Three days passed, and Edward did not stay cooped up inside his room. He would walk around the island during the day while continuing his calculations at night. During this time, Diana would come to see him and talk all night.
Today, Queen Hippolyta finally came to see him.
"So, have you calmed down?" asked Edward calmly.
"We apologize for our previous actions," said the queen. Edward looked at her and could not tell whether she was sincere or was putting on a diplomatic mask, just like himself when dealing with certain people.
"It's water under the bridge," he said calmly.
"I will be direct," said the queen. "What price do we need to pay for you to repair our protective shield?"
"I only have two requirements," replied Edward, also choosing to be as direct as possible. "Firstly, let my ship stay here until it's fixed. Secondly, allow me to study all your magical artifacts, especially the Lasso of Truth."
"Study?"
"Yes, just study."
"That can be arranged," replied Hippolyta. Since the intruder was already here, it made no difference if he stayed a little longer. "When can you begin?"
"Tomorrow." He had just finished his calculations for the Flash Dimension's Coordinate and needed to consult Morgana.
"I'll be waiting."
…
"Morgana, here are the coordinates."
"Okay, let me plug it in." A few seconds later, her voice rang in his mind again: "It's not working."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not picking up any signal on that coordinate."
"How is that possible? Did I make an error in my calculations?"
"No, I double-checked, and there were no problems," replied Morgana.
"Did the Akashic Record give us the wrong coordinate? No, that's unlikely. Their whole brand revolved around knowledge and the truth, so it's unlikely they would make such a major blunder."
Edward frowned, "If not them, what is the issue?"
"Let me run some deeper diagnostic," the purple-haired elf said before quieting. Edward did not hear from her until more than half an hour later.
"We might be in trouble."
"What did you find?"
"Because this world is constantly merging with others, constantly expanding, finding the correct coordinate is currently impossible."
A projection screen appeared before Edward, and he soon understood what she meant. It took too many calculations to deduce one timeline from the infinite multiverse with the constant space-time turbulence of this universe due to the Convergence.
And even if they could pinpoint the coordinates, Netheril was not equipped to navigate such a chaotic multiverse.
"So, we need a completely new Navigation System?" groaned Edward, who knew such a thing would take time, and that's the last thing he wanted.
Knock! Knock!
"Come in."
"What's wrong?" asked Diana. Although he'd only known this man for a few days, he'd usually be calm or smiling, but tonight, he had a deep frown plastered on his handsome face.
"The damage to my ship was more severe than I anticipated."
"Is that so? Is there anything we can do to help?"
"I will ask if there is," replied Edward as he waved his hand to summon a table, tea, and dessert. "Where did we last leave?"
"Before we begin, I wanted to apologize for my mother and the clothes' actions; they can sometimes go overboard when it comes to protecting the island."
"I don't blame her since I'm also a ruler in my dimension. So, I understand the need to do whatever is necessary to protect my people."
"Yes, you did mention that, but you never elaborate. How about you tell me more about your dimension?"
"Sure, why not." Edward then told her about his rise from school to the creation of the Arcane Empire and its latest accomplishment.
"Such a wonderful world, such a legendary tale," muttered Diana. She knew even if Edward glorified or glossed over some detail, she could tell how much he had experienced.
"I did not expect you to be such a womanizer," she commented.
"One of my few flaws," replied Edward calmly as he sipped his tea. "It's late."
"Indeed. I will see you tomorrow."
The next day, Edward immediately worked on the island's protective shield. Dealing with was simpler than he anticipated. The reason for its weakening was that the Gods no longer provided divine energy to sustain the shield, so he only needed to create a device that would allow Diana to use her divine power as an energy source. The entire process only took two days before being resolved.
After seeing how swift and efficient Edward was, Hippolyta did not go back on her word and sent Edward all the divine artifacts the gods granted them over their long servitude.
"So, what do you think?" asked Diana, who chose to accompany Edward while he was studying these artifacts.
"Hephaestus work?"
"Yes, have you met him?"
"In a manner of speaking," he replied. He indirectly studied forging from Hephaestus during his trip to the Mummy Universe.
"You don't seem impressed," added Diana.
"Besides the Lasso, I can easily recreate any of these items and even make them better."
"Even though you're not a God and no Divine Power?"
"I can turn any form of energy into divine power, including sunlight," casually replied Edward.
"So, magic is so magical?"
"Most power systems are 'magical' once you reach a deep enough level."
Diana looked at these artifacts, "What do you want me to do with them?"
"You can take them away after I scan them. However, leave the Lasso."
"Is it really so valuable?" asked Diana as she played with the lasso in her hand.
"Its ability is not unique, but its indestructible nature is worth studying. Of course, that is if it's truly indestructible."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I have met a few things that made such bold claims. However, they've all proven that their indestructible nature was because they have never encountered a power great enough. So, we will see if it's the case for the Lasso of Truth."
Diana took the other items away while Edward focused on his Navigation System. He had a lot of work to do and very little time. Although he knew a thing like World Fusion would take millions of years to finish, time is relative. Millions of years might be a few hundred years to him or only a few decades to someone else in another dimension.
So, he needed to finish this project as soon as possible to go to his destination and leave this world. As such, he put the Lasso in the back of his mind while focusing on creating a new navigation system.
A week passed, and Diana flew to Edward's new hut located near the floating city, far away from the main area of the Amazonians.
"You're early today," he commented without raising his head from the screens before him.
"It was a training day."
"No one can give you a decent challenge?"
"Sadly, no." Diana sighed before pausing and looked at him. "You're strong, aren't you?"
"Depending on who you're comparing me to."
"How about you become my sparring partner?"
Edward paused what he was doing and glanced at her. "Fine, I needed a break." He stood up, and two swords appeared in his hand while a sword and shield manifested for Diana.
"I thought you were a Mage?"
"If I fight like one, you won't have a chance."
"Big words. Let's see if you can back them."
Clink!
The battle lasted more than an hour, resulting in Diana painting on the floor and Edward not having a single scratch on his body.
"Are mages supposed to be this powerful with a sword?"
"If they are a good one, then yes."
Diana shook her head. "So, how do I compare?"
"To whom?"
"Some of the best warriors you've fought or met."
"Hmm, not bad."
"Only not bad?"
"What can I say, your attribute ranges from Tier 4 and Tier 6 based on my dimension's system. So, you're only not bad. What? Not satisfied?"
"Can say that I am."
"Different dimension, different rules."
"How so?"
"My dimension has a stricter and more hierarchical power system. People start at Tier 0 and go upward after years of hard work and study. Meanwhile, in this place, a Tier 0 human can acquire an artifact or cosmic power that grants them Tier 10, 11, and even more power.
"I see."
Edward could see she was still unhappy, so he continued, "I can tell you you're one of the most talented individuals I have met regarding Combat, even better than my wife, Olivier. The only thing you lack is combat experience."
"How do I lack experience? I fight and train with my sisters every day."
"I'm not talking about training, but life and death battles with powerful enemies."
Diana immediately smiled wryly. "Where would I have a chance on this island?" Besides a few missions or events she participated in in Olympus, most of her battles were against her sisters.
"I can help you with that." A black portal appeared before him, and he took out a helmet.
"What is this?"
"Virtual Reality. You can think of it as a very real illusion where you can choose any opponents to battle."
"That's interesting."
Diana did not hesitate to put it in her head and closed her eyes. Ten minutes later, she opened them with wide eyes, "Where am I? Wasn't I decapitated?"
"The illusion is too real so you will feel slightly disoriented. It will pass."
As clarity loomed over her mind, she looked at the helmet excitedly, "Can I let my sisters use it as well?"
"As you wish."
(AN: We should leave for the Flash in the next chapter.)
Edward had dozens of screens before him and countless papers and scrolls around him. Sometimes, he finds his mind more at peace or refreshing when writing on paper using a pen or pencil. Morgana suddenly appeared next to him.
"What was the result?"
"The same," replied Morgana. "The ship we sent was lost in another timeline and never reached the destination."
Edward groaned. They've tried thousands of tests by now, but the result is the same—the drone or ship sent was lost in the Multiverse.
"Did we at least get some useful data?"
"Yes, but nothing too big."
Edward looked at the data and began to analyze and process the result. He was so glad he first went to the Doctor Who Universe and learned about the Time Vortex and Higher Dimensional Physique. Otherwise, he doubted he would get anywhere with the new navigation system.
Despite his frustration at the situation and desire to leave this world as soon as possible, Edward slightly enjoyed himself because he found a challenge. Plus, the situation allowed him to process all the knowledge he acquired from the Time Lords completely and integrate them into his magic system.
While deep in thought and focusing on his work, he sensed someone flying over, and he knew who it was.
"You seem in a bad mood," said Edward without raising his head.
"It's my mother. She can be so insufferable and stubborn," complained Diana.
"What is it this time?"
"Your prediction was correct. A grand war is rapidly spreading in the world of men. Now that it's in its infancy, it's the perfect time to intervene and stop it. But she refuses to allow me to live, saying things like they were not prepared for my existence. What a bunch of nonsense."
"She's right," said Wang Wei casually.
"What! You're on her side."
"I'm not on anyone's side; I'm just telling you how things are," continued Edward. "The world outside is not yet developed technologically and socially to accept your existence, especially since you're the daughter of Zeus."
It would be fine if this world were the comics or a timeline where many heroes appeared as early as World War I since Diana's presence wouldn't catch so much attention. But now, she might cause more trouble than good.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Do you know the main cause of war in the outside world?"
"Not really."
"It's religion," answered Edward, multitasking with the screens before him. "Despite the current level of technology, human's desire for the divine has never stopped. So, what do you think will happen when Zeus's literal daughter shows up, displaying unimaginable powers?"
Diana did not answer, so Edward answered for her:
"First, people will be happy and celebrate; they've finally found concrete proof of the existence of God. So, they will search for proof from the other Pantheons, and with their current disappearance, no one will find anything. So, they will reject your existence, claiming you're a fraud and a liar."
"But I am not a liar."
"Yes, but that does not matter," explained Edward. "That's how human psychology operates."
Diana thought momentarily, "If what you said truly happens, I would not mind being labeled a liar if I could help the world achieve peace."
"Oh, no, things will only get worse from now on. I won't mention how most governments in the world will want to capture you to study your biology and try to replicate supersoldiers. So, let's focus on the religious aspect.
"Currently, roughly one-third of the human population identifies as Christian; in other words, they are the largest and most powerful of the bunch. Meanwhile, religions like Hellenic Paganism, which worships Zeus and other Olympian Gods, are considered cults or treated as such by much of the world.
"Now, imagine what these people would do knowing the only proof of the Divine in the world claimed she was the daughter of Zeus? They would use your name to rally more believers and spread their name; they would probably claim their Pantheon was the one and only true religion."
"Isn't it easy to just tell the truth?"
"The crux of the issue is it will be your words against many. You may tell the truth, but could the members of your delegation be willing to give up such an opportunity? They only need to secretly spread the news you're a kind individual who does not wish to cause more harm to the world, hence why you're saying this nonsense."
"I think you're being pessimistic," argued Diana. "I can hide my identity and origin."
"True, but humans do not take kindly to the unknown. They will want to know where you came from and how you got your powers," replied Edward. "You could lie and say you're an alien, but that would only bring up another issue: is the human race ready to confront the fact they are now alone in this vast and dangerous universe?
"You could say your power is from some magical power or artifact you accidentally acquired in some unknown place. However, such a lie won't hold much when people do not find such powers or do not find any information about them in any country.
"My point is your involvement with humanity at this time is far from a good idea."
"So, you want me to wait while the world suffers?"
"As cruel as this may sound, humanity must experience certain things before we grow and learn. The aid of any divine being is not a good thing in our early stages of development."
"When can I intervene?"
"In a few decades. By then, threats we were unprepared to deal with will appear, and they will need your help. We will also have evolved enough to accept the existence of the divine without allowing it to crumble our society.
"By then, there will also be many heroes with strength and power that will share a similar mission as you."
"I understand." Diana stayed with Edward for a while but was distracted the entire time. Finally, she flew home as she needed time to calm down and think. A few hours later, Edward received another visitor:
"Queen Hippolyta, what do I owe this visit?" asked Edward while still doing calculations.
"I came to thank you," said the queen. "It's sometimes hard to get through to her, so I'm glad you could make her understand."
"Your problem with communication is because you refuse to see her as nothing more than your little girl. I don't have any biological children, so I cannot comment on your unique relationship, but it's evident that if you could see and treat her as an adult, telling her even the harsh truths and reality, you wouldn't have many problems in your relationship."
The queen was quiet momentarily before saying, "Maybe you're right."
Time passed, and it was soon the year 1925. After more than a decade of trial and error, Edward finally created a Navigation System that used an artificial Time Network to navigate this turbulent Multiverse. Since the city was using its own Time Network, it was no longer affected by the chaotic space-time continuum of this world due to the convergence. He could find his destination even if these timelines constantly moved or changed.
"Can you not stay?" asked Diana.
"I'm afraid not."
The Amazonian Princess sighed, "Will I see you again?"
"I have a place to go, but I will come see you before I return to my dimension."
"Then it's a promise."
Edward smiled before a small wooden box appeared in his hand, "My departing gift."
"You shouldn't have," said Diana, but she still opened the box to see a bracelet. "What does it do?"
"It allows you to convert your pure divine power into elemental divine power, lightning to be precise. Plus, it's also indestructible."
Diana put the bracelet on, and with a thought, a bolt of lightning appeared in her, exactly like her father.
"So, you did figure out the secret of the Lasso."
"Yes, a unique material blessed by the Universe Will. As long as the Multiverse exists, the lasso won't break."
Diana did not understand much of what he said, but she did not focus on that. "So, you've successfully recreated it?"
"In a manner of speaking. I link the artifact to your Lasso. So, as long as nothing happens to the Lasso, nothing will happen to it."
"I love it," she said. "It's unfortunate I did not prepare one for you. How about this: I will return the gift when I see you again."
"Alright, I look forward to it."
Edward said his goodbyes before entering the city and preparing for departure.
"I thought you would try to trick her into going home with you," said Morgana with a look of derision.
"A few nights of romantic passion is more than enough for our romantic relationship." A woman like Diana would never allow herself to play second fiddle to anyone else, so there was no hope in the first place; anyway, he was satisfied with the few moments they shared together and made a great friend.
"Let's go."
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