JR.GOD

Shan stood, breathing hard, sweat dripping down his face. "You're still too powerful, Master. I can't stand a chance against you."

Master Yang chuckled, his tone light yet encouraging. "Practice is the key, Shan. Go home, get some rest, and we'll continue training tomorrow."

Shan nodded, wiping his forehead. "Alright, Master. See you tomorrow." He turned and began his walk home, the sounds of the river fading behind him.

As he walked along the dimly lit path, the rustling of bushes caught his attention. A faint, chilling voice emerged. "Shan... come here."

Shan froze, his heart skipping a beat. He peered into the bushes, his curiosity overriding his caution. Pushing aside the leaves, he stepped closer.

A man emerged from the shadows, his appearance unsettling. A single, twisted horn protruded from his forehead, and his crimson eyes glowed faintly in the darkness.

"Do you want to rescue Rosy?" the man asked, his voice smooth yet menacing.

Shan's eyes narrowed. "That's none of your business."

The horned man smirked. "I can help you save her, Shan."

Shan's fists clenched. "Who are you?"

The man took a step forward, the air around him growing heavy. "My name is Legion, and I'm offering my help."

Shan stiffened. "Legion? That's a devil's name."

Legion's smirk widened. "You're not wrong. I am a devil."

Shan stepped back, his expression firm. "Then I want nothing to do with you. I won't side with devils."

Legion chuckled darkly. "You're brave, but also naïve. Think carefully, Shan. I'm offering you a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I'll give you five days to decide."

Before Shan could respond, Legion vanished into thin air, leaving only the faint echo of his voice lingering in the air.

Shan stood still, his mind racing. The encounter left him shaken, but his resolve remained strong.

After 30 minutes, Master Yang returned, his calm demeanor unchanged. "Let's continue," he said, motioning for Shan to resume training.

Despite his exhaustion, Shan pushed himself through the drills. His arms trembled, and his legs felt like lead, but he refused to stop until Master Yang finally called a halt.

"You lack stamina," Yang observed, his tone stern. "Eat well and dedicate time to physical training. Without endurance, your strength is useless."

"Understood, Master," Shan replied, wiping sweat from his brow.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Shan left the riverside. His thoughts raced as he approached the bushes where he had first met Legion. As he pushed through the foliage, he saw the devil waiting, a smirk plastered across his face.

"Let's go," Shan said, his voice steady despite the unease creeping through him.

Legion extended his hand. "Hold on tight."

Hesitantly, Shan took Legion's hand. The world blurred around him, and the air felt heavy. In an instant, they reappeared in a dimly lit cavern. Four more figures with sinister auras stood before him, their dark energy palpable.

Legion stepped forward, gesturing toward one of the figures. "This is Shan, Master."

The tallest figure stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. His crimson eyes burned with an intensity that sent a shiver down Shan's spine. "Shan, welcome to our base," the figure said, his deep voice echoing.

Shan frowned, his tone impatient. "And who are you?"

The figure chuckled darkly. "I am Lucifer."

Shan's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, great. Let's get this over with."

Lucifer tilted his head, amusement flickering across his face. "Eager, aren't you? Don't worry. I won't disappoint you." He produced a small vial filled with a dark, glowing liquid. "Drink this. It's devil's ichor. It will destroy your second curse and strengthen you. You have nothing to fear—it won't harm you."

Shan hesitated, staring at the ominous liquid. The room seemed to grow heavier with each passing second.

Lucifer's voice softened, though his words carried an edge. "If you want to move forward, Shan, this is your first step. Trust me, or leave empty-handed."

Swallowing his doubts, Shan took the vial and drank. The liquid burned as it slid down his throat, and a sudden surge of energy coursed through his body. His veins glowed faintly, and his eyes widened as he felt a newfound power awakening within him.

Shan flexed his hands, his strength now undeniable. For the first time in ages, he felt free from the weight of his curse.

Lucifer smiled, his satisfaction evident. "Good. The second curse is gone. You're stronger now, Shan. But remember, this power comes with a price."

Shan nodded, his resolve hardening. "I'll pay whatever it takes."

The devils exchanged knowing looks, and Lucifer's grin widened. "Excellent. Welcome to our fold, Shan. Your journey has just begun."

As Shan absorbed the rush of newfound power, a thought struck him. "Will God—or the Celestial King—find out that I drank the devil's ichor?"

Lucifer chuckled softly, his crimson eyes narrowing. "The ichor doesn't just destroy your second curse, Shan. It erases any trace of itself in the process. Not even the Celestial King will sense what you've done."

Shan exhaled in relief. "Thank you… devils."

Lucifer smirked, his tone laced with subtle amusement. "Tomorrow will be your day, Shan. Rest well tonight and prepare to continue your training."

"I will," Shan replied, his voice steady.

Lucifer gestured to Legion. "Take him home."

Legion nodded obediently. "As you command, Master."

Shan clasped Legion's hand, and the air around them shimmered. In an instant, they were standing outside Shan's home.

As Shan disappeared with Legion, the atmosphere in the devils' base grew tense. Moloch stepped forward, his sharp gaze fixed on Lucifer. "Master, is this truly the right path? Trusting him could backfire."

Lucifer turned to face Moloch, his lips curling into a confident smile. "This is the only option we have, Moloch. Trust is a gamble, but calculated risks are what we thrive on."

Moloch hesitated, then lowered his head. "You're right, Master. You never make mistakes."

Lucifer's smile widened, a glint of satisfaction in his fiery eyes. "You know me well, Moloch. Trust in my vision, as you always have."

Moloch nodded. "Always, Master."

The devils stood in silence, their dark intentions lingering in the air as the night deepened, their plans unfolding piece by piece.

"See you later, Legion," Shan said as he turned toward his door.

Legion nodded once before disappearing into the shadows.