Chapter 88: Chapter 73. The Unknown Contender
Madripoor
Kurumi's POV
The rancid stench of Madripoor's alleyways clawed at my senses. It was a mix of sweat, decay, and desperation, the kind of smell that clung to your soul and refused to let go.
"This smell..." Satria muttered, narrowing my eyes. "It reminds me of a place my old man brought me to in my past life. It reeks of danger, of lives discarded like trash. How refreshing..."
I glanced at Satria as we walked through the alleys of this lawless city. Around us were the dregs of society: miscreants, drug dealers, addicts, slaves, prostitutes, murderers, and syndicates thriving in the shadows. Poverty bled into every corner, a stark reminder of human neglect and greed.
Satria seemed unbothered, even nostalgic. His past life must have been extraordinary, given how nonchalantly he navigated this hellhole. "Why would your father bring you to a place like this?What kind of parent would expose their child to this filth?"
"Don't take it the wrong way, Kurumi," Satria said, as though reading my thoughts. "My old man... He was a strange guy, sure, but he brought me to places like this to teach me life's harsh truths. Ethics, morality, survival—he wanted me to understand the real world, not just the sheltered bubble I lived in. He believed that if I didn't see the ugliness, I might stumble into it blindly one day." He chuckled. "Of course, my mom would've killed him if she'd known about these little 'field trips.' hahahaha."
I sighed, realizing how much Satria resembled his father. "Now I see where you get your reckless attitude from. Just promise me one thing—you won't do this to our children when we have them, right?" I couldn't bear the thought of my future children witnessing such horrors.
"Of course not!" Satria grinned. "If I have kids, I'll be the best daddy ever. My little princesses will never see danger, let alone live it."
His words were comforting, but I couldn't shake my doubts. Satria always meant well, but his methods were... unconventional.
I tilted my head, still puzzled. "How does someone like you, of all people, die by a truck in the first place?"
Satria scratched his head sheepishly. "I still don't know. I was saving a kid who almost got hit by Truck-kun, but then this weird force pinned me in place. Next thing I know... Boom. Dead. Sometimes I wonder if it was fate or some cosmic joke."
"Typical," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "You sound like a walking cliché from one of those reincarnation anime. But..." I softened, squeezing his hand gently. "I'm sorry you had to leave your family and friends behind. It must've been hard."
Satria smiled wistfully. "Yeah. I have so many regrets. Unfinished dreams, unspoken words... I just hope there's a way to see them again someday."
"Until then, you have us." I laced my fingers with his. "Whatever you need, I'll be here to help you achieve your dreams."
Satria blinked, then grinned. "You know, Kurumi, sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky to meet someone as amazing as you. Even if you and the other girls—"
He froze, realizing his mistake.
"Ara~? What was that about 'me and other girls'?" I asked, smiling sweetly, though my tone carried a dangerous edge.
"Nothing! Absolutely nothing!" Satria waved his hands innocently, trying to change the subject. "Now, let's hear what you've discovered about this place."
I let it slide—for now. "Fine," I said, flipping my hair dramatically. "I've been investigating Madripoor for the past week. I found evidence of human trafficking rings, a dangerous ninja syndicate called The Hand, illegal arms and drug trades, and—" I hesitated, my stomach twisting. "...experiments on humans and mutants. It's sickening."
Satria nodded, his expression grim. "Good work. So, what do you want to do next?"
"I want to save the people being experimented on," I said, my voice trembling. "Especially the children. I... I can't stand to see them suffer. But truthfully, I don't know what to do."
He rested a hand on my shoulder, his tone firm yet gentle. "Kurumi, you've got a good heart. But listen to me—it's impossible to save everyone. That's just reality."
I recoiled. "You're saying we should ignore them? Let them be tortured and killed?"
"Not at all," he replied, his eyes steady. "But let me ask you—if we save them, what happens next? They have no citizenship, no papers. Do you think any country will accept them as refugees? Most governments would deport them back here, or worse. And even if we did find a safe haven, could we support them? Money, housing, healthcare, education—are you ready to take full responsibility for their lives?"
I opened my mouth, but no words came. Tears welled up in my eyes as his words sank in. He was right.
"I... I didn't think that far," I admitted, my voice breaking. "But there must be something we can do."
Satria wiped my tears, his expression softening. "Don't cry, my sweet emo girl. I'm not saying we abandon them—I'm saying we have to be smart about it. We'll need resources, connections, and a plan. And yeah, it's gonna be a pain in the ass. But if we work together, we can make a difference."
I managed a small smile. "You really are something else, Satria. Thank you."
He grinned, ruffling my hair. "That's what I'm here for. Now, let's figure out how to deal with this mess. It's not going to be easy, but I promise—we'll do what we can."
As he turned, his gaze hardened, scanning the city with a mix of determination and frustration. Whatever plan he was cooking up, I trusted him.
I've never met anyone like Satria. A man who balances cold logic with genuine compassion. A man who challenges me to grow and inspires me to dream.
If there's one thing I'm certain of, it's this—I'll stand by his side, no matter what.
•
Kiyohime's POV
The soft glow of lanterns bathed the private dining room in a warm, golden light. The faint sound of shamisen music drifted through the room as Meiko and the geisha performed their elegant dance, their movements perfectly synchronized with the melodies. It was a night steeped in tradition, yet brimming with intimacy.
Satria had gone all out for this date. From shopping in Kyoto's finest boutiques to indulging in luxurious spa treatments, he had pampered me endlessly. Now, seated across from him at a table laden with exquisite dishes, I couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude and affection.
"Are you enjoying the date, my dear?" Satria asked, his voice as warm as the ambiance around us.
I smiled, my heart softening further. "My, my, you never fail to make me happy, Danna-sama. This must've cost you a fortune, but... I'll let it slide this time." I teased, though the truth was, I was in far too good a mood to dwell on such things.
Satria chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. It was clear the expenses—and the effort to secure such an exclusive experience—hadn't been easy. This private restaurant wasn't something one could simply book online; it required connections. Thankfully, Satria's resourcefulness and unique charm had come through yet again.
"Anything for my beloved wife," he said with sincerity, then turned to the geisha and Meiko. "Thank you for your wonderful performance, but we'd like some privacy now."
The performers bowed gracefully. "Of course, dear guests. Please enjoy your time," they said, quietly leaving the room and sliding the shoji door closed behind them.
The room fell silent, save for the faint rustle of the wind outside. Satria's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze so intense it made my cheeks flush.
"W-What is it?" I stammered, looking away in an attempt to hide my embarrassment. "It's awkward when you stare at me like that without saying anything, Danna-sama."
He smiled, leaning forward slightly. "It's your fault for being so beautiful, Kiyo." Then, as if by magic, he pulled a small red box from his pocket and placed it gently on the table.
Without a word, he opened the box. Inside was a ring unlike anything I'd ever seen. The band shimmered with intertwined hues of gold and purple, crafted with a precision that defied imagination. It wasn't just beautiful—it radiated a sense of power and mystery.
"This," Satria began, his voice soft yet unwavering, "was forged from the finest materials in Esdeath's world—gold and the essence of a Greater Beast called Shagaru Magala. It's not just a ring; it grants its wearer incredible abilities, including resistance to poison. But more than that, it's a symbol of my love for you."
"From the moment I arrived in this world, you've stood by me. You've supported me, believed in me, and brought light into my life. This ring is my promise to you—a symbol of my gratitude and my devotion. Thank you for everything, Kiyohime."
My heart skipped a beat, then another. As he slipped the ring onto my finger, a wave of emotions crashed over me—joy, love, and something I couldn't quite describe but knew I'd cherish forever.
"I..." My voice trembled as I struggled to find the words. "I... I'm so touched. I may not yet meet your expectations as the ideal wife, but I swear to you, Satria, I will dedicate my life to making you proud. I'll be the wife you deserve, and I will cherish this bond for eternity."
Tears welled in my eyes, but they were tears of happiness. I never imagined this moment would come so soon—or that it would feel so overwhelming.
"You already make me proud," Satria said, his hand reaching to wipe away a stray tear from my cheek. His touch was tender, his gaze filled with love. "You've always been enough, Kiyo. Never doubt that."
I nodded, unable to speak as I clutched his hand tightly. My life, once filled with uncertainty and longing, now felt complete.
As we sat together, the world beyond the shoji door seemed to fade away. This was our moment—a perfect night in Kyoto, shared with the man who had stolen my heart and given me his in return.
And as I looked down at the ring gleaming on my finger, I knew one thing for certain: I would treasure this bond, this love, for all of eternity.
•
Satria's POV
The Underground Stage
It's been ten days since Kurumi and I arrived in this chaotic, lawless land. In this place where strength dictates survival, it didn't take long for me to carve out a name for myself. Money flows easily here for someone with skills like mine. My first move was to join the underground fighting circuit—a brutal arena where fortunes are made, alliances forged, and rivalries born.
As a newcomer, there were restrictions. Rules designed to keep rookies like me in line. But as the old saying goes: strength is victory.
Turns out, I'm pretty good at winning.
My performance in the ring has drawn the attention of powerful figures from all over the globe. Business magnates, warlords, crime bosses—they're all watching, placing their bets on who will dominate in the tournament known as Armageddon.
The underground stadium buzzed with energy, a cacophony of roars and cheers. Here, disputes between powerful corporations and shady organizations were settled not through negotiations but through bloodshed. Fighters were sent to represent their patrons, each battle a spectacle of raw power and skill.
The first phase? A chaotic battle royale, where only the strongest survive.
In the ring, my opponent towered before me—a hulking man clad in green, steel-like armor that gleamed under the harsh lights. Muscles rippled beneath his skin as he flexed, his sheer size enough to intimidate most. He was a seasoned fighter with a reputation that preceded him, known as the Kraken.
"You're unlucky to face me in your first match," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "Surrender now, and I might let you live, trash."
I smirked, adjusting the green-and-black robes of my new sacred duolingo costume. To ordinary eyes, the Kraken was an imposing force. But to me? He was just another stepping stone.
"Danger, you say?" I quipped, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Strangely, I don't see any here. Do you, old man?"
The Kraken's glare sharpened as his muscles tensed. The crowd erupted in cheers for him, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
A stunning woman entered the ring, her presence commanding attention. With tan skin, flowing black hair, and a crimson gown that contrasted with the raw energy of the arena, she exuded both elegance and authority. This was Esmeralda, the referee of Armageddon.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Esmeralda's voice echoed through the arena. "The moment you've all been waiting for is here! On the left, representing Oscorp Industries, a fighter who needs no introduction. The legendary, the fearsome... THE KRAKEN!"
The crowd went wild.
"WOOHOO!!!"
"KILL HIM, MASTER KRAKEN!"
"WHO LET THAT CLOWN IN? SMASH HIM!"
I tilted my head, feigning jealousy. "Wow, they really love you. Meanwhile, here I am, wearing this incredible costume, and they're still not cheering for me. Unfair, don't you think?"
The Kraken's lips curled into a snarl. "You've already failed to meet the standards to stand here. Now, I'll make sure you never step into this ring again."
Esmeralda raised her hand, signaling for silence. "And on the right, a fighter shrouded in mystery! His origin? Unknown! His style? A peculiar martial art known as Patok the Owl. Representing Tokopedia from Indonesia, he's here to make a name for himself. Introducing... SATRIA, THE HONORED ONE!"
I stepped forward, spreading my arms theatrically. "At your service, everyone~! And I've got a feeling this one's already in the bag!"
The crowd's boos echoed through the arena, but I didn't care. I thrived on their disdain.
"Quit while you can, clown," Kraken sneered.
I ignored him, instead looking up at the crowd with mock fear. "Oh no! It's Kraken! He's so strong—his power level must be... over a nine thousand!" I gasped dramatically, clutching my chest. "Someone help me! I might die from... cringe!"
The arena fell into a mix of laughter and groans. Esmeralda covered her mouth, clearly struggling to maintain her composure.
The Kraken, however, wasn't amused. His knuckles cracked ominously as he lunged forward, his massive frame casting a shadow over me.
The match had begun.
•
In the VIP lounge overlooking the underground arena, Kurumi sat calmly, her gaze fixed on the ring where Satria faced off against the infamous Kraken. Her expression remained neutral, though inwardly, she was bracing herself for Satria's antics.
Beside her, a black-haired man in a formal suit shifted uncomfortably. The man, William, CEO of Tokopedia, was having second thoughts about being dragged into this risky business.
"Is he... can he even win this?" William muttered, adjusting his tie nervously. "No—wait, does he even know how to fight? I'm sorry, but your boyfriend looks more like a street performer than a warrior." His sceptical eyes lingered on Satria's eccentric owl-themed costume.
Kurumi smirked faintly, hiding her amusement. "Freed, not Mr. William," she corrected him, her tone teasing but calmly. "No one here is more dependable than him. Ignore what you see now and focus on what's to come. You'll thank me later."
William grimaced, his thoughts racing. 'This is insane. If this guy loses, my reputation—and my company—are finished. But if he wins... No, that's impossible. How could someone like him defeat the Kraken?'
The referee, Esmeralda, raised her hand. Her voice echoed across the arena, silencing the crowd.
"Are you two ready?"
Both fighters nodded, taking their stances. Kraken's massive frame seemed to dominate the ring, his armor emitting a low rumble as he prepared to charge.
"FIGHT!!!"
With a deafening roar, Kraken lunged forward, his speed defying his size. The crowd erupted into cheers as he closed the gap in an instant, his armored fist poised to crush Satria.
"Tremble before the might of the Kraken!" he bellowed, his voice shaking the air.
•
In the VIP section for Oscorp, Norman Osborn, the company's founder, leaned back with a smug grin.
"It's over already," he declared confidently.
Beside him, a cold, green-haired woman in a sleek spandex suit crossed her arms. A Hydra agent and Kraken's top student, she watched the scene with detached disinterest. "As expected. That clown had no chance against Master Kraken."
•
As Kraken charged, Satria casually adjusted his stance. His costume shimmered faintly as he activated his hidden trump cards: Armament Haki and his stand, Dark Platinum.
"It's time to make an impression," Satria muttered under his breath.
"The World!"
Time froze.
In the suspended silence, Satria stepped forward with measured ease. With a smirk, he delivered a perfectly placed uppercut, sending Kraken's massive frame flying across the ring. The hulking fighter crashed into the ground headfirst, his armored bulk embedding itself deep into the arena floor.
Satisfied, Satria deactivated his stand and clapped his hands together. "Time resumes."
The stadium was deathly silent for a moment, then:
"Huh?"
"Heh?"
"WHAT?!"
Every spectator stared in disbelief at the sight of Kraken lying unconscious, his massive body half-buried in the ground. Esmeralda hesitated before rushing to check Kraken's condition. Nervously, she bent down and tapped his shoulder.
"Sir Kraken? Can you continue?"
No response.
She stood up, raised her hand, and shouted, "3... 2... 1... 0! The winner is Satria, the Honored One!!!"
The arena exploded in chaos.
"HAHAHAHAHA!!!" Satria's laughter echoed as he broke into an eccentric, exaggerated dance. "KU KIRA KERAS, TERNYATA KERTAS!!!" he shouted, doubling over in glee.
Some in the crowd joined in his laughter, while others erupted in rage.
"IMPOSSIBLE!"
"THIS IS MATCH FIXING!"
"MY MONEY!!! MY LIFE IS OVER!!!"
Meanwhile, others shouted with newfound joy:
"I'M RICH!!! LONG LIVE SATRIA, THE HONORED ONE!!!"
"No way... He won!!!" William's voice cracked as he stared in disbelief at the scene below. Slowly, his shock morphed into a grin. "I'm sorry I doubted you, Miss Nightmare. Mr. Satria is... an outstanding person!"
Kurumi allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. "It's to be expected from my precious sweet boy."
"Right? Trust me, and I'll help you reach new heights in this world, Brother." Satria's cheerful voice came from right behind William, startling the man so much that he almost tripped.
"Mr. Satria! Since when were you there?!" William exclaimed, clutching his chest.
Satria gave him a cheeky grin. "Don't ask useless questions. Focus on what's important." His tone turned serious as he continued, "Remember our deal. I want you to arrange a legal identity as a citizen of your country for me, a bank account to deposit my prize money, and preparations for my family's holiday in Bali. Oh, and 15% of my winnings must go to charity. Understood?"
William nodded quickly, overwhelmed by Satria's straightforward demands. "Yes, yes, I'll handle it. Not a big deal for me—I've got connections in immigration. But, Mr. Satria, why give so much to charity? And why did you choose me, of all people, to sponsor you?"
Satria leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. "How do I explain this? Growing up, my parents taught me to share my fortune with those in need—whether family, friends, or strangers. It's part of our culture, and more importantly, it's the right thing to do." He smiled at William. "As for why I picked you? Just coincidence. Lady Luck smiled on you this time."
William's expression softened, touched by Satria's sincerity. "You have good parents, Satria. I promise your money will reach the right hands."
Kurumi, watching from the side, licked her lips slightly as she thought to herself, 'Good boy~ And good boys deserve rewards from Mommy later... fufu.'
Before anyone could respond, a sudden blur darted toward Satria. Without missing a beat, Satria blocked the surprise attack effortlessly. The assailant, undeterred, launched a rapid flurry of strikes, each one evaded or parried with ease. With one fluid motion, Satria caught the attacker by the neck and slammed them against the wall.
"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice cold and sharp. "State your reason for this attack. You have ten seconds, or you can say goodbye to your head."
The attacker, a slim woman with a predatory aura, gasped for air but managed to speak. "I... I am not your enemy! My name is Viper. I was only testing your strength!"
Satria's sharp gaze softened slightly as he scanned her, sensing the darkness in her heart. 'An orphan raised as a killer. A human weapon. Strong by normal standards, but far from my level.'
"You're lucky I'm not the type to let my ego dictate my actions," he muttered, releasing her. "Next time, think and observe before attacking someone stronger than you."
Viper collapsed to the floor, panting heavily. "Noted... But I must say, you've earned my respect, Satria. Defeating the Kraken—my mentor—is no small feat." Her lips curled into a sly smile. "Who are you, really? A mutant? A superhuman? A god? Or maybe... an alien? I wonder what kind of man is hiding inside that adorable costume of yours."
Before Satria could respond, Kurumi stepped forward, her presence radiating a quiet menace. "Ara-ara~ He is an off-limits, snake. You can't touch what belongs to me." Her voice was sweet, but the bloodlust she emitted was anything but.
Viper blinked, then smirked. "Oh? I didn't notice you before. Apologies for interrupting. But judging from your appearance, you're Japanese and seem quite young. Are you sure you know how to satisfy a man like him? Perhaps we should have a little contest to see who's truly worthy of him."
Kurumi's eyes narrowed, her tone icy. "You want to die that badly, huh? Perhaps it's time to exterminate a pest."
Sensing the tension escalating, Satria quickly stepped between them. "Sorry, Viper, but I have to decline your offer. As you can see, I already have a partner, and there's no way I'd betray her trust."
To emphasize his point, he wrapped his arms around Kurumi from behind, soothing her anger with a gentle hug.
Viper chuckled, tossing a card toward him. "Fair enough. But if you ever change your mind, you know how to reach me." She turned to William, her tone now professional. "Mr. William, my superior, Mr. Osborn, wishes to meet with you. He'll be waiting in the Grand Hotel's meeting room tonight."
"Norman Osborn?" William's face turned pale at the mention of the powerful CEO.
Viper nodded. "Indeed. He has an important proposition for you. Don't keep him waiting." With that, she strode out of the room, leaving the group to process her words.
"What should I do?" William turned to Satria, his voice trembling slightly.
Satria grinned and gave him a thumbs-up. "Eh... Good luck."
William groaned, rubbing his temples. "Why do I feel like my life just got a lot more complicated?"
Kurumi smirked. "Oh, don't worry, William-san. Just remember—when dealing with powerful people, it's better to smile, nod, and survive."
"Hahaha!" Satria laughed, giving his partner a playful nudge. "That's the spirit! Now, let's prepare for our next adventure."
To be continued...