Elesta knelt before the grand throne of the Celestial King, her head bowed low in reverence. The radiant hall shimmered with divine light, casting a soft glow on her golden armor. She took a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with humility.
"I am sorry, my lord," she began, her words echoing through the vast chamber. "Shan proved himself worthy of becoming a god."
The Celestial King, a towering figure adorned with an ethereal crown, chuckled softly. His laughter carried a warmth that filled the room, dispelling any tension.
"It is no fault of yours, Elesta," he said, his tone calm yet commanding. "I placed three seals on him—barriers meant to test not just his strength but his spirit. And yet, he destroyed them all."
Elesta raised her gaze slightly, her eyes meeting his. "He is your son, after all, my lord," she said with a faint smile.
The Celestial King's laughter grew louder, resonating with pride. "Indeed," he said, leaning forward slightly. "It seems even the trials I set could not contain his resolve. Shan has inherited more than just my blood—he carries the fire of determination, unyielding and pure."
Elesta straightened herself slightly but remained on her knees. "He is young, my lord, but his potential is boundless. I will guide him, as you have commanded."
The Celestial King nodded, his expression softening. "Do so, Elesta. The path ahead will not be easy for him. He may be my son, but the weight of divinity is heavy, and he must learn to carry it with honor."
Elesta bowed her head again. "As you wish, my lord."
The Celestial King leaned back in his throne, his gaze turning distant as if contemplating the future. "Shan's journey has just begun," he said, almost to himself. "Let us see if he can truly rise to what destiny demands of him."
Shan strode through the corridors of the Heal Squad's base, his eyes scanning every corner as he searched for one person: Rosy. Finally, he found the entrance to the base. Without hesitation, he stepped inside, but before he could go far, a commanding voice rang out.
"Stop right there!" Clara, the captain of the Heal Squad, appeared in front of him, her sharp gaze locking onto him like a predator eyeing its prey. "Don't enter my squad base without permission!"
Shan stood his ground, meeting her fiery gaze with calm determination. "I don't want to cause trouble," he said evenly. "I'm only here to see Rosy."
Clara's expression darkened. "Rosy is dead," she spat, her words like venom. "So leave, now."
Shan narrowed his eyes, his tone growing firm. "I know she's alive. Don't lie to me, Captain."
Clara's patience snapped. "Leave, kid! You don't know what you're messing with!"
Shan smirked, his voice laced with defiance. "Are you even a captain? You're nothing but a liar... and honestly, pretty ugly for a god."
Her anger erupted like a volcano. With a roar, Clara lunged at Shan, delivering a thunderous punch that sent him flying across the room. He crashed into the wall, dust and debris falling around him. But to Clara's shock, Shan stood up, brushing himself off like it was nothing.
"How... how are you still standing?" she stammered, her disbelief evident.
Shan cracked his knuckles and took a step forward. "Answer my question first. Where is Rosy?"
Clara's jaw tightened. "I said she's dead!"
Ignoring her, Shan began walking further into the base. "Rosy!" he called out, his voice echoing through the halls. "Rosy, where are you?"
From a distant room, a voice called back, trembling with recognition. "Junior... is that you?"
Shan's heart leapt as Rosy appeared at the end of the hall, running toward him. But before she could reach him, Clara moved like a blur, grabbing Rosy by the arm and pulling her back.
"Stay out of this!" Clara barked.
Shan's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Let go of her," he said, his voice low and threatening.
Clara sneered. "No."
Without hesitation, Shan threw a punch that sent Clara sprawling to the ground. He rushed forward, catching Rosy in an embrace. "It's been a long time, Rosy," he said, his voice soft but full of relief.
Rosy smiled through tears. "Yes, Junior. It has."
Before they could leave, Clara, furious and humiliated, pressed a concealed button on the wall. Alarms blared throughout the base, signaling danger.
Within moments, the air grew tense as every captain arrived, their powerful auras filling the space. Shan stood protectively in front of Rosy, his fists clenched and his eyes defiant.