Jin's eyes fluttered open, his body aching slightly but mostly healed from the ordeal. The faint scent of medicinal herbs lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle dampness of an underground chamber. As his vision focused, he was greeted by the sight of Seiji sitting cross-legged before him, a sly smile playing on his lips.
"Welcome back to the land of the living," Seiji said casually, tilting his head. "Three days—you've been out cold. I thought you were trying to escape my training."
Jin sat up slowly, groaning as he stretched his limbs. The room felt different—smaller, dimly lit by a single lantern hanging above them. The stone walls bore rough, unpolished textures, and the air was cooler than he remembered. "This… doesn't look like your house," Jin said, his tone wary.
Seiji chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Ah, yeah, about that… oops. Turns out, we were 'politely' chased out. Some folks aren't too happy about the little fireworks show at the pit. So, I thought, why not hide you down here? Cozy, isn't it?" He gestured broadly, the amusement clear in his voice.
Jin's expression darkened. "You're joking, right? What happened after the fight?"
Seiji waved his hand dismissively. "Details, details. Let's not dwell on the past. What matters is that you're alive, healed, and ready for the next steps." He leaned closer, his smile widening. "Though, on a slightly more serious note, we've been ordered to bring you to court to answer for the destruction at the pit. They want answers."
Jin stiffened, a knot of worry forming in his stomach. "Court? What am I supposed to say? That a demon hijacked my body and decided to cause havoc?"
Seiji barked out a laugh. "Don't worry, kid. I've made some arrangements to smooth things over. Let's just say the 'official narrative' might involve a little creative storytelling on my part." He winked, though the mirth didn't fully reach his eyes.
For a moment, silence hung between them, broken only by the distant drip of water echoing through the chamber. Then, Seiji's tone shifted, growing more serious. "But let's get one thing straight, Jin. We don't have time to waste. The free world's walls aren't as safe as they used to be, and things are heating up outside. You've seen firsthand what you're up against—and you're not strong enough. Not yet."
Jin met Seiji's gaze, determination flickering in his eyes. "Then let's start. Whatever it takes."
Seiji smiled faintly, tossing a small, wrapped package toward Jin. "First, eat this. Can't have you collapsing during training. You'll need your strength."
Jin caught the package, unwrapping it to reveal a simple rice ball, its aroma reminding him of how hungry he was. As he bit into it, Seiji stood, brushing off his clothes. "Finish up quickly. We need to move. The council may be breathing down our necks, but we've got bigger problems on the horizon. And trust me, kid—you're gonna need every ounce of strength for what's coming."
Jin nodded, swallowing the last bite as he steeled himself for the road ahead.