Chapter 55: Chapter 10.8: Combat Training & Open Hearts # Chapter 10.3 - The Weight of Steel
Jin made sure Clara was settled in her room before he quietly closed the door behind him. The soft click echoed in the dim corridor as he leaned against the cool metal for a moment, collecting his thoughts. He could still feel the warmth of her hand in his, the memory of their workshop encounter playing through his mind like a melody he couldn’t quite place.
"Your physiological readings indicate elevated adrenaline and oxytocin levels," Asha noted clinically in his mind. "Additionally, your heart rate remains 15% above baseline. Should I be concerned about your cardiovascular health during this mission?"
"I’m fine, Asha," Jin thought back, pushing himself off the wall. "Just processing everything."
"Processing or procrastinating? You still need to complete your route memorization and equipment check before the mission briefing."
Jin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know. I’m heading to the armory next to check on Rosa’s preparations."
"Logical decision. Rosa has been in the armory for approximately two hours and seventeen minutes. Based on her behavioral patterns, she’s likely either preparing equipment or engaging in combat training. Given her personality profile, I estimate a 73% probability of the latter."
As Jin approached the armory, he noticed the heavy door was slightly ajar, with soft light spilling into the corridor. The security protocols would normally keep such areas sealed, but given their current circumstances, exceptions had been made for team access. The faint scent of gun oil and sterilization reached him before he heard anything.
Then he heard it - Rosa’s voice, humming a Spanish melody that seemed to dance in the air. The sound was hauntingly beautiful, filled with a melancholy that contrasted sharply with her usual playful demeanor. It drew him closer, curious about what she was doing alone in the armory at this hour.
He peered inside and froze.
Rosa was in the center of the room, moving through a complex combat routine that took his breath away. She had changed into athletic shorts and a sports bra, with her Phoenix Corps jacket discarded nearby. Sweat glistened on her skin under the armory’s work lights as she handled a plasma daggers with practiced precision.
This wasn’t the playful Rosa he was used to seeing. Every movement was calculated and deliberate - it was like watching a deadly dance honed by years of practice. She flowed seamlessly from strike to block to roll, displaying a combination of flexibility and strength that caught him completely off guard. The Spanish melody continued as she moved, each note punctuated by the whisper of steel through air.
Jin found himself mesmerized, watching the way her muscles tensed and relaxed with each movement, the swift motion that spoke of countless hours of practice. This was a side of Rosa he’d never witnessed - serious, focused, and utterly lethal. Her style was different from his own ’Kensei Kōryū’; it was less about form and more about brutal efficiency, every move designed to end a confrontation as quickly as possible.
"Enjoying the show, hero?" She had stopped her routine without him noticing, turning to him with that familiar smirk. "Front-row seats usually cost extra."
Jin didn’t flinch at being caught. "I didn’t realize you had that kind of training," he said, keeping his expression neutral despite his surprise. "That was impressive."
Rosa’s eyebrow raised slightly at his genuine compliment. "Oh, there’s plenty you don’t know about me." She sauntered over, wiping her face with her shirt, inadvertently revealing more of her toned midsection. "Dear old Dad insisted his little princess learn to break bones as easily as 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."
"Rosa," Jin said evenly, maintaining eye contact despite their proximity. "I came to check on your preparations for tomorrow. And to see if you needed any help."
Her playful expression softened slightly at his practical response. "Always so focused on the mission." She stepped back, giving him space. "But you’re right. We should be preparing."
She moved to a weapon rack and began checking the plasma daggers, her movements efficient.
She moved through another set of movements, this time at a slower pace, demonstrating the techniques. "My father started training me after the first kidnapping attempt."
Jin’s eyes widened. "Kidnapping?"
"I was twelve," she said casually, as if discussing the weather. "The bastard posed as a gardener. I broke his nose. Everyone called me brave, but I was terrified."
She paused her routine, her back to him. "Three more attempts by the time I was sixteen. Each time, my father increased my training. Said I needed to be able to protect myself when he couldn’t be there."
Jin walked over to her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "That’s a heavy burden for a child."
Rosa tensed at his touch, then slowly relaxed. "You learn to cope. You learn to laugh because being afraid all the time... it exhausts you." She turned to face him, her eyes glistening. "I remember the third one. He had a knife. I disarmed him, but he cut my arm. I still have the scar." She traced a faint line on her bicep. "I didn’t scream. I just... kept fighting. After that, my father’s training got... intense. No more games. Just survival."
Jin’s expression softened. "I understand."
"Tomorrow scares me," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
"We’ll watch each other’s backs," Jin said firmly. "That’s what teams do."
Rosa’s familiar smile returned, though her eyes still held traces of vulnerability. "You know, for someone so dense about romantic signals, you say exactly the right thing when it matters."
She stepped closer again, her hand resting on his chest. "Speaking of signals..."
"Rosa," Jin said gently, placing his hand over hers. "We should focus on the mission."
She sighed, but there was no real frustration in her voice. "Fine. But after tomorrow’s done, I’m collecting all the missed signals."
[Accidental Harem Magnet - ACTIVE]
As if to prove her point, Rosa deliberately leaned in, but misjudged her balance on the training mat beneath them. Jin instinctively reached to steady her, but the sudden movement sent them both off-balance. They tumbled to the floor, with Rosa landing awkwardly on top of him.
"Well, this isn’t exactly how I pictured our first time on the floor together," she quipped, quickly rolling off him.
"Are you hurt?" Jin asked, sitting up and checking himself over.
"Just my pride," Rosa laughed, brushing herself off. "And apparently my coordination."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Rosa spoke again. "You know, Clara was working on something special for the team before you found her."
"The shield emitter modifications?" Jin asked.
Rosa nodded. "She’s been pushing herself hard to make sure we’re all protected out there. She really cares about everyone."
"She does," Jin agreed.
"That’s why we’re going to succeed," Rosa said firmly. "Because we actually give a damn about each other, not just about surviving."
She stood up, offering him a hand. "Come on. Let me show you some actual moves that might keep you alive tomorrow."
Jin accepted her hand, letting her pull him up. "I could use the practice."
"Good attitude," Rosa approved, tossing him a practice staff. "First rule - maintain your center of gravity at all times."
She demonstrated a basic stance, her movements fluid and precise. "See how my weight is distributed? Now you try."
Jin mimicked her position, but Rosa shook her head. "No, your hips are all wrong." She moved behind him, her hands settling on his waist to adjust his stance. "Like this. Feel the difference?"
"Yeah," Jin managed, focusing on the technique rather than her proximity.
"Good. Now, when someone attacks—" She suddenly hooked her leg around his, sending him off-balance. 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."
"Can you show me that again?" Jin asked, genuinely interested. "The counter-throw?"
Rosa’s eyes lit up. "You actually want to learn? Most guys just stare at my—" She caught herself, smirking. "Technique."
She helped him up. "Alright, hero. Real lesson time."
For the next hour, Rosa worked with Jin, teaching him close-combat techniques that complemented his swordsmanship. She was a demanding but effective instructor, pushing him to improve while keeping the atmosphere light with her usual banter.
"Your sword gives you reach, but Crawlers will try to close the distance," she explained, demonstrating a disarm technique. "You need to be ready when they do."
Jin practiced the move repeatedly until he could execute it smoothly. "Like this?"
"Perfect," Rosa nodded approvingly. "Now let’s try it with resistance."
They moved through several techniques - counters, disarms, and close-quarters strikes that would be useful if he was ever separated from his sword. Jin found himself adapting quickly, his years of sword training giving him an advantage in balance and precision.
"You’re a natural," Rosa admitted, wiping sweat from her brow. "Most people take weeks to get this down."
"I have a good teacher," Jin replied, looking at Rosa.
They took a break, sitting on the training mats and sharing a water bottle. The atmosphere between them had shifted from playful flirtation to something more comfortable, like two warriors sharing a moment of respite before battle.
"You know," Rosa said suddenly, "when I first met you, I thought you were just another pretty face."
Jin raised an eyebrow. "And now?"
"Now I see there’s more to you than that," she admitted with a small smile. "You’re actually pretty decent when you’re not being oblivious to everything."
"I’m not oblivious," Jin protested mildly.
Rosa laughed. "Right. That’s why Clara practically had to spell out her feelings for you, and I’m still waiting for you to notice my not-so-subtle hints."
"I notice," Jin said quietly, his eyes meeting hers. "I just... the mission comes first."
"I know," Rosa’s expression softened. "And that’s what makes you different. You actually care about keeping everyone safe, not just about surviving yourself."
She stood up, stretching. "Come on. One more technique before we wrap up."
She showed him a combination move that incorporated both his sword skills and the close-combat techniques she’d taught him. It was complex, requiring precise timing and coordination, but Jin picked it up quickly.
"Time’s getting short," Rosa finally said, checking the clock on the wall. "We should wrap up."
As they gathered the training equipment, Rosa caught his arm. "Jin? After tomorrow... I’m going to kiss you." She released his arm and walked toward the door, adding a deliberate sway to her hips. "Consider yourself warned."
Jin watched her go, a small smile playing on his lips. "I-I understand."
---
[HUD NOTIFICATION – INTERACTION EVENT COMPLETE]
Subject: Rosalie Thorne
Encounter Type: Combat Training / Emotional Support
Location: Armory Bay, Sublevel B
[RELATIONSHIP UPDATE – ROSALIE THORNE]
Affinity +5
> New Total: 68 / 100
> Trust Level: Strengthened
> Emotional Bond: Intensified
> Rosalie now openly expresses interest in Jin
STATUS:
• Rosalie may now initiate combat training or emotionally vulnerable interactions
• Competitive Flag Triggered: Rosalie aware of Clara’s presence
• Romantic Interest Confirmed – Route Progressing
[SKILL TRAITS UPDATED]
> Close Combat Basics: +3.5%
> Counter-Throw Technique: +2.0%
> Sword-to-Unarmed Transition: +4.2%
> 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: "Your combat effectiveness improves proportionally to the number of women who develop romantic interest in you. I should run the statistical correlation on that."
[JOURNAL ENTRY UNLOCKED]
"Rosalie: Combat Training & Open Hearts"
[MISSION TIME REMAINING: 5h 47m]
Recommended: Rest, Meal Intake, Tactical Review