Drift Of The Multiverse: [Marvel] [Resident Evil] [DC] [Bleach] [DB]

Chapter 61: Chapter 61



Almost instantly, the atmosphere turned tense.

Hippolyta's hand moved instinctively to the hilt of her sword, her posture shifting slightly. Though her armor appeared ornamental, it was far from ceremonial. The blade at her waist was no mere decoration, it was a weapon meant to defend.

"Darkseid?" she asked, her tone sharp, her gaze fixed on Ethan.

Darkseid. The name alone was enough to send shivers down the spine. Known throughout the multiverse, the dark monarch brought annihilation wherever he went. His forces had once clashed with the Amazons, and though the women of Paradise Island had managed to repel his minions, it had been a bloody and costly victory.

The memory lingered, a grim reminder that Earth had long been on Darkseid's radar. The mother box safeguarded by the Amazons was one of the keys to protecting the planet from his grasp or so Hippolyta believed. But it was also a beacon that could draw his forces. If Ethan was here to scout for it on behalf of Darkseid, it would explain his sudden appearance and his interest in energy.

Ethan sighed, frustrated by the direction the conversation had taken. "No, I have nothing to do with that guy," he said, waving his hands in exasperation.

He couldn't believe his offhand comment about needing energy had led to such a misunderstanding. If this escalated into a conflict, the training time he had painstakingly secured would be ruined.

"My earlier words had no hidden meaning," he explained. "I was just pointing out that my magic requires immense energy to improve, but I have no intention of seeking that energy from you or your people."

Hippolyta's grip on her sword didn't loosen. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she studied Ethan's face, searching for any sign of deception.

"Are you certain you know nothing about it?" she asked coldly.

"I promise you, if I did, it wouldn't matter," Ethan replied helplessly. "And if I didn't know, you'd still be suspicious."

Ethan forced a weak smile, but the situation felt anything but humorous. If he could rewind time like Doctor Strange with the Eye of Agamotto, he would have already undone the entire conversation.

Hippolyta's stance shifted slightly, her weight balanced, her body ready to strike at a moment's notice. "How do you know about the mother box?" she asked, her voice low and dangerous.

Ethan exhaled deeply. He couldn't backtrack now. "I am a magician capable of traveling the multiverse," he explained carefully. "I've gathered knowledge about many worlds. Once I realized which world this was, I could connect the dots to what I already knew."

To reinforce his explanation, he added, "For example, I know about the conflict between you and Ares. I even know Diana's true nature and her role in all of this."

That last statement struck a nerve. Hippolyta visibly tensed, her hand tightening on her sword. Every time Diana was mentioned, the Amazon queen's composure wavered.

"How do you know that? No—what else do you know?"

Ethan raised a placating hand. "I know that Diana is the key to defeating Ares. But you don't want her to face that danger."

Seeing Hippolyta's agitation, he quickly added, "But I have no interest in meddling with Diana or with… that artifact. Honestly, even if I wanted it, I'm not powerful enough to use it. Trying to claim it would just bring trouble upon myself."

Hippolyta's grip on her sword loosened, if only slightly. Ethan took a quiet breath of relief. As long as the situation de-escalated, he wouldn't have to spend the next month dodging Amazon warriors.

"You truly aren't one of Darkseid's pawns?" Hippolyta asked again, her voice still laced with doubt.

"Do I look like I work for him?" Ethan spread his hands. "Think about it. What would Darkseid do if he discovered the mother box's location?"

Hippolyta didn't answer immediately. She knew the answer all too well.

Darkseid wasn't the type to rely on subtlety or subterfuge. If he wanted something, he would send his forces to take it—openly and brutally. If his subordinates failed, he would come himself to obliterate any resistance.

Conspiracies and mind games? Darkseid had no need for such tactics. His overwhelming power rendered them unnecessary.

And as for sending Ethan to confirm the mother box's location? That made no sense either. The mother box had its own tracking mechanism. It could open a Boom Tube, an interdimensional gateway that disregarded spatial distance. If Darkseid wanted it, he wouldn't need to scout for it in such a roundabout way.

Hippolyta didn't completely understand the situation, but she knew one thing—if Darkseid became aware of Earth, he would act immediately. And now, thanks to Ethan, she couldn't forget that fact.

Understanding this, Hippolyta's trust in Ethan rose slightly.

"So, you didn't come to Paradise Island to take that thing…"

"Of course not," Ethan replied calmly.

Hippolyta was silent for a moment before looking at Ethan again. Then, without another word, she turned and walked away in a hurry, as though wrestling with some internal conflict.

Ethan waited until Hippolyta disappeared from sight before turning around and wandering aimlessly through the forest, pretending to search for something, mainly as an excuse when questioned by Diana.

When he returned, Diana was practicing basic combat movements under Arthur's guidance.

Diana's talent was truly exceptional. In such a short amount of time, her sword techniques had become sharp and precise. Compared to Ethan's own clumsy beginnings, her progress was staggering.

Arthur caught sight of Ethan and silently questioned him with a glance. Ethan's helpless expression said it all.

Sensing the tension, Arthur gestured toward some food nearby. "Diana and I have already eaten. That's your breakfast." At the same time, his gaze asked if the situation was serious.

Ethan subtly signaled back, "Don't worry," before sitting down to eat. Once he was done, he went back to reinforcing the small wooden house they were staying in. He didn't leave Paradise Island immediately with Arthur, nor did he act anxious.

Now wasn't the time to flee, it would only make him look guilty. If he stayed calm and carried on as usual, Hippolyta's suspicions might eventually fade. Right now, he needed to be steady.

For the next few days, life for Ethan and Arthur was peaceful and uneventful. They stayed on the island for nearly a month without any incidents.

During this time, Diana continued her daily lessons with Arthur, training in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat.

She progressed at an astonishing rate. What had started as fumbling beginner's moves had transformed into sharp, practiced techniques. She could now spar with Arthur on equal footing, a development that left even Arthur stunned.

"Is this what it means to have divine blood?" Arthur muttered to himself, unable to hide his amazement.

Ethan had known from the start how powerful Diana could become, so he wasn't particularly shocked. Arthur, on the other hand, was seeing this kind of rapid growth for the first time and was struggling to wrap his head around it.

"First, advanced technology I didn't think existed, and now the raw potential of demigods…" Arthur sighed, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of what he had witnessed recently.

Recognizing Arthur's confusion, Ethan stepped in to reassure him. "Look at me," he said, clapping Arthur on the shoulder. "I don't have even half your talent, but I'm still managing just fine. You have to believe in your future. Who says normal people can't surpass demigods?"

Arthur gave him a doubtful look, so Ethan added with a grin, "We're bound to visit all sorts of incredible worlds in the future. Who knows? Maybe you'll stumble upon some life-changing opportunity and end up stronger than Diana one day."

The idea made Arthur laugh. "Stronger than Diana? I'd be unstoppable."

"That's right," Ethan teased. "If that happens, you could walk into any world like you own the place. Even if your entire Knights of the Round Table rebelled, they wouldn't stand a chance against you."

Arthur chuckled but quickly sobered. "Thank you," he said earnestly.

Despite being so young, Arthur had a strong mind. His momentary confusion gave way to clarity after Ethan's words.

"I won't chase after power for its own sake," Arthur said thoughtfully. "If I can't become as strong as Diana, that's fine. All I want is to be a good king."

His words were mature, the mark of someone beginning to understand true leadership. Ethan noted that this was something Merlin had always wanted Arthur to grasp but the Arthur from the original timeline never had.

And that was understandable. The original Arthur had always been confident in his strength. Though some members of the Round Table were stronger than him, the difference was small. His personal power had always been sufficient to back his authority.

This Arthur, however, had grown up witnessing feats and powers that completely shattered his worldview. As a result, he no longer held the same unwavering belief in the supremacy of individual strength.

Merlin, if he could see this, would no doubt be thrilled by Arthur's transformation.

As Ethan mulled over what the future might hold for Arthur, Hippolyta appeared before him again, catching him off guard.

"I want you to come with me to see that thing," she said, her tone serious. "I want to know if it can help with your teleportation magic."

***

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