Chapter 71: The Clash of Wills

The morning sun cast a dull glow over the war room, but the tension inside was anything but light. Jin and his team gathered around a massive wooden table, a detailed map sprawled across its surface. Every inch was covered in markings—strategic routes, enemy positions, potential ambush points.

Lysander leaned over, tapping a specific location with a gloved hand. "If we push through here, we can set up a counter-offensive before they realize it."

Kaelros crossed his arms, studying the map. "It's risky. The moment we move, they'll anticipate something. We need a contingency."

Jin stood at the head of the table, silent. His mind was present, but his thoughts strayed elsewhere. His father. His bloodline. The truth still coiled inside him like a venomous serpent, refusing to let go.

Before anyone could speak further, the heavy doors creaked open. A presence filled the room—calm, imposing, undeniable.

Arden.

The air seemed to tighten as the man stepped forward, his piercing golden eyes locking onto Jin.

"I need to speak with you," Arden said, his tone firm yet unreadable. "Alone."

Jin's gaze was cold, unshaken. "We're in the middle of something. If you have something to say, say it here."

Arden's lips pressed into a thin line. "This isn't for their ears."

The room fell into a heavy silence. The others exchanged glances but said nothing.

Jin exhaled sharply, stepping away from the table. "Fine."

Kaelros shot him a look, but Jin ignored it. He followed Arden out of the chamber, down the dimly lit corridors of the fortress.

The moment they reached an isolated courtyard, Jin turned sharply. "Say what you need to say and leave."

Arden didn't hesitate. "You're planning to go after your father."

Jin's eyes narrowed. "That's none of your concern."

Arden took a step closer. "It is if you're walking into a grave."

Jin scoffed. "Spare me the wisdom of an old warrior. You don't know what this is about."

Arden's expression remained calm, but his voice sharpened. "I know more than you think. I know what it means to chase vengeance. I know what it means to stand before the one who betrayed you."

Jin's jaw tightened. "Then you should know that nothing you say will change my mind."

Arden sighed, shaking his head. "This isn't just about revenge, is it? You want answers. You want to know why he abandoned you. You think that by confronting him, you'll find some kind of closure."

Jin's eyes burned with fury. "I don't need closure. I need to end this."

Arden studied him for a moment before speaking again, this time softer. "Then listen to me. Killing him won't bring you peace."

Jin clenched his fists. "You think I care about peace?"

Arden's voice deepened, carrying a weight that couldn't be ignored. "I think you're too blind with rage to see what's in front of you."

Jin's patience snapped. "Stay out of my way, Arden. This isn't your fight."

Arden sighed, shaking his head. "Then fight me."

Jin blinked. "What?"

Arden's expression was unreadable. "A duel. Right here, right now."

Jin narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Arden stepped forward, his presence growing heavier. "Because if I win, you'll listen to me. If you win, I'll stay out of your way."

Jin smirked, rolling his shoulders. "You really think you can stop me?"

Arden didn't respond. He simply raised his hand, summoning a faint aura of power. The air around them shifted, crackling with unseen force.

Jin's smirk widened. "Fine. But don't expect me to hold back."

Jin lunged forward first, his body moving with the speed of a tempest. His fist shot toward Arden's face—fast, precise, deadly.

Arden didn't flinch.

In a single movement, he sidestepped, his hand moving like a blur. Before Jin could even register what had happened, a heavy force struck his chest.

A single palm strike.

The impact was devastating. Jin's entire body was sent flying backward, crashing into the ground with a force that shook the courtyard.

Silence.

Jin gasped, struggling to move, his limbs numb from the sheer power behind the attack.

Arden stood unmoving, his expression as calm as ever. "You lost."

Jin's breathing was ragged, his mind reeling. It hadn't even been a fight.

Arden took a step closer, his voice quiet but firm. "You let your emotions cloud your judgment. You think you're ready to face your father, but you can't even stand against me."

Jin gritted his teeth, but he couldn't argue. The pain in his body was evidence enough.

Arden turned away. "You have potential, Jin. But potential isn't enough. If you truly want to survive this path… you'll have to become stronger."

He paused, looking over his shoulder. "And next time, don't let your anger make decisions for you."

With that, he walked away, leaving Jin on the ground—broken, but not defeated.

Because if there was one thing Jin knew, it was this:

He would never accept being weak. Suddenly Arden told him something. " If you have no problem then you can train with "

" Training, where ?" Jin became surprised.

Arden smirked. " Black World "