Paradise Island.
White stone columns stretched across a vast expanse, forming an endless display of towering ancient Greek architecture. Whether it was the broad avenues, central fountains, domed houses, or the crisscrossed vaulted structures, everything exuded a majestic grandeur. The entire island stood like a mountain of civilization.
Among all the splendor, the royal palace of Paradise Island was the most magnificent. It preserved the divine majesty passed down from Zeus himself, echoing the brilliance of ancient miracles. Every carved beam and pillar radiated with divine beauty. The palace's vast interior space evoked both awe and humility in all who stepped foot inside.
But this tranquil paradise was about to be shattered.
A nuclear bomb exploded over Paradise Island. The deafening boom and towering columns of black smoke blocked out the sunlight. All across the island, Amazons saw and felt it clearly.
The magical energy shield had appeared, blocking the blast and protecting the entire island.
No one was harmed, yet the faint tremor that passed beneath their feet enraged them.
"Who dares attack Paradise Island?!"
"Unforgivable! Who dares challenge the Amazons?!"
"This is war—an undeclared war!"
"The Amazons will never retreat! We will hunt the attacker!"
"Whoever provoked Paradise Island must pay the price!"
Fury erupted across the island, from the bustling streets to the military zones. Paradise Island, peaceful for millennia, had never known such a provocation. A direct attack on their sacred homeland—unforgivable.
Within minutes, the Amazons mobilized. Warriors across the island formed combat units, armor glinting and weapons drawn.
No one attacks Paradise Island and lives to speak of it.
While the island braced for war, atop the palace balcony, Queen Hippolyta stood silently by a colonnaded terrace.
She wore a plain white chiffon dress, with a golden velvet cloak draped behind her. Her black curls flowed freely in the breeze. Normally, she radiated elegance and authority—a woman whose beauty once captivated Zeus himself.
Now, her expression was frozen in shock. Her eyes, wide with fear and disbelief, were fixed on the black smoke outside the barrier.
As Amazon queen, she was fully aware of the outside world. She understood human weaponry. Antiope had told her much in recent days. She had also watched the fight between Diana and Bardi and witnessed firsthand the terrifying power of human technology.
Now, Antiope was off negotiating for Diana. A nuclear warhead had struck. Her mind immediately leapt to the worst-case scenario: the talks had failed, and humans retaliated.
"Diana… my daughter…"
Hippolyta clasped her hands to her chest and prayed silently to the gods. Her golden cloak billowed in the wind, as did the turmoil in her heart.
"Your Majesty… Your Majesty!"
The island's chief magical scientist, Gunther, appeared behind her. The tall woman was robed in a crimson-and-black mage's cloak, adorned with golden threads and trinkets. Her straight black hair fell to the backs of her thighs. Her long robe flowed like the branches of a sacred tree.
"Your Majesty," Gunther said, bowing deeply, her voice dry and sharp like sand, "The Magic Tower has detected two more weapons, identical to the last. They are en route to Paradise Island. The attack is imminent."
Hippolyta's face went pale. Her breath caught. She swayed slightly, struggling to keep her composure.
In her heart, she understood immediately what this meant.
The negotiations had failed.
Diana had not been released.
Her daughter—her very blood—was now in Barmulodi's hands.
And worse, it meant a rupture between Paradise Island and the Barmulodi Empire.
It meant war.
Hippolyta's lips pressed into a hard line. Her heart, already tight with worry, burned with anger.
The wind caught her golden cloak. Her eyes flared with fury. She clenched her fists, raised her arm, and gave the order:
"To the Magic Tower. Prepare for war!"
Her voice was cold, decisive, and full of sovereign command as she strode away from the palace.
…
Emperor Building, 390th Floor, Office.
The room was dark. The glass walls had blocked out all sunlight. The projection screen cast a glowing light, painting everyone's faces in a dim fluorescence.
The atmosphere was thick, cold, and silent. The air seemed still, pressing down on everyone present.
"This is ridiculous. A nuclear bomb can't destroy Paradise Island. Ten more will change nothing."
Artemis gripped the hilt at her waist, eyes sharp with disdain, glaring down at Bardi.
Antiope hesitated, uncertain. Bardi's calm demeanor, leisurely eating fruit while watching the "film," seemed like someone who was absolutely confident that Paradise Island could be defeated by human weapons alone.
But that was Zeus's divine shield. Could even the most advanced tech breach it?
Antiope glanced at Phillipus. Seeing her composed expression brought a small measure of relief. General Phillipus had always been their most level-headed leader.
Bardi simply chuckled.
He didn't argue. Debating with fools was a waste of breath.
He stroked Hera's waist with one hand, his fingers brushing over her silky skin beneath the fabric.
The scent of her perfume rose faintly in the air. Hera leaned against him like a docile cat, her soft waist relaxed under his touch.
"You must be dreaming."
Hera, lying lazily against him, her clothes slightly disheveled and revealing her pale skin, reached out and gently placed another watermelon ball into Bardi's mouth.
Her voice was soft and alluring, her cheeks flushed. Her long legs in black crystal stockings were draped over the sofa, her skirt pressed tightly against her curves.
With a slow, teasing tone, she said, "Can't you tell? That so-called divine shield from Zeus is nothing more than a regional chained magic structure."
"It was only ever designed to conceal his lover, not to withstand real attacks."
(To be continued.)
***
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