352 Jin, the God of Discipline (1/2)

”Didn't think ya were as stupid as me,” laughed Maynard.

Jack smiled and wiped the blood from his mouth. He then pulled out two bottles of life spring water Jack had collected back in Ponlinne's tomb. ”Here. This will stop the internal bleeding.”

While Jack and Maynard drank the healing water, the other party members were startled by Jack's statement.

”We're fine now, so don't worry about it,” Jack added, calming the party. ”Now, I think I know what to do.”

Still in a rush, Jack returned to the water and hurried to the bottom at full speed. When Jack reached the tunnel, he didn't stop or slow down. Instead, Jack closed his eyes and aimed where he thought the barrier might be beneath the rock.

Lucky for Jack, his assumption was right. As his body came in contact with the rock, he phased right through it.

When Jack reappeared in front of the barrier, Lina was blown away. ”Big Bro, how did you do that?!”

'I'm not sure. I want to say this rock tunnel is an illusion, but I think there's more to it than that,' Jack replied. 'Anyway, I need you to do something. Can you devour the barrier, Lina?'

”Really?! You'll let me eat it?!”

Not waiting for Jack to change his mind, Lina's body expanded and swiftly took the form of a long three-headed hydra. And thanks to the tunnel's strange ability, Lina's long body didn't destroy it. Back in her hydra form, Lina opened all three of her mouths and bit into the barrier. Her teeth ripped the barrier to shreds and left a huge, gaping hole. It was as if the magic barrier was a giant cookie and each of the three hydra heads stole a bite from it, savoring and chewing on the magic.

'That's enough, Lina, just enjoy your snack.' Jack noticed that Lina was enjoying the flavor so he didn't bother her with anything else. 'Everyone, the barrier's open now. Come one down!'

'What about Appa, Bowzer, and Phoro?' asked Eliza.

Jack replied, 'Store them. I'm sure there will be a place for them in the shrine.'

Eliza told the beasts of the plan and stored them away before she and the other party members jumped into the water.

'Also, that rock tunnel at the bottom is false. You can swim right through it. Just follow Lina's body and you'll find it.'

At first, the party was confused but they quickly caught on when they saw the hydra tail wagging through what was supposed to be solid rock. With that to guide them, the party didn't struggle to find the barrier and the hole she had made. Also, they saw Lina take three more large bites and smile at the taste.

Jack was already inside the barrier.

”You!”

A booming voiced echoed within the hidden room. It was masculine but not too low of a register. Also, it's tone seemed more bothered than angry.

While Jack crashed into the moat below, he saw the rough figure of a man through the running water. He came to the side and gasped for air.

”You, it must be you! What did you do to my barrier?! Do you now understand how difficult it was to make that?” The now clear figure berated Jack.

”Sorry, we're just in a hurry to speak with Jin so I don't keep Daruun waiting,” Jack replied as he clamored onto the carved stone floor jutting out of the moat.

”Daruun? What do you know of him? Speak, boy?”

Now breathing easier, Jack looked back to Jin. He was a man with average stature and height, but half of his toned torso was revealed by the kimono cut diagonally across the torso. Jin's hair was done into a tight bun and his facial features were just as sharp as his gaze.

”Jin, my name is Jack. I'm Daruun's champion and your nephew. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, uncle.”