"This isn't some prank game, but the optimal strategy deduced from complete rational analysis." Su Ming wrapped his arm around Barry's neck, causing him to stumble and only able to touch the trees in the rainforest to maintain balance.
"Um... I don't know, they're not good guys, right?" Barry scratched his temple, feeling somewhat confused.
Su Ming patted him, his tone slightly serious: "To avoid drawing Barbatos's attention to Earth -11, we mustn't make too much noise. Those two may be scum, but only they can stabilize the armies spread across the world at a time like this."
"I support your approach." Briss arrived in front of a cliff, pushed aside some vines and plants, revealing a small cave: "The primary goal now is to remain as hidden as possible."
"We're short on time now; we don't have the luxury of supporting any benevolent ruler to power." Su Ming patted Barry's shoulder and walked into the cave: "Our actions so far have not threatened their lives, and are still within the Olympian Pantheon's tolerance range. In fact, promoting the alliance between the Amazonians and the Undersea People is something they are pleased to see. If you wish to replace the ruler of this Earth, the entire Olympian Pantheon would become our enemy."
Briss nodded in agreement, following behind them: "Indeed, there are Gods in this world. Regardless of who wins between the Amazonians and the Undersea People, their faith either belongs to Zeus or Poseidon, still under their control, so they've always been spectators."
"But if you want others to take a hand in ruling this world, the Olympian Pantheon will likely unite against external threats. I can't assure you we'll silently eliminate millions of soldiers and a bunch of Gods."
Su Ming shook his head with a smile, knowing Barry wished for the people here to have good days eventually. But actually, the people here were supposed to be completely wiped out in the original story. Under his plan, surviving is already enough, why ask for more?
"As long as Earth continues to exist, there is hope." Briss pulled up her cloak, concealing the cave entrance.
Earlier, she had arranged the setup here, having placed simple miniature surveillance devices, along with lighting lamps, and grass mats for resting.
Except these lamps are all bat-shaped, casting bat-like shadows, leaving people somewhat speechless.
Barry took a left look and right touch, appearing very curious about the cave. He believed he could infer some geological conditions from this, understanding the formation of Dinosaur Island. Su Ming and Briss crouched by the surveillance monitor, observing the two inside the shed.
..............
In the dimly lit cabin, sunlight streamed in through gaps in the bark and leaves, the Sea Queen and Hero curled on the ground panting.
Su Ming's punch wasn't really heavy; he merely needed to knock them down to facilitate his leaving.
However, they'd never been without Divine Power, encountering such a situation for the first time. Previously, even being slashed would not hurt, now a punch felt like even stomach acid was vomited dry.
Pain, an unprecedented pain spread through their bodies, they clawed at the sand beneath them, struggling but unable to straighten.
"Did you hit too hard?" Briss asked Su Ming next to her, hearing the painful groans through the receiver while watching the screen.
"No, I think it was just right, letting them experience human suffering." Su Ming carelessly drew out the Fire God Sword, lifting a corner of his clothes to gently wipe the blade.
These gifted individuals have even less tolerance for pain than ordinary people. Even if Batwoman took the same punch, she'd still fly around the city unaffected, but the demigods, devoid of Divine Power, couldn't even stand.
This unprecedented experience would deepen their fear.
Briss nodded slightly, accepting Su Ming's explanation. The two continued watching the surveillance feed in the shed.
The Sea Queen turned around, facing downward, finally gathered enough strength to climb up. Her body was covered with yellow fine sand, but she could only brace against the wall, clutching her abdomen panting.
The Hero's condition was slightly better; his demeanor had always been somewhat feminine, but he had undergone very professional military training from the Amazonians. Though it was his first time experiencing such pain, he adapted a bit quicker.
"Hah, bah." He leaned against the wall, standing and gasping, his lungs felt fiery pain: "Fish brain, look at what you all did."
The Sea Queen glared at him. What did he mean by their doing?
"Mud person, who are you talking about?!"
The Hero turned his back against the wall, said disdainfully: "If it wasn't for you always developing military power to resist our rule, how could their plan possibly succeed?"
The Sea Queen braced against the wall, slowly inching closer to the Hero: "Nonsense, if it wasn't for you polluting the oceans and slaughtering marine life, the Atlanteans would never oppose you. We can't live on land for long."
"Couldn't you surrender early? You all eat small fish too, don't you? Hypocrites." The Hero retorted disdainfully, he seldom eats fish and hates spitting spines.
"Hmph, Undersea People are indeed nobler than fish; eating fish is certainly no problem. But fish are nobler than Amazonians, who are merely toys molded from mud by Zeus." The Sea Queen argued sharply, exposing the secrets of the Amazonians.
"What about you all? Poseidon's lapdogs, heard he turned you into fish and your intelligence into fish too." Naturally, the Hero wouldn't lag, revealing the secrets of the Atlanteans.
................
Su Ming calmly wiped the Treasure Sword, lifted his head, observing the sword's tip again, swinging it a few times to find the weapon's balance, casually chatting with Briss by his side: "Don't your world's people know Zeus and Poseidon are brothers?"
"They do, they just won't admit it; disputes among the Gods have extended here, while the Gods merely watched them fight." Briss sat on a stone, arms crossed on her chest, staring at the phone screen used as a surveillance monitor.
In the current surveillance image, the two had already begun brawling, but unfortunately without Divine Power, now wearing Medusa's bracelet, they both seemed terribly weakened, appearing like schoolkids squabbling.
No one could harm the other; they simply rolled back and forth in the small shed.
"The progress is going well; once they discover they can't harm each other, they'll search for ways to coexist." Su Ming put away the Fire God Sword, then pulled out the Hero's headband from his backpack, handing it to Briss: "This is yours now, the Starlight Flying Crown, symbol of the Amazonian royalty, at crucial times you'll know how to use it."
"Hopefully, that day will never come, I'll keep it safe." Briss didn't refuse; these two indeed aren't good things. If things worsen in the future, she can use this as a plan B.
Su Ming, anyway, was just fairly dividing the loot, each taking a Divine Artifact, whether it's used is Briss's own matter: "If you could find a way to merge Divine Blood, I think you'd make a great Supreme Leader of the world."
Briss: "...."
She had no interest in ruling the world, showed no reaction upon hearing this.