New Gods

Chapter 1: God Of Earth

"Kyungsoo, my dear, have I ever told you how enchanting your daisies are?" Mrs. Choi whispered, her fingers delicately caressing the vibrant petals.

Kyungsoo responded with his signature heart-shaped smile, universally beloved. "Quite a few times, Mrs. Choi, and not just about the daisies—roses, orchids, hibiscus, almost everything, really," he said cheerfully.

Mrs. Choi chuckled. "It's true. I've never seen flowers as beautiful as the ones you cultivate here."

Blushing at the compliment, Kyungsoo replied, "Thank you so much, Mrs. Choi. I genuinely appreciate it."

"No need for thanks, dear. Just gift me a bouquet, and I'll be a happy old lady," she playfully teased.

"Oh, Mrs. Choi, you almost had me fooled for a teenager the first time I saw you," Kyungsoo teased back, arranging the flowers with a wink.

"Kyungsoo, sweetheart, please stop teasing an old lady," Mrs. Choi said with a laugh.

As the day unfolded, Kyungsoo's flower shop buzzed with customers admiring the unique, nature-inspired ambiance. Known and adored in the neighborhood, Kyungsoo's beauty rivaled that of his flowers, drawing people of all ages to his shop just to catch a glimpse of him.

Many considered Kyungsoo an angel, embodying compassion and kindness. His infectious smile and contagious positivity left a lasting impact on those who crossed his path.

As night fell, Kyungsoo decided to close early and visit his friend Baekhyun at the nearby Ramen shop. After organizing everything and turning off the lights, a rustle behind the hibiscus caught his attention.

"Is someone there?" Kyungsoo inquired, met with silence.

A shiver ran down his spine as he felt a presence akin to his own—a special one. Kyungsoo's demeanor shifted from warmth to alertness as he summoned the vines and flowers around him.

"Show yourself before I do it for you!" Kyungsoo declared.

A man emerged, hands raised in surrender. "I didn't mean to scare you," he apologized.

Kyungsoo, now composed, quipped, "It takes more than that to scare me."

As the man approached, vines surged, stopping just inches from him. "Don't come near me," Kyungsoo warned.

The man, eager to share something, stammered, "I just want to show you something."

"Show me from there," Kyungsoo insisted, uninterested.

An orb materialized, captivating Kyungsoo with its white and blue glow. Oblivious to its proximity, he asked, "What is it?"

"It's the orb of truth. She brought me to you," the man explained.

Rolling his eyes, Kyungsoo questioned, "A girl?"

"I don't know, but her voice sounds like a girl," the man replied.

Kyungsoo, skeptically, said, "Okay, if you say so." With a gesture, the vines retreated.

"What does she want from me?" Kyungsoo inquired.

The man approached, urging, "Close your eyes and let her show you."

"Why would I do that with a trespasser here?" Kyungsoo retorted.

Smiling, the man said, "Because I know you're curious, and she has answers to your questions."

Sighing, Kyungsoo reluctantly closed his eyes. Images flashed—a realm of elegance, beautiful beings in robes, a paradise of golden goblets and diamond crowns. Yet, fear gripped him as the final images revealed a man with a sword in his chest, a sinister figure in warrior attire.

Opening his eyes, tears streamed down Kyungsoo's face. "What is that?" he whispered.

Sorrow in his eyes, the man revealed, "The man with the sword is Zeus, the King of the Gods. Ares is coming to judge humanity, and we need you."

"It's true, child. The world needs you, the God of Earth." The voice echoed, leaving Kyungsoo stunned.