Chapter 0.99 Defeat

The metallic clink of the glass vial echoed as Jin downed the shimmering elixir in one long pull. The bitter-sweet burn slid down his throat like liquid flame. As the pain in his ribs began to subside, the broken bones stitching themselves back with eerie precision, he exhaled a tired breath, wiping a smear of blood from the corner of his lips.

Across the training hall, Sion leaned casually against the stone pillar, arms folded under her ample chest, her crimson-brown eyes flickering with amusement. She tilted her head, watching him through strands of her tousled mahogany hair, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"You know," she purred, her voice laced with mischief, "you look kind of sexy when you're half-dead. All bloodied and bruised… it suits you."

Jin, still panting slightly, arched an eyebrow. "You say that like it's a compliment."

"Oh, it is," she smirked. "Though, I'm a little disappointed. You still didn't manage to scratch *either* of them." She gestured playfully at her chest.

He chuckled weakly, red eyes glinting with familiar sarcasm. "My pride is wounded more than my ribs. Next time, I'll grab one just to spite you."

She placed a hand over her heart, mock-gasping. "Bold! But be warned… if you touch, you *pay*."

Jin snorted. "If I wanted milk, I'd go to the market."

"Oh, darling," she leaned forward, whispering, "but mine's premium—fresh, warm, and straight from the source."

He blinked, then laughed—a genuine, warm sound that was rare coming from him. "Remind me again, how are you *not* locked in a tower somewhere?"

"I'd probably seduce the guards," Sion said matter-of-factly, shrugging one shoulder. "Now, stop flirting and go shower. You reek of sweat and burned mana."

Jin raised both hands in mock surrender, walking toward the washroom at the back of the hall. His torn shirt clung to his pale skin, the long black coat fluttering slightly behind him. "As you wish, mistress of combat and chaos."

As soon as the door clicked shut behind him, Sion's grin turned wicked. She reached into the spatial bracelet wrapped around her wrist, pulling out a sleek, black bikini set with red rune accents—a *battle-ready swimsuit*, or so she claimed. In one swift move, her outerwear dropped to the floor and she changed, tying the string top with expert fingers.

"Oh, Jin," she murmured with a devilish twinkle in her eyes, "let's see how much self-control you've really mastered."

Without knocking, without hesitating, she stormed into the steamy bathroom like a whirlwind. The moment Jin turned around—shirtless, soap suds trailing down the lean lines of his torso—his crimson eyes widened in shock.

"Sion—?! What the hell are you—?"

"Relax," she chimed, already stepping into the shallow pool with him. "I thought I'd help scrub your back. Or... front."

His jaw clenched. "You're insane."

She sauntered closer, eyes gliding shamelessly down his body. "Insane for *you*," she said sweetly. "And by the gods… you really *are* a monster, aren't you?"

He flushed faintly, then groaned. "I should've stayed unconscious."

She flicked a bit of water at him. "Too late. I've seen it all now. No going back."

"Pervert."

She smirked. "You wound me, my little prince. But don't worry… my love is pure. I adore two things in this world—cute girls… and *you*. In that order."

His eyes narrowed. "You're a damn yuri-addict, aren't you?"

She gasped in faux horror. "Don't label my sacred passion. Girl-love is *art*, Jin. Delicate. Beautiful. Like roses and daggers."

He rolled his eyes. "Right. You and your 'sports' with pretty girls... Remind me to install security in the garden."

"Oh please," she waved him off. "I'm not dumb enough to get caught doing naughty things where your mom can see. Lady Naoko would skin me alive."

He shivered slightly. "That's... accurate."

Sion stepped closer, suddenly less playful, a shade more sincere. "But you, Jin… you're the only one who knows *everything* about me. My... little secrets."

He blinked at that. Her voice was softer now.

"I trust you," she whispered. "More than anyone."

Something in his expression flickered, almost imperceptibly. Then, with his usual drawl, he answered, "Your secret's safe with me. I'll take it to the grave."

Her smile faltered for a moment. Then she reached out and pinched his cheek—hard.

"Don't say stuff like that," she snapped. "If you die, I'll resurrect you just so I can kill you myself."

He winced. "Yeesh. Territorial much?"

"You're *mine*," she growled.