AM I SUPERMAN?

Paradise Island, Main Hall of the Amazon Castle

Diana held the golden Lasso of Truth, binding Faora-Ui securely. She turned to Kaius and explained, "This is the Lasso of Truth. Anyone bound by it is compelled to speak their truest thoughts."

"Impressive. That's a truly powerful weapon!" Kaius replied with a friendly smile. Although he had long known the power of the golden rope, his slightly improved emotional intelligence prompted him not to dwell on the obvious.

Queen Hippolyta stood nearby, flanked by Amazon warriors. Stepping forward, she addressed Faora-Ui sternly, "Who are you, and why have you come here?"

Despite her reluctance, Faora-Ui was unable to resist the lasso's power. Combined with the debilitating effects of kryptonite, she was utterly powerless. Her voice was strained but truthful as she answered, "My name is Faora-Ui. I came here under General Zod's orders... to find the secret of life."

Hearing this, Diana tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. "What is the secret of life?" she asked.

Realizing she could not resist the lasso's power, Faora-Ui gave up and explained, "It's an artifact that can restore my people. It should be aboard my spaceship, and I must deliver it to General Zod."

The Amazons exchanged confused glances. To them, the idea of reviving an entire race didn't sound inherently evil.

Kaius, however, understood the true implications and pressed further. "Where does General Zod plan to rebuild his race?"

Faora-Ui's tone grew colder as she continued, "Among the galaxies we've explored, Earth is the most suitable. While it's a primitive planet, its astronomical conditions are ideal. Even better, Earth has been exposed to the yellow sun for eons. Under its rays, our people gain extraordinary powers."

"And what happens to the people of Earth if you rebuild your race here?" Kaius asked, though he already knew the answer. He needed Diana and the Amazons to hear it.

"We will terraform the Earth to resemble Krypton. When that happens, all life on Earth will perish. Our race will grow stronger, and General Zod will lead us to a new era of expansion. The universe will kneel before us!" Faora-Ui's voice faltered, weakened by kryptonite, and she finally collapsed, unconscious.

The room fell into a heavy silence. The Amazons, though masters of hundreds of Earth languages, were unfamiliar with modern concepts of space and the universe. They struggled to process what they had just heard.

Kaius spent a few moments explaining the situation in simpler terms. "If Zod succeeds, humanity will die, and his people will wage war across the universe."

Diana's eyes burned with resolve. "It must be Ares," she declared, turning to her mother. "Only he could incite such chaos—an endless war, billions of lives destroyed. I must stop him!"

Queen Hippolyta sank back into her throne, rubbing her temples in frustration. "Even if what she said is true, Diana, we cannot act rashly. We must discuss this further."

The queen stood, gesturing for her advisors to follow her. "That's all for today, Mr. Kaius. You may take this so-called servant of the devil with you. Diana will escort you off the island."

Before Hippolyta finished her sentence, she exited the hall with the elders. Her heart, long wearied by the burden of war, yearned for peace. She hated conflict and saw no reason to involve her people in one now.

Diana, however, was seething. "Mother, we can't stand by and do nothing! We exist to fight for justice, to stop threats like this!" She clenched her fists, ready to leap into action.

Kaius watched the passionate exchange and sighed inwardly. Convincing Diana might be the easy part, but the road ahead would be anything but simple.

At this point, Diana, though still somewhat immature, carried an earnest and youthful idealism. What might come across as naïve or overzealous in others manifested in her as endearing traits—her innocence, passion, and unwavering determination inspired admiration rather than annoyance.

Queen Hippolyta had left the hall with her council of elders, leaving Diana standing with a disheartened expression. "Why are they so indifferent to this? Isn't it our sacred duty to protect the world?"

Kaius stepped forward, attempting to console her. "Diana, you can't blame your mother. As the queen of the Amazons, her responsibility is first and foremost to her people. Protecting them must come before all else."

"I understand," Diana replied, frustration evident in her tone. "But surely she could allow me to go. You said it yourself—this is my destiny. If I can save the world, please let me join you, Mr. Kaius!"

She stepped closer, standing tall and resolute. Her intense gaze locked onto Kaius's, her conviction evident in her posture.

Kaius felt his composure falter momentarily, distracted by the confident way Diana carried herself. Coughing to regain focus, he forced himself to maintain a serious demeanor. "Diana, I must warn you—the path ahead is fraught with danger and hardship. Are you truly ready for that?"

"I'm ready," Diana replied without hesitation. Her voice was steady and determined. "Whether or not my mother agrees, I will stand against Zod and Ares. I want to fight alongside you."

Kaius smiled, extending his hand formally. "Very well, on behalf of the Justice League, I welcome you, Princess Diana."

Unfamiliar with the custom of a handshake, Diana clasped Kaius's hand in both of hers, her expression radiant with enthusiasm. "Thank you, Mr. Kaius! Justice League... it sounds so noble, like an alliance of gods who fight for justice!"

At that moment, Diana's exuberance reminded Kaius of a child receiving her first medal, and her genuine smile caught him off guard, quickening his heartbeat. Suddenly, a notification echoed in his mind:

Ding! Friendship level increased to 'Friendly.' Diana character card unlocked.

A surge of purple light filled Kaius's consciousness. Excited, he delved into the system interface. As expected, a new purple card had appeared, etched with Diana's portrait.

Purple Card: Diana (Princess Amazon)

Race: Amazonian, Demigod

Main Card Effects: Super Strength, Super Speed, Flight (Unlocked), and more.

Additional Notes: An Amazon warrior with extensive combat training and divine blood, possessing immense potential! (Card level will grow as Diana matures.)

Kaius couldn't help but marvel. As the daughter of Zeus and a hybrid of Amazon and divine heritage, Diana wasn't as invulnerable as Superman in some areas, but she was by no means inferior. Her combat prowess and divine potential made her a formidable ally—and a perfect addition to his team.