The tension between Jungkook and the twins hadn't fully settled when the first explosion rocked the coliseum.

Jungkook's instincts screamed before his brain could process it. 'Move'

He spun just in time to see a fireball crash into the marble steps, sending stone shards flying.

The nobles screamed, panic rippling through the arena as masked figures emerged from the shadows-dark-robed assassins, their movements swift and precise.

Jungkook's lips curled. Assassins.

A thrill shot through him. He had fought mercenaries, knights, even warlords. But assassins? They were different! Fast, Silent & Deadly.

But Jungkook was faster.

One lunged at him.

Jungkook sidestepped smoothly, catching their wrist mid-strike. With a flick, he disarmed them, flipping their dagger in his hand before ramming it into their ribs. They choked, and Jungkook kicked them off his blade before they hit the ground.

A shadow moved behind him.

Before he could react, Taehyung was already there.

His sword arced clean through the attacker's chest, blood splattering across the floor.

Jungkook whistled. "Prince Pretty actually knows how to use a sword."

Taehyung smirked, flicking the blood off his blade. "I don't just pose for paintings,sweetheart."

"Could've fooled me." Jungkook teased, twirling his dagger.

Another assassin leaped at him. Jungkook twisted, sweeping their legs from under them before stabbing his blade into their throat.

From the sidelines, V let out a low hum. "Efficient."

Jungkook smirked, wiping blood from his cheek. "I prefer impressive."

V's black eyes stayed locked onto him, unreadable. "Show me more, then."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. "Why, Pretty Boy? Enjoying the view?"

Before V could respond, a second explosion shattered the palace walls.

The ground trembled. The coliseum cracked. Dust and stone rained down.

Through the thick smoke, more figures emerged. Not just assassins. Elite assassins.

Jungkook's pulse quickened.

Finally, a Challenge.

Taehyung shot him a look. "You're insane."

Jungkook winked. "I've been told."

And then-the real fight began.

The first elite assassin lunged for Jungkook's throat. He twisted at the last second, blocking the strike with his gauntlet before slamming his knee into their ribs.

The assassin staggered. Jungkook yanked them forward-right into Taehyung's waiting blade.

The prince didn't hesitate. One clean slice.

Jungkook grinned. "Now that's teamwork, Your Highness."

Taehyung let out a dark chuckle. "You're dangerous, Jungkook."

Jungkook licked the blood off his lips, eyes gleaming. "You love it."

A sharp clash of blades turned their attention.

V.

He moved like a shadow, dodging and countering with unnerving precision. Unlike Taehyung's raw power, V was fluid-silent, controlled.

Jungkook watched as he baited his opponent, feinting left before smoothly twisting his blade-slicing through the assassin's side.

The attacker barely had time to react before V's dagger found their throat.

Jungkook whistled. "Smooth. Should I be worried?"

V's eyes flickered. "Should you?"

Their gazes locked.

Jungkook smirked. "Not in the slightest."

But before V could respond-

A blur of motion. A shadow slipping through the chaos. Heading straight for the Emperor.

Jungkook's stomach dropped.

Too fast. The guards wouldn't reach him in time.

Jungkook didn't think. He moved.

Vaulting off the coliseum steps, he landed behind the assassin just as they reached for the Emperor.

One quick motion.

Jungkook grabbed the hood, yanked them back-and drove his dagger into their spine.

The assassin crumpled.

Silence fell over the coliseum.

All eyes turned to Jungkook.

The Emperor, who hadn't flinched once, slowly stood. His sharp gaze assessed Jungkook.

"Impressive," he murmured. "But reckless."

Jungkook wiped his blade on his sleeve. "That's just another word for bold."

Taehyung chuckled lowly. "Reckless suits you just fine, darling."

Jungkook smirked. "Careful, Prince. You're starting to sound fond of me."

Taehyung stepped closer, voice dropping. "And what if I am?"

Jungkook faltered for a fraction of a second.

Then he tilted his head, lips curling. "Then I'd say-good taste."

V exhaled through his nose. "Infuriating," he muttered.

Jungkook grinned. "You love it."

Before anyone could respond, the Emperor spoke.

"This attack was not meant to kill me," he said slowly. "It was a warning."

Jungkook's smirk faded slightly.

A warning Which meant whoever sent these assassins wasn't done yet.

Taehyung and V exchanged glances.

Jungkook only exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Well," he drawled, "this just got interesting."

From the ruins, a familiar voice groaned.

Lyra, leaning against a broken column, glared at him. "Jungkook, you need therapy."

Jungkook winked. "I prefer violence."

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