Crystal Bond [Jikook]

| Chapter - 20 |

The grand throne hall of Emperor Jeon Jungkook's underwater castle shimmered with the soft glow of bioluminescent coral, casting an ethereal light across the space. Massive columns of pearl and coral reached toward the vaulted ceiling, and the ocean beyond the crystal windows seemed to hum with energy, as if it too was aware of the tensions brewing within.

Jungkook sat upon his throne, the Heavenly Sword now resting at his side. His usual calm demeanor was intact, but beneath his stoic exterior, a storm brewed. The theft of his sword had been a bold move, an outright declaration of war from the Demon King. And now, the situation had escalated far beyond what Jungkook had initially anticipated.

The race for the Holy Crystal had begun to heat up—an ancient competition that had been raging for millennia. It wasn't just about power anymore; it was about survival. If any ruler found the crystal, they would be granted godhood by the heavens themselves, and the fates of all the other realms would be in the hands of that single ruler.

Jungkook's eyes darkened as he thought of the mysterious Demon King, he knows that demon king is an immortal creature just like him. So they were sure that the demon king wasn't dead completely yet, some of the ashes of the demon kings soul might be there. The theft of the sword had been a strategic move, a way to weaken Jungkook and tip the balance in the Demon King's favor. The mysterious Demon King had always feared Jungkook, knowing full well that the Water Emperor was his greatest rival in this cosmic race. Jungkook's reputation as a wise, cunning, and powerful ruler made him the most dangerous threat to the Demon King's ambitions.

Jungkook's hands clenched into fists as he stared out at the assembly of rulers, his brothers, commanders, and advisors gathered before him. His generals— Taehyung and Soo Hyun—stood nearby, their expressions tense as they awaited his decision. And among the gathered were other leaders of the realm, all of them looking to Jungkook for guidance in this critical moment.

But the air in the throne room crackled with something else—an unspoken tension that seemed to ripple between Jungkook and Taehyung, his younger brother and commander. Taehyung's eyes were dark with frustration, his jaw set in a hard line as he stood near Jungkook, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

And at the center of Taehyung's growing frustration was one person: Jimin.

"His majesty," Taehyung began, his voice low but sharp, breaking the heavy silence in the hall. "Before we talk about the crystal or the next steps, there's something we need to discuss, brother."

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, his brow furrowing slightly. He could already feel where this conversation was headed, and he wasn't particularly in the mood for it. But he nodded, signaling for Taehyung to continue.

"I don't understand why you've allowed this... human... to become such a distraction," Taehyung spat, his tone laced with irritation. "You know what they're like. Selfish, cunning. They're not to be trusted, and yet you're spending more and more time with Jimin. I can't stand it."

A murmur spread through the gathered advisors and commanders, their curiosity piqued by the mention of the human who had, for some reason, captured their emperor's attention.

Jungkook's expression remained neutral, though a flicker of something cold passed through his eyes. "Taehyung," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Jimin is not a threat."

"Not a threat?" Taehyung scoffed. "He's a human, his majesty. They always have ulterior motives. You can't see it because you're too close to him. You've let your guard down."

The room fell silent, the tension between the brothers thick enough to be felt by everyone present. Jungkook, though not one to easily lose his temper, could feel his patience wearing thin.