The door opened.
Light flooded the room.
Jin Ryu didn't flinch.
He stood calmly.
Different.
Stronger.
The man in dark robes entered.
He paused.
"…You've changed."
Jin Ryu said nothing.
The man smiled faintly.
"Good."
He gestured toward the door.
"Come."
Jin Ryu hesitated.
Then—
He walked.
Out of the prison.
Into the world beyond.
A vast underground hall stretched before him.
Warriors trained.
Energy clashed.
This was no ordinary place.
"This," the man said, "is where your journey begins."
Jin Ryu looked around.
"…What is this place?"
The man's smile widened.
"A place where monsters are made."
Silence.
Then—
"What do you want from me?"
The man met his gaze.
"Simple."
He raised a finger.
"Survive."
A pause.
Then—
"Grow stronger."
Another.
"And entertain me."
Jin Ryu's eyes darkened.
"…And if I refuse?"
The man's expression didn't change.
"You'll die."
Silence.
Jin Ryu took a breath.
Then—
"…Fine."
But inside—
His resolve burned.
This was not his end.
This was his beginning.
The beginning of—
Vengeance.