Chapter 35: The Aftermath
Seiji walked steadily away from the ruins of the collision pit, Jin's unconscious body draped over his shoulder. The devastation of the arena was unlike anything the Free World had ever seen, and the weight of the battle hung heavy in the air. Jin's body, although human again, bore faint traces of the demon's lingering presence—smoke trailing off his skin and faint black marks flickering and fading across his chest. Seiji moved with calculated precision, his steps light but deliberate, each one fueled by a quiet urgency. His own body bore the exhaustion of the fight, but his resolve remained unshaken. He knew Jin's condition was critical.
Using his unparalleled speed and agility, Seiji darted from the wrecked arena, blurring through streets and alleys, ensuring no one could follow. In mere minutes, he arrived at his hidden home—a simple yet sturdy structure tucked away at the edge of the city. He carefully placed Jin on a wide, sturdy bed in the main chamber. The healing process had already begun, Jin's innate resilience slowly restoring his body, but Seiji wasn't taking any chances. The battle against the demon had taken its toll on both of them, and he knew that time was of the essence.
Meanwhile, across the city, Rebekah had returned to the palace. She made her way into the grand hall, where her father, King Argon, stood before an assembly of advisors, his regal demeanor commanding respect. The king had already heard about the explosion in the collision pit; news of the event had spread like wildfire throughout the city. People were confused, frightened, and eager for answers.
Rebekah bowed slightly as she approached her father.
"What happened at the collision pit?" Argon asked, his voice firm and unwavering. His piercing gaze searched his daughter's face for any trace of deceit.
Rebekah hesitated for a brief moment, choosing her words carefully. "There was… a fight, Father. A fierce one. It caused a massive explosion that destroyed the pit. The participants were beyond ordinary, but we have managed to ensure no civilians were harmed."
"And what of the Sentinel presence there?" Argon inquired, his tone sharp.
"They were unable to respond in time," Rebekah replied, skillfully concealing the truth about Seiji and Jin's involvement. She wasn't aware of the frozen time that had occurred during the battle, but she knew enough to craft a plausible cover story. "The pit's destruction was an unfortunate casualty of a battle far more powerful than we anticipated."
King Argon furrowed his brows, his concern evident. "The pit's destruction will raise questions. You must ensure order is maintained. We cannot afford panic."
Rebekah nodded, quickly assuring her father that the situation was under control, though internally she felt a gnawing unease. She was keeping secrets from her father for the first time, and the weight of it pressed down on her. She left the palace determined to regroup with Seiji and Jin once she could safely slip away from the watchful eyes of the Sentinels.
Back at the site of the destroyed collision pit, a figure dressed in immaculate white stepped into the smoky, debris-laden battlefield. Jingwei, the Sentinel Commander and son of the legendary Shenlog, strode confidently into the wreckage. Two Sentinels in matching white coats flanked him, their imposing presence further solidifying the air of authority Jingwei carried.
Jingwei inhaled deeply, his piercing eyes scanning the destruction. His ability, known as The All-Seeing, activated, allowing him to reconstruct the entire battle in his mind as if he had witnessed it firsthand. He stood still, his pupils glowing faintly as the events of the fight replayed in vivid detail.
"The demon emerged here," Jingwei muttered under his breath, watching the spectral echoes of Jin's transformation in his mind's eye. He traced the trajectory of the battle, following the exchange of blows between Seiji and the demon. His sharp gaze locked onto the exact spot where the demon had conjured the Planetary Baam, and then where Seiji had used the Voice Command to relocate everyone in the pit.
"Incredible," he said aloud, his voice a mixture of awe and tension. "Seiji… and a demon of that magnitude? No wonder this place was obliterated."
The Sentinels accompanying him exchanged uneasy glances. One of them stepped forward cautiously. "Commander Jingwei, what are your orders? Should we investigate further?"
Jingwei shook his head, his lips curling into a faint, knowing smile. "No need. I've already seen everything. The fight… the techniques… even their faces. Seiji has made his move. And as for the boy…"
Jingwei paused, his thoughts lingering on Jin. He had seen the boy's abilities during his vision—both his human potential and the terrifying force of the demon that resided within him.
"The boy is dangerous. We'll keep an eye on him. But for now, no interference. Let them think they've escaped unnoticed."
"Yes, Commander," the Sentinel replied, bowing slightly.
Jingwei turned, his white coat fluttering behind him as he walked away from the ruins. His mind churned with possibilities and strategies, the faintest smirk playing on his lips. "Seiji… I wonder how far you're willing to go to protect him."
Back at Seiji's home, the old warrior leaned against a wall, his arms crossed as he watched Jin's steady recovery. The boy's body was resilient, healing at an accelerated rate. Seiji couldn't help but admire his strength, but he also recognized the danger it posed. The demon's power wasn't just a tool—it was a volatile force, one that could easily spiral out of control.
Rebekah arrived moments later, slipping quietly into the room. Her face was a mixture of relief and concern as she saw Jin resting on the bed. She turned to Seiji.
"Is he going to be okay?" she asked softly.
"He's strong," Seiji replied, his voice calm. "He'll recover. But the fight took a toll on him—physically and mentally."
Rebekah nodded, sitting down near Jin's bedside. "My father is already asking questions. I told him it was just a fight between participants, but I don't know how long that story will hold. The city is on edge after the explosion."
Seiji grunted, his expression unreadable. "Let them ask. As long as they don't come here, we'll be fine. Besides, Jin isn't ready to face more questions—not yet."
Rebekah looked down at Jin, her thoughts racing. "Seiji… what are we going to do? If people find out about jin powers…"
Seiji cut her off with a wave of his hand. "One step at a time, girl. First, we focus on getting him back on his feet. Then, we prepare for what's coming next. The fight at the pit was just the beginning."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone