"Doing this will disrupt Earth's current order. Once metahumans become widespread, have you considered the consequences?" Batman, who'd been observing from nearby, voiced strong opposition.
Thea's expression didn't change. She'd anticipated Batman's objection. In fact, she'd spent days deliberating over bringing magic to humanity.
Humans were different from the New Gods. The New Gods had lofty, noble goals and would die heroically for them. Earth people, lacking reverence and spiritual anchors... well, that was another story.
The spread of magic would definitely generate negative incidents. Conflicts between original Earth people and New Continent people, conflicts between magic wielders and governments, breaking the existing class structure to add a new one—possibly even a ruling class. From a sociological perspective, it definitely wasn't good.
She could block this continent's magical energy at the source. Forget newborns—even high-level mages couldn't absorb a trace of magic under her seal.
After repeated consideration, though, she abandoned that idea.
The children of the powerful and influential would reach new heights, but the far more numerous ordinary people's children would have the same opportunity. Overall, it was fairly fair.
To attract those in power to bring everything they owned and come to the New Continent wholeheartedly, she had to open magic to them. Magic's allure was completely irresistible. Even knowing they'd be gambling everything, they'd still come.
"Bruce, I'm fully aware of your concerns. Do you think I'm not worried? My mother, my brother—both could be harmed because of this. I don't want extraordinary powers to spread either, but the scenarios you're predicting would take at least ten years, maybe twenty. I don't have the energy to worry about things that might happen that far in the future."
"We only have six months, maybe less than a year. If Earth doesn't unite all the forces it can, and the population drops from seven billion to eighty million—wouldn't that outcome be even harder to accept?"
"What do you think we should do? Mobilize the power of democracy to resist Darkseid? Have Congress vote on what moves we superheroes should use in battle? Those few people need to see profit in it before they'll mobilize all their resources. You can't reason with them—it's all about interests." Thea spoke with bitter sarcasm.
"Just yesterday, some Pentagon personnel proposed establishing a Mars outpost. An outpost? How laughable. They want to run. My mother shut them all down."
Batman was somewhat at a loss for words. Even with his brilliant mind, he couldn't escape this paradox. He was past forty, long past the age of hot-blooded idealism. He'd seen the faces of those in power too many times.
Thea continued, "I'll probably die. Superman will die. You'll likely die too. If we're all gone, perhaps the children born here in these six months will become the main resistance force of the future."
Without waiting for Batman's agreement, she went on. "Initially, we'll use the holographic simulation excuse for migration, but people aren't stupid. I estimate the truth will be exposed within a month. I need the news media controlled by Wayne Corporation to cooperate with publicity."
Batman gave her an odd look. Did I agree to this? I'm not your secretary.
Thea's next statement made his teeth itch with frustration. "This is the government's decision. If you need it, my mother can also sign a presidential order."
Is the government your family business? Batman suppressed his anger, barely refraining from asking that question. A direct government order left him with no good options.
Thea's lovely nose made a sound like a snort. When dealing with someone like Batman who had extensive holdings, government orders worked better than legendary magic.
Late that night, the two women lay in bed. Diana asked with some disbelief, "What you told Batman during the day—wasn't that too pessimistic? I think Highfather is unimaginably powerful. Can't he resist Darkseid?"
Thea burrowed her head into Diana's embrace. The soft feeling was wonderful. After becoming a goddess, Diana had developed in the directions of smooth, soft, and fair. Plus being a size larger than Thea, the comfort was indescribable.
"Ah! You only saw Highfather's strength, not Darkseid's cunning. Highfather is too rule-abiding. We can't place all our hopes on him." Thea sighed, then pinched a certain cherry.
Diana was somewhat annoyed. Being playful at such a serious time—her left hand formed a claw shape and grabbed back fiercely.
Miss Queen couldn't help but cry out.
"Our divine power recovers too slowly. I don't feel like my combat ability has improved much from before." Diana swatted away the wandering hand on her chest.
Thea restrained herself a bit, her interest waning. "No choice. Rest a few days, absorb the trace elements in the air, and magical power recovers. Divine power is different from magical power—it's notoriously slow to recover. That's why the New Gods rest for a century or more after one battle. Divine power recovers slowly."
"Part of Darkseid's reason for attacking before fully recovering is this, right? He has more godhoods, so his total divine power naturally recovers faster than mine. Even fighting with a split body, he has a high probability of winning. That's his real purpose."
Thea understood clearly. The evil overlord's scheme was an open conspiracy, but she still had to engage.
Highfather giving her the Literary Arts godhood that day served two purposes: rewarding her achievements and helping her recover faster.
With four godhoods—large, medium, and small—plus Diana, Superman, and the Martian Manhunter as allies, she could barely fight Darkseid's split body.
Sensing her lover's low mood, Diana's jade-like fingers gently caressed down from her chest, along the smooth, delicate abdomen, past the round navel, then continued downward.
To hell with Darkseid! Thea held Diana's chin with one hand and kissed her directly. Attack where the enemy must defend—with both hands in play, her other hand wasn't idle either, counterattacking.
"What are the odds you can beat me?" Diana's eyes rippled with desire, ready to overflow.
"Fifty-fifty..."
Whether the battle truly was fifty-fifty, only the two goddesses knew.
At dawn, Diana went to practice martial arts alone. Divine power increased extremely slowly. She needed to familiarize herself with every subtle change in her body under the enhancement of godhood and divine power.
Thea sat in her office sighing. She had a pile of godhoods, each emphasizing different aspects—agility, intelligence, wisdom—but not one that added stamina.
After battling all night, her four godhoods couldn't quite withstand Diana's two. This simply wouldn't do!
However, at a certain indescribable peak during the "battle," she suddenly thought of a new use for the Literary Arts godhood...
Earth definitely couldn't train mages now. Spell Breakers, Soul Walkers—all impossible. But they could train bards!
The entertainment industry here was so developed, artists everywhere. Just grab a few, have them learn on the New Continent, utilize their professional skills—singing songs, playing instruments, creating art in battle—all could significantly boost combat power.
However, the initial, middle, and even later-stage work couldn't rely on her to negotiate. First, she was busy. Second... it didn't look good.
Thea quickly wrote her requirements on a sticky note, then called in her secretary and handed it to her.
"Arrange for all my film companies, entertainment companies, and talent agencies to select people according to my requirements."
The secretary looked at the note and was somewhat stunned. "I understand looking for Hollywood stars, but you want people from the San Fernando Valley too?"