Jay Garrick—a very energetic young man.
He was also this world's speedster. His Speed Force came from an "old acquaintance," the Greek deity Hermes! This world's Hermes possessed Speed Force and was a good god. He was severely wounded in battle with Steppenwolf, and before dying, passed his Speed Force to Jay Garrick, who happened to be passing by.
Barry encountered a fellow speedster while running, and to strengthen the forces of justice, he brought him back.
A somewhat oversized silver helmet resembling a pot lid sat on his head, with golden wings on both sides. He wore a red bodysuit with a huge yellow lightning bolt emblazoned on the chest. Currently, Jay Garrick couldn't fully understand his abilities. Barry was kindly explaining them.
This guy? Thea's gaze was a bit strange. She remembered Jay Garrick was one of the Flashes! However, later—probably from getting too high on drugs—the Flash created a time remnant to impersonate Jay Garrick. Then, discovering he couldn't control this remnant, he eventually killed it.
Thea's evaluation of the Flash was: sick, brain-damaged! But the question was—did this Jay Garrick before her have any problems?
After carefully observing for a while, she saw no issues. Whether body or soul, everything was consistent—just a superhero willing to sacrifice for justice.
The young heiress could only admit she didn't know how to distinguish between the main body and a time remnant. If this guy was harmless, they'd keep him.
Green Lantern Alan Scott, Flash Jay Garrick, Hawkgirl Kendra Saunders—these were Earth-2's new Big Three after Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman's sacrifice.
She had to admit, with Nabu taking half the world's order power, these new era heroes were all pathetically weak...
Earth was temporarily safe. She should return to mobilize the army. After greeting old Batman, she directly opened a Boom Tube back to New Genesis.
"Your Majesty, Steppenwolf is running rampant across that universe. I humbly request your permission to lead the army to eliminate him." Thea went directly to see Highfather, bowing slightly in respect as she stated her purpose.
"Steppenwolf!? Father, I wish to take your guard and join the battle!" Before Highfather could speak, the New God second-generation Orion couldn't restrain himself from requesting battle.
Though by blood, Orion was Darkseid's son and Steppenwolf was Darkseid's uncle, making them closely related.
But Orion had absolutely no intention of sparing him, because Steppenwolf's ability to draw hatred was top-tier. Long, long ago, he'd killed Highfather's wife Avia, which caused Orion—who'd always viewed Highfather as his real father—piercing heartache.
Given the opportunity, even if it meant mutual destruction, he wanted to kill Steppenwolf.
However, Highfather was clearly thinking more deeply. "Thea, regarding that universe's affairs, we shouldn't interfere too much. The time for the final battle between good and evil hasn't yet arrived."
"But Steppenwolf..." Mentioning his wife's killer, even the normally dignified and solemn Highfather showed slight hesitation. How could he not care?!
"We'll deploy one legion to repel the enemy. If we can kill Steppenwolf, we kill him!" By the end, Highfather couldn't control his emotions.
Thea immediately nodded. This was similar to the Spectre's instruction that she couldn't directly participate in mortal warfare. Perhaps Highfather and Darkseid had some connection with higher-level big shots?
Soon several New Gods of New Genesis were called back. Hearing they were going to kill Steppenwolf, emotions ran high.
No one was stupid. Avenging their leader's wife—no one would easily pass up such a matter.
Besides Thea's Magic Legion, the other three legion commanders all requested battle. Highfather's beloved general Uga even brought out his hammer, swinging it on the spot, wishing he could fight Steppenwolf for five hundred rounds right now.
Highfather was gratified. Everyone treating his vendetta as collective vendetta showed what? It showed his unity work was excellent!
But if all four legions deployed, it would be no different from the final battle.
Highfather turned to ask Metron. The God of Knowledge, who sat in his flying chair all day, maintained contact with both sides. Whoever asked him questions, he answered, but overall he spent more time on Highfather's side.
"How many troops has Apokolips mobilized?"
"Steppenwolf's direct forces are all deployed. Additionally, DeSaad has also mobilized." Metron answered every question without the slightest concealment.
Highfather pondered. He understood his old rival too well. This was a probe before the official battle. Darkseid sent his left and right hands—his side similarly couldn't show weakness.
But to reserve a backup plan, he wouldn't send all his elites.
"Orion, you take my guard, and go with Goddess Thea's Magic Legion on this trip."
The two gods bowed and walked out the door together.
Thea's legion had assembled at the first opportunity, while Highfather's guard was the elite of the elite. They each appeared to be holding a spear, but that wasn't just a melee weapon—they could fire lasers.
"Bekka, how are preparations?" Thea asked her deputy.
The blonde woman Bekka was a half-god who practiced both magic and martial arts. In the future, she'd become Orion's wife. Even now, she displayed extraordinary command talent.
Thea's clone remaining on New Genesis only managed the big picture. Bekka handled almost all the details.
"Legion Commander, we're ready to depart at any time." Bekka answered with dignified bearing.
Thea surveyed her subordinates. After over a year, this Magic Legion still maintained a million-strong scale, but quality had risen another level from the beginning.
One staff per hand, one robe per person.
One hundred squad commanders, each armed to the teeth—magic amplification rings, energy impact necklaces, robes painted with sun, moon and stars, staffs that shortened spell chanting.
These equipment pieces were created by Thea's clone and Hyalt, God of Smiths, laboring for half a year.
These hundred could be said to have strength comparable to the effeminate Wotan from before. Pull any one out and they could occupy a planet and reign supreme.
They were the New God race's small group with the highest magic affinity among billions—the cream of the crop. Over a dozen could smoothly cast high-level magic like time stop. Though not as fluid as Thea and requiring extensive chanting, gestures, and casting materials, it was already extremely rare.
The remaining company commanders and squad leaders similarly possessed intermediate mage strength—the legion's supporting force.
The large force quickly assembled in an orderly manner in the plaza. Orion's Highfather Guard had already arrived earlier. The second-generation god was very polite, indicating Thea should command.
"Our goal this time is singular—take Steppenwolf's head! Avenge the Queen!" Thea stated the mission concisely.