A letter

"What's this?" Shan murmured, picking up the letter. His hands trembled slightly as he unfolded it and began to read.

"Your master is with us. Don't make a silly plan to rescue him. Come to the same spot in the evening where you met Legion, or your master will die."

The blood drained from Shan's face as he read the words. His grip tightened on the paper, crumpling its edges.

"Rosy…" he started, but before he could explain, she snatched the letter from his hands and read it.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "What the hell is this? Shan, are you involved with the devils? Did you work with them before? Is that why they're threatening you?" Her voice was sharp, filled with a mix of anger and confusion.

"No, Rosy!" Shan said firmly, taking a step closer to her. "I've never worked with the devils. I don't know why this is happening!"

"Then why does the letter say to meet them where you met Legion? What aren't you telling me, Shan?"

Shan hesitated, his heart pounding. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'll explain everything, but not here. This isn't about me, Rosy. It's about Master Yang. They've taken him because of me, and I can't let him suffer for it."

Rosy looked at him, her expression softening slightly as she saw the guilt and determination in his eyes. "Shan, if you're hiding something, you need to tell me now. We're in this together."

He nodded. "I promise, I'll explain everything after we save Master Yang. But first, we need to figure out how to handle this without putting him in more danger."

Rosy crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "Fine. But if you're planning to go alone, forget it. I'm not letting you face the devils by yourself."

A faint smile tugged at Shan's lips despite the gravity of the situation. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

They both turned to look out at the river, its calm surface a stark contrast to the storm brewing in their lives. Shan knew that the path ahead would be treacherous, but with Rosy by his side, he felt a glimmer of hope.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the landscape, Shan made his way toward the designated spot. His steps were deliberate, and his heart pounded like a drum. Rosy walked beside him, her gaze sharp and vigilant.

"Are you sure about this?" Rosy whispered.

Shan nodded. "I need to know what's going on. If this is a trap, we'll handle it together."

When they reached the spot, Legion was already waiting, his dark silhouette standing against the fading light. His piercing gaze met Shan's, and a smirk curled his lips.

"Right on time, Shan," Legion said, his voice dripping with smugness.

"I'm not here for games," Shan snapped. "Where is my master?"

Legion gestured toward a narrow path leading into a cave. "Follow me."

Shan and Rosy exchanged a wary glance before stepping forward. The cave's interior was cold and dimly lit, the flickering light from torches casting eerie shadows on the walls. As they ventured deeper, the atmosphere grew heavier.

At the heart of the cave stood a tall figure—Lucifer. His presence was commanding, his fiery red eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"Welcome, Shan," Lucifer said, spreading his arms as though he were greeting an old friend. "I've been waiting for you."

Shan's fists clenched. "Cut the theatrics. Why did you bring me here? You attacked me during Stage 03, and now you've kidnapped my master to lure me in. What do you want?"

Lucifer raised an eyebrow, his expression calm yet unsettling. "Kidnap your master? Shan, you've been misled."

"What do you mean?" Rosy demanded, stepping forward.

Lucifer sighed, almost theatrically, and gestured toward a stone table. "The letter you received—it's a forgery. Your master is safe, in the castle where he belongs. I had nothing to do with that pathetic trick."

Shan's eyes narrowed. "Then why am I here?"

Lucifer's demeanor shifted, his tone turning serious. "I brought you here because I need your help, Shan."

"Help?" Shan scoffed. "Why would I help you? You're a devil."

Lucifer chuckled, the sound echoing ominously in the cavern. "Yes, I am. But even devils have limits. I need you to open the gate to my world. If you do, I swear I will leave this planet and never disturb your gods again."

Shan stared at him, his mind racing. "Why should I believe you? You've given me no reason to trust you."

Lucifer raised his right hand and placed it over his chest. "I swear on my power, Shan. Open the gate for me, and I will leave this world forever. You'll never hear from me or my kind again."

Rosy looked at Shan, her eyes filled with suspicion. "Shan, this could be another trick. Think carefully."

Shan took a deep breath, his gaze locked on Lucifer. "Promise me one thing. If I help you, you'll never return to this planet. Not you, not your followers."

Lucifer nodded solemnly. "I swear it."

The cave fell silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on them all. Finally, Shan spoke, his voice firm. "Fine. I'll help you. But if you break your promise, I'll hunt you down myself."

Lucifer's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Shan."