Growth System
―Hah…… Words fail me.
Alkasha gazed at Kim Jehyun in genuine astonishment. It was the fastest achievement he'd ever witnessed—surpassing even the dragons themselves. No, it went beyond fast. For the first time, a non-dragon had succeeded in Skin Breathing.
In truth, Jehyun wasn't Alkasha's first contractor. There had been others before, but none had crossed the threshold of this first mission.
―Even the one-year benchmark was based on newborn dragons. There was one thing Alkasha hadn't mentioned, fearing it might break Jehyun's will: that benchmark referred to a single year for a hatchling dragon. Of course, newborn dragons needed that time for their ego to form in the first place.
―Even so, how could a human…… Outpacing a dragon defies all reason.
Alkasha inwardly reeled in shock, yet felt a measure of relief. He didn't have many chances left to select a contractor. No matter how miraculous dragon power might be, he couldn't infinitely wield regression magic that defied the natural order.
While Alkasha was still reeling, Jehyun was experiencing a whole new world.
'This…… is mana?'
It felt like plunging into an ocean of mana. A sensation he'd never felt in his 26 years before regression.
Just breathing steadily, mana flowed through his entire body. For the first time since birth, Jehyun truly understood what mana was.
At that moment, an explosive burst of light etched a mana imprint onto his soul. This was the authority that granted dragons their title as masters of mana. As Jehyun grew and his soul's vessel expanded, the imprint would deepen even further.
―Congratulations. You've taken the first step toward inheriting the dragon's power.
Alkasha's voice trembled faintly, his shock not yet faded. From Jehyun's expression, it seemed he had no idea just how monumental his achievement was.
―Well, it's the first such feat for any non-dragon species.
Alkasha mused inwardly. Lord Arkanios's theory had been correct. If any non-dragon could inherit the dragon's legacy, it would be a human. Every race had its limits—except humans. They started from the humblest origins compared to others, yet their potential had no ceiling.
―The only race capable of surpassing dragons.
Alkasha's cover quivered with anticipation as he regarded Jehyun.
"Whew…… So this is what true mana feels like."
Jehyun pulled free from the swirling mana torrent and looked at Alkasha.
"A success message popped up, so we're officially contracted now, right?"
―Indeed. You and I are bound by fate now.
Jehyun chuckled at Alkasha's words. Bound by fate…… Nice phrasing. Alkasha had given him a chance at a new life.
"It says the 'Growth System' has opened—what's that?"
―Exactly what it sounds like: a system to aid your growth. First, think 'Status Window.'
'Status Window.'
As Alkasha instructed, Jehyun visualized the words, and a translucent window materialized before his eyes.
"This is……."
Jehyun blinked at the floating window. It was straight out of a game he'd played briefly long ago. He instinctively grasped its meaning.
―You've caught on quick. Yes. From now on, this Growth System will accelerate your development.
The Growth System was Arkanios's masterpiece, his crowning achievement. The supreme dragon had amplified the authority of Dragon Words hundreds of times over by borrowing the power of his kin's dragon hearts, then infused it with treasures from various worlds to create this heaven-defying secret art.
―You'll receive countless missions ahead. Complete them and train to raise your 'level.' Each level up will bring explosive growth.
"This isn't some game……."
―What's wrong? Hate that it feels like one?
Jehyun grinned at Alkasha's retort.
Hate it? No way.
"Nah, it's perfect. While others crawl, I'll be jetting ahead."
―Quick on the uptake.
Jehyun's lips curved upward. A power to arbitrarily boost his growth—this was an unbelievable stroke of fortune. It felt like recompense for all those talentless years of frustration.
―Don't get too excited. It's just the beginning. And looking at your stats, you'll see there's no room for joy yet. Right now, they're worse than an ant's.
"Mm."
Jehyun nodded at his stats. All 1s—the system's rock bottom, no doubt. But one question nagged him. Even without reaching 1st Circle, he'd had mana. Anyone with mana in their body outperformed normals physically. If 1 was the minimum, normals should be 1 too—shouldn't he be higher?
Alkasha answered as if reading his mind.
―Your old stats didn't even hit 1. The system rounded you up upon opening.
Come to think of it, since the window appeared, his body felt noticeably lighter and stronger. That was the correction at work.
'I was total trash physically?'
He realized just how pathetic his old body had been. He clicked his tongue in dismay.
―Worry not. Your stats will dwarf these soon enough.
"Right."
Jehyun nodded. Infinite potential lay ahead. He'd grow endlessly, fully claiming the dragon's power.
―Now, continuing the explanation. See the 'Points' in your status window? Collect them to shop at the 'Golden Goblin's Everything Shop.'
"Golden Goblin? What's the shop?"
―The Golden Goblin once managed Lord Arkanios's lair treasury. A goblin who earned status to become his guardian. Think of the shop as a gateway to those treasures under his care.
"Oh……."
Jehyun's eyes sparkled at "treasures." Who didn't love treasure?
Alkasha chuckled at the sight.
―Don't get too thrilled. 100 points might barely snag a lowly potion.
"Well…… Doesn't that mean with enough points, I can buy Arkanios's treasures? Points are earnable. I'll get there eventually."
―True enough. Good resolve.
Alkasha approved of Jehyun's attitude. Only the ambitious reacted that way. Jehyun's initial drunken mana practice had irked him, but lately, he was impressing.
―Now, let's check your special reward.
"Yeah, the special reward. Been curious."
The alert from completing the first mission had promised one for drastically shortening the time.
―Wish inwardly for 'Special Reward Open.'
Jehyun complied at once.
Sotosso's Treasure Chest has been opened!
A flash of light accompanied the alert.
"Whoa."
A rectangular chest about 50cm across floated up, gleaming with emerald luster.
As Jehyun admired it, Alkasha spoke.
―Ho…… A Sotosso's Treasure Chest right off the bat. You're lucky.
"Why? What's so special?"
Alkasha explained calmly to the curious Jehyun.
―These are random treasure chests from missions. They yield skills, experience, items—whatever aids your growth.
"Yeah? Items could mean magic artifacts?"
Jehyun's face lit with expectation. Magic artifacts amplified mages' power. The world brimmed with ability-granting gear called artifacts.
―Yes, even ones beyond your imagination. But not from this chest.
"……?"
Jehyun frowned at Alkasha. Hadn't he just said items and skills?
―Impatient. Listen to the end. Each chest has fixed contents. Sotosso's yields 'skills.' Better than items in some ways—skills boost your combat power directly.
"Oh? Say that sooner."
Jehyun grinned. Item or skill, anything making him stronger was welcome.
"Alright, opening it."
Jehyun placed his hand on the chest.
Whoosh!
Dazzling light swirled, followed by a clear voice in his ear.
"Subspace?"
―Oh. Subspace, huh.
The two stared at each other in surprise.
* * *
"Ahem…… Subspace. Never saw that coming."
Jehyun stood from the Mana Training Room, muttering awkwardly. He'd hoped for a combat skill—something like the top-tier spells 'Hellfire' or 'Blizzard Storm.' That would've been thrilling.
―Those come with higher magic circles. You don't grasp Subspace's value yet.
Alkasha tsked at Jehyun's disappointment.
"Can't high-circle mages use Subspace too?"
Jehyun recalled the subspace pouches of advanced mages—not true skills, but artifacts enchanting bags with subspace magic. So, it was magic-based.
―Tsk tsk. Those crude space expansions are worlds apart. To wield proper Subspace via magic, you'd need 9th Circle by human standards—at minimum.
"What? 9th Circle?"
―Yes. Subspace interferes with dimensions. You must comprehend dimensional principles. Human versions barely expand space and rely on bags or pouches as mediums.
"Mm."
Jehyun nodded. Made sense. Well-utilized, Subspace would be incredibly versatile. Not an instant power boost, but a gem nonetheless—especially at A-grade, which Alkasha said was rare.
"Then how big a deal is 'Skin Breathing (A+)'?"
Jehyun asked as he exited the Mana Training Room. The A+ on his new ability stood out.
―That's…….
Alkasha was about to explain when an unwelcome intruder appeared.
"Heyy, if it isn't you. Long time no see?"
A boy sauntered over with a mocking snicker. Jehyun's face twisted oddly at the sight.
'Jinhojang?'
One of the punks who'd tormented him relentlessly back then. Across years and regression, facing him again—Jehyun's eyes turned ice-cold.