The Eve of Approaching Divinity

Themyscira.

Xi Nian's third day of training on the island concluded as half the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sea as if it were ablaze.

Tomorrow would be the day Diana and Xi Nian departed the island, returning to the human world.

It would also be the day of Themyscira's annual Amazon warrior competition. This had been a long-standing tradition on the island, which valued martial strength. The competition involved a series of challenges, including cross-country running, swimming, horseback riding, archery, and spear throwing, all designed to select the strongest warrior. All the Amazons would gather to watch and celebrate.

Regardless of which event it was, the eve of their departure was destined to make Themyscira feel different from the norm.

As the general Antiope descended from the peak where the training grounds were located, she saw Diana, without her crown and with her black hair unbound, standing at the crossroads leading to her home.

"Your Highness Diana!" Antiope was about to offer a salute, but Diana stepped forward first.

Like a little girl from before, Diana took her arm and, with a slightly mischievous twinkle in her eye, said, "Antiope, how about we take a walk?"

"You," Antiope felt a touch of helplessness towards her, but more so affection, and nodded without hesitation.

As night fell, the two arrived at the cliff beside the training grounds.

Diana said, "Antiope, thank you for your training and guidance of Xi Nian these past few days."

"It was nothing. Teaching him is no different from teaching any other Amazon," Antiope shook her head and said gravely, "Have you truly made up your mind? To leave Themyscira once more tomorrow and return to the outside human world?"

Antiope raised an eyebrow, displeased, "It's only been three days, that boy has only learned a fraction of everything. For him to become a true warrior, he needs much more time to hone his skills..."

Diana suddenly chuckled, saying, "Antiope. Weren't you very reluctant to teach him at first? Now, why do you want to teach him more? It's like how you secretly trained me when I was a child."

Antiope remained noncommittal, "I admit. He does possess some talent in learning and combat. It's a shame, though, that he ultimately has the physique of an ordinary human. No matter how much he trains, it will only improve his ability to protect himself."

Diana replied, "As long as there's a foundation, that's enough."

"Could it be..." Antiope inexplicably recalled the strange scene from three days ago when Xi Nian suddenly reversed the situation.

Antiope pondered for a moment, then looked at Diana and said, "Your mother, is she not planning to summon him yet? Now, compared to a few days ago, some of the Amazons have gradually begun to acknowledge him."

"That's not enough," Diana's beautiful eyes sparkled.

She asked, "Antiope, could you help me with one more thing?"

"Your Highness Diana, please speak," Antiope nodded solemnly.

Diana said, "I want to register Xi Nian for the warrior competition tomorrow morning."

"What did you say?!" Antiope momentarily suspected she had misheard, her face filled with shock.

She quickly understood.

If Xi Nian could perform exceptionally in the warrior competition, he could instantly gain the recognition of most Amazons. Moreover, the Amazon Queen would be present at the competition venue to watch the entire event.

However, putting aside the fact that Xi Nian was just a human boy, even if he possessed the strength to defeat her three days prior, he would be unlikely to distinguish himself in the competition. In fact, the possibility of him embarrassing himself was even higher.

After all.

Tomorrow's competition wouldn't be about one-on-one combat, but a comprehensive display of physical fitness and skills!

"Your Highness, you'll ruin yourself by doing this!" Antiope couldn't help but exclaim.

She wasn't worried about Xi Nian's performance tomorrow, but rather that Diana and Xi Nian's fates were now intertwined; one's success or failure would affect the other!

Having a human boy who had only trained for three days compete against the most valiant and powerful Amazon warriors was a scenario even Antiope found difficult to imagine!

"It's decided then."

Diana said this softly but with certainty, then turned and left, leaving Antiope standing alone in stunned silence.

Inside the ancient circular structure.

Xi Nian sat on the bed in the main hall, awaiting the arrival of Diana's aunt.

His aunt's nightly rewards had sustained him through the rigorous training during the day. After all, who could resist a hug from a Wonder Woman-like figure?

Furthermore, the rewards were different each night.

The difference lay in his aunt's attire.

On the first day his aunt came to visit, she wore golden royal attire, like a noble and elegant deity.

It made Xi Nian feel as though even moving a finger would be sacrilege.

On the second day, when his aunt appeared, she had changed into a white, knee-length Greek-style dress.

She looked pure and beautiful, like a white peony.

The simple, soft fabric of the sheer dress felt entirely different from the elaborate royal garments.

As for the third night, which was last night.

His aunt wore the fitted top and leather skirt she commonly used during training. The tight-fitting top only covered the upper half of her torso, revealing a healthy and well-formed waist with its smooth curves.

Therefore.

Although the first three nights had involved simple hugs, there was an indescribable difference between them.

Xi Nian felt a surge of anticipation and warmth. At that moment, familiar footsteps echoed from the corridor.

He looked up.

He saw Diana wearing the red armor skirt she used for combat tonight, the attire she donned when she transformed into a superhero. Strapped to her back were her signature weapons: a longsword and a round shield.

"Aunt, are we leaving Themyscira?" Xi Nian quickly stood up and asked curiously.

"No, we'll depart after tomorrow morning," Diana said, looking straight at him. "Tomorrow morning, you will participate in the Amazonian warrior competition."

"Okay," Xi Nian agreed readily.

"Do you know what the warrior competition is?" Diana raised her spirited eyebrows.

Xi Nian shrugged and answered frankly, "I've vaguely heard some things from the female warriors, but I'm not entirely clear on the specifics."

"You don't even know the details, and you agreed?" Diana came closer to Xi Nian, cupping his face with her left hand as she asked.

Xi Nian smiled. "If Aunt arranged it, there must be a reason for it."

"It's settled then," Diana said confidently. "Tomorrow, you not only have to participate, but you also have to find a way to win first place."

"That might be... a bit difficult?" Xi Nian's confidence was severely lacking. Although he didn't know much about the competition, he knew it was a competitive gladiatorial match among the female warriors.

"What if it's like this?" Diana said, suddenly lowering her proud head.

"Huh?!"

Xi Nian's pupils contracted as if the universe were collapsing. He could clearly smell the faint scent of violets nearby, and a wonderfully warm sensation came from his slightly dry lips.

"Mmm—"

Xi Nian's eyes widened gradually. Staring at the stunningly beautiful face so close to his, his eyes abruptly shifted to a divine, icy silver!

He placed his hands on her familiar slender waist. His black hair began to turn an unreal silver, growing wildly and falling onto his shoulders!

In that moment, Xi Nian seemed to experience an awakening. Surging, formless demigod power radiated outwards, shaking off some dust from a Mother Box not far away!

Ability, Lord of Kin.

It was triggered!