Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Diana want more
Under Dane's persuasion and the thrill of the challenge, Clark finally agreed. After all, when a woman invites you to a fight, doesn't it look bad if you refuse? Especially for a 26-year-old with plenty of self-esteem.
Dane clapping his hands together as transformed place instantly into a grand arena resembling the Colosseum of ancient Rome. However, this one was much larger, fit for two "gods" to battle.
Dane settled into the best vantage point, equipped with a parasol, cocktails, and snacks.
Acting as the referee, he pointed to his throat and announced loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, the first martial arts tournament is about to begin!"
"Is he always this lively?" Diana asked, looking at Dane with a puzzled expression.
"You mean you think he needs a beating, right?" Clark responded with a helpless smile.
"I think it's okay," Diana replied unexpectedly.
The setting reminded her of the days on Paradise Island, where such fighting tournaments were often held.
Diana felt the passion of battle for the first time in a long while. She tore off her civilian clothes, revealing her champion armor.
Underneath the blue skirt were her long legs, and she held the Sword of the God of Fire in one hand and the Shield of Divine Power in the other.
She looked at Clark, who stood empty-handed, and asked, "Aren't you going to use any weapons?"
"I don't need weapons," Clark replied confidently, puffing out his chest.
"Oh? Hopefully, you'll remain confident," Diana retorted, thinking he was underestimating her.
She leaped ten meters forward, the Vulcan Sword slashing towards Clark with awe-inspiring divine might.
Dane, in high spirits, had a mental soundtrack playing. If there was a loudspeaker broadcasting, he thought the atmosphere would be perfect.
Always one to act on his ideas, he snapped his fingers. Four large horns appeared in the Colosseum, and a rapid drumbeat and stirring music filled the air.
The song "Wonder Woman's Wrath" blared.
"What the..." Clark began, but a sudden sense of danger washed over him.
He stepped back, and the Vulcan Sword sliced through his clothes, revealing the blue suit underneath. Clark stared at her in shock; he had sensed that sword dangerous.
Diana charged again, thrusting her sword. However, her speed was slightly slower than Superman's, allowing him to dodge the blade's tip.
Clark then threw a punch, but Diana anticipated his move and blocked it with the Divine Shield. Even so, Clark's invincible force sent her flying into the Colosseum's audience stands.
on ground, Diana finally understood what Dane meant by "kyropotian", and Hercules's strength was probably nothing compared to him.
"Are you alright?" Clark asked, flying over nervously.
"It's okay, let's continue!" Diana said, getting up from ground with excitement in her eyes. "You're really strong!"
"You're great too," Clark admitted. Apart from Dane, this was the first time he had seen someone fighting him without getting hurt.
From the stands, Dane observed that Wonder Woman's combat experience and skills were superior to Clark's.
However, her basic attributes were a bit lacking. The demigods had given her extraordinary physical qualities, but they were still no match for those of a Kryptonian.
However, Wonder Woman has an impressive godly equipments. Her champion armor acts as a wearable biological force field, protecting her from general physical attacks and enhancing her physical abilities.
The Divine Shield can effectively resist energy attacks. It has a unique attribute: if the shield remains intact, the person behind it will not be harmed by any energy or physical attacks.
The Sword of Vulcan, capable of slashing at the subatomic level, is potent enough to penetrate the biological force field of Kryptonians. A more fitting name for it would be "The Breaker of All."
Her Silver Bracelets absorb external damage and store it, releasing a powerful shockwave when the bracelets strike each other.
The Starlight Flying Coronation, which appears as an ornament, can be used as a boomerang and is incredibly durable.
And the Lasso of Truth and the Winged Sandals, Diana is nearly invincible in her armory. It's no wonder her resentful God of War brother met an unjust end.
Dane also knew that, as the daughter of Zeus, Diana could call upon Zeus's divine lighting at time of need. His own lightning might not have much effect on her.
However, Diana is not without her weaknesses. Her fighting skills, learned from the Amazons, are grounded in combat on the earth. Amazons can't fly, so making them vulnerable in aerial battles.
Despite her enhancements, her speed still lags behind that of Superman and Shazam. The only reason she can hold her own against Clark now is because she's guiding the rhythm of the battle, allowing her to predict his moves in advance.
As long as Clark used his Genius Level Intellect seriously, he should be able to figure out these keys point.
But given what Dane knew about him, it was enough. Clark was not a fighter; he wouldn't actively seek ways to knock out an opponent, especially if that opponent was a teammate.
However, Clark was subconsciously learning Wonder Woman's combat skills, integrating them into his own style.
Soon, Diana found herself unable to enjoy fight. Clark held firm, occasionally disrupting her rhythm with well-timed attacks. There was much combat wisdom in his approach, but it wasn't what Diana wanted. She soon grew frustrated and ceased her attacks.
"This isn't a battle at all!"
Clark, puzzled, asked, "Aren't we fighting?"
"Clark, you fight like a grandma! My grandma could beat you better!" Dane heckled from the stands. The exchange wasn't much to watch.
Perhaps Clark couldn't muster hostility, or he knew deep down that Diana's abilities weren't on par with Dane's, so he didn't fight as freely. He didn't use thermal vision or freezing breath, nor did he leverage air supremacy.
Hearing Dane's taunt, Clark picked up a stone and threw it into the stands, shouting, "Shut up, I haven't settled accounts with you yet!"
Dane shattered stone with a bolt of lightning, sneering, "You're going to make Diana question the strength of the Justice League."
Diana watched their interaction with a sense of envy. She hadn't experienced such camaraderie in a long time. Nevertheless, she extended an invitation to Dane.
"Why don't you show the strength of the Justice League?"
Dane, not one to shy away, flew down into the Colosseum. As he passed Clark, he raised his eyebrows, provoking him further. Furious, Clark wanted to retaliate but found himself transported to the stands with a flick of Dane's fingers.
"Sorry, but with magic, you can really do anything," Dane quipped as Clark reluctantly took a seat.
Diana assumed her stance, and Dane struck first, lightning flashing from his hands. The attack came without warning, but Diana managed to guard against it.
"That's right, that's what a fight feels like!" Dane exclaimed.
In battle, one could do whatever it took to win, as long as it was effective. While Diana didn't use indiscriminate means, she utilized her Amazon skills to their fullest.
Dane, having observed her fight, adapted fairly well. Like Clark, he absorbed some of Diana's techniques but leaned more towards offense. The two engaged in a fierce clash.