Growth in Despair

"Lies." Diana's gaze was razor-sharp.

"The Amazons exist to protect humanity. Your lies cannot shake me, Ares."

Ares smiled dismissively. "You are as naive as I once was."

Long ago, Ares had believed, like Diana, that humanity was a wonderful race.

But he had witnessed far too much.

War, plunder, deception... Since humanity first appeared, conflict had never ceased.

After disappointment upon disappointment,

Ares had completely rejected humanity.

He believed that once Diana truly understood humanity, she would change sides just as he had.

Ares gazed toward the interior of Themyscira.

After Antiope sounded the horn, Queen Hippolyta had already led the warriors charging over on horseback.

Even from afar, clouds of yellow sand could be seen flying into the sky.

Ares's eyes turned cold for an instant.

He said blandly, "You brought me to Themyscira. I had originally intended to reduce this place to ashes."

"But Diana, you have given me a great surprise. You possess tremendous potential. We should join forces."

He looked at Diana. "Since you still harbor such naive fantasies about humanity, go see the human world for yourself."

"When you see humanity's true face clearly, you will eventually join me."

"Today, I will give you and Themyscira a chance. The next time we meet will be when you give me your answer."

Wearing a wool trench coat, Ares elegantly put on his top hat and slowly rose into the air.

His command of divine power far surpassed Diana's. Hovering flight was merely the most basic technique to him.

Ares clearly intended to leave.

But Diana could not possibly let him "escape."

"You can't leave!" Diana untied the rope from her waist, expertly hurled it out, and bound Ares's ankle.

It was not the Lasso of Truth, but it was still an exceptionally sturdy hemp rope.