NOVEL NEXT Chapter 84: The Jackpot Shot
Adviser: "My ladies, there is a specialized mirror in our family, said to reveal truths only to the true successors of the Goddess. That means you, Lady Ellen and Lady Eva, can use it."
Ellen: "Is the mirror ready? We need to use it immediately."
Adviser: "Yes, it is prepared."
Moments later, Ellen and Eva stand before the mirror, its surface glowing faintly. As they gaze into it, an image begins to form. They see Toshinori and Izana locked in fierce combat, their powers clashing violently.
Ellen: (gasping) "Toshinori! What's happening? Why are they fighting?"
Eva: (stunned) "Izana... this can't be. Why would he do this?"
The image flickers, showing the intensity of the battle. Ellen clenches her fists, trembling.
Ellen: "We have to stop this. Right now."
Eva: "We need answers first. Adviser, is this happening right now, or is it a vision?"
Adviser: "The mirror reflects the present, my ladies. This is happening as we speak."
Ellen and Eva exchanged a glance as the mirror's glow faded, their faces etched with worry and disbelief.
The scene in the reflection was clear—Toshinori and Izana, clad in battle gear, stood on a field bathed in an eerie crimson light. Their weapons gleamed, and the intensity of their movements spoke of a fight not to the death, but one that was just as perilous.
Ellen's fingers tightened around the edge of her gown as she tried to make sense of the display before her.
Ellen: voice trembling with both frustration and confusion
"Why are they fighting each other like this? What are they trying to prove?"
Eva: eyes narrowed, a mix of worry and exasperation
"I have no idea, but look at them. The way they're moving, the weapons they're wielding—this isn't just a fight. It's reckless... and it looks like they're enjoying it."
The image in the mirror showed Izana slashing with his katana, his expression a mix of concentration and exhilaration. Toshinori, ever the strategist, dodged with ease, his movements almost lazy as he taunted his brother.
Izana: swinging his katana, his voice filled with competitive heat
"That's it. Time to die."
He lunged, the blade reflecting the dim light as he struck. Toshinori smirked, a glint of challenge in his eyes, as he parried the blow with the tip of his own sword.
Toshinori: teasingly, with a confident grin
"You're like an open book, Izana. I can read your every move."
The clash was followed by a moment of silence as Izana stumbled backward, panting heavily, only managing to stay on his feet by one hand pressed to the ground. Toshinori stood with a grin, his breathing heavy but steady, eyes meeting Izana's.
Toshinori: panting, with a playful smirk
"Score for Toshinori. I'm up one."
Izana's eyes shot up, a spark of defiance flickering within them.
Izana: laughing breathlessly "Where did you learn to count? We're even."
Toshinori sat beside him, smirking as he looked at the older brother. The tension melted into a strange camaraderie, and Izana held out his hand, a grin spreading across his face.
Izana: "You know, I'm starting to think... this is never gonna end."
Toshinori chuckled, accepting the hand and pushing himself up with renewed energy.
Toshinori:"Maybe... but we've got plenty of time."
They stood facing each other, swords at the ready. Their eyes locked, and suddenly, the moment shifted. More demonic figures emerged from the shadows, their snarls and clawed hands reaching out as they came. Without a word, Toshinori and Izana fell into perfect coordination, their movements fluid and precise as they dispatched their foes. The two brothers moved like a single force, fighting as though the world itself depended on their combined strength.
Izana: swinging his blade with a fierce smile
"Don't you dare say that!"
Toshinori: drawing his dual berratas, eyes glinting with triumph
"Jackpot!"
As Ellen and Eva watched, the realization hit them like a wave. This wasn't a fight meant to harm or destroy; it was a recklessly spirited sparring match, two brothers pushing each other to the limit in a way that only they could. Their movements, their smiles, and even the taunts spoke of a bond so deep that it couldn't be broken, even by the demons they were facing.
Ellen let out a sigh of relief, a smile forming as the tension ebbed away.
Ellen: whispering, eyes shining with pride
"They're just... being themselves. Reckless, but strong. We should have known."
Eva's lips curved into a small smile, watching as the two warriors moved with unmatched grace and power.
Eva:"Reckless or not, they've got each other's backs. That's what matters."
Ellen crossed her arms and let out an exasperated sigh, the slight tension in her shoulders betraying her irritation as she continued to watch the reflection of Toshinori and Izana fighting. The two brothers moved seamlessly, as if they'd been practicing this same pattern for years. It was both impressive and maddening.
Ellen: with a playful but annoyed huff
"Why do they always have to be so… reckless? What do they think they're proving?"
Eva chuckled softly beside her, the corner of her mouth twitching into a knowing smile. The two women had seen their husbands push themselves to the brink of exhaustion countless times, but watching it now, through the mirror, was a different experience altogether.
Eva: teasingly: "Let's hope Hawk and Izek won't be like their dads."
Ellen raised an eyebrow at Eva, the playful smirk in her eyes contradicting her disapproving tone.
Ellen: "Oh, don't jinx it, Eva. With those two, it's only a matter of time before they take after their fathers. But still… maybe they'll be more sensible. Maybe."
Eva laughed again, the sound light and full of warmth.
Eva: "They're strong, Ellen, but they're smarter than this. Or at least, I hope they are. We've raised them well, haven't we?"
Ellen's gaze softened as she looked at her friend, a hint of pride flickering in her eyes. The bond between them and the shared experience of raising their sons had forged a deep understanding between the two women.
Ellen: sighing, more resigned but with a smile
"Maybe. I just want them to be safe, Eva. And to be happy."
Eva nodded, her expression serious yet reassuring.
Eva:"We'll make sure of that. No matter what it takes."
With that, both women turned back to the mirror, the sight of Toshinori and Izana still locked in their battle.
A shared smile passed between them as they silently vowed to do whatever was necessary to protect their children from the same reckless path their husbands had chosen.
As Ellen and Eva continued watching the mirror, a swirling portal suddenly opened before Toshinori and Izana. From it emerged two familiar figures, stepping into view with confident strides.
Ken: grinning
"Well, looks like you guys started the fun without us."
Shoya: smirking as he observed them
"And it seems like both of you have finally unlocked your full powers."
Toshinori: with a casual shrug
"Well, let's just say we were waiting for your signal. Figured we'd start once you also hit your peak."
Izana: resting his katana on his shoulder
"So, what's the plan now?"
Ken: crossing his arms with a smirk
"Waiting for reinforcements. Meanwhile, you two could've taken a break in the human world. Why didn't you?"
Toshinori: letting out a small laugh
"We could've, but…"
Izana: cutting in, grinning
"Our wives wouldn't exactly approve of us fighting like maniacs. So, we thought staying here was safer."
After hearing their husbands' words and watching their antics, Ellen and Eva exchanged a knowing look.
Ellen: with a sigh, her tone dripping with exasperation
"They're impossible."
Eva: raising an eyebrow, smirking slightly
"Reckless and impossible."
Ellen: crossing her arms
"It's like they enjoy testing our patience."
Eva: chuckling softly
"Well, they'll find out exactly how much patience we have when they're back."
Both sisters shared a brief laugh, their annoyance tempered by the deep affection they felt for their husbands despite their antics.