Crystal Bond [Jikook]

| Chapter - 35 |

The morning sun had barely touched the horizon, casting a soft glow over the restless sea. The waves lapped against the shore with an almost knowing anticipation, the ocean itself seeming to hum with the energy of the coming duel. Standing at the water's edge, Jimin's jaw was set, his eyes sharp with determination as he faced the daunting task before him.

Taehyung, Jungkook's brother and the feared Commander of the Water Realm, had laid down his challenge without a hint of mercy. He hadn't wanted Jimin to prove himself in any safe, controlled environment. Instead, he'd demanded the duel be fought where the water itself would play as much of a role as either of the combatants: deep beneath the ocean's surface, in Taehyung's own element, where he held complete power.

And Jimin knew that was the point.

To earn the respect of Taehyung, of Jungkook's family, and of the Water Realm itself, he would have to show that he was not only willing to face the impossible but could outsmart and outlast one of their own—even when the odds were stacked against him.

But Jimin had spent his life beating the odds.

The night before, Jimin had remained awake, his mind a whirlpool of calculations, ideas, and strategies. He'd known this would be the greatest challenge of his life—a test of not only his strength but his intellect and his resolve. So he'd prepared in the way he knew best: planning every possible move, predicting Taehyung's strategies, and visualizing his response.

Midnight Preparations

In the deep quiet of the night, Jimin had slipped away from the mansion and into a nearby pool. Wearing the specialized diving suit he'd procured at the last minute, he practiced holding his breath and moving with the heavy drag of water all around him. The dark, still water of the pool became his training ground, a place where he tested his endurance and tried to imagine what it would be like to face Taehyung—a creature who belonged to the sea—in his own element.

He took in a steady breath, holding it for as long as he could, then releasing it in measured bursts to simulate the short, controlled breaths he would need during the duel. Each time he surfaced, he visualized his strategy, testing his lung capacity and honing his concentration.

Jimin knew he couldn't hope to match Taehyung in sheer strength or magical ability. As a human, he had none of the supernatural powers that Taehyung, Jungkook, and their kind possessed. But he had something else—an indomitable will and a sharp, cunning mind that had helped him rise to the top of the human world. And that, he reminded himself, would be his edge.

When he finally returned to his room, the first rays of dawn had begun to paint the sky, casting a quiet resolve over him. He was ready.

The Morning of the Duel

The sea stretched endlessly before them, an infinite expanse of water that concealed secrets and depths Jimin could barely fathom. Taehyung stood at the shore, his presence radiating calm, cold power, and an air of absolute confidence. He was dressed in the simple yet regal armor of his station, a blue-scaled breastplate that shimmered in the sunlight, covering him from shoulder to waist, leaving his strong arms exposed. His expression was unreadable, his dark eyes fixed on Jimin with a quiet intensity that spoke volumes.

Jungkook was by Jimin's side, his hand resting on his shoulder in silent support. His gaze was locked on his brother, a mixture of determination and concern flickering in his eyes. He trusted Jimin—he had to—but the challenge that lay before his mate was beyond anything a human had ever faced.

"You don't have to do this," Jungkook whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

Jimin glanced up at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But I want to," he replied, his tone unwavering. "I'm not just doing this to prove myself to Taehyung, or to your people. I'm doing it for us, Jungkook. I want to show them that I'm worthy of standing by your side."