Chapter 87: Chapter 72. Tough Outside Soft Inside
Kyoto, Japan
Under the gentle glow of the moonlight, a couple strolled down the picturesque streets of Kyoto. The soft rustle of their matching white kimonos complemented the serene ambiance, a clear sign to the world that they belonged to each other.
The man, Satria, walked with a calm confidence, while the woman, Kiyohime, clung affectionately to his arm. Tonight was theirs, a rare moment of solitude away from the bustling chaos of their lives.
"It's been a while since we had a night like this, just the two of us," Satria began, his voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and guilt. "I'm sorry I haven't spent as much time with you as I should, Kiyohime."
Kiyohime's lips curved into a sweet yet mischievous smile, her eyes glinting in the moonlight. "If you're truly sorry, Danna-sama, then stop bringing more girls into our family." Her tone was light, but the underlying edge made Satria break into a nervous sweat.
"So-so-sorry about that..." Satria stammered, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "I swear I never planned for any of this! In my past life, I didn't even have a single girlfriend and focusing on my career. This... this is all new to me."
He paused, his nervous demeanor softening as he turned to her and gently pulled her into his arms. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he spoke with heartfelt sincerity. "But remember this, Hime—you are my first love. No matter what happens or how much time passes, you'll always be my everything. I'll never get bored of you, and I'll love you forever."
Kiyohime blushed, her cheeks glowing like cherry blossoms in the spring. She averted her eyes, trying to maintain her composure, but his words melted her resolve. "Baka Danna-sama," she murmured, her voice a mix of affection and exasperation.
He chuckled, pleased by her reaction. "Where are we headed now, Danna-sama?" she asked, eager for the next part of their evening.
Satria's lips curled into a playful grin. "Now, now, Hime, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, would it?"
She giggled softly, her earlier tension forgotten. "You're right, Danna-sama. Lead the way."
With that, the two continued their walk, the tranquil streets of Kyoto serving as the perfect backdrop to their quiet, tender romance.
•
Ancient City, Kunlun
"495… 496… 497… 498… 499… 500."
Valiana's fists slammed repeatedly into the dense, unyielding surface of a Vibranium block. Her knuckles bled from the effort, staining the ancient metal. Dressed in a traditional martial arts gi, designed for ease of movement and practicality, she stood on the snow-covered peak of Kunlun, sweat dripping from her forehead despite the freezing temperatures.
The Vibranium, a prize from an illicit trade during Kurumi's training, was nearly unbreakable. Yet, under Valiana's relentless strikes over the past week, cracks had begun to form—a testament to her growth under the brutal tutelage of both Satria and Lei-Kung.
"Enough. Take a break, Valiana," Satria commanded, his voice calm but firm.
Valiana looked at her hands, bruised and bleeding, her lips curving into a small smile despite the pain. The Vibranium was proving stubborn, but the results of her training were undeniable. "I feel... stronger," she admitted, though her body ached in protest.
Valiana observed her husband closely, shirtless, his muscular frame glistening in the cold mountain air. Valiana's gaze lingered on him, her mind momentarily wandering to less disciplined thoughts. How does he make even training look this good?
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Satria raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in her demeanor.
Valiana quickly averted her gaze, laughing nervously. "N-no reason! Hehe."
"Sure, no reason at all," Satria replied dryly, pulling her closer to inspect her injuries. His touch was gentle as he channeled healing energy into her battered hands, making her wince slightly before the pain faded.
"Thanks, hubby," Valiana said gratefully. Her stomach growled loudly, breaking the serene moment. She blushed furiously, glaring at her traitorous body.
Satria smirked. "Hungry, huh? Perfect timing for dinner." He reached into his dimensional storage, pulling out a bag of snacks from another world. "Go wash your hands first. You'll want them clean for this."
Valiana did as instructed, the temple's warmth a stark contrast to the freezing conditions outside. When she returned, she saw Satria setting up a small picnic with snacks neatly arranged on a mat.
Curious, she grabbed one of the treats and took a bite. Her eyes lit up. "Mmm! This is delicious! What's it called?"
"Terang Bulan," Satria said proudly. Then his tone grew serious. "Now, listen carefully. If anyone calls this Martabak Manis, you must correct them immediately. It's a matter of principle, Valiana. Integrity is important."
Valiana laughed, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous." She grabbed his collar, pulling him closer. "Do you know what's sweeter than this snack?"
"What?" Satria asked, genuinely curious.
"You." She smirked before pulling him into a deep kiss, savoring the moment.
"Can you two stop being so lovey-dovey all the time? Give me a break!" Albion's grumbling voice echoed in her mind, breaking the spell.
"Not here, Valiana," Satria said, pulling back. "This isn't our home. Show some respect."
Valiana pouted. "So… no fun?"
"Nope."
"Just a little?" she tried, giving him her best puppy-dog eyes.
"Still no." He flicked her forehead lightly.
"Ow! You're no fun, hubby!" she whined, rubbing the spot.
Suddenly, Satria turned his attention toward one of the temple pillars. "Lei-Kung, you can stop hiding now."
A large, muscular figure stepped out from the shadows. Lei-Kung, the Thunderer of Kunlun, strode forward with a commanding presence and joined the couple.
"Impressive progress, Lady Valiana," Lei-Kung said, his deep voice resonating. "However, to reach your true potential, you must cast aside worldly distractions and focus completely on your training."
Valiana groaned. "You're just as strict as my husband. Azazel wasn't this harsh when he trained me."
"And look where that got you," Satria retorted, flicking her forehead again. "We're here to push you beyond your limits, not coddle you."
Lei-Kung nodded in agreement. "Your strength is undeniable, but your lack of patience and discipline holds you back. We must refine both to unleash your true potential."
Satria smirked. "That's why tomorrow, we're starting a new phase of training."
"What phase?" Valiana asked, curious.
"You're going to become an Anti-Mage," Satria declared.
"Anti-Mage?" Albion echoed in surprise.
"Anti-Mages are warriors from another world who specialize in countering and destroying magic. He's skilled enough to battle even Dead Gods. Considering your weaknesses during your sparring match with Naruto, this training is non-negotiable. Are you ready to accept this path?"
Valiana fell silent, replaying her embarrassing defeat in her mind. The gap between her confidence and her actual strength had been laid bare, and it stung. But instead of despair, a determined fire lit in her eyes.
"Bring it on," she said with a confident smirk.
Satria chuckled. "That's my dragon princess."
•
Jotunheim
Satria's clone stood on a frosty ridge, sipping a steaming cup of Wedang Jahe as he observed the chaotic scene unfolding below. His partner, the black dragon Fatalis, was rampaging through the land of Frost Giants. The giants, with their brutal strength and honed instincts as apex predators, were formidable foes for most.
But Satria wasn't most people. And neither was Fatalis.
"These guys are brutal... strong... but wow, what a bunch of idiots," Satria muttered, watching the Frost Giants charge recklessly at Fatalis only to be swatted away like flies. "How the hell did Loki, the Trickster God, come from this herd of muscle-brained lunatics? Mystery of life, I suppose." He took another sip of his drink, letting the warmth spread through his body. Perfect drink for this climate, he thought contentedly.
As he relaxed, something chimed with a notification.
__
[Shin login]
Shin: "The most benevolent, handsome, and genius man has arrived! What do you need from me, my humble followers?"
Kazuma-sama: "If you're benevolent, then I'm the God of Kindness."
Shin: "Shut it, Lolizuma. I know you're jealous of my brilliance. If you beg me, I might even teach you how to stop being a spineless beta afraid of making moves to the girls in your house."
Kazuma-sama: "Don't call me Lolizuma! And for the last time, I'm not afraid of them—they're just not my type!"
God of Hope: "@Evil, please handle your troublesome brat. He's at it again."
Shin: "Don't bring my girlfriend into this, you blonde idiot!"
Evil Spirit: "Ara~ My dear Satria, do you want me to report this to Kiyohime and the others?"
Shin: "I humbly apologize for my foolish behavior, my beautiful lady. Please grant me mercy, and I promise to reform myself. I beseech you not to inform them of this incident. Thank you. Sincerely, Kurumi Tokisaki. 🙏"
Evil Spirit: "..."
Spiderman: "Did this guy just write a formal apology... in a group chat?"
King of Knights: "I genuinely don't understand what you see in this man, @Evil."
Evil Spirit: "Sometimes I don't either. But... he's unique."
Robin: "Hey @Shin, we found two teenagers in Cadmus Labs with faces resembling Superman and Wonder Woman. What should we do with them? Are they safe to bring back?"
Shin: "Tricky situation. They're likely clones created using the DNA of Superman and Wonder Woman. Cadmus doesn't create anything without a purpose—they're government weapons. Before bringing them back, you'll need to disable or remove the control chips implanted in them."
Spiderman: "Wait, clones? Are you saying there are clones of superheroes running around?"
Shin: "Bingo! And not just in your world. Who knows, Peter? Someone might've already cloned you."
Spiderman: "What?! You're joking, right?"
Shin: "Who knows? 😏"
Esdeath: "Hahaha! So, the great protectors of humanity are reduced to mere tools for their government's paranoia. Why bother protecting them at all? They are so ungrateful."
Shin: "You're thinking from a conqueror's perspective, Esdeath. For normal humans, Superman is like a god. They're right to be cautious. Imagine if someone as powerful as him turned against humanity."
Robin: "That's ridiculous! Superman and Wonder Woman sacrifice everything to protect people."
Shin: "And that's why they're heroes. But everyone has their breaking point. For Superman, that point is Lois Lane. If something happens to her… well, let's just say, you don't want to see what he's capable of."
Robin: "What does that mean?!"
Shin: "No spoilers. Just keep Joker far away from him and your mentor. Trust me on this."
Kazuma-sama: "What's this 'multiverse' nonsense anyway? Is this some threat that could reach my world too?!"
Shin: "Pray it doesn't. Just don't break the Source Wall. Now, let's drop the grim topics—there are countless futures, and this is just one possibility. Stick with me, and we'll build a brighter one together!"
Kazuma-sama: "You charge us for every bit of advice, you greedy bastard!"
Shin: "Nothing in life is free, dude. Work for what you want."
Kazuma-sama: "I hate working."
Shin: "Same."
Evil Spirit: "Hopeless, both of you. Trashzuma, don't influence my adorable boy to become a NEET like you!"
Kazuma-sama: "Why is this always my fault?!"
Shin: "Who are you calling adorable?! I'm not some cute pet, and stop comparing me to shady Trashzuma!"
Kazuma-sama: "Who are you calling shady?!"
Spiderman: "Kurumi really does treat Shin like an overprotective mom."
Robin: "I'm logging out. Got a mission to finish with @Cookies and @Emilia. We'll continue this later."
[Robin has logged out]
Spiderman: "By the way, the Fantastic Four invited us to a party at their headquarters in Manhattan next month. I'll be attending with Baobhan and Gwen to discuss my plans for starting a company. I could use their input."
Shin: "A company? What kind of business are you thinking about, Peter?"
Spiderman: "A tech company. Aerospace, security, advanced technologies—a global scope. The mission is to build a better future, not just to make money... though Baobhan and Gwen keep reminding me I'll need to focus on profits, too. I still have a lot to learn about business."
Evil Spirit: "Ara~ That's a noble ambition, Little Spider. How about learning from my boy? He may not look it, but he's an excellent businessman."
Shin: "What kind of impression do you have of me? Baka Kurumi! 😒"
Evil Spirit: "It's... a secret~ Fufu."
Kazuma-sama: "Damn it, Peter! I'm jealous. You've got two supportive girls by your side while I've got nothing but trouble!"
Pervert Sage: "Haha, Peter-kun, you're a good kid. This old man gives you his blessing. Let me know if you need my help!"
God of Hope: "I wish you success, Peter. Your honesty and dedication will serve you well."
King of Knights: "Indeed. I support you too, Peter. You're a righteous and earnest young man, unlike these jokers."
Spiderman: "Thanks, everyone!"
___
Satria scrolled through the conversation, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Peter's got guts, I'll give him that," he muttered. "But the business world isn't like fighting villains in tights. It's cutthroat—survival of the fittest. And Tony Stark? He's not the kind of guy to sit back and watch a newcomer enter his arena without a fight."
He shook his head, placing his now-empty cup aside. If Peter wants to succeed, he'll need more than dreams and determination. He'll need sharp instincts, unshakable resolve, and the ability to play the long game.
•
Fatalis POV
The Dragon of Calamity, Fatalis, soared above Jotunheim's frostbitten expanse, her crimson scales glinting under the icy sun. Her body, once feared as the pinnacle of destruction, was now worn down from battling the realm's countless monstrosities. Yet, her primal instincts—honed over millennia—kept her alive. Every foe was reduced to ash, every threat extinguished.
"Damn that Satria," she growled, her wings faltering slightly as exhaustion began to creep in. "Throwing me into this hellhole without so much as a warning."
Desperate for shelter, she spied a ruined temple half-buried in snow and ice. Transforming into her human form—a tall, statuesque woman with flowing purple hair and piercing crimson eyes—she staggered inside, seeking respite.
The air within was cold, yet an unnatural heat prickled at her senses. In the heart of the ruin, she found the source: a crimson blade thrust into the ground, emanating a sinister aura wrapped in black miasma.
"Oh?" she murmured, her lips curling into a wicked smirk. "So... you're the one calling me here."
The blade whispered dark promises, its voice insidious and tempting, but Fatalis stood unmoved.
"You fool. Do you know who I am? I'm the Incarnate of Evil, the destroyer of worlds. You dare to try and corrupt me? How insulting... but interesting."
She wrapped her fingers around the hilt, feeling a surge of dark energy course through her body. The blade responded eagerly, its power growing with her touch.
"Ah, I see now... You're the dark counterpart of Excalibur. How fascinating." She pulled the sword from the ground with a burst of energy. "Let's see what you're capable of."
•
Emerging from the ruins, Fatalis unleashed her newfound weapon on an unsuspecting group of Frost Giants. The blade's malevolent energy resonated with her, growing in size to match her dragon form as she transformed.
"Gaaaaa! How can a dragon wield a sword?!" one giant bellowed in terror.
Fatalis grinned, her sharp teeth glinting. "Never seen a dragon swordsman before? Allow me to demonstrate."
She swung the blade in a wide arc, releasing a devastating energy slash. "Getsuga Tensho!" she roared, inspired by a memory from Satria's mind. The attack cleaved through her enemies, leaving behind scorched, lifeless remains.
"Aghhh!"
"This dragon is dangerous! Retreat and report to Lord Laufey!"
"Run, cowards! Tremble before me—Fatalis-sama!" Her manic laughter echoed through the battlefield as the giants fled.
Watching from a distance, Satria couldn't help but chuckle. "She's really leaning into her role as the Dragon of Calamity. Where'd she even get that sword?"
His musings were interrupted by the appearance of two colossal wolves, their black and white fur gleaming under the pale light. Their glowing eyes—one red, one blue—locked onto Fatalis.
Fatalis growled low, her tail flicking with irritation. "What now? More pests?"
The wolves prowled closer, their snarls vibrating the air.
Meanwhile, Satria, standing a safe distance away, was lost in thought until he noticed the new arrivals. A wide grin spread across his face. "Oh wow, they're so cute!" he exclaimed, summoning his Cosmo Plug with glee.
Mission Received
A notification appeared before Satria:
___
[Special Mission to Shin]
Defeat the Children of Fenrir
Defeat Sköll
Defeat Hati
___
He glanced at Fatalis, who had turned her attention to the approaching wolves.
"Rain of Fire!" she roared, unleashing a meteor shower from the sky. The blazing projectiles obliterated any frost giant remnants in their path, reducing them to nothingness.
Fatalis shifted her focus back to the wolves. "And now you two mutts want a piece of me? I'm not even here for your damn territory, you idiots!"
The wolves didn't falter, their gaze unwavering as they prepared to attack. With a furious leap, they lunged at Fatalis.
A beam of radiant light suddenly shot through the air, intercepting the wolves mid-attack and throwing them back.
"Are you okay, Fatalis?" Satria called out, landing beside her in his Ultraman Cosmos form.
Fatalis growled, clearly unimpressed. Without warning, her long tail whipped around, slamming into his back.
"Ouch! What was that for?" Satria winced, rubbing his back.
"Don't talk to me, you puny human. Just leave me alone—I don't need your help," Fatalis snapped, her voice dripping with hostility.
Satria sighed. "Hey, calm down. I know you're mad at me for leaving you here alone to train, but it was for your own good. I want you to be strong enough to protect yourself, partner."
Fatalis huffed, turning away. But before Satria could say more, the twin wolves advanced again, their growls rumbling like thunder.
"I don't have time for this. Sit!" Satria commanded, his supreme king aura exploding outward.
The weather shifted violently—a blizzard howled, and the ground quaked under the weight of his power. The wolves froze in their tracks, their aggression melting into fear. Whimpering, they lowered their heads submissively.
Satria turned to Fatalis, his aura fading as his voice softened. "Aku njaluk sepura marang slirane merga wingi wes ninggalake slirane. Tulung paringana aku pangapura saka apa kang wis daktindakake ing wengi wingi, ya bunda."
(Translation: I apologize to you for leaving you yesterday. Please forgive me for the mistakes I made, my love.)
To Fatalis's surprise, he hugged her gently, his sincerity palpable.
Her crimson eyes softened, though she tried to maintain her usual scowl. "Idiot… Don't think this is enough for me to forgive you."
Despite her words, her heart warmed. Never leave me alone again, she thought, though she wouldn't dare say it out loud. Life without him was unbearable, a fact she'd painfully realized during his absence.
"Leave it to me," Satria promised, pulling back with a grin. "I'll make it up to you. And... is this your other personality? We meet again, huh? Miss me, didn't you?"
Fatalis blinked, startled by his keen observation. "You can tell? Don't get the wrong idea, idiot. It's not like I missed you or anything." She turned her gaze away, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Are you disappointed that I'm not that lovesick girl you adore?"
Satria chuckled. "Disappointed? No way. If anything, I'm grateful for this outcome—it makes everything twice as fun."
"You're such a pervert," Fatalis growled, slapping him across the face.
"Ow! Why do you always hit me? This is why dealing with tsunderes is impossible!"
"Shut up, moron," Fatalis retorted, though the corner of her lips twitched into a faint smile.
Fatalis's gaze shifted to the twin wolves, who now watched the couple in silence. Their earlier aggression had evaporated, replaced by cautious curiosity.
Satria approached them slowly, his hand outstretched. The wolves stiffened but didn't move, their glowing eyes locked on him.
With a calm gesture, Satria fired his Full React Moon technique, a gentle beam of light that exuded peace and tranquility.
The wolves' bodies relaxed, their fierce expressions softening into blissful calm. They nuzzled against him, their massive heads leaning into his touch.
"Good boy and girl," Satria cooed, scratching behind their ears. Their soft fur made him grin like a child with a new pet.
He turned to Fatalis, his face lit with excitement. "They're so cute and smart, aren't they? Can I take them both home?"
Fatalis's expression darkened, flames flickering at the edges of her mouth. "So this was your plan all along, huh? You damn stupid FURRY!"
With a roar, she unleashed a fire blast, sending Satria scrambling to dodge.
"Why do you always attack me?!" he whined, patting out the flames. "This is harassment, I swear."
"Shut up, fool. Just deal with your 'pets.'" Fatalis huffed, though her fiery display hid the small smile tugging at her lips.
To be continued...