The surroundings were no longer the neon-drenched future New York, but an unremarkable, gleaming floor. It resembled the metal flooring of a hospital morgue, yet it was so smooth and bright that they could see everyone's reflections.
In every direction the three women looked, there were all kinds of celestial bodies: rotating black holes, shining stars, endlessly orbiting planetary systems, and comets streaking across the sky.
These things remained in view in defiance of common sense, as though deliberately displaying the universe's magnificent scenery. Or perhaps they were simply being used as lighting.
The skeleton withdrew from in front of the dazed Diana and raised a hand to signal a pause, because the main figure had appeared.
Wonder Woman did not understand why, but she did not want to stop fighting. Once an Amazon Warrior engaged an enemy, she sought only a fight to the death, charging forward relentlessly in pursuit of glory.
But before she could launch another charge, the environment around them changed again. The metal floor rippled like water, and structures shaped like a ship's dragon bone emerged from it. The inverted dragon bone formed a roof, followed by walls of every sort appearing from thin air, rapidly assembling like tiles. In the blink of an eye, a house was built, forming a strange metal castle.
It looked somewhat like the Winter Palace, only far more magnificent.
"You came after all."
A voice came from behind them. There was no emotion in its tone; it was simply stating a fact.
Startled by the sound, Diana whirled around. A blue Giant was floating cross-legged behind them, staring expressionlessly at her and the skeleton. The black rings around his eyes looked like makeup.
Who else could it be but Doctor Manhattan?
"Ah, you really weren't easy to find, even