WebNovels

Chapter 14 - 14th Tango: The Three Calamities

Barcelona, Catalonia. Unbeknownst to the world, two of the most powerful villains in history were sitting across from each other at a table in a luxury lounge. They were Amadi Albrecht, who was known as the Mad Shaman Sinvula, and Hiraya Del Rosario, who was Alala the War Angel. This was a meeting that could lead to catastrophic results depending on where it went.

"It really hurt when you attacked me in Braga, Alala."

Sinvula spoke with a smile as he swirled the drink in his glass.

"I was hurt, confused, and angry. After all, I was really enjoying myself."

"I could tell."

Alala sipped on her champagne.

"You went batshit psycho at the end. You should really do something about that insanity of yours."

"I tried therapy, but my therapist was sent to the mental asylum after a few sessions. I didn't even get to work through my daddy issues before she tried to jump out her window."

"That poor lady, she had to peek into your fucked up mind. I hope she recovers."

Sinvula pointed at her.

"Don't make it look like I'm the only one with issues, Ms. War Criminal. Didn't you get excited when you got the chance to fight an immortal Impactor? You were laughing like a maniac."

"That's different. It's not every day I fight someone who I actually need to try against."

Sinvula nodded.

"I can relate. Since I've awakened my powers, I've pretty much become a god. I've killed all my enemies, taken over my family, and wreaked havoc for fun. However, he was different. He isn't on my level, but the immense potential I felt when fighting him stirred up my impulses. I just couldn't stop myself from wanting to sink Portugal while fighting him."

"...You're really a maniac."

"Huh? How are you any different from me?"

"Because I just wanted to test out my strength, not destroy Germany."

"I don't think it would be a big deal though. Trust me, I'm part German."

"....I'm surprised you're able to appear sane in public."

"What can I say? I know how to blend in."

Sinvula laughed for a bit before his smile slowly faded from his face.

"So, which one of us is gonna kill Impactor?"

"Me."

"An immediate response as if it's natural."

"It is natural. I run a mercenary business. Our strength and the fear we command are the backbone of our business. I need to appear invincible always."

"Well, I control Villain Society. I must remain untouchable to keep those scums of the earth in check. As the #1 enemy of Heroes, I can't lose, or the GHF will get a big head and become a pain in the ass."

"...So, we both have our reasons. How should we settle this?"

"War, I guess."

A crashing sound came from the table behind them. The woman named Scarlett stood up from her seat and knocked over a few drinks.

"Scarlett, are you alright?"

"Why did you get up so quickly?"

The other women called out to her with a worried tone. Scarlett looked at Alala, who shook her head.

"I-I'm fine. I thought I saw someone, but it was a mistake."

Scarlett slowly sat back down.

"Hahahaha!"

Sinvula burst out laughing.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't joke around too much. Others will think you're being serious."

"My bad, my bad. I couldn't help myself."

"Prick."

Scarlett mumbled under her breath, causing Sinvula to smile.

"War is the last resort."

"But it's still possible."

Sinvula nodded.

"If you had tried to kill Impactor after I attacked you days ago, I would've stepped in to stop you. That could've led to war between the two of us. However, you knew this and that's why you retreated."

Alala nodded.

"But the same goes for you. If you had tried to kill Impactor, I would intervene."

Sinvula nodded.

"In other words, we're at a stalemate. If either of us makes a move, it will lead to war because we both have our reasons not to back down."

Alala sighed.

"This happens when two people with big egos clash."

"At least you're self-aware."

Sinvula laughed again.

"So this brings us back to the question, what are we going to do about Impactor?"

Alala became quiet and so did Sinvula, as if he was awaiting her answer. If either made a move, it would lead to war because their pride was on the line. Someone needed to back down or war was inevitable.

"Is there any way I can assist you?"

While they were thinking this, the attendant came to the table again.

"No, if there is anything I will...."

Sinvula stopped talking and looked at the attendant.

"Is there any way I can assist you?"

The attendant repeated her words.

Alala turned her attention to the attendant as well.

"Tsk."

She clicked her tongue with clear annoyance.

"My, what a response. You hurt my feelings, Ms. Del Rosario."

The attendant placed her hand over her chest.

"My heart weeps in despair."

"Stop being so melodramatic and sit if you're already here."

Alala looked away while grumbling. The attendant smiled and bent her knees. She sat on a chair that appeared out of thin air, and was now in a bright coloured dress; instead of the vest suit, which served as a uniform, she had on a second ago.

"So, you're a woman today?"

Sinvula looked at the attendant. She had a fantastical beauty straight out of a storybook. Her pale skin was strangely lustrous, which complemented her dazzling emerald eyes. Her black hair looked as if it would devour all light, if it weren't for its blue highlights giving it life. If one could sum up her appearance with one word, it would be "Otherworldly".

"I felt the urge to show off my beauty."

The attendant replied.

"I was wondering when you were going to get involved."

Alala mumbled.

"I actually wasn't planning on getting involved. I was really enjoying the show you two were putting on. However, I can't sit back and watch as my two favourite people are on the verge of fighting each other."

The attendant smiled.

"I won't allow it."

She placed her hands on Sinvula and Alala's shoulders.

"The Three Calamities must stick together."

Alala and Sinvula slapped her hand. She withdrew her hands and started rubbing them.

"Still, I didn't expect that kid to become such a big deal."

She looked at Sinvula.

"When we first met him that night, I thought he was a bit special, but nothing on this level."

"Do you mean the night of the Villain Awards? You actually attended, Mishma?"

Alala spoke with a bit of surprise.

"Attended? She hosted the damn thing."

Sinvula gestured to his head.

"You know the guy who always wears a plague mask, the Host? That's one of her identities."

"Oh, so she was in the video of you getting knocked out."

Alala looked at Mishma again.

"Why are you on the Villain Committee?"

"As fucked up as they are, Villains are quite entertaining. Their self-destructive tendencies and their madness help me pass the time."

"Translation: she has nothing better to do."

Sinvula added. Alala nodded in agreement.

"More importantly, Mishma. We need you to help us out with this one. What should we do?"

Sinvula asked.

"Since you're both at a stalemate, I can kill him if you want."

Alala's eyes narrowed.

"Be serious. You know that wouldn't solve anything."

"I know, I just wondered if I should give him a try. Who knows, maybe he'll get a lucky win like he did against you."

Sinvula burst out laughing.

"He could have all the luck in the world and that still wouldn't have happened."

He grinned at Mishma.

"I don't think anyone on earth can beat the First Calamity, Mishma the Calamitous."

"On this earth, that's true."

A glass of wine appeared in Mishma's hand out of thin air. She drank a mouthful before placing the glass on the table. The wine glass refilled itself.

"Here's my solution."

Mishma pointed at the two of them.

"The two of you do what you want and the other will try to stop it. However, there will be no war between you two. You can fight to let off some frustrations, but never go all out."

"That's madness."

Alala immediately protested.

"If we do that, a war will definitely happen. It wouldn't work."

Sinvula also protested.

"It will work, trust me."

Mishma leaned over, placing her elbows on the table and resting her chin in her hands.

"If you two ever go to war, I'll squash it so there's nothing to fear."

She showed a bright smile.

"After all, everything in this world moves as I want it. I am Law itself."

"....I can't believe you said that with a straight face."

Alala wore a look of disgust.

"Aren't you embarrassed to say that out loud?"

"Why would I be? I'm just telling the truth, and the truth is you two cannot start a war because of your egos."

"So what? You want us to just compete to see who can kill him first while sabotaging each other?"

Sinvula asked with a raised brow.

"Yeah, that sounds fun. Why not?"

"I have a business to run, I can't waste time on that."

Alala protested again.

"Then let Amadi kill him. There's no reason for you two to feel captive by this. It's just your pride and ego that won't let it go."

Mishma grinned.

"Protest all you want, but this is what is going to happen as long as you remain prisoners to your hubris."

She sat back.

"Come on, it's not the end of the world or anything. By the end of this, you'll be enjoying yourselves. Just think of it as a friendly contest. Who knows. Impactor and his team might grow strong enough to give you two the challenge you both seek. During that time, you can just mess around.

Mishma stretched out her hand. Impactor's head appeared in her palm.

"You want this prize, don't you?"

She closed her hand and the head burst into glowing lights.

"Then go get it together. Let's make a festival out of it that we all can enjoy. What do you say?"

 

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