JR.GOD

Shan was in the midst of training with his master when something caught the old man's attention. Despite the grueling exercises, Shan showed no signs of fatigue. His movements were sharper, and his endurance had improved remarkably.

Master Yang paused, observing closely. "You're lasting much longer than usual, Shan. Your stamina has improved drastically. How did you gain this much power so suddenly?"

Shan wiped the sweat from his brow and replied nonchalantly, "I've been training at home, Master."

Yang narrowed his eyes. "This change is too fast for mere training. Come here."

Shan hesitated but approached. Master Yang placed his hand on Shan's head, closing his eyes in concentration. Suddenly, his eyes shot open, a mix of surprise and disbelief on his face. "Your second curse… it's destroyed. Is that you?"

Shan feigned ignorance. "What curse, Master?"

Yang stepped back, still processing what he had discovered. "Your second curse, Shan! It's gone."

Shan maintained a neutral expression, replying flatly, "That's good."

Yang studied his face, realization dawning. "You already knew," he said, his voice low with suspicion.

Ignoring the inquiry, Shan changed the subject. "Now I'm ready for the third stage, Master."

Master Yang composed himself and nodded slowly. "Yes, but the final stage will not be completed here."

Shan tilted his head. "Where will it be done?"

Yang sighed and explained, "The third stage is the Worthiness Trial. You must prove your worthiness by drinking the sacred ichor. But it's not as easy as you think, Shan."

"I don't understand," Shan replied, confused.

"The Castle Gods will be there to guide and test you. It's not about just drinking; it's about proving you are deserving," Yang said sternly.

Shan nodded, absorbing the information. "Alright, Master. I'll go tomorrow morning."

Yang smiled faintly, pride mixed with concern. "Best of luck, Shan."

"Thank you for guiding me all this way, Master," Shan said sincerely before leaving.

As Shan disappeared into the distance, Yang murmured to himself with a wistful smile, "You've done well to come this far, Shan. But the third stage… it will be much harder than you think."

Shan reached home, his face calm but carrying a hint of pride. He walked into the house and found his mother arranging some things.

"Mom," Shan said.

His mother turned, smiling warmly. "You're back, Shan. How was your training?"

Shan hesitated for a moment before saying, "I completed the second stage."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You did? Shan, you're growing so fast. I always knew you'd become a god one day."

Shan smiled at her encouragement. "Thanks, Mom. But right now, I'm really hungry."

His mother chuckled. "Of course you are. The food is ready. Go eat and take some rest afterward."

"Okay, Mom," Shan said as he sat down. Before he began eating, he looked back at her. "Oh, Mom."

"Yes, Shan?" she asked, turning to him.

"I have something important to do this evening," he said, his tone steady.

She gave him a curious look but nodded. "Alright, Shan. Just take care of yourself."

Shan nodded and started eating. The food was warm and comforting, and after finishing his lunch, he stretched out with a contented sigh. Without a second thought, he headed to his room, lay down, and soon drifted off to sleep.

In the depths of the devil's lair, preparations for the upcoming battle were underway. The air was thick with anticipation as Lucifer stood at the center of the chamber, his piercing gaze surveying the gathered devils.

"Is everything ready?" Lucifer asked, his voice calm but laced with authority.

Legion stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Yes, Master. Everything is in place."

Lucifer's lips curled into a sly smile. "Good, Legion. Remember, once Shan drinks the ichor at the castle, we need to extract him immediately. Timing is crucial."

Legion nodded but couldn't suppress his curiosity. "Master, why do you show so much interest in Shan? He's just a mortal—no different from the others."

Lucifer's expression darkened slightly, and a glint of something dangerous flickered in his eyes. "Shan is no ordinary mortal, Legion."

The room fell silent as every devil's attention turned to Lucifer. He exhaled slowly, as though debating whether to reveal the truth.

Finally, he spoke, his voice low and deliberate. "Shan... is the son of the Celestial King."

Gasps echoed through the chamber. Legion's eyes widened, disbelief etched across his face. "The Celestial King? You're saying Shan is—"

"Yes," Lucifer interrupted, his tone sharp. "The blood of gods runs through his veins. That's why he is cursed. The celestial realms seek to suppress his power, but we..." Lucifer's smile returned, colder and more calculating than before. "We will use him to tip the balance in our favor. Shan's potential is far beyond what he understands. When the time comes, he will serve our purpose."

The devils exchanged stunned glances, whispers spreading like wildfire. Legion, regaining his composure, stepped forward again. "I understand now, Master. I'll ensure the plan goes smoothly."

Lucifer nodded approvingly. "Good. The celestial realms won't see this coming. Prepare yourselves—victory is within our grasp."

As the devils resumed their preparations, the revelation hung heavy in the air. Shan's true heritage was a secret that could change everything, and Lucifer intended to exploit it to the fullest.

Moloch sat in silence, deep in thought. The weight of their plan pressed heavily on his mind. If the Celestial King discovers this... we're doomed, he mused, unease creeping through him.

Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted as Serpent and Tempter approached him.

"Do you really think this is a good plan, Moloch?" Tempter asked, his voice low and cautious.

Moloch straightened up, his expression guarded. "This is our master's plan. Lucifer never makes a mistake."

Tempter frowned but nodded. "Perhaps, but Elesta is the guardian of the ichor. She'll be there with Shan. She won't make this easy for us."

Serpent scoffed, crossing his arms. "You're overthinking, Tempter. Elesta is just a girl with no real powers. She's nothing we can't handle."

Moloch's eyes narrowed, and he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You're wrong, Serpent. I've witnessed her power once. It felt like standing before an unstoppable force. Her aura alone could crush us. Underestimating her would be a fatal mistake."

As the weight of Moloch's words hung in the air, a slow, deliberate clap echoed through the chamber. The three devils turned to see Lucifer emerging from the shadows, his presence commanding their immediate attention.

"You're right, Moloch," Lucifer said, a sharp smile curving his lips. "Elesta is no ordinary god. Her strength rivals the best of the celestial realm." He paused, letting his words sink in. "But that's why I have a perfect plan."

Tempter and Serpent exchanged uneasy glances, while Moloch remained still, awaiting his master's next words.

"We won't merely outmaneuver her," Lucifer continued, his eyes gleaming with dark ambition. "We'll conquer this realm entirely. The celestial gods won't know what hit them."

The devils fell silent, their fear mingling with awe at Lucifer's audacious plan.

"Trust in me," Lucifer said, his voice firm and resolute. "By the time this is over, even Elesta will kneel before us."

With those words, he turned and strode away, his confidence unwavering. The devils stood there, processing the magnitude of their master's vision.

Moloch clenched his fists, resolve hardening within him. If this is Lucifer's will... we'll make it happen.