swaying slightly with the rocking of the small boat.
For some reason, Diana suddenly felt a BGM—'The Medallion Calls'—start playing.
It was the posture of Captain Sparrow's entrance in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl', complete with his own BGM.
Ahem, please forgive a playful person.
013. Touching the First Talent
A man who comes with his own background music!
Speaking of which, where did the music come from?
————???????...
After being stunned for a good while, Diana finally realized that the feeling was actually this guy humming it himself?! For some reason, it actually had an epic sense of grandeur, like sailing on the vast ocean.
But...
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Don't disturb me, let me quietly enjoy this moment of loneliness!" Duke waved his hand.
He wasn't a man who came with background music; that song "The Medallion Calls" was something he hummed. Of course, it was only about seventy or eighty percent similar.
Diana raised an eyebrow: Loneliness?
If she were a transmigrator, she would definitely know a term: [Chuunibyou].
Doutzen Kroes, however, felt that Duke had a lot of style at this moment.
Steve, on the other hand, had a look of constipation on his face, feeling that everyone on this boat was sick... well, he didn't count.
When the billowing thick smoke blew into his face, "loneliness" completely changed its flavor. The wind shifted, and the thick black smoke from the diesel ship towing their small sailboat almost sprayed right into his face.
"Cough, cough!" Duke quickly jumped off the boat, "I don't like London!"
"Me neither, it's so ugly. Won't the people here be poisoned to death?" Diana frowned.
The sky was gray, and the city was gray too, giving off a dull and oppressive feeling. The entire city was filled with thick smoke, looking very much like a battlefield filled with gunpowder smoke.
"Maybe... after being poisoned for a while, they just get used to it." Duke shrugged.
"They can even get used to this?" Diana was very surprised.
"They'll get used to it... probably. Don't underestimate humans, Diana." Duke gave a mischievous smile.
He thought of a joke from his past life: when the zombie virus strikes, the whole world will fall, and only the Chinese will survive.
You have to admire it; the constitution of us Chinese people is just great.
Drinking milk with melamine for breakfast, eating fried dough sticks made with gutter oil or steamed buns made with sulfur, and then having a salted duck egg with Sudan Red; eating vegetables with pesticides and pork with clenbuterol for lunch, and crawling into a quilt made of black-hearted cotton at night, yet still being able to sleep soundly.
After going ashore, Diana didn't ask the silly question of "why are they holding hands," because Duke had already told her the topic of women not being casual.
Doutzen Kroes, however, looked around with great interest. If Duke hadn't noticed early on, this woman would probably have gotten lost. Additionally, because of her cloak, Diana didn't look very out of place, but she was different. With a simple cape, she was still in Amazonattire, and she even had two long swords tucked behind her back.
Is she a dual-wielder?
In the end, they still went to buy clothes.
Then they saw that funny fat person, Steve's secretary.
"Thank God, you're not dead."
The two shared a polite embrace.
"That's great. Before I got your call, I really thought you were dead." Etta Candy smiled and reached out her hand toward Diana. "He's been missing for several weeks without a word, which is very unlike his style. Let me introduce myself, I am Etta Candy, Steve Trevor's secretary."
"What is a secretary?" Diana was curious.
"I have to do everything. I go wherever he tells me to go, and I do whatever he tells me to do."
"Where we come from, that's called a slave!"
"I really like her," Etta Candy said, glancing at Steve and praising her.
"OK! Ladies first!"
"It really is similar to being a slave, but the pay is decent. We're a different kind of manual labor."
In the end, Wonder Woman still changed into an outfit similar to the one in the story, covering up all her beauty. Doutzen Kroes followed suit, though hers was tighter and more form-fitting.
As for the pants, straight-leg trousers looked more capable.
Forgive Duke; he didn't study fashion and hadn't researched early 20th-century British clothing. But in reality, there wasn't much difference from modern clothes. The streets were full of British retro style, which Duke had no trouble accepting.
After causing a scene at a meeting, the group met Sir Patrick, who was the disguised God of War, Ares.
The system suddenly alerted: 'Warning! Warning! Warning! Host, it has been detected that the person in front of you possesses demigod-level strength. With the host's current power, you are definitely no match. It is suggested that the host immediately flee this place, or... surrender.'
Surrender my ass!
Flee my ass! If I flee, I'll definitely be targeted.
Duke maintained a polite smile at all times.
"This is your leader? How can he say that, can you believe it?" Diana's emotions erupted intensely for the first time. "And you, is your job just to give them that notebook?"
"NO!"
"You didn't stand your ground, you didn't resist!"
"Because we have no way of changing anything." Stevewas very distressed. His rank was only a Captain, and he was useless among a bunch of generals.
"This is Ares; it's absolutely impossible for him to negotiate, nor will he surrender." Diana was very disappointed and looked at him coldly. "Maybe Duke was right, you were just using me to leave Paradise Island!"
Saying that, she was about to turn and leave.
Doutzen Kroes snorted coldly, "We should have killed him back then."
Duke heard his name being called.
Steve finally knew what bad things Duke had said about him. He frowned, glanced at him, and said quickly, "I'll take you to the front lines. We will most likely die. OH, this is truly a terrible idea. We need to find some help."
Saying that, he led the way out to find his good buddy.
Diana hesitated for a moment but followed.
"What now? Diana seems to have a bit of a good impression of that spy. Duke, you'll have to work harder," Doutzen Kroes whispered.
She didn't have the slightest good impression of Steve. Back on Paradise Island, she had suggested just killing him and being done with it.
Duke scratched his head: "What are you talking about? Let's go, we should follow first."
Now Diana's goal was to take down Ares.
And he was in 1918, without a single connection. Trying to get to the battlefield in a short time was simply a pipe dream. Of course, he could completely tell Diana that Sir Patrick was Ares and then start a big battle. But... whether they could kill Ares was another matter. The most troublesome part was that they might be besieged by people who didn't know the truth.
If the blood of innocents were shed then, it wouldn't be good.
So, for the short term, it was better to follow Steve.
Then, in a chaotic little tavern, they met two "acquaintances": the top undercover agent Samir, who spoke multiple languages, and the "superb" sniper Charlie.
"This is Diana, Doutzen Kroes, and Samir."
"Hello."
"Uh... this is 'Duke' Duke from the East."
"Hello."
Samir instinctively felt that Steve didn't like this Duke in front of him, but out of politeness, he still shook hands.
Just then, the system's voice rang out again.
'Congratulations to the host, you have gained the Language Talent: English (Proficient), French (Proficient)...'
Duke was stunned for a moment. This... really... surprises always come when you least expect them!
014. We're Not Going to Catch Werewolves, Are We?
"Yes!" Duke excitedly hugged Samir, though he still had enough sense not to kiss him. "Thank you! Thank you!"
This left Samir completely bewildered. Was this guy gay?
Diana: "???"
Doutzen Kroes: "..."
Steve: "O.0?"
"Thank you, thank you, Samir. I really appreciate it." Dukelet go of Samir and patted his shoulder with a smile.
"...?" Diana was still a bit dazed, wondering what was going on, but she quickly reacted, her face turning cold as she frowned. "Wait... you can speak English?"
Today was truly a day for encountering nothing but liars!
"No, I just learned it." Duke naturally knew what Wonder Woman was thinking, but he didn't explain much. "This is a kind of 'magic' called 'Talent Copying.' It allows me to take your talents and use them myself."
Then he glanced at Doutzen Kroes.
"Doutzen Kroes, weren't you curious why I was shaking hands with everyone one by one back on the island? That was me performing Talent Copying! Unfortunately, the success rate of this magic is very low. But fortunately, I finally obtained a 'Linguistic Talent.' Damn, the feeling of being able to understand what people are saying is freaking great!"
"Oh, I remember now. That did happen." Doutzen Kroesnodded to Diana. On the way to take Duke to rest, he had... shaken hands with almost everyone he encountered.
So that was the reason.
At first, she had thought Duke was just trying to take advantage of people!
Then Duke said "I love you" in English, French, German, Spanish, and the languages of several small African nations. Only then did Diana believe him. However, what did he mean by saying that phrase to her...?
"OK! To celebrate the fact that the Duke can finally speak, let's have a drink." Steve called out, though he felt a bit frustrated inside.
Damn, now he couldn't talk behind his back anymore. But even if he didn't understand English, Steve probably wouldn't have dared to badmouth him anyway, given that there was always a translator nearby.
Everyone took their seats one after another. As Samirdrank his wine, he asked curiously, "[magic]? Does magic really exist in this world?"
"Of course it does!"
Saying this, Duke dipped his finger in the liquor and drew a few strokes on the table.
"Try it."
"Try what?" Samir was still confused.
Duke placed an empty glass in front of it and gestured. "Push it."
"Huh?"
Samir confusedly grabbed the glass and pushed it across the table. However, when he pushed it to where the liquor text was, he suddenly felt a powerful resistance, as if he were pushing against a wall. He looked at Duke in shock and, refusing to believe it, tried to push again.
"Ngh, ngh, ngh—aaah..."
He pushed the glass until he was red-faced and drenched in sweat, nearly collapsing. He quickly gulped down a few mouthfuls of wine to catch his breath. Well, he finally believed that magic really existed in this world. You have to understand that while he wasn't a strength-based person, with the effort he just used, if he had slammed a glass against a wall, it definitely would have shattered, but this...
Although the resistance was like a wall, the impact felt like hitting rubber, even though there was only air in front of him.
This was incredible.
Charlie, who was still drinking nearby, seemed to sober up. He also gave the glass a push... and found that it really wouldn't move!
magic, huh?
Diana rolled her eyes: What's so cool about that? Unbelievable.
However, this man was giving her more and more surprises!
"Steve, God bless you! It's good to see you again!" Charliewas still a drunkard. Once his craving for alcohol returned, he quickly discarded his previous shock and began drinking from two glasses, one after the other.
Steve was bewildered. God bless you? Why did it sound like he was being sent to his grave?
So inauspicious.
"So, what's the job this time, boss?" Samir asked.
His instinct was to leave this place. Now that a mage had appeared, this job would probably cost him his life! But the appearance of 'magic' had opened a brand new door for him. He was excited, stimulated, and wanted to seek the truth, to explore the mysteries of magic.
"Uh... two days at most. We need to prepare supplies and passes to go to Belgium," Steve said.
"How much does this trip pay?" Charlie asked.
"The situation is... uh, it's a very short trip, and you'll gain a lot from it. So, it's for a noble cause... uh, freedom, friendship... uh... and ending the war."
"OK! So you have no money!" Samir said.
"NO!"
"Oh, come on, Steve, do you think I'm a three-year-old? This guy is a... powerful mage. We're not going to catch werewolves... vampires, or... the Headless Horseman, are we?" Samir pointed at Duke and shrugged. "Right now, I'm... both terrified and excited!"
Steve scratched his head, his eyes darting around. They were going to kill Ares, the God of War, who was much more powerful than any werewolf, vampire, or Headless Horseman.
"Oh—damn it, Steve, this isn't real, is it?" Samir sensed something was wrong.
"Of course not! How powerful do you think I am, to dare go and catch..."
Just then, the fat secretary appeared. "There you are. Sorry I'm late!"
"Sir Patrick?" Diana turned and saw a familiar face.
"Sit down, gentlemen, Miss Prince! Uh... I suspect you're planning something that could land you in a military court or get you killed."
Steve: "I guess you're here to stop us!"
"No, quite the opposite! I was a young man once, and if my body were still sturdy enough, I would do the same! What you are about to do is very honorable, so I am here to help. Privately, of course." Saying this, Sir Patrick pulled out a thick envelope. "This should be enough for a few days."
"Thank you, Sir!"
"My pleasure. Take care of yourselves, and good luck." After saying this, Sir Patrick turned and left the bar. The fat secretary said his farewells and left as well.
"He's a good Sir!" Diana smiled.
Duke, who was tasting some delicious Gin, burst out laughing upon hearing this. "Heh, a good person? Diana, let me tell you a survival tip: in the world of humans, never trust someone easily, and especially don't be deceived by first impressions."
"What... do you mean?" Diana frowned. She felt like this guy was always contradicting her.
"Just now, my Magic Flow perception was blocked!" Dukesaid, slowly putting down his glass. "Do you know what that means?"
Diana frowned deeply. "Magic Flow? What does it represent?"
"It means his strength is far above mine, and I... cannot see through his true self!"
"This..." Diana was stunned. She knew Duke wouldn't speak without reason. Could Sir Patrick really have a problem?
Steve was even more shocked. "Are you saying Sir Patrick... is also a mage?"
"I didn't say that. I just said his strength is above mine." Duke picked up his glass again and took a sip. Just then, the tavern door opened, and two somewhat familiar figures walked in side by side.
Duke froze, identified them carefully, and then...
"Pfft—"
He spat out a mouthful of wine, right onto Charlie's face.
Why were the two of them here?
015. Queen Mera Suits His Taste Just Fine
These two looked like soldiers, wearing military coats, leather boots, and leggings. They looked as if they had just come off the battlefield, the scent of gunpowder and smoke still clinging to them.
Although there were slight differences in appearance, it was still that familiar face from his memory.
'Wolverine' Hugh Jackman, and the other was 'Sabretooth' Victor. As for the actor's name, Duke didn't know, but he was Wolverine's half-brother from "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."
To think they would actually appear in London, England?
But there was nothing wrong with that.
Logan was born in 1832. By the time Duke transmigrated, Wolverine was nearly 200 years old. The two brothers had experienced countless wars together, from the American Civil War to World War I, then World War II, and then South Vietnam...
After all, they were long-lived. To avoid suspicion, they could only migrate from place to place.
During the Civil War and World War I, Victor still shared a deep brotherly bond, but as the number of killings increased, Victor's bloodlust was completely triggered. Hints of it had already emerged during World War II, until he killed his own commanding Sir in South Vietnam and was taken away by William Stryker... after which he completely became a killing machine.
At this point, Victor's bloodlust hadn't been triggered yet!
In Duke's memory, he only remembered that Logan was sent to Europe in 1915 to participate in the war in Belgium. After that... he had no impression; he hadn't read many comics.
It's 1918 now. Could it be... he stayed in Europe for three years?
It seems a bit different from the comics. Could this be the... 40%... discrepancy... determined by the system?
After all, the system said the overlap with the MarvelCinematic Universe was 60%. Doesn't that mean... there's a forty percent difference?
Perhaps sensing Duke's gaze, Victor turned his head and gave a fierce glare: "What are you looking at, yellow-skinned kid!"
"Victor, don't look for trouble. We're just here for a drink." Logan quickly held his brother back and then gave Duke an apologetic smile.
Well, a smile—it was just a slight curl of the corner of his mouth.
Duke didn't mind. He focused on his drink and ignored the two, but his ears were still listening to their conversation.
"He's got good luck; Lady Luck is looking out for him today," Samir said with a dry joke.
"Oh, soldiers? You... just pulled back from the front?" the owner asked with a smile. These days, he had seen many soldiers returning from the front lines.
Victory in the war was in sight and would soon be over. Naturally, the soldiers were going home one after another.
In mid-August, the main German forces had already been dismantled. On September 15th, the army of the Kingdom of Bulgaria was crushed and announced its surrender on the 29th. On October 31st, the Ottoman Empiresurrendered. Additionally, the Austro-Hungarian Empiresurrendered yesterday, November 3rd. Among the Central Powers, only the German Army was still grit-teeth struggling to hold on, but their surrender wouldn't be long now.
Duke finally knew the current time clearly: November 4, 1918, seven days before the German surrender and the end of World War I.
"Hmph!" Victor took a large gulp of wine and grunted.
"Which unit are you with?" The owner refilled their glasses. It was on the house; he truly admired soldiers from the bottom of his heart.
"13th Frontier Regiment," Logan said.
"13th Regiment? Then you shouldn't be here. I heard... the 13th is still in a fierce battle," the owner said curiously.
It was fine until he mentioned it. Victor got angry, slammed the table, and cursed: "The 13th Regiment was wiped out long ago. That bastard Commander was a moron. A battle that was a guaranteed win... he managed to lose more than half the army. Our unit has been decimated. Fewer than ten of us survived. No one took us in, so we just..."
The owner sighed sympathetically, "Sigh, the battlefield is indeed most afraid of encountering a stupid Commander."
"Sounds like you have quite a story?" Logan took a big drink and said.
"Heh, it's nothing compared to yours. Not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning!" The tavern owner scratched his leg; it was an injury from his younger years that ached whenever it was cloudy. "I like soldiers. Your drinks... are on the house today. Drink up!"
"Then thanks, boss," Logan toasted.
Diana looked at Duke curiously: "You're paying attention to them. Why? Is there something wrong with them too?"
"Yeah, I sensed a slightly different fluctuation. Although I'm not sure what they are, don't worry, they aren't as strong as me. They're the type I could easily pin to the ground and rub into the dirt," Duke said with a smile as he sipped his drink.
Gin still needs to be savored. Gulping it down like Victordid was simply casting pearls before swine.
But this wasn't exactly fine wine either.
Steve was stingy and wouldn't part with good wine. It was just that Duke hadn't really drunk much foreign wine, and besides, this was wine from 1918—an 'antique'.
Steve felt his entire worldview had been overturned. Sir Patrick, who held a high position, was actually a powerful 'mage,' and the two soldiers who suddenly appeared were no ordinary people either. Dammit! Although Duke said they weren't strong, that was compared to Duke. If Stevewent up against them, he'd probably be flattened instantly.
"Sir Patrick... oh right, should I tell Etta?" Steve asked worriedly.
"Tell her? Why?" Duke asked.
"But that's..."
Duke waved his hand, interrupting him: "Forget it. Her acting skills are poor. If you really tell her, that's when she'll be in danger. My senses tell me his power level is even stronger than Diana's. Although I'm not sure if he's a hero or a villain, someone like him won't kill an ordinary person for no reason. But if she knows his true identity, that might not be the case."
"Right! Right! I shouldn't tell her," Steve realized.
Only Samir picked up on a detail and couldn't help but glance at Diana. From Duke's words, it sounded like this beautiful woman... was even more powerful than Duke.
...Hmm???
No wonder she wanted to go to the battlefield.
In this era, women still had very low status. A woman going to the battlefield would be seen as mocking men's incompetence.
Or it would be those in that profession who would go to the front-line units.
"Alright, drink a bit less. We have to set out tomorrow. Here are your room keys for the 'Old Cask Inn' across the street. Etta has already booked the rooms for you." As he spoke, Steve handed two keys to Diana, Doutzen Kroes, and Duke.
One was 401, the other was 103.
Diana and Doutzen Kroes were in 401, and naturally, Dukewas in 103.
Samir glanced over and thought his old friend was quite bold.
In London hotels these days, the conditions on the first floor were the worst. The higher up the room, the more high-class it was. Wasn't his old friend afraid that Dukewould get angry and kill him?
Men, sigh. They lose their minds as soon as they face a beautiful woman.
Not knowing who it was that wanted to hug Diana just now...
"You guys go ahead. I'll sit here for a while," Duke said slowly.
"Oh? Are you looking for an affair?" Doutzen Kroes glanced at him. She had seen a very plump waitress winking at Duke just now.
"You're overthinking it, dear," Duke was speechless. Why would he ignore the supermodel in front of him to hit on an orc-like auntie?
His aesthetic didn't reject the large-framed type; someone like Queen Mera suited his taste just fine. But that waitress just now... her frame was too big, a full size and a half larger than Mera's.
Couldn't enjoy it, couldn't enjoy it.
Speaking of which, since they were both Amazons from Themyscira and had never left, why was Diana as pure as a blank sheet of paper, while Doutzen Kroes was like a veteran driver?
Diana seemed to have guessed what Duke wanted to do and patted his shoulder: "Be careful yourself!"
016. I Am Actually a Magician
London in 1918 still retained a medieval style. The gloomy tones, narrow and long alleyways, and bluestone paving gave off the vibe that werewolves and vampires from movies were about to appear.
Logan and Victor supported each other, walking slowly down the gloomy, dark, narrow alleyway.
As the saying goes, a dark, windy night is the perfect time for murder.
As they walked, the two came to a halt. Logan turned around: "Friend, since you've followed us all this way, why not come out and meet us?"
"Heh, you're even more interesting than I originally imagined."
A figure slowly stepped out from the shadows of the alley, speaking as he walked.
"Logan, a wealthy young man born in Canada in 1832, who fought in the American Civil War as well as the current World War I. Victor, Logan's half-brother."
"Am I wrong?"
As his voice fell, the newcomer finally stepped into the moonlight, revealing his true face.
"I remember you, you're the guy from the bar!"
Of course it was Duke.
Logan frowned deeply. Who on Earth was this guy, and how did he seem to know him inside out? Also, he knew about the Civil War, but... what the hell was 'World War I'?
"Yellow monkey!" Victor also recognized the person in front of him. In truth, they weren't drunk—or rather... they couldn't get drunk.
"Who on Earth are you?" Logan stopped the hot-tempered Victor. He was puzzled because there was no Killing Intenton this man. "How do you know all this?"
Who would ever guess that he was an old man nearly ninety years old?
"As for how I know, you don't need to worry about that. I'm here to invite you to join a great cause. Something that will be the pride of your entire lives. Believe me, nothing will make you prouder than this," Duke said.
"Invite my ass!" Victor roared like a tiger, popping his sharp Clawss from both hands and pouncing toward Duke.
"Victor—" Logan instinctively sensed that the person before them was formidable, but it was too late to stop him, so he extended his bone claws and charged in as well.
No matter what, that was his half-brother.
"Impressive momentum, but your speed is far too slow!" Duke chuckled and wagged his index finger. Then, a pair of black Angel wings unfurled from his back, lifting him straight into the air.
Holy crap—
The two below were completely dumbfounded. Wasn't this damn cheating?! The two exchanged a look, both deeply shocked. Frankly speaking, the brothers had lived for nearly a century and traveled across half the Earth, yet they had never met anyone'similar' to them. But now, they had—even if the circumstances of this meeting weren't so great!
Whoosh— Duke hovered in the air for a moment, then dove down like an eagle swooping on a chick. His body spun at high speed as his massive black wings struck Logan and Victor one after the other, sending them flying. Then, before they could react, he caught up again and kicked each of them a second time.
"Damn it, what the hell is this... bird-man?" Victor spat blood from the corner of his mouth, flipped up with a carp kick, and charged forward again.
"Praiseworthy spirit, but unfortunately, all courage and no brains."
Clang clang clang!
"Wha—at?!"
Victor was flabbergasted. His tiger claws swiped at Duke, yet couldn't pierce his skin. Forget skin, they didn't even tear his clothes!
Logan was also stunned. Charging in from the side, he thrust his bone claws viciously toward the back of Duke's heart, but the result was the same.
Unable to penetrate!
"Is this all of your power? It seems I overestimated you a bit." Duke shook his head lightly. Spinning his body at high speed, his massive wings once again knocked the two flying.
"Who... are you really..."
"Want to know? Defeat me first!"
Duke moved again. With a flap of his wings, he swooped toward Victor.
These two were far from being a match for him.
He was currently at the Hero Level Late Stage in strength, while neither of them had reached Hero Level yet. Sabretooth Victor was currently at Elite peak strength, and Logan was a bit weaker at Elite Late Stage. Compared to him, they were a whole major Realm and three minor stages below.
Sabretooth possessed tiger claws and tiger fangs, as well as the same Healing ability and immortality mutant powers as Wolverine. His strength, speed, observation, and perception were all superior to Wolverine's.
Relying on long-term slaughter and tempering, Sabretoothwould breakthrough into Hero Level around the time of X-Men 1.
Meanwhile, Logan was not yet Wolverine. Only after being injected with Adamantium to gain steel claws would his strength leap two levels straight to Hero Level; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to defeat his brother, who used to be stronger than him, in just a few moves.
But right now, well, they were getting completely stomped.
Victor's neck was held in an iron grip. With a quick thought, he swiped his tiger claws toward Duke's Darkness Angelwings.
However...
"Good strategy, but unfortunately, a lack of vision!"
Rip!
The Darkness Angel wings tore apart at the blow, but quickly undergo Healing. This left Victor thoroughly dumbfounded. An ability like his? And seemingly even stronger? In the blink of an eye, wings that had almost been ripped in half healed themselves!
This...
The Darkness Angel wings were not real carbon-based biological wings, nor were they connected to the nerves in his back; they were simply wings formed from magic. Therefore, even if the wings were snapped, Duke would feel no pain.
Because his view was obstructed, Logan didn't see this scene. He made the same judgment as Victor—tear his wings to pieces so he couldn't fly.
"Logan, NO—"
Victor saw it, but unfortunately, it was too late to stop him.
Duke's right hand shot out like a strike, grabbing Logan's neck in the exact same manner.
Then his wings unfurled once more, soaring into the sky, flying higher... and higher... and higher...
The two brothers exchanged a look, both sensing that something was wrong. Was he planning to drop them?
Damn it!
From this height, even if it wouldn't kill them, it would hurt like hell!
"AAAAAH!"
"ROAR—"
Exchanging glances, they struck out with their bone claws and tiger claws with maximum force toward Duke's neck, refusing to believe they couldn't pierce it.
"A wise decision, but... equally unfortunate."
Two runes glowing with purple light appeared on his chest—'Darkness'.
Immediately after, his body rapidly 'mistified', or rather turned into smoke. He became a cloud of black smoke, still in human shape, but without facial features.
Seeing this uncanny scene up close made the two brothers' hair stand on end in shock. Damn, terror at close range! Bone claws and tiger claws struck Duke's neck at the same time, but it felt as if they were punching thin air, their hands passing straight through.
"This..."
Holy crap, what the hell is this guy?
"I forgot to tell you, I'm actually not a warrior, but a magicuser." Duke smiled.
magic user?
Screw your magic user!
Swoosh— Before Victor could finish cursing, the immense dive force shoved his words right back down his throat. Duke was gripping their necks, diving toward the ground at ultra-high speed.
What! The! Fuck!
Under this accelerated impact, it would be way more brutal than just falling!
Unfortunately, no matter how they grabbed, they couldn't catch hold of this eerie guy in front of them.
They could only watch helplessly as the ground got closer and closer, closer and closer, closer—BOOM!
"Cough—gh!"
Blood spurted out.
The massive impact caused even the ground to tremble three times.
017. What, Deicide?
"Now can we talk properly?" Duke said.
"You... who exactly... are you?" Logan struggled to straighten his back; that strike just now had given him a herniated disc.
Victor was in even worse shape; his pelvis was fractured, specifically the ischium in his hip.
"Cough, cough... Pfft, screw you."
"Actually, we're the same kind of people—we're all Mutants!" Duke began his grand deception.
"What?" Victor was dazed.
Logan: "Mutants?"
"What, you didn't know? Then what do you call yourselves?"
"Monsters!" the two said in unison.
"Monsters? Heh, actually, we are 'Celestials'."
"Huh?"
"A long, long time ago, so long ago that... there aren't even specific chronological records left, back then... the first team of 'Celestials' descended to Earth and modified some of the organisms of that era. And those organisms are the origin of modern Mutants," Duke said slowly.
He didn't really like using the term 'Celestials'; it always felt like it had the flavor of a certain island nation, so he simply simplified it to [Celestial].
Logan and Victor's mouths gradually fell open; this was too much information to process.
"Of course, I personally prefer to call ourselves 'Awakened'. Although to outsiders we are 'mutations' and will be dubbed 'Mutants' for a long time. Our abilities stem from the 'x-gene', a set of genes that ordinary people do not possess, lurking within the core of our DNA. If not Awakened, it cannot be detected by current modern equipment. Our abilities manifest with the awakening of the 'x-gene', such as through significant trauma, life-or-death situations... and so on."
"Wait a minute!" Logan seemed to notice a problem. "A long time ago? That means... passed down generation after generation, interbreeding... even geographical boundaries were gradually broken. Doesn't that mean the entire Earth... everyone... could have a latent x-gene?"
"You could say that, but not everyone. Those who harbor the x-gene, I call 'Zeta Level'. These people merely have the potential of a Mutant; they have the 'x-gene' in their bodies and could become true Mutants in the future. But you must understand, having the x-gene doesn't mean you will definitely awaken."
Logan fell silent. He never expected that he, who had long considered himself a monster, was actually a descendant of the cosmic Celestials.
Uh, calling them descendants wasn't exactly accurate.
They could only be called the descendants of their 'test subjects'.
But in terms of 'rank', this group of Mutants could be considered close 'attendants' of the cosmic Celestials. Wouldn't that make them 'Celestials'?
Victor was also a bit stunned. So they weren't 'monsters'. Damn, he felt a sense of vindication!
"Alright, I guess we can call this meeting a draw."
Though he was brash, he wasn't truly stupid; the man just now indeed showed no killing intent. Even though they had self-healing abilities and the opponent probably couldn't kill them, he... could likely make them wish they were dead.
Sometimes, this'self-healing' was also a kind of burden.
"So, you're really here to invite us to do something big?" Logan asked curiously. "What kind of business?"
"Deicide!"
"—What?"
"Cough, cough... cough, cough, cough..."
They were just told they were descendants of Celestials, and now they were turning around to commit deicide? Besides, how could a Celestial be so easy to kill?
"Aren't we... supposed to be... on the same side?" Victorsaid naively.
"[Celestials] are divided into several types: those from outside, those evolved from Earth itself, and... the true descendants of Celestials. Furthermore, even the cosmic Celestials who created our original ancestors wouldn't treat us as their own; we're lucky if they don't treat us like dogs. Well, that's getting too far off track. Who we're going to kill now is—the 'God of War', Ares."
"So the myths of the Aegean Sea really exist," Loganrealized.
"Although this war didn't originate from him, he is the one driving it," Duke said.
"That son of a bitch Ares! This motherfucker is truly a bastard. Millions of people have died, haven't they? It's absolute hell! If we're really going to kill him, count me in!" Victor roared in anger.
Duke glanced at him. The current Victor still had some 'conscience' and hadn't been completely eroded by the urge to slaughter.
"Ares, the God of War?" Logan was much calmer; after all, that was a Celestial. "Can we... really kill him? He's Zeus's son, right? Why not let Zeus clean up his own house?"
"I'm sorry, but nearly all the Greek Celestials have already fallen!"
"What?!" Logan was stunned once again!
"Wh-wh-wh-wh-what... what happened?" Even the iron-blooded Victor was trembling.
"Ragnarök. Zeus led the Celestials to surround and suppress Ares, but unfortunately, they were killed one by one by Ares until only Zeus himself remained. He exhausted his strength to heavily wound and repel Ares, using his last breath to create a weapon capable of killing Ares," Duke said.
"Is that weapon in your hands?" Logan asked.
Holy crap!
Ares alone slaughtered the entire Greek pantheon? This God of War is too overpowered, isn't he? Could the few of them, with their meager skills, really take down the Areswho massacred the Celestials?
"No! The weapon is with Zeus's daughter, who is also my partner."
"Nani?" Victor was so shocked he even blurted out Japanese.
Logan was also completely dazed: "In other words, the main force for killing Ares this time is his sister? And we are just helping her clear out the fodder on the way?"
"You could say that."
Logan nodded. If they were going alone, he definitely wouldn't go, but in this case, he could give it a shot. After all, it was deicide; it was quite blood-pumping.
"Fine! It's a deal! Let's do it! I want to see for myself what that son of a bitch God of War actually looks like!"
The tragic deaths on the battlefield had also made Victorhate Ares to the core. They had lived for ninety years, nearly a century; how could they not have a few friends? Their friends' hometowns were destroyed, and comrades died on the battlefield without even a whole corpse to bring back.
It would be one thing if he didn't know, but learning that the God of War Ares was involved meant he had to kill that bastard.
Besides, this was something he could brag about for a lifetime.
It was indeed something to be proud of!
Duke turned to look at Logan, who nodded: "I also want to witness the strength of this God of War."
"Very well. Meet me at 6:00 tomorrow morning at the entrance of the Old Barrel Inn." With that, Duke turned and walked toward the mouth of the alley. "This is the only chance for deicide in a century. If you want to give up... suit yourselves."
"Are you kidding? I'm definitely doing this!" Victor roared.
Logan: "..."
"Oh, right, remember to keep the matter of Zeus's daughter a secret, because she doesn't know yet."
"Ah... oh."
018. Duke's Earnest Teaching
103.
Looking at the dilapidated, simple little room in front of him, Duke smiled slightly. He could tell that Steve had an issue with him, but it didn't matter.
For him, this kind of antique medieval style room with hard boards made him happier. The higher the rooms, the more luxurious and exquisite they became, and the closer they were to the 21st century, which was actually boring. Since he had come all this way, wouldn't it be a waste not to experience the atmosphere and style of 1918?
Though old, it was very clean.
The night passed in silence.
Early the next morning, as soon as Duke came out, he saw the brothers Wolverine and Sabretooth. He reached out a hand in greeting: "Have you eaten? If not, let's grab a bite together."
"We've already eaten. When are we going to do that son of a bitch?" Victor's temper was rather irritable.
"You guys have eaten, but I haven't," Duke said.
"Uh."
The two had already changed their clothes. They were no longer in soldier's gear, but in a cowboy canvas style similar to explorers.
He ordered food in the restaurant. Since Steve was paying anyway, he ordered the best of everything. Just as the table was filled, a pair of beautiful'sisters' walked in from around the corner.
"Wow—so much?" Doutzen Kroes shrieked and scurried to the dining table. She was starving. Then she saw the two rough men across the table. "Oh? You guys really came. Diana, you owe me 100 pounds."
She giggled.
"...I know." Wonder Woman rolled her eyes speechlessly.
Last night, Doutzen Kroes insisted on making a bet and forcibly claimed the 'will come' side, so Diana could only bet on 'won't come.' This was an unfair bet from the start; she was destined to lose. With Duke's ability, subduing them was a piece of cake! Although it was a guaranteed loss, she still bet, treating it as compensation for Doutzen Kroes.
After all, the girl had accompanied her out for free.
Even though, in reality, that wasn't the case...
"Doutzen Kroes, hello everyone."
"Logan, hello."
"Victor, you... with him?"
One Duke, one Duchen—were they siblings, or... no matter how you looked at it, they didn't look alike. Also, those two medieval-style longswords at your waist, are you serious?
"We are not related. As you know, she is Diana." Doutzen Kroes felt her current name was good and had discarded her old name, Venelia.
The two brothers nodded toward them. Wonder Womanalso politely returned the gesture and sat down to eat.
If it were in the past, Victor would have whistled excitedly upon seeing a beauty of this caliber. However, after learning that a daughter of Zeus was here, he reined in those thoughts. Damn, a daughter of Zeus. Even if she wasn't as powerful as that god-defying Ares, killing the two brothers would surely be a simple and pleasant task for her.
Indeed, she was a girl who could smash a tank into a pancake.
Logan had a more steady personality. He glanced at Duke, and the latter tilted his head slightly.
So the two understood: Diana was indeed the daughter of Zeus.
"By the way, to be invited by Duke, you must have some skills. What are your abilities?" Doutzen Kroes asked curiously while eating. These two didn't look like the weak mages of legend at all.
Hmm?
In her eyes, Duke belonged to that 'weak' category. Very thin and frail, like a college student. 178cm and 73kg—Easterners were clearly not as sturdy as Westerners.
The two brothers glanced at Duke. Seeing that he showed no objection, they quietly extended their claws. The table's position was perfect, tucked away in a corner and well-hidden.
Victor showed his sharp tiger claws, while Logan extended bone claws from between his knuckles before retracting them.
Both Amazon Warriors were stunned, but only for a brief moment.
"Ugh... that's a bit disgusting," Doutzen Kroes said, lightly patting her chest.
Diana, on the other hand, was curious: "Doesn't it hurt?"
"It hurt a lot at first, but I got used to it." Logan shrugged, clearly not wanting to recall that tragic past.
"Don't be fooled by their looks; they are ninety-year-old men," Duke said while gnawing on a pork chop.
The year he traveled through time, the price of pork had risen to 50 yuan per jin. Now he had to eat his fill. Having come all this way, he had to make it worth it through food.
"Ninety years old?" Diana became even more curious.
"Oh... that's nothing, much younger than me." Doutzen Kroes only paused her eating for a moment before continuing indifferently.
Mmm, this bowl of Borscht tastes very good.
Logan and Victor were both dumbfounded. This delicate beauty in front of them was actually older than them? Well, it made sense. She was the daughter of Zeus, so she certainly wouldn't be young. As for this Doutzen Kroes, she was clearly from the same place as Diana, so she might be an old fossil too.
"Are you... humans very long-lived?" Diana was very confused.
"They have a Healing Factor; they can't be killed," Dukesaid.
This was their secret, but it wasn't surprising that Dukeknew. In last night's battle, their bones were broken, but they healed in no time. It would be strange not to notice.
"Oh, can't be killed?" Doutzen Kroes suddenly became interested, reaching for the longsword at her waist.
"Beauty, what are you trying to do?" The two brothers were startled.
"Hurry up and eat," Duke tapped the table. "Steve will be here in a moment."
"Oh."
Seeing Doutzen Kroes drop her wicked thoughts and eat obediently as soon as Duke spoke, the two brothers once again understood Duke's strength and his status in this'squad.'
"What exactly are you?" Diana was still curious about the brothers' identities and race. They looked like the 'demons' recorded in chronicles.
However, after experiencing the 'Fallen Angel Incident' and hearing Duke's advice to 'not judge people by their appearance,' she had become much more composed and didn't strike out immediately based on her likes or dislikes. She didn't sense evil, but she did sense ferocity, tyranny, slaughter, and other dark auras. Instinctively, she disliked these two brothers.
"Awakeners!" Duke said.
"Awakeners?"
"Yes, I'll tell you more about that later! Diana, remember what I told you last night: when living in human society, never let first impressions dictate your judgment," Duketaught earnestly. "Oh, Steve is here."
Then, he began to call out loudly.
"Come here! Come here! Hurry up and pay the bill!"
"..." Seeing that Duke had ordered a table full of food, Steve's face immediately darkened.
Samir laughed and patted his shoulder: "See, this is the price of being stingy!"
Then, ignoring his miserable old friend, he reached out his hand to Wolverine and Sabretooth.
"Samir, these two are Steve and Charlie."
"Hello, I'm Logan, and this is my brother Victor."
"Well, welcome to this unusual journey."
Steve had already guessed it last night, so he wasn't surprised to see the two of them.
After speaking, he gave a bitter smile and went to pay. At this rate of eating, he didn't know if the money Sir Patrickgave him would be enough!
019. They Are the Lucky Ones
When they crossed the Belgian bridge, Diana was shocked by the tragic scene before her.
Even Doutzen Kroes, who had become quite cheerful after unleashing her true nature upon leaving Themyscira, couldn't help but be stunned into silence by the desolate sight.
Wounded soldiers were everywhere; some had their ears blown off, some had fractured skulls, and others were being carried down with missing hands or legs—not a single one was whole. The war was nearing its end, and within the Central Powers, only Germany was still clinging to life. Soldiers from the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Bulgarian fronts were being withdrawn one after another.
Yet, as the war approached its conclusion, not a single soldier had a smile on his face.
Diana: "This is too tragic!"
"That's why we're here," Steve said.
"Heh! You call this 'tragic'? Believe me, you haven't seen true tragedy yet," Logan said nonchalantly while carrying a pack of supplies. "I lived through the American Civil War. The weapons back then weren't as advanced as they are now. Nowadays, a single shell kills everyone within dozens of meters; they don't even feel the pain. In those days, if a cannonball hit you directly, you might lose half your body but still not be dead."
*Hiss—*
Steve and the other two gasped. Blasted in half and still...
Wait!
The Civil War?
The one in the United States during the 19th century?
Holy crap, this guy in front of them... is he some hundred-year-old monster?
Well, since mages already exist, a hundred-year-old monster doesn't seem that strange... Cough, cough, actually, it's incredibly strange!
Duke, however, knew that Wolverine wasn't exaggerating. Back in 1861, weaponry and ammunition were quite primitive; a cannonball really might not kill someone instantly, only wound them. Like Wolverine, he had once been sent flying by a solid shot cannonball. It wasn't like now, where a single shell could make a dozen people kick the bucket.
"Take it from me, if you're seriously wounded on the battlefield, the best outcome is to end it yourself. Because the life that follows is what's truly 'tragic'!" Logan finished and said no more, walking straight ahead.
He had a comrade, and that comrade had a beautiful wife!
This comrade was a junior officer. After the Civil War, he was blind and deaf, only able to receive information by feeling Braille with his hands.
However, his wife did not abandon him.
Does that make you think the beautiful wife loved him dearly and was a faithful spouse?
The truth was quite the opposite!
It was only because her husband was disabled and received a substantial monthly pension that the wife didn't leave. Instead, she used that money to support a boy toy, even openly bringing him into the house and acting shamelessly right in front of her husband!
After all, her husband could neither see nor hear.
How thrilling!
It wasn't until Logan went to visit his comrade that he discovered this tragedy. Naturally, he killed the boy toy on the spot and left the woman to his comrade. Although his friend was blind and deaf, he had long sensed something was wrong. In the end, his friend didn't shoot his wife; after all, she was his first love, and they had shared beautiful times together. He let her go.
The next day, his friend committed suicide.
Of course, the friend's wife eventually died at Logan's hands as well.
Although his friend couldn't bring himself to do it, Loganwouldn't allow that woman to keep squandering his friend's money.
This was just one small corner of the world. The soldiers who managed to survive the battlefield only to be left disabled—those were the truly tragic ones. The ones who died were the lucky ones.
Diana didn't speak; she was pondering the meaning of Logan's words.
Of course, Wolverine hadn't said this on a whim; Duke had requested it.
As someone with'similar' experiences, Logan had a wealth of life experience that was very suitable for Wonder Woman. As for Duke, he was just a college student. He couldn't guide Wonder Woman himself, so he asked Loganto drop some hints.
After a day of long-distance trekking, they finally met up in the wilderness.
"You're late!"
"To avoid an ambush, Chief!" Steve said with a smile, and the two shared an embrace. "Good to see you."
"Likewise."
"Oh, this is Diana, and her companion Doutzen Kroes. These are Duke, Logan, and Victor, our partners for this mission," Steve introduced.
"Hello."
"Hello."
They nodded to each other in greeting, acknowledging the introduction.
"A Duke and a Chief; we seem to have a shared destiny," the Chief laughed self-deprecatingly.
After a friendly exchange and a picnic, Victor shrugged. "So... this mission is actually... taking out a doctor who likes playing with poison gas? What about the 'God of War' Ares we were promised?"
Logan tried to stop him, but he wasn't fast enough.
"God of War? What Ares?" The Chief was bewildered.
"I knew it! Steve, you're lying to me again!" Samir rolled his eyes.
"No! Was there any deception? I don't recall saying that," Steve said, shaking his head.
"Yeah, you didn't say it." Samir was speechless. He had actually expected werewolves, vampires, or a Headless Horseman.
Duke smiled. "Actually, the mission is indeed to take out that poison gas doctor and destroy... any potential gas canisters. However, I have a feeling we'll encounter Aresthere. The war is nearing its end; if he doesn't show up now, it'll be too late. Besides..."
He pointed at Diana.
"As long as Diana is here, there's no need to worry about Ares, because he will definitely show up."
Diana pointed at herself. "Me?"
"You're like a ten-thousand-watt lightbulb, so bright. Haven't you noticed? You'll attract Ares," Duke joked.
The brothers, Logan and Victor, finally realized that Dukewas the core of this group, while Steve, who appeared to be the Captain, was actually more like a guide.
Early the next morning, the group finally arrived at the battlefield—the trench positions.
"What is this?" Diana asked.
"This is the battlefield you asked me to bring you to!"
"Where is the German Army?"
"A few hundred yards across No Man's Land. Let's go, Diana!"
Just then, a woman holding a child grabbed Diana's hand. "Please help me, I beg you! They took everything... our house, our food... those who couldn't escape were taken as slaves..."
"Where?"
"Veld, on the other side of No Man's Land," the woman said, pointing.
Steve hurried over and pulled her. "Diana, we have to go. The mission comes first!"
"We have to help these people! They're dying; we can't just stand by and watch."
"The next outpost is at least a day's journey away," the Chief shouted.
"What's the delay?" Charlie urged impatiently.
"Food shortages, villagers being enslaved..."
"I understand how you feel!"
"Women and children."
"We have to reach the next outpost before sunset," Stevesaid.
"How can you say that? What is wrong with you!" Dianawas unusually furious for the first time. This man was ignoring the tragedy right in front of him; he chose to turn a blind eye.
How could his heart be so cold?
Chilling!
Perhaps Duke was right; this man only cared about the 'mission'!"
020. Logia-type Ability
"This is No Man's Land, Diana. It means no one can cross it alive. The army has been stationed here for nearly a year and hasn't gained an inch. Because on the other side, a group of Germans are aiming machine guns at every inch of this land. You can't possibly get through." Steve was still earnestly trying to persuade her.
"So what, are we just going to stand by and watch people die?" Diana questioned. She couldn't ignore the tragedy before her eyes; she clearly had the power to save them.
"No! We're saving who we can, it's just... we can't save everyone in a war. That's not our mission..."
"Steve," Samir whispered as he pulled him away.
Logan suddenly stepped forward and said, "He's right. War is cruel. Sometimes, to achieve the ultimate victory, one must sacrifice... insignificant people... or things along the way."
"Are these people insignificant? They are human beings, each one a living life!" Diana questioned.
"I was once discarded too! Of course, I'm just saying that. Whatever decision you make depends on your own heart." Logan shrugged. He could see that this daughter of Zeushadn't seen much of the world. This was probably her first time stepping from that beautiful divine realm into this filthy human world, right?
Victor grinned with his signature tiger-like mouth and said, "No one can cross it alive? That was before. It might not be the case now!"
Hmm, maybe not.
The German Army's side had Maxim heavy machine guns. That rapid-fire barrage would likely turn Victor into a sieve. Sure, he wouldn't die, but it would probably be quite tragic.
"What do you say?" Diana turned her head to look at Duke, who had remained silent.
"Protecting humanity—isn't that your mission?" Dukereplied with a smile.
"Yes, it is my mission." Diana smiled as well, then put on the 'Starlight Tiara' inherited from Antiope. This represented the awakening of her warrior's heart and sense of responsibility.
Duke was a bit dazed. Are you Doraemon? Where did that Starlight Tiara just come from?
And are you some kind of Sailor Moon?
You even have a transformation sequence?
Your clothes changed instantly!
Hmm, Duke seemed to remember something. Diana had likely coated the Lasso of Truth with a substance unique to the Amazons, which allowed the lasso to transform the clothes she usually wore into her Wonder Woman uniform.
Truly magical indeed.
At this moment, Diana transformed into Wonder Womanand slowly stepped out of the trench.
"Diana—" Steve was shocked.
"What the hell kind of play is this?" Charlie blurted out.
Victor raised his hand and pressed it against Steve's chest, blocking him, and said with a playful smile, "Brother, don't covet what isn't yours! Also, it's not like no one can cross it alive."
He had long since seen through Steve's feelings for Diana. After speaking, he beckoned Logan.
"Let's go, Logan! Let's show them what we brothers are capable of."
Logan smiled, dropped his cigarette butt, and followed.
"Someone's coming, open fire!"
"Fire!"
"Fire!"
"Fire!"
On the opposite side, a unified roar echoed from the German Army's trenches.
Then, in the trenches on their own side, the soldiers were all dumbfounded. They witnessed a scene they would never forget for the rest of their lives. Three people split into three paths and charged toward the German camp.
In the middle, the woman seemed to easily deflect the incoming bullets using only the bracers on her arms.
Those were the Bracelets of Submission, forged by Hephaestus, the God of Fire, using fragments of Zeus's S.H.I.E.L.D. Seeming to sense her own strength, she realized this battlefield wasn't as 'dangerous' as she had imagined. Danger was only for humans; to her, these bullets were nothing.
On the left was Victor, who was sprinting forward on all fours in a beast-like posture at high speed.
On the right was Logan. His running posture was very agile and fast, keenly dodging bullets whenever they came his way.
The three of them braved the hail of bullets and charged the formation.
Their side was completely stunned, but they were also filled with a surge of adrenaline.
Steve looked at Duke beside him. "Why aren't you going?"
Victor's words earlier had made him realize the gap. Look at them—they easily blew away artillery shells, while he... was still talking about how 'no one can cross it alive.' His words earlier were practically like those of a clown.
The two were worlds apart.
Duke didn't pay him any mind. Instead, he turned to look at Doutzen Kroes nearby. "You don't have Diana's equipment or her powerful divine strength. Those bullets can wound you. Stay with them."
"Ah, oh... okay."
Doutzen Kroes also realized that without someone blocking in front, her body definitely couldn't withstand the barrage of those bullets. During the defense of the beach on Paradise Island, she had seen the German Army's bullets, but the ones here were even more powerful and dense.
However, she still gripped her twin swords tightly!
"Mm, protect yourself. Don't get hurt!"
Saying that, Duke inscribed 'Darkness' on his chest and once again transformed into a ghost-like black mist, flying out of the trench. Like a snake, he hovered off the ground... and swiftly glided away.
This scene once again terrified the soldiers in the trench.
Steve's mouth hung wide open, unable to close.
Samir's eyes were wide with excitement, and his whole body wouldn't stop trembling. Actually, he hadn't thought Duke was that powerful, thinking he was something like a 'magician,' but he didn't expect... the person before him really knew magic. A miraculous door opened before his eyes, and he reached out... wanting to grasp it.
Well, of course, they had to win this battle first.
Doutzen Kroes was also slightly surprised. She knew Dukewas powerful, but she didn't expect him to be so miraculous and eerie.
"Ugh—aaaaah!"
Logan sprinted like a hundred-meter dash, swiftly darting toward the German trenches. Just then, three bullets flew toward him in a triangular pattern. He dodged two but couldn't dodge the third. In the moment of crisis, he crossed his claws. Clang—after one of his bone claws snapped, he finally managed to block the incoming bullet.
"Logan—!" Victor roared.
"I'm fine!" Logan roared back. The bullets were getting denser. He did a somersault on the spot to dodge, and his broken bone claw grew back again.
On the other side, Victor also came under heavy fire and had no choice but to take temporary cover.
Two people suddenly vanished from the Germans' sight. The maxim heavy machine guns went wild, firing a dense barrage at Diana. This time, they weren't stupid enough to just hit her shield.
Wonder Woman crouched behind her shield, struggling to hold on.
Just then, a mass of black mist rushed up from behind—Whoosh!
"You've done well, Diana. Leave the rest to me!"
A figure lit up in her mind... Duke?
This was the only ability he currently possessed that had 'Logia-type' characteristics. 'Darkness' transformed into a black mist similar to the Dark-Dark Fruit; physical attacks were ineffective and would only pass through his body.
Duke plunged headlong into the German camp, spinning rapidly... and began to prey upon them.
"Waaah—what the hell is this thing?"
"No, ugh—"
"Gah!"
Pfft—Slash—
Miserable screams rose one after another.