Chapter 8: Judgement
Rosy stood silently before the Celestial King, her head bowed. The grand chamber radiated divine energy, its walls adorned with celestial symbols glowing faintly. The King's piercing gaze rested on her as he spoke, his tone sharp yet composed.
"Rosy, why did you help Shan?" he asked.
Rosy raised her eyes slightly, her voice steady but laced with conviction. "My lord, Shan is a good person. He possesses a power unlike any other, and I believe he has the potential to become a successful god."
The King's expression darkened, and his voice deepened. "Are you suggesting that we, the Celestial Council, are wrong in our judgment?"
Rosy quickly shook her head. "No, my lord. I would never question your wisdom."
The King turned to Clara, who stood sternly beside him.
"Clara," the King began, his voice steady, "what do you believe should be Rosy's punishment for her actions?"
Clara's eyes flashed with determination as she bowed. "Execution, my lord. She disobeyed your orders, and such disobedience warrants the highest penalty."
The King raised a hand, silencing the room. "Execution is unnecessary."
Clara looked up, surprise flickering across her face. "My lord?"
The King's tone softened slightly, though his authority remained clear. "Strip her of her godhood and assign her as a cleaner here. Ensure she does not visit or communicate with anyone, especially those from outside."
Clara hesitated for a moment before bowing again. "As you command, my lord."
"Good," the King said, his voice final. "Carry out the orders immediately."
Clara straightened, her expression unreadable, and left to fulfill her task.
The King nodded. "Very well. Clara, leave us. I need to speak to Rosy alone."
Clara hesitated briefly but obeyed. "As you wish, my lord," she said, bowing before exiting the room.
Once the chamber was empty, the King's demeanor softened. He sighed heavily and looked at Rosy with a mix of weariness and sorrow. "Rosy, there is something you must know. Shan is my son."
Rosy's eyes widened in shock. "Your son? My lord, "
The King raised a hand to silence her, his voice heavy with emotion. "As his father, I have the right to make decisions for him. Everything I do is for the sake of our planet."
Rosy's confusion deepened. "For the sake of our planet? What do you mean, my lord?"
The King walked closer, his steps slow and deliberate. His voice dropped to a near whisper. "Devils. You don't understand the true power they wield. Shan is the key to the gate that binds them. If he awakens his power, they will notice him. And if they do, it will bring disaster upon our world."
The King surprised Rosy by bowing before her, his voice pleading. "Please, Rosy. Shan must live a happy life, free from the burdens of godhood. If he becomes a god, that happiness will be lost forever."
Rosy stepped back, startled. "My lord, please stand up. You shouldn't bow to me."
The King rose slowly, his gaze meeting hers with an intense seriousness. "Do not speak of this to anyone, Rosy. Not even to Shan."
Rosy hesitated for a moment before nodding solemnly. "I understand, my lord. I swear I will not tell a soul."
The King gave a slight nod of approval, and Rosy turned to leave, her heart heavy with the weight of the revelation.
Clara paced her chamber, her mind racing. The Celestial King's leniency toward Rosy gnawed at her. How can someone who defied the king's command be allowed to live? she thought, her determination solidifying. If the king won't act, then I will. Rosy must die.
Meanwhile, Rosy entered her squad hall, her head held high despite the tension in the air. She picked up a broom and began cleaning the room, her movements steady. The silence was broken by a harsh voice.
"I'm ashamed to even call you my friend, Rosy," one of her squadmates said coldly, glaring at her. "Don't talk to me again."
The squadmate stormed out, leaving Rosy standing there, gripping the broom tightly. Her resolve wavered for a moment before she steadied herself.
I haven't done anything wrong, she thought. I will not destroy Shan's dream. I will protect it, no matter what.
Suddenly, a voice broke her thoughts.
"I see," it said, calm yet sharp.
Rosy turned quickly, her eyes landing on Captain Elesta standing in the doorway. Her heart raced, and she immediately bowed deeply. "Welcome to our base, Captain Elesta."
Elesta walked in, her presence commanding. "You seem... conflicted, Rosy," she said, her gaze piercing.
Rosy straightened up, trying to mask her unease. "I'm not. Everything is fine."
Elesta smiled faintly. "I think you've forgotten my power, haven't you?"
Rosy's breath hitched, and she found herself at a loss for words.
Elesta stepped closer, her voice lowering. "Be careful, Rosy. Even in your own base. Danger doesn't always come from outside."
With that, Elesta turned and left the hall, her cryptic warning lingering in the air.
Rosy stood frozen, her mind racing. What is Captain Elesta talking about? A chill ran down her spine as she realized she might not be safe even among her own.
Shan stood before his master, Yang, ready to begin his training. Yang's gaze was intense as he spoke.
"To defeat your opponent, you must understand every single move they make. To do this, you need mental discipline to analyze their actions and quick reflexes to respond to danger. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master," Shan replied, though a hint of nervousness lingered in his voice.
Yang stepped back and folded his arms. "Good. Then show me what you've learned. Fight me now."
"Fight you?" Shan asked, startled.
"Yes, me," Yang said firmly. "No hesitation. Attack!"
Before Shan could gather himself, a voice called out from behind.
"Hey, Shan!"
Both Shan and Yang turned to see Adrian, Shan's friend, approaching with hurried steps.
"What is it, Adrian?" Shan asked, lowering his stance.
Adrian caught his breath and said, "Rosy won't be executed."
Shan's face lit up with relief. "That's great news! What a relief!"
But Adrian's expression remained serious. "She won't be executed, but she's no longer a god. She can't meet or train anyone on our planet anymore. She's been reduced to a slave."
Shan's fists clenched. "A slave? That's not fair! I'll help her, Adrian. No matter what it takes, I'll save her. I have plenty of time left to figure this out."
Yang nodded, his expression calm but approving. "The fact that Rosy won't be executed is good news. But she's no longer your concern for now. Your focus is here, Shan. Use this time to train hard. You'll need every ounce of strength and skill if you truly intend to rescue her."
Adrian smiled faintly. "I knew you'd say that, Master. I just wanted to share the news. I need to return to my duties guarding the entrance, so I'll leave you two to it."
"Thank you, Adrian," Yang said with a slight bow.
Adrian waved as he left. "Good luck, Shan. Train hard."
As Adrian disappeared into the distance, Yang turned back to Shan. "Now, no more distractions. Attack me, and show me what you've learned."
Shan took a deep breath, steadying his resolve. "Yes, Master."