Marvel : New Son Rising

You might think the next twist would be the female warrior, moved by Clark's conviction, acknowledging his willingness to protect others. But this isn't a heroic legend.

No one simply agrees with another because of a single statement or for getting back up after being knocked down, especially not the warlike and competitive Amazons.

Clark's words didn't earn her respect; instead, they infuriated her. He, weaker than her, had actually given up using his sword during training, choosing only a shield. His reason? He didn't want to hurt her? What was the difference between this and an ant declaring it was worried about stepping on you, so it would just wait for you to leave first?

More than the firm will Clark showed, the female warrior saw contempt. While Clark certainly didn't intend to disrespect her, his action was a blow to her pride. So, instead of gaining her recognition, Clark was met with a relentless, storm-like assault from the warrior.

She was stronger and faster. At this moment, Clark was no match for her in any way. He could only grip his shield tightly, feeling that if he relaxed even slightly, his only protection would be ripped from his grasp.

A Mentor's Observation

Watching from the shadows, Wonder Woman shook her head. She understood Clark's thinking better than the Amazon warriors who had always lived on Paradise Island. She had fought countless times alongside Superman, who possessed the same boundless kindness, and had even argued with him over this very compassion, which often seemed out of place in their world.

Clark was right; there was nothing wrong with a person sticking to their beliefs. Wonder Woman could only conclude that Clark was still too young. He didn't truly grasp the Amazon race or the personalities of the warriors living on Paradise Island.

They were proud, with absolute confidence in their honed martial arts. This confidence and self-esteem meant everything to them. Not even Superman himself would say "I will protect you" in front of them.

He knew he could do it, but saying it to their faces would provoke these warriors to fight him out of sheer pride, even if their strength paled in comparison. Both were Supermen, one even called the God of Earth, yet they dared to risk their lives. What's more, Clark was just a boy who hadn't known he was a Kryptonian a week ago?

Wonder Woman had already slipped away, heading quickly to the Fortress of Solitude to regroup with Superman and the others.

The Unyielding Spirit

Meanwhile, Clark continued to endure the female warrior's merciless onslaught. Aside from avoiding fatal blows, the sharp sword's other attacks seemed to have no effect. Several times, Clark thought he'd soon lose an arm or even a leg. Even when he managed to dodge those crippling strikes, the sword still left deep, bone-visible scars on his body.

"What's wrong? You don't want to hurt me, do you? But look at yourself now! You can't even protect yourself, how dare you say that to me!" the female warrior roared. Yet, as she watched Clark show no resistance, she gradually grew bored.

In her next attack, she used her own shield to crash into Clark's. Unlike a sword slash, a shield collision was a pure test of strength. The stronger warrior successfully knocked Clark backward, and he was about to fall. But faster than gravity was her next move. With a flick of her sword, Clark's shield flew from his hand, and at the same time, a deep scar appeared on the back of his hand.

Bang!

Finally, another shield impact. This time, without his shield, Clark's chest took a direct hit. The sound of cracking bones echoed in his mind, followed by intense pain. He flew backward dozens of meters, slammed into the arena wall, and collapsed. The thrown shield landed conveniently by his hand.

"Boring... In the end, you still can't stand up, can you?" The female warrior believed she had found Clark's limit with that last attack. Such a blow almost guaranteed unconsciousness, with no chance of waking up.

Just as she was about to leave and check on him later, the sound of the metal shield hitting the ground drew her attention. She turned to find Clark had once again leaned on his shield and painstakingly stood up.

"Oh? It seems that nonsense you spoke wasn't just empty words." The weapon she had just sheathed was drawn again, and the female warrior returned to the center of the battlefield. By now, she had mostly calmed down after pummeling Clark. She also noticed his eyes—a pure gaze, filled with kindness.

"Excuse me, what is your name?" The female warrior hadn't expected Clark, who had risen again purely through willpower, not to attack immediately but to ask such an unrelated question.

"What? You want my name so you can come back for revenge in a few years when you've become a true Superman?" Sarcastic words almost spilled out.

But after she noticed Clark's clear eyes again, and the kindness in them devoid of any resentment, she regretted her thought. An inexplicable guilt filled her heart. Now I have only one thought in my mind: I deserve to die.

"No, I won't seek revenge. I just want to thank you. Thank you for training me. Thank you for making me see my shortcomings. It was my mistake for not considering your feelings."

The female warrior paused, then began to laugh. "So, you little brat, you were still thinking about me even when you were being attacked and in such pain?"

She lifted her head. It had to be said, Clark had succeeded. He had proven his will with his actions. In the eyes of these Amazon warriors, getting back up after being knocked down was nothing; every skilled warrior could do it. As long as they weren't dead, they wouldn't give up fighting.

But she realized she couldn't be as kind as Clark. He still considered his opponent, even when suffering, even with gods threatened, even though her attacks could truly cause him lifelong disability and ruin his future.

She admitted it; she acknowledged Clark's unrealistic kindness and was willing to work hard for his idealistic vision. She knew he was a Kryptonian and would soon grow to be stronger than her. But as long as she could, she would teach this child everything she knew. He would become a powerful warrior and a great hero, she was sure of it.

Thinking this, she picked up her sword again and walked towards Clark. A new round of training was about to begin.

"You want to know my name? Then wait until you can truly conquer me with your shield in hand!"