Chapter 59: A Date, A Reunion, and Trouble with Lia

Jin Shang never thought he would reach a point in life where he needed a disguise just to walk in public.

Yet, here he was.

Wearing a simple black hoodie, a pair of sunglasses, and a face mask, Jin tried to blend into the bustling city streets. He had seen idols and celebrities do this to avoid attention, and now he found himself in the same ridiculous position.

All because he had become a worldwide sensation.

After his battle with the Ranker Association, his name had spread like wildfire. His face was plastered on news screens, and people whispered his name in admiration (or fear). Some called him a hero, others a demon. Either way, going out in public without causing a scene had become nearly impossible.

Which is why Lia, the instigator of this disaster, was currently giggling at his suffering.

"This is stupid," Jin muttered as they walked side by side.

Lia turned to him, smiling mischievously. "Oh, come on, it's cute! You look just like a K-pop star on a secret date."

Jin gave her a deadpan look. "I have literally killed people stronger than gods. Do not compare me to a boyband member."

Lia ignored his complaints and linked her arm with his.

Jin stiffened slightly at the unexpected contact. He wasn't used to… this. The warmth of another person. The gentle way she leaned against him. The way her heartbeat seemed to sync with his own.

It was strange.

But not unpleasant.

"So," Lia said, looking up at him, "where are you taking me?"

Jin raised an eyebrow. "You're the one who dragged me out."

Lia pouted. "That's not how dates work, Jin! The guy is supposed to plan something romantic."

Jin sighed. "Is there a manual for this?"

Lia laughed. "You're hopeless."

As they strolled through the city, Jin noticed the way people kept glancing at them. Some girls whispered to each other, pointing in his direction. A few even pulled out their phones as if trying to snap a picture.

Was his disguise failing already?!

Lia leaned closer, whispering, "Wow, you're really popular. You're like the ultimate bad-boy heartthrob now."

Jin groaned. "I regret everything."

—Then, he saw her.

A woman with long crimson hair, piercing golden eyes, and an aura of absolute confidence. She stood at the entrance of a nearby alleyway, watching him.

His eyes widened slightly.

"Rin… Harlow?" he muttered under his breath.

Lia noticed his change in expression. "Who?"

Jin didn't answer. Instead, he turned to Lia and said, "Wait for me in the restaurant. I'll be back soon."

Lia frowned. "What? Where are you—"

But before she could protest, Jin had already moved.

—

Rin Harlow.

They hadn't seen each other in a long time.

Jin approached her with calm, measured steps. As he did, Rin smirked.

"You recognized me even in my new appearence ?" she asked playfully.

Jin studied her. She had changed. Not just in appearance but in aura. She felt different. Stronger. More refined.

"You look… different," Jin admitted. "More beautiful. More skilled, More powerful"

Rin raised an eyebrow, amused. "Flirting already? Careful, I might take you seriously."

Jin shook his head with a small chuckle. "I meant it as a compliment, not an invitation."

She crossed her arms. "Shame."

Jin's expression turned serious. "What are you doing here, Rin?"

Her smirk softened into something more genuine. "I came to see you. To thank you."

Jin frowned slightly. "Thank me?"

"For destroying the Ranker Association," Rin said. "You freed a lot of people, Jin. Including me."

Jin leaned against the wall. "I didn't do it alone if you and others would not help me."

Rin chuckled. "Still as humble as ever."

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, Rin's golden eyes flickered with something deeper.

"I've changed a lot since we last met," she said. "I'm not the same girl you knew."

Jin tilted his head. "I can tell."

She smiled. "I've become a Specter. So that's why my eyes and my aura changed a lot."

Jin's eyes narrowed slightly. "That's Cool."

Rin sighed. "Thanks."

Jin nodded.

They spoke for a while longer, reminiscing about the past, the battles they had fought, and the new paths they had chosen.

Then, Rin stretched her arms above her head. "Well, I should go. I just wanted to say hi."

Jin nodded. "It was good seeing you again."

She winked. "Try not to become too famous, 'oh mighty hero.'"

Before leaving Jin grabbed her hand.

" Hey what are you doing ?" Rin asked.

But jin didn't ans and gave him "3 world tree fruit ", " 2 God Level monster Core ", " a Dragon Flesh ".

Jin Said, " I also gave this to my GF. Now she is a Celestial. I hope you will become a celestial just like others."

Rin Said, " But the Celestial family ?"

Jin Sighed. " Don't worry I already have permission."

Rin smiled, " Thank you Jin. I will never forget this."

Jin smirked.

And just like that, she was gone.

Jin exhaled and turned back toward the restaurant.

—Only to walk straight into an angry Lia.

Her arms were crossed, her eyes burning with irritation.

"You left me waiting for AN HOUR."

Jin blinked. "It wasn't that long."

Lia grabbed his collar. "It. Was. An. Hour."

Jin sighed. "I had to—"

"NO EXCUSES."

Jin stared at her, completely deadpan. "Lia, I have fought Titans, celestial warriors, and beings beyond comprehension, and yet… you genuinely terrify me right now."

Lia's expression softened slightly, but she still pouted. "You made me eat alone! Do you know how embarrassing that was?"

Jin hesitated. "…Was the food good?"

Lia's eyes twitched.

"…Jin Shang."

"Yes?"

"I swear I will throw this drink at you."

Jin raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll make it up to you."

Lia crossed her arms. "How?"

Jin thought for a moment. "I'll take you to the best restaurant in the city. No interruptions."

Lia squinted at him. "…Fine."

Jin smirked. "And I'll even let you order as much as you want."

Lia's eyes lit up. "Deal."

Jin sighed in relief. Crisis averted.

As they walked back into the restaurant, Lia glanced at him. "By the way… who was that girl?"

Jin hesitated. "…An old friend."

Lia narrowed her eyes. "A pretty old friend."

Jin groaned. "Please don't start."

Lia giggled. "No promises."

And just like that, their date resumed—though Jin knew he wouldn't hear the end of it.

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