🌟 HEAR YE, HEAR YE, BRAVE SOULS! 🌟✨
🔥 Let the drums of destiny roar as we welcome our newest LEGENDARY adventurer… ⚔️ Buddyschlym! ⚔️ 🎉⚡️ Our journey just leveled UP with their arrival!
***********************************
Naobito and Naoya Zenin lounged confidently at the table, their smug expressions practically radiating superiority. The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, the silence stretching like a noose around Liam and Toji.
Naoya leaned forward, his smirk dripping with mockery. "Well, it seems the great Liam finally got outmaneuvered. I didn't think it'd be this easy to—"
Before he could finish, the heavy wooden doors of the mansion swung open with a loud creak. The sound reverberated through the room, cutting Naoya off mid-sentence.
The figure that entered was draped in casual attire, his posture relaxed to the point of arrogance. A white blindfold covered his eyes, his spiky silver hair adding to his carefree aura. He sauntered into the room, his hands shoved into his pockets, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Yo," Satoru Gojo said, his voice light and annoyingly cheerful. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
Everyone froze as Gojo stepped fully into view. Draped over his shoulder like sacks of rice were none other than Megumi and his younger sister, Tsumiki, both unharmed but visibly shaken.
"Megumi!" Toji exclaimed, his eyes narrowing as relief mixed with surprise.
Naobito's smug expression faltered slightly, but Naoya scowled.
"What is this?" He hissed.
Gojo ignored the tension, casually setting Megumi and Tsumiki down before straightening up and stretching.
"Man, that was easy," He said, almost to himself. "The Kukuru Unit? Really? I expected more from the great Zenin Clan."
Liam's lips curved into a slow smirk as he stood, his demeanor composed despite the chaos.
"Aiko," He said calmly, "take the kids to their room. Make sure they're comfortable."
Aiko quickly entered the room, waiting outside. She nodded, quickly ushering Megumi and Tsumiki out of the room.
Gojo turned to Liam, giving a lazy salute. "Kids are safe, just like you asked. The Unit wasn't much trouble—barely broke a sweat."
"Thanks, Gojo," Liam said, his tone genuine.
Gojo waved a hand dismissively. "Don't mention it. Though you do owe me for bailing you out."
Liam chuckled softly. "Of course. But let me deal with these two first."
Gojo's attention shifted to Naobito and Naoya, his grin widening. "Ah, the Zenin boys. You guys look like you've seen a ghost. What happened to all that confidence? Didn't think you'd get outplayed, huh?"
Naoya's jaw clenched, his hands tightening into fists. "You—"
"Me?" Gojo interrupted, tilting his head. "Oh, I'm just here as a favor to Liam. But you should've known better than to mess with him. He's always two steps ahead of everyone. Didn't you figure that out the last time?"
Naobito's face darkened, his calm demeanor cracking under the weight of Gojo's mocking tone. "You're saying this was all planned?"
"Not planned," Gojo corrected, "just anticipated. Liam's not stupid enough to underestimate the Zenin Clan, as laughable as you are. He figured you'd try something underhanded and gave me a call yesterday. You know, just in case."
Naoya shot a venomous glare at Liam. "You… you knew we'd send the Kukuru Unit?"
Liam crossed his arms, his smirk sharpening. "It wasn't hard to figure out. When you can't buy something, you take it by force. That's the Zenin way, isn't it?"
Naobito leaned forward, his voice icy. "And you thought calling in Gojo would solve everything?"
Liam's expression hardened, his smirk fading into something colder. "No. I didn't think it would solve everything. I knew it would. After all, Gojo's a genius and might be the strongest sorcerer alive, and unlike your Kukuru Unit, he actually knows how to get things done."
Gojo chuckled, clearly enjoying the Zenins' discomfort. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Liam."
Naoya slammed his fist on the table, his frustration boiling over. "You think this is funny?!"
"Absolutely," Gojo replied without hesitation.
Before Naoya could explode further, Liam raised a hand, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "Enough. Let's get back to business."
Naobito narrowed his eyes. "What business?"
Liam leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"A new deal," He said smoothly. "One that benefits all of us."
Naobito's gaze flickered with suspicion, but he motioned for Liam to continue.
"You came here for Megumi," Liam said. "But I think we both know that's not going to happen. Instead, I'm offering you something else—150 million yen each for Maki and Mai Zenin."
The room fell silent, the shock was evident on Naobito's and Naoya's faces.
"Are you insane?" Naoya spat. "Those girls are worthless!"
Liam shrugged, unbothered by the insult. "Worthless to you, maybe. But not to me."
Naobito's brow furrowed. "Why would you want them? One has little cursed energy, and the other has none."
Liam's smirk returned, his eyes gleaming with calculated intent. "Exactly. They're burdens to your clan, liabilities you'd be better off without. But to me? They're untapped potential. With the right training and resources, they could be something far greater than the Zenin Clan ever imagined."
Naoya sneered. "And why would we sell them to you?"
"Because I'm offering you more than they're worth," Liam said bluntly. "150 million each. That's 300 million for two girls you've written off as useless. And since I'm feeling generous, I'll even throw in this: once Megumi grows up and masters his technique, I'll support him in becoming the head of the Zenin Clan."
Naobito and Naoya stared at Liam, their expressions shifting from shock to disbelief.
"You're serious?" Naobito asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
Liam nodded. "Dead serious. Megumi has the potential to be one of the greatest sorcerers of his generation. With the right guidance, he could lead the Zenin Clan into a new era. All I ask is that you let me raise and train him until he's ready."
Naoya scoffed. "And what's stopping us from taking him back by force once he's trained?"
Gojo's smile turned razor-sharp.
"Me," He said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Naobito's jaw tightened, his mind racing as he considered the offer.
"Think about it," Liam added, his voice calm but firm. "You get rid of two burdens, gain 300 million yen, and secure a future clan head with unparalleled potential. Or you can walk away with nothing and keep playing your little games. Your choice."
The room fell into heavy silence as Naobito and Naoya exchanged glances, their earlier arrogance replaced by uncertainty.
Liam leaned back in his chair, his smirk unwavering. "What's it going to be, gentlemen?"
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
🚨 Want to read chapters before anyone else? Head over to Patreon for early access and exclusive perks!
📖 If you're enjoying the stories and want to help keep them coming, your support means everything. Join us and stay ahead!
👉 Patreon: patreon.com/Myth_Valley
☕ Or support directly: buymeacoffee.com/myth_valley
Let's keep the adventure alive! 🔥📚✨