Diamond Moon.
A planet composed of crystallized carbon and oxygen, it had been hurled back from the stars by Bardi to serve as Earth's current moon.
This moon, more beautiful than ever, had become the new favorite of Earth's people.
Now, on the surface of the Diamond Moon, a faint, cool fluorescence shone gently.
Here, the moon served as the first line of defense in outer space battles. It was fortified with particle-compressed war strongholds and high-tech metals. Kryptonian warriors, human super-soldiers, and Phantom Zone prisoners now loyal to Barmulodi made up the legion under General Ott's command, guarding the frontlines of the Barmulodi Empire.
Not far from the Diamond Moon loomed another planet-scale war zone.
It was the Warworld, ruled by Mongul.
Mongul was a tyrant of the cosmos, known for recklessly driving his planetary mobile fortress, Warworld, across galaxies. He led tens of millions of slaves in campaigns to conquer alien worlds and entertained himself with gladiator battles among captured warriors.
In Warworld's massive arena, warriors and slaves from across the universe fought daily in brutal, blood-soaked battles, a spectacle that pleased Mungo.
Mongul possessed the strength to destroy stars and rampage across the universe. Even Brainiac, with his hyper-advanced tech-planet, avoided direct conflict with Warworld, knowing it would end in mutual destruction.
Both had set their sights on Earth.
After a probing attack, Brainiac had grown wary of Earth's defense terminal, Hera, and retreated to Mars, where he began terraforming in preparation for a second attempt.
Mongul, however, chose a direct assault. But his advance was halted by General Ott and the lunar defense corps, resulting in a standoff near the moon.
This day.
From Warworld, a massive army of slave warriors surged into space, arriving with Mongul at the front.
Mongul wore a battle suit resembling toughened leather. Nearly three meters tall, his yellow skin was wrinkled like ancient bark. His aura was wild and brutal, and he grinned with the crazed confidence of a man who feared nothing.
At his side was a single guard with a rough face, his mouth curled into a mocking smirk. The rest of the army remained in space as the two stepped onto the Diamond Moon.
"Mongul, what are you doing here?"
General Ott's expression was grim as he emerged from the moon's command center. His presence radiated a battle-hardened aura. He summoned the full power of the legion, angled the artillery, and readied fighters, all locking on to Mongul.
"Ott, I admire you. Become my subordinate."
Mongul's yellow, wrinkled skin exuded an ancient aura. He grinned broadly, looking at Ott with admiration.
Despite having an army five times smaller than Mongul's, Ott had defended Earth with flawless precision. He used the moon as a strategic defense point, managing to pin Warworld in orbit. To Mongul, he was a rare talent.
"The Barmulodi Empire does not surrender."
General Ott stood firm on the moon's surface. His combat cloak flapped behind him. His face was resolute and fearless.
Behind him, silence fell. Cold muzzles were trained on Mungo, and countless angry eyes glared with focused rage.
Mongul's gaze grew more admiring. His massive white teeth gleamed in a wide grin, his lips curling with an exaggerated smile.
"Hahahahahaha..."
His booming laughter echoed across the Diamond Moon, sending shockwaves across the surface. The intense pressure and terrifying aura surged from his body, causing Ott's cloak to whip wildly in the wind.
But Ott stood like a stone pillar in a storm. Though battered by pressure, his body remained unshaken. He stared coldly at Mungo.
"Let's have a gladiator match, Ott."
Mongul grinned savagely.
"Battle my warriors in the arena. If you win, I'll leave Earth alone for a hundred years. I won't invade during that time."
"If you lose, become my subordinate."
Mongul's massive body swelled with power, his muscles straining against his battle suit. His voice curled with amusement.
"Your master has disappeared into the universe. He's proven his incompetence and no longer deserves your loyalty."
Mongul deeply respected Ott, who had managed to block Warworld's advance. He saw a shared love of war, a shared thirst for battle. In his eyes, Ott was a ruthless, worthy opponent.
"Unfortunately for you, His Majesty Barmulodi has returned."
"Your words have already signed your death warrant. You will be buried in the stars."
"The majesty of Barmulodi cannot be desecrated."
Ott's face turned brutal, his eyes flashing with killing intent. Behind him, the legion radiated murderous fury. They glared at Mongul with bloodshot eyes.
"Mongul, I accept your challenge. I will present the most glorious gladiatorial match to welcome His Majesty Barmulodi's return."
"Hahaha… interesting."
"I look forward to watching your blood spill at my feet!"
Mongul laughed without fear. His eyes still held admiration, but it was mixed with cruelty and dominance. After meeting Ott's gaze, he turned and walked away with his guard.
Even if the Earth's emperor had returned, Mongul wasn't afraid. He had rampaged through the universe for countless years without concern. Very few beings earned his respect, and Barmulodi was not among them.
Mongul's guard turned to leave, his face twisted in disdain. Displeased by Ott's dog-like loyalty, he spat.
With a rough cough, he gathered phlegm in his throat and spat it directly onto the moon's surface before following Mongul.
The arrogant act enraged the legionnaires. Their eyes flared red as they watched Mungo and his guard walk away.
"Come here."
General Ott's expression was cold and merciless as he beckoned.
A soldier approached quickly, face flushed with anger.
"General, should we open fire?"
"No."
"Place a small energy shield over the spit to preserve it. Don't let the nutrients escape."
"When we finish the gladiator match for His Majesty, I'll make him eat it."
Ott's voice was ice cold and laced with cruelty. His eyes locked on the departing Mungo and his brute of a guard.
The majesty of Barmulodi could not be insulted. Spitting was an act of defiance that would be punished.
The soldier standing beside Ott was shaken with awe. Fury boiled in his chest, his heartbeat racing, face flushed red as he shouted in affirmation.
"Yes!"
(To be continued.)