CHAPTER 53: CHAPTER 10.3: THE ARMORY

Jin made sure Clara was settled in her room before he quietly closed the door behind him. He could still feel the warmth of her hand in his as memories of their moment in the workshop played through his mind.

"Asha pointed out that your hormone levels are still high. Maybe you should check on Rosa. She’s been in the armory for a couple of hours, and if I know her, she’s likely cooking up some crazy plan," she remarked.

As Jin approached the armory, he noticed the heavy door was wide open, revealing a shadowy interior. Intrigued, he walked closer and was captivated by Rosa’s enchanting voice, singing a beautiful melody in Spanish. The atmosphere and her song pulled him in deeper.

He peered inside and froze.

Rosa was in the middle of the room, going through some complex combat moves. She had changed into snug shorts and a sheer sports bra that didn’t hide much, with her Phoenix Corps jacket tossed off to the side. Sweat made her skin shine under the bright lights while she expertly handled the mono knife.

This wasn’t the playful Rosa he recalled. Every action she took was precise and carefully considered—it was like she was performing a serious dance after years of practice. She transitioned smoothly from one strike to a block to a roll, showing off a mix of flexibility and strength that totally caught him off guard.

"Enjoying the view, hero?" She had paused her practice, turning to him with that familiar grin. "You know, front-row seats to the Rosa show usually come with a price."

"I didn’t know you could move like that," Jin said, his face warming as he tried to keep his eyes on her face.

"Oh, there’s lots you don’t know about me." She strolled over, rubbing her face with her shirt, which had the added bonus of raising her sports bra even more. "Good ol’ Dad made sure his little princess could shatter bones just as easily as she could break hearts."

She invaded his personal space, backing him against the wall. "Want me to show you some moves? I promise to be gentle... at first."

"R-Rosa," Jin stammered, very aware of how close she was, how her training attire clung to her curves.

"What’s wrong, Jin?" She placed one hand on the wall beside his head, leaning in. "You look a little... flustered. Is it hot in here, or is it just me?"

"It’s definitely her," Asha commented.

"I should probably let you train," Jin managed, but Rosa’s free hand caught his shirt.

"Running away? That’s not very heroic." Her eyes turned serious for a moment. "But, you know... maybe you should stick around? I really dislike training by myself... got some not-so-great memories from when I was a kid."

The vulnerability in her voice made Jin pause. "Memories?"

Rosa stepped back, her playful mask slipping.

"The first time I got almost kidnapped, I was only twelve. This guy acted like he was a gardener," she mentioned, casually twirling a baton in her hand. "I ended up breaking his nose, and everyone thought I was really brave for it. But to be honest, I was super scared," she said with a wry chuckle.

"Rosa..."

"Three more attempts by the time I was sixteen."

She moved through another set of movements, this time at a slower pace, showing him how it’s done. "Every time I practiced, I improved my fighting skills..." She paused and glanced over at him.

"You can’t be afraid when you’re laughing all the time, right?" Without hesitation, Jin walked over to her and wrapped her in a warm embrace. Rosa initially tensed up but soon relaxed into his hold.

"Tomorrow scares me," she whispered.

"I’m coming back," Jin said firmly.

Rosa’s familiar smile reappeared, even though her eyes still glistened with unshed tears. She moved in a little closer. "Actually... if you’re making promises like that, shouldn’t we seal it somehow?"

"Like a handshake?"

Rosa laughed, her breath warm against his neck. "Oh, you sweet, innocent thing. I was thinking of something more... memorable."

She slid her hands up his chest, going on tiptoes. Jin’s hands found her waist, steadying her—or himself, he wasn’t sure. "Rosa, we should—"

"Shut up and let me have this moment?"

[Accidental Harem Magnet - ACTIVE]

As Rosa leaned in, her foot snagged on a training mat, causing her to stumble forward. Jin, attempting to catch her, found himself caught up in the fall as well. They both tumbled to the ground, with Rosa ending up on top, her knee unfortunately landing in a rather delicate spot.

"Ow, god!" Jin gasped as he struggled to catch his breath. Rosa quickly scrambled to get off him, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I’m so sorry! Are you—can you still—uh, I mean—"

"Fine," Jin squeaked, curled in a fetal position.

"Let me see—I mean, let me help—" Rosa’s hands fluttered nervously. "Ice! We need ice!"

She rushed to the medical supplies, returning with a cold pack. "Here, put this on your—where it hurts."

"Thanks," Jin groaned, sitting up carefully.

Rosa sat beside him, torn between concern and hysterical laughter. "We really suck at this."

"At what?"

"This!" She gestured between them. "The whole romantic moment thing. Clara probably got further than—" She slapped a hand over her mouth.

"What about Clara?"

"Nothing! Just girl talk!" Rosa’s grin was wicked now. "Though if you want to know what she said about your abs..."

"R-Rosa" Jin put his hand on his face, blushing.

She laughed, the tension breaking. "You’re too easy to tease. But seriously..." She took his hand.

"Thanks.."

"Thanks for what?" Jin rubbed the back of his head, clearly puzzled.

Rosa stared at him. "How do you do that?"

"What?"

"Express precisely what someone needs to hear, all while being entirely unaware of any double meanings."

Jin blushed. "I just say what I think."

"Never change that." She squeezed his hand.

"Even if it means you’ll keep missing my very obvious signals."

"What signals?"

Rosa groaned, flopping back dramatically. "I’m literally half-naked, throwing myself at you, and you’re worried about my emotional wellbeing.."

They remained seated on the armory floor, their hands intertwined. Rosa opened up to him about her training, sharing the sacrifices made on her behalf and what it felt like to be seen as a symbol instead of just herself. Jin listened attentively, providing support with a completely non-judgmental presence.

Rosa finally said. "We should finish prep."

As they stood, she caught his arm. "Jin? After tomorrow... I’m going to.... Kiss you" She walked away, giving her hips a little extra swing with each step. "Consider yourself warned."

[HUD NOTIFICATION – INTERACTION EVENT COMPLETE]

Subject: Rosalie Thorne

Encounter Type: Emotional Support / Armory Rest Event

Location: Armory Bay, Sublevel B

[RELATIONSHIP UPDATE – ROSALIE THORNE]

Affinity +5

New Total: 68 / 100

Trust Level: Strengthened

Emotional Bond: Intensified

Rosalie now openly flirts with Jin when alone

STATUS:

• Rosalie may now initiate emotionally vulnerable or teasing interactions

• Competitive Flag Triggered: Rosalie aware of Clara’s presence

• Romantic Interest Confirmed – Route Progressing

[SKILL TRAITS UPDATED]

Intuition (Body Language Detection): +2.8%

Dating Sim Flag Triggered: [Rosalie Route – Phase 1 Completed]

[SYSTEM FLAG – PASSIVE EFFECT ACTIVATED]

Passive Trait: [Accidental Harem Magnet] – ACTIVE

Effect: +Minor Affinity growth with nearby characters when emotional awareness is low

Asha Commentary Likelihood: High

Asha: "Do you attract danger... or just emotionally intense women? Either way, I’m keeping notes."

[JOURNAL ENTRY UNLOCKED]

"Rosalie: Locked Doors & Open Hearts"

"Wait," Jin called out as she started to walk away. "You said you’d show me some moves?"

Rosa paused, looking back over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow. "Oh? The hero wants private lessons?" She spun on her heel, sauntering back. "I suppose I could spare some time. But I don’t go easy on students."

"I need to be better prepared," Jin said earnestly. "If something happens out there—"

Rosa interrupted, but her expression softened. "Fine. Let’s see what you’ve got, hero."

She tossed him a practice staff from the weapon rack. "The first rule of close combat—always maintains your center of gravity."

Rosa demonstrated a basic stance, her movements fluid and precise. "See how my weight is distributed? Now you try."

Jin mimicked her position, but Rosa clicked her tongue. "No, no, your hips are all wrong."

She moved behind him, her hands settling on his waist. "Like this," she murmured, adjusting his stance. Her breath tickled his ear. "Feel the difference?"

"Y-Yeah," Jin managed, very aware of her body pressed against his back.

"Good. Now, when someone attacks—" She suddenly hooked her leg around his, sending him tumbling. But instead of letting him fall, she caught him, ending up dipped low in her arms like they were dancing.

"—you use their momentum against them," she finished with a grin, their faces inches apart.

"Can you show me that again?" Jin asked, genuinely interested despite his flustered state. "The leg sweep?"

Rosa’s eyes lit up. "You actually want to learn? Most guys just stare at my—" She caught herself, smirking. "Teaching form."

She helped him up. "Alright, hero. Real lesson time."