Meanwhile in the Castle
"Let me go! I'm not an intruder," Jin protested, struggling against the ropes.
"Then why were you sneaking around at night?" the armored figure asked, voice cold and suspicious.
"I was looking for my friend who got captured by monsters," Jin replied, meeting the figure's gaze defiantly.
The armored figure's expression didn't soften. "That's your excuse?"
"Yes, that's the truth," Jin said firmly.
"Even so, sneaking into our kingdom without permission has consequences," the figure stated flatly.
Jin sighed deeply. "Great. Just my luck."
"There's another option," the armored figure said, a smirk tugging at their lips. "If you want your freedom, you'll have to fight for it."
"Wait... is this some kind of test?" Jin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"In a way," the figure replied. "You'll face five rounds. Win three, and you'll earn your freedom."
Jin tilted his head. "And if I win all five?"
The figure chuckled. "Then you'll become a Royal Guard. We'll even help you find your friend."
Jin grinned. "Better start designing my uniform now."
"That's assuming you make it to the last round," the figure shot back, their tone sharp. "Because you'll be facing the Royal Guard."
"Now that sounds interesting," Jin said, his smirk widening.
"You're sure about this?" the figure asked, leaning closer.
"Absolutely. Now untie me and open this prison," Jin said, glancing pointedly at the ropes binding his hands.
The armored figure obliged, untying Jin and tossing him a set of guard armor. "Suit up. Your fight starts soon."
Fully dressed and armed, Jin inspected the weapons offered. "I'll take the katana, Bo-staff, and my knife."
The figure nodded, handing him the selected weapons. "Good. Let's head to the arena."
Jin's eyes lit up as they entered the underground arena, its intricate carvings glowing faintly in the torchlight. "Nice place. Very dramatic."
The referee stepped forward. "Round one. Are you ready?"
Jin cracked his neck, his voice calm and confident. "Always."
"Then let's begin!" the referee declared, signaling the start of the first round.
The underground arena was dimly lit, the flickering torches casting long shadows on the stone walls. Two guards stood before him, weapons ready. The first lunged with a kick aimed at his ribs, but he sidestepped and struck with his Bo-staff, the blow ringing against the guard's helmet. As the guard stumbled to the edge, he delivered a decisive kick, sending him out of the ring.
The second guard charged, swinging a spiked mace. He drew his katana, blocking the blow with a clash of steel. A quick strike to the chest with the Bo-staff and a slash to shatter the mace left the guard defenseless. A final kick sent him tumbling out of bounds.
As the first round ended, Jin brushed the dust off his armor and stretched his shoulders. "That was easy," he said with a smirk. "I'm ready for the second round."
The referee nodded and gestured toward the gate at the far end of the arena. "Very well. Let's start the second round!"
Three guards entered—two with maces and one with a shield. The mace-wielders attacked first. He moved back, throwing his Bo-staff at one, striking his chest. As the second swung, he kicked the guard's wrist, making him drop the mace. A tornado kick followed, knocking the guard down.
The first guard charged again, but he grabbed the dropped mace and struck his helmet, sending him to the floor.
The shielded guard advanced, blocking the thrown mace with ease. He swept the guard's leg with a precise kick, toppling him. With one firm shove, he sent the shielded guard out of the ring.
As the second round ended, Jin stood tall, brushing off his armor with a smug grin. "Untouched," he said, spinning his Bo-staff with one hand. "So, how many this time?"
"Well, are you ready for the next round, or do you need a moment to catch your breath?" the referee asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jin planted his Bo-staff firmly on the ground and leaned on it. "Ready? I was born ready."
"Suit yourself," the referee said, stepping back and raising his arm. "Let's start Round Three!"
The arena grew tense as three mace-wielding guards and two with shields entered, forming a tight circle around him. The mace guards charged from different angles, but he leaped high, spinning into a 720-degree kick, landing blows in all directions. Grabbing his Bo-staff, he swiftly struck their heads, dropping them unconscious.
The shielded guards unsheathed spears, advancing slowly. He backed toward the arena's edge, drawing them closer. Feigning a move to the left, he abruptly spun and launched a powerful kick, hitting both guards simultaneously. They stumbled, losing balance, and fell out of the ring.
As the third round concluded, Jin stood confidently, still untouched. "Still untouched," he said with a satisfied grin, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow.
The referee nodded approvingly, though his expression remained neutral. "Congratulations. You've earned your freedom."
Jin's eyes flickered with a hint of determination. "I'm not done yet," he replied firmly.
The referee raised an eyebrow. "You want to fight more? After everything you've been through?"
"Yeah," Jin answered, his grin widening. "I want to fight the last two rounds."
The referee shook his head in disbelief. "You're sure? That's a lot more than just a challenge."
Before Jin could respond, a new voice rang out from the shadows, cutting the conversation short.
"There's no need for two more rounds." The Royal Guard stepped forward, his presence commanding the arena. "Fight me if you can."
Jin looked at the newcomer, eyeing him carefully. "Who's this?" he asked, his tone calm but curious.
The referee turned to him, his face stern. "He's our Royal Guard. He's your last-round opponent. Do you still want to face him?"
Jin's expression remained unchanged, his resolve stronger than ever. "Yes. I want to fight him."
The referee sighed but nodded. "Alright. If both of you are set on this, we'll make it official."
The dimly lit arena seemed to grow colder as the Royal Guard entered, his armor polished and imposing.
"You alone? No other guards?" Jin asked, his tone sharp, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"You can't beat me," the Royal Guard replied, his voice steady and confident.
"Remember," the referee's voice echoed through the chamber, "you have to either defeat him or survive for two minutes. Let's start the final round!"
Jin tilted his head, curious. "What weapons did you select?"
The Royal Guard didn't answer. Instead, he lunged forward with startling speed, drawing an arrow from his quiver and firing it in one fluid motion. Jin twisted to the side, narrowly dodging the projectile, but the Royal Guard closed the distance with a powerful kick. Jin staggered, his heels skimming the arena's edge.
"I've seen that move before... but where?" Jin muttered, his brow furrowing as he steadied himself.
The Royal Guard pressed the attack, throwing a heavy punch, but Jin sidestepped and countered with a sharp kick that forced the guard to retreat. Seizing the moment, Jin drew his Bo-staff, spinning it expertly. The Royal Guard responded by unsheathing his sword, its blade glinting menacingly in the torchlight.
With a swift motion, Jin hurled his Bo-staff at the Royal Guard. The guard dodged it effortlessly and advanced, swinging his sword in rapid succession. Jin danced back, evading each strike, but the relentless assault ended with a punishing kick that sent him reeling.
"I know that move too..." Jin murmured, eyes narrowing. "But who used it before?"
The Royal Guard didn't relent, firing a volley of arrows. Jin ducked and weaved, avoiding them all. Drawing his katana, he discarded the sheath to his left.
As the Royal Guard closed in, Jin delivered a precise, spinning kick to his opponent's head. The force of the blow sent the Royal Guard's helmet flying, revealing his face for the first time.
As the final round ended, the referee raised his hand, signaling the end of the fight. "You've survived the full two minutes. Congratulations."
Jin blinked in surprise, looking around. "What? That was too early," he said, feeling like the challenge had ended too soon.
The Royal Guard nodded, his expression serious but respectful. "You fought well."
Jin's gaze shifted to the side, his eyes widening when he saw the boy standing before him. "Ryu!"
The Royal Guard Ryu (RG Ryu) paused and looked at Jin, his brows furrowing. "How do you know my name?"
Jin hesitated for a moment, not wanting to reveal too much. "Uhh… I've heard about you."
RG Ryu gave him a skeptical look but didn't press the matter. Instead, he spoke with a calm authority. "Do you want to become a Royal Guard of this palace?"
Jin's eyes softened the weight of the offer sinking in. "Yes," he replied. "But... I want your help to find my friend. After we bring him back, I'll resign from my position here and go home."
RG Ryu's eyes narrowed slightly as if weighing Jin's words carefully. "And those who were coming to save you—they're your friends as well?"
Jin nodded firmly. "Yes, they are."
RG Ryu gave a small nod of understanding. "I see. Well, you certainly beat them badly. Here's some money for them to stay in the city until we're done. They can't stay in the palace, though."
Jin nodded, accepting the reality of the situation. "I understand."