Temple of Professions
On the 20th floor, the party that had ascended from the 19th floor city of Prakoss showed their proof to the toll guard blocking the entrance.
"Hmm, the numbers check out. You're clear to pass!"
With the toll guard's permission granted, the party passed through the entrance and entered Sauschiro. Once they cleared the city's gates, a priest who had been waiting for adventurers ascending from the 19th floor greeted them right away.
"Congratulations on reaching the 20th floor. First, please receive healing and blessings."
The group thus received prayers of blessing from the waiting priests, along with healing for any wounds. Once everyone's condition was fully restored, the priest addressed Namgung Seojun, the party's leader.
"Please separate the adventurers who will be climbing from those who are slaves."
He pointed out each slave in the party one by one. Then, pausing at Li Zhangwei and Dmitri, he explained.
"The ones I just indicated are the slaves. Li Zhangwei, Dmitri, and Yuki are promised release from slavery upon entering the 20th floor."
The priest nodded in understanding. Still wearing a bright smile, he continued.
"Understood. Then, the adventurers and those three, please follow me. We'll assist with your job changes at the temple. The slaves will be looked after here in the meantime."
At the priest's words, the slaves gazed at the group with envious expressions. Especially Li Zhangwei and Dmitri, who had been slaves just moments ago—they were jealous that they would receive jobs while the others wouldn't. But this reward was the freedom they had earned at the cost of risking their lives on the 19th floor. It clearly proved that Super Sense gave no hints in situations like this, but even so, thinking of his woman Isu-yeon and the slaves' morale, Seojun asked.
"Is there... no way for slaves to get jobs too?"
"I'm sorry, but no. They must be freed from slavery first."
Seojun could only give Isu-yeon a helpless look at the priest's firm response.
Upon entering the temple, the slaves were led away first by junior priests to a waiting area, while before entering the Chamber of Professions where jobs were assigned, the priest released Li Zhangwei and Dmitri from their slave status.
"Yes."
Namgung Seojun answered on their behalf, and the priest closed his eyes, chanting an unintelligible incantation.
"Asicccicccqsdzx"
⟨ Release Incantation ⟩
A pure white holy light enveloped Li Zhangwei and Dmitri's bodies. Finishing the chant, the priest opened his eyes and said to them.
"There, you two are now free from slavery."
"Whoa! Nice! I'm a free person now! Fuck! Not some shitty slave anymore! Aaah!!"
"Thank you, Lord."
Dmitri cheered wildly while Li Zhangwei teared up in gratitude to the god. Smiling at their reactions, the priest offered some explanations.
"As you know, the moment you become a second-class slave, divine protection is completely lost. So please, never become one again."
The priest gave further details, and the two listened intently. Yuki's case was a bit different.
"This one has a special contract with the Goddess, so it would be best to visit her temple and request release from a senior priest there."
At the priest's words, Lee Guho, standing beside her, asked.
"It's okay if it takes a little longer, right?"
"Yes."
She answered softly, and so it was decided she'd handle it later at the Goddess's temple. In the end, Yuki was escorted separately to where the other slaves waited, and as the party moved to the Chamber of Professions, the priest chatted with them along the way.
"The place you're heading to now is the Chamber of Professions. It grants jobs to those who have climbed to the 20th floor."
"Most are combat-oriented, but some may receive non-combat jobs."
"I don't know what job you'll get. The Goddess bestows them based on your actions climbing to the 20th floor and your innate talents."
"Jobs are incredibly diverse. There are standard ones like Warrior, Archer, Mage, or Priest, but also hybrid types blending multiple roles, special jobs, and even unique jobs for those with exceptional performances."
Listening to the priest's explanations, the group arrived at the Chamber of Professions, a massive structure with enormous doors. The priest who had guided Namgung Seojun's party handed them over to the priest guarding the entrance, who smiled and said.
"Namgung Seojun, Gisohee, Lee Guho, Jo Jaehun, Kim Hoon, Li Zhangwei, Dmitri—welcome to the Chamber of Professions."
The group politely bowed when their names were called. The priest, with a warm and relaxed expression, continued leisurely.
"Once you enter the Chamber of Professions, stay calm and quiet no matter what. Most will have their job decided immediately and exit, but sometimes the Goddess may speak to you. If so, don't panic—answer truthfully. She knows everything."
Everyone nodded, and the priest pointed to the massive doors.
"Then, Gisohee, you first."
"Me?"
"Yes, please go ahead, Gisohee."
A bit surprised to be first, Gisohee approached the huge doors with a pounding heart. Just before entering, Namgung Seojun caught her eye.
'Good luck.'
Seojun conveyed with a glance, and she smiled, knowing his message, before opening the door and stepping in.
As Gisohee entered, Lee Guho sidled up and asked.
"Hyungnim? Order doesn't matter, right?"
Seojun just smiled at the question. With Super Sense giving no hints, he had nothing to say. Guho fell silent too, waiting his turn.
About 10 minutes later, the priest spoke again.
"Next, Dmitri, please enter."
Dmitri approached Namgung Seojun with a worried look.
"Fuck... You know best, so tell me. I'm... not total trash, right? I... have some value as a person, yeah?"
He answered calmly.
"Of course. You're no trash. Sure, you're a maso with a pathetic pussy, but not trash."
"Ah! Fuck... I'll get revenge on you at night later."
She cursed but grinned brightly before heading into the Chamber of Professions. Another 10 minutes passed, and the priest announced.
"Lee Guho, please enter."
Before going in, Lee Guho bombarded Seojun with questions.
"Hyungnim? I'll be fine, right? I've done well, haven't I? No issues? God'll think well of me, yeah?"
"Ha... Yeah, you're good. You've done great. No problems! You're an inviter. No way God dislikes you. Go on in."
His expression eased a bit, but still tense, Lee Guho moved to the Chamber.
With Gisohee, Dmitri, and Lee Guho now inside, the remaining Namgung Seojun, Li Zhangwei, Kim Hoon, and Jo Jaehun waited quietly. Even the usually taciturn Li Zhangwei was tense enough to ask Seojun.
"Master."
"You're not a slave anymore. So, not your master."
"Then?"
"Seojun or Leader, please."
Li Zhangwei smiled and asked.
"Leader, I'll be okay, right?"
At the heavy man's uncharacteristic question, he smiled back.
"God will approve. Go on in."
Li Zhangwei gave an awkward smile and entered. With fewer people left, the anxious Kim Hoon grew noisy.
"Ah, this is exciting... no, worrying."
"What if I don't get a good job?"
"Production or combat—which is better?"
"Can't wait!"
He muttered to himself until...
"Kim Hoon, please enter."
"Alright!"
At the priest's call, he whooped loudly and dashed inside.
Next was Jo Jaehun.
"My turn now. I'll head in."
Jo Jaehun spoke calmly and confidently, and Namgung Seojun cheered, "Fighting!" He entered the Chamber even more assuredly.
With everyone else gone, the last one, Seojun, waited awkwardly when the priest spoke first.
"Even the record-breaking rookie inviter Namgung Seojun is tense here."
"Ah? Yeah?"
Flustered by "record-breaking rookie," the priest smiled and explained.
"How could we not know of your incredible feats climbing to the 20th floor? The Goddess is interested, and many other gods are too."
Truly thrown by the news of multiple gods' interest, he was speechless. The priest continued encouragingly.
"The Goddess will likely speak to you. As I said, stay calm and answer truthfully for a good outcome."
"Yes. Thank you."
The priest beamed innocently, gesturing to the entrance.
"You've waited long. Please go in."
Namgung Seojun headed to the Chamber's entrance and, opening the door, was sucked into a blinding white light.
"....."
It was a dreamlike space filled with endless, hazy mist—comforting yet somehow immobilizing, brimming with divinity. Existing yet not. Namgung Seojun stood there naked, feeling utterly purified. Anyone entering would find it hard to move in this realm of presence.
Namgung Seojun, you've climbed well to the 20th floor.
The god's voice didn't echo but flowed directly into his mind. This ethereal sensation brought comfort and an unprecedented pleasure, swelling his lower body. Human instinct exposed his lust, stirring shame, but the Goddess eased it.
No need to feel ashamed. Human instincts are inevitable—it's fine.
Unable to hold back, he climaxed, but her supportive words spared him embarrassment. The Goddess continued.
You've done well so far. Better than expected as an inviter.
Her praise peaked his pleasure. Then she made an offer.
I'll give you a choice.
The image of the first job filled his mind: Ruler of Space, leveraging his god-tier talent Super Sense for sensory combat. Perfect dominion in a defined space granted supreme offense and defense as a warrior.
Next came the second: Great Guide, also influenced by Super Sense. A pathfinder leader with strong charisma, guiding parties optimally. Ruler of Space for combat, Great Guide for climbing—both unique jobs of immense value. He couldn't choose immediately.
I'll offer a third as well.
"!!..." An unexpected new voice of authority joined. The Goddess fell silent as the sweet, powerful voice continued.
"I challenge to become the Apostle of the Main God."
And so Namgung Seojun became the Apostle of the Main God (Candidate).