The faint echoes of their footsteps resonated through the narrow hallway as Jin followed Seiji, the dim lighting casting long shadows against the walls. The air was cooler here, carrying a hint of earth and age, as though the underground passage had been carved long ago and seldom traveled. Jin glanced around curiously, his gaze darting between the intricately carved walls and the occasional flicker of lanterns.
"Where exactly are we heading?" Jin asked, breaking the silence.
Seiji glanced over his shoulder, his pace unchanging. "To a place I've kept hidden for years," he said, his tone casual but laced with a hint of pride. "Ever since I retired from the Sentinels, I've spent most of my time down here. You see, training doesn't stop just because the world thinks you're done. I've got to keep sharp."
Jin raised an eyebrow. "So, this is your… secret lair?"
Seiji chuckled, the sound bouncing off the walls. "Something like that. But trust me, kid, you'll see why it's more than just a hideout."
They came to a large steel door embedded into the stone wall, its surface polished and engraved with ancient runes Jin couldn't decipher. With a swift motion, Seiji placed his hand on the center of the door. The runes lit up briefly before the door groaned and slid open, revealing a sight that left Jin momentarily speechless.
The underground bunker was vast—far larger than Jin could have anticipated. It stretched out endlessly, almost the size of the Collision Pit itself, its ceiling impossibly high. Walls reinforced with metallic panels gleamed faintly under the artificial light, and the floor was marked with countless scuff marks, scars from previous battles. Around the edges, various weapons, training dummies, and machinery were neatly organized, each station clearly designed for different types of combat practice.
"This…" Jin began, his voice trailing off.
"Welcome to my little playground," Seiji said, stepping inside with a grin. He gestured grandly, as if introducing a masterpiece. "This place is where I train, refine, and test myself. The best part? I can materialize opponents to spar with, all without causing any damage to the world outside."
Jin took a hesitant step forward, his eyes sweeping across the space. "You can… materialize opponents?"
"Yep," Seiji replied, his tone almost smug. "Technology and a little Sentinel ingenuity go a long way. Let's just say it's a great way to fight without holding back. And trust me, you'll be grateful for that soon."
Jin turned to face him, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. "You train here alone?"
"Mostly," Seiji admitted, crossing his arms. "But I've had a few sparring partners over the years. Speaking of which…" He leaned against one of the nearby walls, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "You've never seen Rebekah in a fight, have you?"
Jin shook his head. "No, not really. She doesn't seem like the type to—"
"Don't underestimate her," Seiji interrupted, his tone suddenly serious. "That girl's got more strength in her pinky than most warriors have in their whole bodies. She's not just strong—she's strategic, relentless. I've watched her grow, and trust me, you don't want to be on the receiving end of her blade."
Jin blinked, a little surprised at the praise. "I'll keep that in mind."
Seiji pushed off the wall, clapping his hands together. "Anyway, enough about Rebekah. It's your turn now. Time to see what you're made of." He gestured toward the center of the room, where an empty platform awaited. "Let's get started."
The air seemed to hum with anticipation as Jin stepped forward, his nerves momentarily overshadowed by the weight of what lay ahead.