Meanwhile, Jin strolled into the library, his eyes scanning the rows of shelves until he spotted Wei seated at a table, engrossed in a book.
"Wei, how are you?" Jin asked, leaning casually on the table.
Without looking up, Wei replied, "I'm fine. And you?"
"Doing well," Jin said with a grin. "What are you reading?"
Wei turned a page, his tone sharp. "Can't you see? I'm reading. Get to the point—what do you want?"
Jin chuckled. "I want to visit Ryu."
Wei raised an eyebrow, finally glancing at Jin. "Then go meet him. Why come to me?"
"Not that Ryu," Jin said, shaking his head. "I mean Prince Ryu from the other dimension."
Wei's expression softened. "Oh, I see. Alright. Meet me at the cave—I'll be there soon."
"Got it. See you there," Jin said, heading off.
Jin reached the cave first, pacing as he waited. Five minutes later, Wei arrived, looking calm as always.
"Are you ready?" Wei asked, adjusting his gloves.
"Absolutely," Jin said, his excitement evident. "And you're sure we'll return at the same time we leave?"
Wei hesitated, then shook his head. "I can't guarantee that."
Jin frowned. "What? What do you mean?"
Wei sighed. "I'll explain everything once we're through the portal."
Without waiting, Wei raised his hand, summoning swirling energy. A shimmering portal appeared before them. Together, they stepped through, the world around them shifting and twisting until they found themselves on a path leading to the castle.
"Alright, now tell me what you meant earlier," Jin demanded, walking briskly beside Wei.
Wei kept his gaze ahead. "I meant that we can't return to the exact time we left our dimension. I need at least a week to recharge before opening a portal back to the same time."
Jin stopped in his tracks. "So... we're stuck here for a week?"
Wei shook his head. "No, that's not what I'm saying. We can return sooner, but the time will move forward in our dimension. For example, if we leave at 2 PM and spend two hours here, we can only return to 4 PM or later in our dimension."
Jin exhaled, relieved. "Got it. So no going back in time—just forward."
"Exactly," Wei said as they approached the castle gates.
Two guards stood at attention. At a nod from Prince Ryu's sigil on Wei's sleeve, they pushed the gates open. Inside, the grand hall was as regal as ever, with polished floors and towering columns.
Prince Ryu stepped forward, his arms outstretched in greeting. "Wei, Jin, welcome! How have you been?"
"We're fine," Wei said, bowing slightly. "And you?"
"Quite well," Prince Ryu replied with a smile. "I assume you're here for another book?"
Wei nodded. "Yes. And this time, I brought Jin—he wanted to meet you."
Prince Ryu turned to Jin, grinning. "Long time no see, Jin."
"Long time no fight," Jin quipped, cracking his knuckles. "Wanna spar?"
Prince Ryu laughed. "I'm in, but no Sevpons this time."
Wei cleared his throat, interrupting their banter. "Ryu, I've been searching for a book to help me with magic, but none of them seem to work."
Prince Ryu's smile faded slightly. "There might be one... in Prince Wei's room. But the room has been locked since he died, and only he could open it."
Wei's eyes narrowed. "Where is it?"
Prince Ryu gestured to a nearby guard. "Guard! Escort Wei to Prince Wei's room."
The guard bowed. "Right away, Prince. This way, Sir."
Wei followed the guard through winding halls until they reached a large door etched with magical symbols.
"This is it," the guard said, stepping aside.
Wei examined the intricate lock. He raised his hand and muttered a spell to unlock ordinary locks. To his surprise, the door clicked open.
Inside, the air was thick with dust, and cobwebs clung to every corner. Wei waved his hand, using magic to clear the room. The dust lifted, revealing shelves lined with old books and artifacts.
Wei walked to the bookshelf and looked at a book. He pulled it out, brushing off the remaining dust, and began flipping through its pages.
While Jin took the katana and spear, Prince Ryu selected a sword and scythe, each weapon gleaming under the dim light of the castle's underground arena. The space was silent, except for their breathing and the faint hum of magic in the air.
"This time, no referee, no time limit," Jin said with a smirk, gripping his spear tightly.
"Most points win," Prince Ryu replied, his scythe resting casually on his shoulder as he locked eyes with Jin.
The two circled each other cautiously, their movements deliberate, eyes sharp and focused. Jin darted forward, swinging his spear low, aiming for Prince Ryu's knees. Prince Ryu leaped effortlessly, twisting mid-air and flipping to the side. The fluid motion carried him out of Jin's reach. As he landed, Prince Ryu swept his scythe in a sharp arc toward Jin's neck.
The cold steel stopped just shy of Jin's throat.
"That's a point," Prince Ryu said with a grin, lowering the scythe.
Jin scowled but quickly smirked back, brushing the weapon away from his neck. "I was just getting warmed up. Ready for round two."
Prince Ryu stepped back, his stance unwavering, while Jin readied his spear again. This time, Jin hurled the spear with deadly precision. Prince Ryu sidestepped smoothly, the spear whizzing past him.
But when Prince Ryu turned to face Jin again, the tip of a katana was already hovering near his neck. Jin stood poised, his stance firm and his grin triumphant.
"I told you I was warming up," Jin teased, his voice laced with confidence.
Prince Ryu chuckled, pushing the blade aside with his scythe. "Alright, you ready?"
This time, Prince Ryu tossed his scythe aside and unsheathed his sword. The sharp shing of steel echoed in the arena as he charged forward. Their blades clashed in a flurry of sparks, the sound of metal against metal ringing out as Jin parried the attack.
Prince Ryu pressed harder, forcing Jin back with rapid strikes. But Jin found an opening, ducking low and delivering a swift kick to Ryu's side. The blow knocked Prince Ryu off balance, sending him stumbling back. Jin seized the opportunity, leaping into the air and aiming a downward strike at Prince Ryu's head.
Reacting instinctively, Prince Ryu rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow. With a sharp motion, he swung his sword toward Jin's leg. Jin leaped back, the blade missing him by a fraction of an inch.
But suddenly, Prince Ryu staggered. His movements faltered, and he dropped his sword. His free hand clutched his arm as he cried out in pain.
"Ahh! My arm!" Prince Ryu gasped, his voice strained.
"What's wrong?" Jin dropped his stance, his katana clattering to the ground.
"My arm... it's burning!" Prince Ryu groaned before collapsing to his knees.
Jin rushed toward him, his concern evident. But as he reached out to help, he recoiled instantly. "Your arm... it's too hot!" Jin exclaimed, his hands stinging from the brief contact.
Prince Ryu groaned again, his breathing ragged, before falling unconscious.
"Guards!" Jin shouted, his voice echoing through the empty arena. Panic set in as he tried to touch Prince Ryu again, but the searing heat emanating from his arm was unbearable.
The guards arrived moments later, their faces grim as they carried Prince Ryu to a nearby chamber. Jin, still in shock, hurriedly picked up his knife. In his haste, the blade nicked his hand, leaving a small but bleeding cut. Ignoring the injury, Jin ran to Wei, worry etched across his face.
"Wei," Jin burst into the room, his voice urgent and his breaths uneven.
Wei looked up from his book, his expression calm and unbothered. "What happened? Do you want to go back?" he asked, his tone steady as he returned his focus to the page in front of him.
"No, it's Ryu," Jin said, nearly stumbling over his words. "He's unconscious. He's burning up—his arm was scorching hot!"
Wei didn't even glance up this time. "Give him medicine," he said simply, flipping a page.
Frustration flashed across Jin's face. He marched forward and snatched the book from Wei's hands. "Come with me!"
Wei sighed, stretching his arms lazily. "Alright, just give me back the book," he said, holding out a hand.
Jin held it behind his back. "If you want it, come with me."
Wei groaned, shaking his head in mock defeat. "Alright, alright. I'm coming."
Together, they hurried to Prince Ryu's chamber. The air inside was tense and heavy, and Prince Ryu lay motionless on the bed. Beads of sweat covered his face, and his breathing was shallow. Jin watched nervously as Wei approached.
Wei knelt beside the bed and reached out to touch Prince Ryu's arm. Instantly, he recoiled. "It's too hot," he muttered, concern finally breaking through his calm demeanor.
"What's wrong with him?" Wei asked, glancing at Jin.
Jin rubbed the back of his neck, guilt flickering in his eyes. "We were playing a point match. While fighting, he just... collapsed. It happened so fast."
"Was he tired before the fight, or did it happen suddenly?" Wei asked, his brow furrowing.
Jin shook his head. "No, he was fine—until he wasn't."
Wei stood, thinking for a moment. "I can stabilize him, but it's only temporary," he said. "Whatever this is, it will come back in a week unless we find a permanent solution."
"Do whatever you can," Jin urged.
Wei raised his hand, his fingers glowing faintly with a soft, white light. The glow intensified as he channeled his magic, the air around him buzzing with energy. The process took 30 painstaking minutes, with Jin pacing back and forth nervously.
At last, Prince Ryu's eyelids fluttered open. He blinked, disoriented. "What... happened?" he mumbled, his voice weak.
Jin grinned in relief. "You lost the match and passed out, that's what."
Prince Ryu managed a faint smile. "Figures..."
"How are you feeling now?" Wei asked, studying him carefully.
"Better," Prince Ryu replied, sitting up slowly. "But seriously, what happened?"
"No one knows," Wei said, his tone serious. "You collapsed mid-fight, and your arm was burning hot. I used my magic to stabilize you, but it's only a temporary fix. In a week, this might happen again."
Prince Ryu nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Thank you, Wei." Then, he looked at Jin with a smirk. "So... I lost the match, huh?"
Jin crossed his arms, smirking back. "Technically, it's a tie. But don't worry, we'll settle this once you're fully recovered."
"Fine," Prince Ryu said, shaking his head with a chuckle. "You better be ready, though."
Jin turned to Wei. "Now, can we leave?"
Wei arched a brow. "Not until I get my book."
Jin rolled his eyes and handed it over. "Here."
Wei took it but then turned to Prince Ryu. "Mind if I borrow this? I'll return it after I finish."
"Of course," Prince Ryu said with a small smile.
Wei nodded in thanks before heading out with Jin.
As they exited the chamber, Jin groaned dramatically. "Hey, can't you just open a portal directly to the cave? I'm not in the mood to hike through the forest."
Wei smirked, tapping the book in his hand. "Since you asked so nicely... sure."
"Finally," Jin muttered. "Let's go."