Mask: "Let's begin your training, Haru."
His voice echoed under the illusionary sky, quiet yet heavy with meaning.
Mask: "Before anything else, you must unlock the Seven Stages of the Body."
Haru (confused): "Seven stages? What does that even mean?"
Mask (serious): "Each stage represents mastery over a part of your existence—mind, speed, time, body structure, energy control, and super vision. The final stage... is control of the mind."
Haru: "Why is the mind the hardest?"
Mask: "Because the mind has the power to create... and destroy. It's the final gate—the source of imagination and chaos. Only those who tame their thoughts can unlock true godhood."
---
They stood before a towering waterfall, roaring like thunder.
Haru (nervous): "You want me to meditate... under that?! That's insane!"
Mask: "You don't have another choice."
Haru (gritting his teeth): "You're insane…"
But he obeyed.
Day after day, for three years, Haru sat beneath the punishing weight of the waterfall, rain pounding his body, his thoughts screaming. He was torn apart—and remade.
Finally, on a silent morning, his eyes opened—not with pain, but with power.
He had unlocked all Seven Stages of the Body.
---
Mask (impressed): "Well done. That was faster than I expected. You are ready for the next trial—the mastery of the Five Elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and Space."
Haru: "Let's do this."
Mask: "Begin with fire. Imagine yourself connected to it. Feel it, breathe it."
Haru focused hard—but he failed. Again and again.
Mask: "You're overthinking. Let's try a different method."
Suddenly, the environment shifted.
They were surrounded by hideous demons, glowing eyes in an endless shadow. The sky was pitch black, the ground cracked and bleeding lava.
Haru (shocked): "What the hell?! Where are we?!"
Mask (calmly): "You once asked why I train you at night. This… is your answer."
Haru (realizing): "The night hides the darkness… and the truth."
Mask: "Exactly. Now prove yourself."
The demons lunged.
Haru moved swiftly, dodging attacks, using his speed and mind to outwit them—but he couldn't destroy them.
Mask: "Burn them, Haru! Use your fire!"
Haru (panicking): "But I can't—"
Mask: "Don't say can't. Close your eyes. Feel it. Believe."
Haru shut his eyes. He felt warmth... then heat… then flames.
Suddenly, he roared and launched a massive fireball, engulfing the demons in white-hot light.
Even Mask was stunned.
Mask: "That wasn't just fire… that was a Stage Four Super Flame. You're advancing too fast…"
But Haru was shaking with rage.
Haru: "Why are you hiding things from me?! I'll destroy you next!"
He charged at Mask, launching fire attacks.
Mask (dodging): "Wait! Calm down!"
The fire exploded around them.
Mask (hands raised): "Okay, okay! I'll tell you everything. Just stop!"
Haru (angry): "You better."
---
Five Years Later – Haru's 16th Birthday | 12:00 AM | Rooftop
The night was still. Stars shimmered above.
Haru: "Mask… you came early."
Mask (smiling): "Happy birthday, Haru."
Haru (eyes softening): "Thank you..."
Tears brimmed in Haru's eyes, though he tried to hide them.
Mask: "This is the end of your training. I've taught you everything I know. And now, I must give you your final gift."
Haru: "I don't need anything... just don't leave."
Mask (gentle): "Come closer, Haru. You want to know who I really am, don't you?"
Haru (nodding): "Yes."
The illusion fell away.
Mask's form shimmered—his true identity revealed.
Golden light surrounded him. Wings formed. A divine aura radiated from his skin.
Mask: "I am the God of Creation."
Haru stood frozen. The truth cracked open inside him.
Mask: "I've watched over you since your birth. Trained you. Loved you like my own. Because you were destined for more."
Haru: "More?"
Mask: "You are the God of Destruction. Your power… was sealed at birth."
Haru (shocked): "Why was it sealed?"
Mask: "Because the world wasn't ready. And neither were you. But when the time comes, your memories… and your true power… will awaken."
Mask placed his hand on Haru's chest.
A burst of divine energy flowed into him—Creation's power and celestial weapons.
Mask (weakening): "This is my final gift… my successor."
Light engulfed the rooftop.
Haru: "No—Mask, stay with me!"
Mask (fading): "I've fulfilled my promise, my friend. Now… it's your turn."
Haru: "No! I need you!"
Mask: "Take care of the world. Protect the innocent. Promise me you'll never misuse this power."
Haru (tears falling): "I promise…"
---
🌌 In the Divine Realm
Mask (kneeling): "My Lord, I have given Haru the power of Creation. My duty… is done."
Mask's final words echo in his heart:
> "Hide your true power… until the day comes to reveal the god within."