"Your Majesty Barmulodi, what will it take to have Diana returned? She is the princess of the Amazons. Please, name your terms."
"You will earn the friendship of Paradise Island."
Antiope's tone revealed her urgency. At this point, even if it meant exchanging several sacred artifacts from Paradise Island, she would not hesitate. Diana's safety was more important than any treasure.
Diana herself, and the identity behind her, could not be treated as a mere prisoner. Compared to the shifting global regimes or the value of magical relics, Diana's life took precedence.
But Bardi was far too calm. He simply continued to sip his wine, offering no reply, showing no intent to hand Diana over.
Bardi narrowed his eyes slightly. His lips rested on the edge of the cool glass goblet. The deep red wine released a rich, mellow aroma that entered his nose, bringing him great pleasure.
He took a light sip, letting the strong and full-bodied flavor fill his mouth. The taste danced on his tongue before smoothly sliding down his throat.
"I don't care about Paradise Island's friendship."
Bardi's tone was forceful as he spoke, the breath of red wine still lingering.
He had already ordered Hera to mobilize troops for an assault on Paradise Island. What did friendship matter now?
Besides, this so-called "friendship" was empty talk. Antiope's promise to not interfere with Earth's political restructuring could easily be reversed under any convenient excuse—be it pity for human suffering, preventing World War III, or some moral obligation. They could involve themselves whenever they pleased.
All of it was just hollow rhetoric. She was trying to retrieve Diana without giving up anything substantial.
"We can exchange Diana for unique magical materials, secret weapons, and artifacts of Paradise Island. Paradise Island can become a strategic base for Barmulodi to unify Earth. We will send our warriors to assist Your Majesty in unifying the world and help build a better future for this planet."
Antiope's expression changed slightly. She revealed her trump card. No matter what, Diana had to be brought back to Paradise Island. As for the Earth's future, she would deal with it later.
Seeing that Bardi dismissed Paradise Island's importance, even Antiope, who usually remained composed, felt he was being too arrogant and reckless.
No one could ignore the significance of Paradise Island or the strength of the Amazons. They were warriors blessed by the gods—each with superhuman strength, durable bodies, and mastery of unique magic. This was a fighting force that could not be taken lightly.
On Earth, such power meant near invincibility. That was why the Amazons carried themselves with such pride, believing they were Earth's protectors.
"Unnecessary."
Bardi smiled. All of it would eventually be his. He would unify the Earth by his own hand. Did Paradise Island think it could remain independent?
In the end, Paradise Island would either be destroyed in war or surrender beneath his feet to serve him.
None of this mattered.
Bardi had not summoned Antiope to negotiate. He had invited her for a feast of flames and steel.
Seeing Bardi refuse once again, Antiope's face grew cold, her heart burning with anger.
"Your Majesty, you may not understand the consequences of holding onto Diana. Every day she remains with you, you edge closer to a crisis. Diana's identity brings a wrath you cannot withstand."
Her words were sharp, spoken with warning. Barmulodi was too self-absorbed, too dismissive. He failed to understand what lay beyond Earth—beyond the mortal realm. The gods.
Only she and Queen Hippolyta knew Diana's true origin.
She was the daughter of Zeus, King of the Olympian Gods.
No one could survive the wrath of Zeus. If he learned that his daughter had been captured by Bardi—
Then divine judgment would fall. Thunder would rage, the gods would descend, and the so-called Barmulodi Empire would be annihilated in an instant, without even the taste of victory. Paradise Island and all of humanity would be caught in the fallout.
The thunderous wrath of the God-King could not be endured.
That day would not bring regime change. It would bring the thunder of death. Screams and torment would spread across the world.
And knowing the temperament of Olympus, they would never tolerate a foreigner humiliating their gods. Zeus would absolutely do such a thing.
The only problem was... Paradise Island had lost contact with the Olympians. That made Antiope even more anxious.
"We will confine Diana to Paradise Island. She will never have the chance to interfere with you again."
"Do you even know who Diana's father is? No one dares provoke his fury."
Antiope's voice was sharp. She no longer used the honorific "Your Majesty." She spoke to Bardi directly, her tone cold and urgent.
Though she spoke with conviction, her heart was uncertain.
Neither Paradise Island nor humanity could afford to provoke Zeus—assuming he showed up at all.
It had been thousands of years since Zeus last laid with Hippolyta. Contact with Olympus had long been severed.
It was genuinely concerning.
"You're talking about Diana's father... Zeus, King of Olympus."
Bardi's lips curled into a smile. He took another sip of red wine. His eyes glinted, and a cold light flashed within them.
With his current power, he had already surpassed the original Trigon projection.
The God-King Zeus—if one compared them—was at best equal to the Trigon projection, and likely weaker.
Even if divine magic had certain advantages over Kryptonian physiology, Bardi wasn't afraid.
Empowered by his will, the Green Lantern Ring alone was enough to allow him to stand against Zeus without weakness.
So no, he did not fear the God-King. In fact, he was eager to meet the Olympians. Especially Hera.
"How do you know?"
Antiope's face changed drastically. She had planned to use Zeus as a final threat to force Bardi into surrender. She hadn't expected Bardi to already know—and to remain so calm.
This meant Bardi truly did not fear Olympus. He had the strength to stand against them, which explained his dismissiveness toward her demands.
"I'm not afraid to meet Zeus. On the contrary, I want to fight him."
"I'm sorry. Your threats have no effect."
Bardi spoke casually, yet his words cut to the core of Antiope's thoughts. His gaze remained steady as he swirled his goblet. The liquid inside shimmered under the sunlight like a glowing ruby, glistening with deep, rich luster.
Antiope's neck stiffened. Her face was pale. She had no answer.
Through clenched teeth, she finally asked, "What do you want?"
Bardi lifted his head. His gaze moved from the wine to Antiope's rigid face.
"Paradise Island. Serve under me."
"Or be destroyed by war and fire."
(To be continued.)