Stan Edgar's attitude had taken a complete 180.
Standing beside Wonder Woman, Annie leaned closer and whispered, "You didn't see how he was before—like a totally different person. The more I look at him now, the more disgusting he seems."
Diana shrugged. "That's pretty common, Annie. What's uncommon is the change I see in you, sister."
"I learned a lot on Themyscira, especially while training with you…" Annie looked slightly embarrassed. "I have a small request."
Wonder Woman smiled. "Go ahead. I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best to help."
She, too, had seen from the Quiz Game that Annie received a reward linked to her. It was a strange feeling.
At first, Diana had been surprised—and honestly, a little uncomfortable.
In the past, the Quiz Game often gave players the legacies or powers of notable individuals from other universes. They'd all gotten used to that. But when the one being passed on was you, it felt…odd. Like a part of yourself was being used as a prize or product to be handed out.
She, Bruce, Tony, and the other veteran players had even talked about this. After all, it was her this time, but who knew who would be next?
Still, after thinking it through, she came to terms with it. Annie was clearly a good-hearted person, so the inheritance hadn't been wasted.
In the future footage from Annie's world, she didn't really have many heroic moments. Her only real "spotlight" scene was, unfortunately, tied to her workplace harassment scandal.
Yet, compared to the other members of the Seven, she still stood out like a pure lotus in muddy water.
That had earned Diana's goodwill right from the start. So this time, she took the initiative to talk to Annie.
Annie didn't know any of this. She nervously twisted her fingers and said, "Diana… may I call you 'teacher'?"
Wonder Woman chuckled. "Do you know why I came to find you? Funny enough, we were thinking the same thing."
She'd come with the intention of mentoring Annie—to help her better understand and wield the power of the Amazons of Themyscira.
Annie's eyes lit up. She was beyond thrilled. "I'm so grateful for the Quiz Game. Without it, I never would've met you. And… the future looked like such a mess."
"Not many players speak so kindly about the Quiz Game," Diana said as she patted Annie's shoulder. "But for your world, its arrival really was a blessing."
Annie glanced ahead at Stan Edgar, who was still talking non-stop while leading the group. She made a face. "Well, he doesn't think so."
"That's why we're here," Diana said with a shrug. "I believe Bruce and the others can convince them to make the right choice."
Later, the group sat down for a meal in the building's cafeteria.
Aside from Annie and Diana, most of the others were still deep in thought, including Hughie.
After checking in with his father, Hughie walked over with a glass of juice and sat beside Annie and Diana. "Hey there. You're with the Multiverse Defenders, right? Thor mentioned you guys. Uh… do you know where Butcher went?"
Annie looked to Diana, who paused in thought before replying, "Not exactly. He and Thor were likely sent directly to a mission world. One of our sorceresses is already searching for them. If we get any updates, we'll let you know."
Hughie nodded, then added, "By the way, my dad, Annie's mom, Frenchie's friends, and MM's family all got picked up. But Butcher's only got his wife's sister here. Could you maybe ask Vought about his wife?"
Annie's expression turned serious. "Yeah, I almost forgot. Butcher's wife is innocent—she was a victim. We don't know how she's doing right now."
"No need to worry," Diana reassured them. "In fact, she's completely safe. We rescued her before the Quiz Game even started."
Both Annie and Hughie were surprised. Annie blinked. "Wait—you were here even before the game began?"
Diana nodded. "Yes. In the previous round—actually, two rounds ago—a younger player failed the game and was assigned a punishment mission. He was sent to this world."
"And his mission target… was Becca Butcher's son. We were worried something might happen to the boy, so we came and took both him and Becca to safety."
She kept the explanation simple and concise.
Hughie exhaled in relief. "Butcher's gonna be so happy when he finds out."
Just then, some noise broke out at Frenchie and MM's table. People were rushing to the large windows, looking down at the street below.
Hughie's dad called out, "The Secretary of State is here!"
Diana stood up. "Seems like he's here for us. Annie, stay here and keep chatting with everyone. I'll come find you afterward."
"Okay, teacher. Good luck." Annie took a deep breath and added, "If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to let me know."
"Thank you, I will." Diana gave her a reassuring smile and patted her head before turning to Annie's mother. "You've raised a fine daughter. It's time to let her live her own life."
The older woman could only respond with an awkward but polite smile.
Diana made her way to the conference room, where Bruce and the others were already waiting.
The Ancient One sat at the head of the table. On her right were Steve and Bruce, with an open seat left for Diana. Tony sat to Steve's left, casually playing poker with JARVIS and trying to rope Diana into a game. She politely declined.
Nick Fury had gone out to personally greet the arriving delegation.
The Secretary of State arrived with a sizable entourage—advisors, government officials, and aides—all of them looking deadly serious.
After some brief formalities, Fury introduced everyone, starting with the Ancient One. He laid it on thick, calling her "Earth's Guardian," "Light of Civilization," "Vanguard Against the Dark Dimension"—and a whole list of honorary titles.
The Ancient One merely smiled in silence. Inwardly, she was probably rolling her eyes. One title was enough: Former Sorcerer Supreme.
Still, she understood the political theater of it all. So she said nothing more, quietly playing her role as the symbolic "figurehead."
Fury handled the negotiations, while Bruce and Steve chimed in strategically. Tony mostly entertained himself with cards. Diana, ever poised, ignored his invitation to join and focused on the discussion.
The talks had begun.
....
T/N: yo guys where is the support for the new fic. It's already there look.