The old man's eyes gleamed a strange light as he watched over the battle between Jin and Harold. However, it was not at those two that his gaze was directed at. Instead, his eyes were focusing on someone else that was next to them, supposedly hiding...

Jin having absolutely no idea of it was still trying to make up his mind. As the battle lengthened, he realized how shallow his first thoughts had been. If he were to kill this man right now, there would be retaliation from elsewhere. If he did not, there would still be retaliation. His will wavered.

Fortunately, the Squad Captain, while stronger than most, was nothing in front of Jin when it came to mortal martial arts.

Jin took the time to think as he continued to parry and push the opponent.

Obviously, he had to win. He could not afford to lose. However, how to win was what truly mattered here. Killing had, in fact, not been a viable option. If he was not tied to this place and could run...But it was not the case.

He continued to ponder and decided on a path.

The clash continued and a few exchanges later, blood gushed out from a wound. Jin was the one wounded. He purposefully let Squad Captain Harold pierce through his body, near the top of his left arm while he aimed his own weapon straight at the man's neck.

With his control, he planned to stop right before slicing it. His goal was no longer to kill after all.

However, unexpectedly, as the sword stopped itself close to the neck of Harold, another weapon, a dagger, appeared out of thin air and sent Jin's sword away. It surprised both contestants. At the same time, someone appeared magically next to them. From the weapon that blocked the sword, a hand first became visible clamped on it and then the rest of the body.

The Second Squad's Captain.

The old Squad Captain acting as referee jumped on top of the platform as he laughed joyfully. Ame followed him closely, determined to help Jin if he needed it. She was deeply regretting her previous actions already. What she started became too big of a deal.

...

That event that shook the palace took place two months ago.

As he looked at the ceiling of his cell, Jin reached the conclusion that there had been no ways out from the start. He had been set-up. He did not think it was Ame though since she kept visiting him every single day while he was here.

Also, while he remained in jail, the situation itself was not too bad. He was not beaten up and was diligently being served his three meals a day. And the quality of those meals was quite high compared to some things he ate during his travels. He was eating the same stuff as the guards in fact.

He was in jail, yes, but he was not being treated as a true criminal.

It felt more like a weird kind of house arrest.

Since there was nothing that he could do about it, he decided to spend his time on something that would be of use. He continuously remained in a meditative state as he focused himself on his soul sea. His core was still stuck within that seal and with no other options, he simply kept hammering at it with his spiritual spears. He kept at it for hours on end every single day until finally something happened.

A small web of crack appeared on the seal.

It was miniscule. So small that if not for his visual acuity, it would've been impossible to see. But there it was. A proof that he could break it.

It was common knowledge that it would be impossible to break a rock with an egg. However, what if u used billions and billions of eggs? After some time, the rock was bound to break. Due to the quantity of attempts. After all, nothing was unbreakable. It was the same with this seal.

So, obviously, he kept at it.

Unfortunately, even until today, no changes were seen. He sighed as he looked at the iron bars of the cell. He wondered just how long it would take to break the seal if he continued without help. In the end, he really needed Sarina's help...

While there was a way to break it, the time it would require would be too much. He could only hope for her to have a better option. Otherwise, everything might be going down the drain.

It was around that time that the guard approached.

"Vice-Captain Baem, Sir, you're free to go"

Jin turned to the speaker. That man was named Hun Han. He had been a jail guard for the past twelve years. Throughout the two months, they spoke many times. But never once did the man call him so respectfully.

Jin asked him: "What's with the polite greeting today, Han?"

Hun Han bowed at the man behind the bars as he stated: "The verdict finally came, Sir Baem. You're not only free but promoted to the position of Vice-Captain of the 11th corps of Royal guards"

Jin sighed as he got up. This position brought him trouble before he even got it and it was likely going to be even worse further in. Still, there were not many other options left.

He would have to deal with Harold some ways or another though. The fact that the man survived yet suffered such 'humiliation' meant that he was a threat.

As Jin approached the bars, Hun Han opened the cell for him. Then, the guard escorted Jin respectfully to the entrance of the jail. In one of the rooms, Hun Han presented him with his 'belongings' of which he recognized nearly none.

Jin told him: "These are not mine"

Hun Han bowed as he introduced the items: "They are now, Vice-Captain Sir. These are the battle robes of your squad and represents your status as a Vice-Captain. This ring is granted to all newly promoted Vice-Captains and this one contains the properties you earned from Captain Harold. As for the sword...It is named the Sword of Glacial Light and is a rank 3 weapon. It belonged to Captain Harold but now..."

Jin sighed.

More problems.