JR.GOD

Rosy stepped into the grand floating castle, its shimmering walls glowing with ethereal light. She made her way through the expansive halls, heading towards her squad's chamber. As she approached, a commanding voice called out, "How's Shan's training coming along, Rose?"

Rosy turned to see her captain, Clara, standing with arms crossed, her piercing gaze fixed on her. "It's going well, Captain Clara," Rosy replied confidently.

Clara's expression hardened. "Your mission is not to help him with his training, but to stop it. That's an order from the Celestial King, Rose."

Rosy hesitated before responding, "He's already sealed, Captain. He hasn't been able to use his powers so far."

Before Clara could reply, an overwhelming aura filled the room. Rosy felt her breath hitch as she turned to see the Celestial King himself approaching. His presence was imposing, his voice carrying an unyielding authority.

"Rosy," he said, his tone sharp, "your orders are clear—hurt Shan. Make sure he never even attempts to become a god."

Rosy clenched her fists. "But he's already sealed, my lord. I don't think it's necessary to—"

The Celestial King's stern gaze silenced her. "I am the one who placed the seal on him. Everything I do has a purpose, and it is for the greater good. You will do as I command."

Clara stepped forward, her voice firm. "Rose will not disobey, my lord. You have my word."

The Celestial King offered a cold smile before turning and walking back to his chamber, his footsteps echoing through the hall.

Once he was gone, Clara turned to Rosy, her tone laced with warning. "If you defy the Celestial King's orders, you will be executed. Do you understand, Rose?"

Rosy's voice wavered slightly. "Yes, Captain Clara."

"Good," Clara said, her expression softening slightly. "Tomorrow, you must carry out the mission. Don't fail." With that, Clara entered her quarters, leaving Rosy alone in the hallway.

Rosy sighed deeply and made her way to her room. As she lay down on her bed, her mind raced with conflicting thoughts. The weight of her orders and her growing bond with Shan battled in her heart. Sleep came reluctantly, as the looming challenges of the next day haunted her dreams.

The next day,Rosy arrived at the riverside long before the sun fully rose. The master, noticing her presence, looked up from his meditation. "You're here early, Rosy."

"I didn't have any tasks at the castle today, Master," Rosy replied casually. "So, I came here ahead of time."

The master nodded. "Very well. You can rest for a while if you'd like."

Rosy hesitated, her tone turning serious. "Master, do you know who sealed Shan?"

The master's expression grew thoughtful. "No, Rosy. It's hard to say. That knowledge is likely hidden from most."

Just as Rosy opened her mouth to speak further, an overwhelming and oppressive aura engulfed her. Her body trembled as she collapsed to the ground, her nose and ears bleeding.

"Rosy!" the master exclaimed, rushing to her side. She couldn't hear him—her senses were overwhelmed by the aura. But as soon as he touched her, the suffocating energy vanished.

"What happened?" he asked urgently.

"I'm fine," Rosy managed, though her voice was shaky. "Just tired, Master. That's all."

The master frowned but relented. "You can rest if you need to. We can resume training tomorrow."

"No need, Master," she insisted, straightening up. "I'll meditate until Shan arrives."

The master nodded, though concern lingered in his gaze.

Moments later, Shan approached with a grin. "Guess I'm super early today!"

The master raised an eyebrow. "What a miracle—you actually arrived on time for once."

Shan smirked. "I'm going to become a god, so I need to be perfect."

The master chuckled. "That's the spirit, Shan."

Rosy stood up, her playful smirk returning. "Let's start your training, junior."

"Don't call me that!" Shan snapped. "I told you already!"

Rosy teased, "Then punch me if you can."

With a determined growl, Shan rushed toward her. Rosy dodged effortlessly and countered with a punch aimed at his nose, but he also evaded and landed a strike on her shoulder, sending her sprawling to the ground.

"You need more training," Shan declared triumphantly.

"Oh, is that so?" Rosy said as she healed herself, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Well, get ready to witness my power!"

Her thoughts darkened as she reminded herself of her mission: It's time to do my job.

Rosy charged at Shan with incredible speed, landing a punch square on his face. He was thrown into the air by the sheer force of her attack.

"Rosy, you're using too much force!" the master warned.

"It's fine, Master," Rosy said, her voice cold.

As Shan struggled to stand, Rosy grabbed his arm and, with a swift motion, broke the bone. Shan's agonized screams filled the air, but Rosy didn't stop. She struck again, shattering his right leg.

"Rosy!" the master yelled, rushing toward them. "Heal him!"

"I can't, Master," she said flatly.

"Why not?"

"It's an order," Rosy said, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm commanded to stop Shan from becoming a god."

"He could die!" the master protested.

"No, he won't," Rosy said, but even she sounded uncertain.

Suddenly, Shan's voice cut through the tension. "Yeah, I won't die."

Rosy spun around, her eyes widening in shock. Shan was standing, despite his injuries.

"How?" she gasped.

"I don't know," Shan admitted, his tone equally bewildered. "I've never felt anything like this before."

The master approached, placing a hand on Shan's shoulder. "You've broken the second seal, Shan. Congratulations. You're now eligible for Stage 2."

"Stage 2?" Shan repeated, confusion clouding his features. "Wait, you mean this wasn't Stage 2 already?"

The master chuckled. "No, that was just the beginning. Stage 2 requires you to fight me. Rest for three days, and then return for the next challenge."

Shan blinked in disbelief but nodded. "Understood, Master."

The master sat back down, resuming his meditation.

Rosy stepped closer to Shan, her usual teasing demeanor returning. "Let's celebrate this, Shan!"

Shan raised an eyebrow. "What did you just tell the master earlier?"

"Nothing important," Rosy said quickly, brushing off the question.

"Alright," Shan said, unconvinced. "But sure, let's celebrate tomorrow. I have some things to do today."

"Deal," Rosy said with a smile. "See you at the marketplace tomorrow."

With that, Shan walked away from the riverside, leaving Rosy behind. She glanced at the sky before spreading her wings and flying toward the castle, her thoughts filled with the day's events.