Jin lay in his bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, his thoughts aimless. His room, dimly lit, carried the faint sounds of the bustling Free World outside. The door creaked open softly, revealing Mengi standing there, his expression calm but concerned.
"How ya feeling?" Mengi asked, stepping inside.
Jin turned his head slightly and replied, "I don't know. Nothing's really on my mind."
Mengi leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and said, "Sometimes that's a good thing. Clears the way for what's next." He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "I came to tell you something. I'll be going away for a while."
Jin sat up, his eyes narrowing. "Where are you going?"
Mengi sighed, stepping further into the room. "Before I got locked up in Blackstone, I made some friends during my… let's call it my 'running-around phase.' If this Resurrection War is really happening any time quickly , we'll need every hand we can muster. I'm going to track them down and see if they'll fight with us."
Jin stood, his tone laced with concern. "You're heading out alone? Are you sure that's a good idea?"
Mengi smirked, patting Jin on the shoulder. "I'll be fine, little brother. Someone's gotta pull some strings while you figure out what's next. Just keep working on yourself. I'll be back before you know it."
Jin nodded, watching Mengi leave. His brother's confidence was reassuring, but a tinge of unease lingered.
AFTERWARDS.
Jin found himself standing in Seiji's underground training ground, a sprawling arena buried beneath layers of reinforced steel and rock. The air was cool and heavy, illuminated by soft artificial lights that cast long shadows across the polished stone floor.
He muttered to himself, "If this war is coming, I need to see where I stand." His hands clenched into fists. "Time to test the Unlimited Collection."
Jin extended his hand and channeled the
"Artitech Ability: Unlimited Collection"
The air grew dense with a godly hum, and golden particles began to swirl around him, forming a vast archway. The arch shimmered like liquid starlight, revealing thousands of names etched in glowing runes, each representing a warrior from the collection.
Jin's eyes scanned the names until one caught his attention as usual.
"Warrior Griffin," Jin called out.
From the archway, a burst of light erupted, and with it came Griffin, his imposing figure stepping forward. His armor gleamed like polished obsidian, etched with intricate markings of battle-worn history. A long blade rested on his back, glowing faintly with an ethereal blue hue. His face was obscured by a helm, but his aura radiated loyalty and unwavering strength.
As Griffin knelt, his voice rumbled with respect, "Master, you have summoned me."
Jin nodded. "Good to see you again. But I'm not done." His eyes darted back to the archway. Another name caught his attention, its glow sharp and serpentine.
"Artitech: Assassin Basilisk."
The archway pulsed, and a chilling hiss echoed through the training ground. Basilisk emerged, cloaked in shadows, its movements serpentine yet precise. Its emerald eyes burned with a predatory focus, and its dual curved daggers shimmered like liquid mercury. Basilisk's black armor hugged its lean, agile frame, exuding an aura of stealth and lethal precision.
The moment Basilisk appeared, Griffin bowed slightly. "It has been a long time," Griffin said in a tone of mutual respect.
Jin smirked, addressing both of them. "I want you two to fight me. Full strength. No holding back."
Griffin's helm tilted slightly. "Master, are you certain?"
Jin's gaze hardened. "Yes. This is the perfect chance to test The Hunt ability."
Both warriors bowed in acknowledgment, their stances shifting into combat readiness. Griffin unsheathed his glowing blade, its hum resonating through the air. Basilisk, silent and methodical, twirled its daggers in anticipation.
Before dismissing the Unlimited Collection, Jin's eyes caught a curious name etched into the runes: The Royal Guards, The Beast. Their names glowed faintly, but unlike the others, no rank or power level was indicated. His curiosity piqued, Jin muttered, "The Royal Guards… Beast….How strong could they be?"
The shimmering arch faded as Jin dismissed the collection. The room grew silent, save for the faint sound of Griffin's blade and Basilisk's soft, predatory hisses.
Jin cracked his knuckles, his dark energy pulsating faintly. "Alright then," he said, his voice cold yet determined. "Come at me."
As Griffin and Basilisk charged, the sound of clashing steel and echoing footsteps filled the cavernous space.