Protégé was a resident of the alternate future known as the 31st Century, or Earth-691. It was prophesied that he was to be the "Living God" of the Universal Church of Truth (UCT). As a plot to safeguard the young Protégé, the young Skrull, shape-shifter Replica befriended and became a playmate to the young god. She was also a member of the UCT. Replica came into conflict with Malevolence, the demon daughter of
Mephisto, who sought to become Matriarch to Protégé. This was a plan that would place her in a position of influence over the powerful believers of the church. Protégé became intrigued with the powers of Malevolence and stated that he would prefer her as his Matriarch, opposed to the Stark warrior whose powers were manufactured, not manifested through birth, as he duplicated Malevolence’s fire projecting abilities. The immense powers of Protégé drew the attention of the
Living Tribunal, who was surprised when the young entity duplicated his powers.