JR.GOD

Rosy and Shan left the restaurant, strolling together along the bustling street. Suddenly, the crowd began to part, bowing as a commanding figure approached. It was Captain Clara, her presence exuding authority as she walked toward them.

Clara stopped in front of Rosy and Shan, her sharp gaze fixed on Rosy. "Rosy, you betrayed the Celestial King by ignoring his orders. From this moment, you are no longer a god, and you will face execution. Guards, arrest her."

Two guards stepped forward and grabbed Rosy's arms tightly.

Shan's voice erupted in protest, "What are you doing? Why are you treating a god like this?"

Clara turned to him, her expression cold. "Rosy's mission was to prevent you from becoming a god. Instead, she chose to help you. She failed in her duty, and that cannot be forgiven."

Shan clenched his fists, shouting, "She's my lover! I won't allow you to take her!"

Clara scoffed, her tone biting. "Your lover? She was acting, boy. Her affection was nothing more than a ruse."

"Don't listen to her, Shan!" Rosy cried out, struggling against the guards. "I'm not acting! I meant everything!"

Clara raised a hand to silence Rosy. "Drag her away," she ordered.

"Yes, ma'am," the guards replied, tightening their grip on Rosy and pulling her away.

Shan lunged forward, but Clara stepped in his path. "Don't do this, Shan," she said. "Becoming a god will only bring you pain. It's for your own good."

"I don't care about your warnings!" Shan shouted. "I'll become a god, no matter what you say!"

Clara's eyes narrowed. "Then don't blame me for this." In one swift motion, she struck Shan's chest with a powerful punch. The force sent him flying through the air, landing hard on the ground a considerable distance away.

Clara glanced at his motionless form. "Foolish child," she muttered. "Now you'll think twice before speaking to a god like that."

Turning away, Clara walked off, her cape billowing behind her as the guards dragged Rosy into the distance.

Shan lay on the ground, clutching his chest, his resolve stronger than ever. "I'll become a god," he whispered, glaring after Clara. "And I'll make you all pay."

A shopkeeper arrived and noticed Shan unconscious on the ground. Concerned, he grabbed a bottle of water and sprayed it on Shan's face, but there was no response. Without hesitation, the shopkeeper picked him up and carried him to riverside , where Master Yang resided.

"Master Yang! Master Yang!" the shopkeeper called urgently as he entered.

Master Yang emerged from a back room, his calm demeanor masking the concern in his eyes. "What happened to Shan?"

"It was Captain Clara," the shopkeeper explained, placing Shan on a nearby mat. "She's the one who did this to him."

Master Yang knelt beside Shan, placing a hand gently on his head. Closing his eyes, he focused his energy. "His wound is healing on its own," the master said after a moment. "Nothing to worry about now."

The shopkeeper let out a relieved sigh. "Ah, fine then. I'll leave him in your care. I've got some important errands to run."

"Thank you for helping him," Master Yang replied with a nod.

The shopkeeper smiled. "Take care of him, Master." With that, he left.

As Master Yang sat beside Shan, he couldn't help but wonder. How is he still alive after taking such a powerful punch from Captain Clara? She's one of the top five in the ranks.

Moments later, Shan stirred, groaning as he regained consciousness. His eyes fluttered open. "Oh... your name is Yang?"

"It's not the time for pleasantries," Master Yang said firmly. "What happened to you?"

Shan sat up abruptly, a look of urgency on his face. "Clara... she took Rosy to the castle! I need to help her!"

Master Yang placed a hand on Shan's shoulder, forcing him to sit still. "No. You haven't even finished your Stage 2 training. Are you planning to challenge the gods in your condition? You're lucky to be alive right now."

"I don't care!" Shan shot back. "I have to rescue Rosy!"

Master Yang's brows furrowed. "Why? You've only known her for two or three days. Why risk your life for her?"

Shan's gaze was unwavering. "She's my girl. I'll do anything for her."

Master Yang let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. "You fool. She was only acting, doing her job. That's all."

"You're wrong!" Shan's voice was firm, his conviction clear. "I saw it in her eyes."

Master Yang's patience thinned, and he raised his voice. "If you continue to act like this, I won't train you anymore. Rosy's mission was to destroy your dream of becoming a god. And still, you want to rescue her?"

Shan clenched his fists, his voice trembling with emotion. "Master, Rosy showed me what true friendship is. She taught me the meaning of teamwork. And she made me understand... what love is."

Master Yang stared at Shan in silence, taken aback by the boy's determination. For the first time, he saw a glimmer of something greater in Shan—not just stubbornness, but the kind of resolve that could defy even the gods.

Master Yang crossed his arms, looking down at Shan. "If you want my help to rescue Rosy, then prove to me that you're better. Show me you're capable of mastering Stage 3. Only then will I help you."

Shan sat up straight, his face lighting up with a confident grin. "Deal! I'll prove it to you. But first..." He yawned and stretched lazily. "I really need some rest." Without waiting for permission, he lay back down on the mat, closing his eyes.

Master Yang shook his head, exasperation evident in his voice. "Still acting like a child... I have no idea what Rosy saw in him to propose such a thing."

As Shan began to snore lightly, Yang sighed and walked away, muttering to himself. This boy doesn't even realize the weight of the world he's trying to carry. But maybe... just maybe, he'll surprise me.