The Fifth Dragon Legacy

"Power Enhancement? What's this?"

Kim Jehyun tilted his head and muttered.

―Th-this can't be.

The one who responded to his question was Alkasha.

"Why? Did something go wrong?"

At Jehyun's question, Alkasha replied in a startled tone.

―It's not wrong... This is just something we didn't anticipate.

Alkasha began her explanation after that preamble.

―Normally, Power Enhancement becomes possible only at a minimum of Stage 7... In human terms, after breaking through the second wall and reaching 7th Circle. Yet you've unlocked it at just Stage 5.

Even if Arkanios himself regressed to his hatchling days, this would be impossible...

Before becoming a holy dragon, dragons have a phase where their innate body and powers are strengthened. This happens during their long hibernation period.

Dragons typically become holy dragons after 500 years from birth, spending most of that time in slumber to grow and reinforce their bodies.

―Since you, a human, can't undergo such a long hibernation like dragons, we planned to substitute it with Power Enhancement instead... But I never expected you to access it at this point.

I thought it would only be possible after surpassing Stage 7 and achieving some degree of assimilation with a dragon's body.

"I see?"

Jehyun's eyes sparkled.

He understood Alkasha's surprise, but frankly, it wasn't that big a deal to him. What mattered now was that he could enhance his dragon powers right away—and grow even stronger as a result.

He already seemed exposed to the black faction forces, so he needed to build his strength quickly.

'Let's check it out right now.'

Jehyun immediately summoned his status window.

"Hm."

Jehyun let out a slightly disappointed sound after checking his status window.

It seemed he couldn't enhance his powers right away. It required proficiency over 30%.

From now on, he'd need to focus even more on training to raise his proficiency with his dragon body and powers.

"Alright. Then let's go grab that legacy first."

The moment Jehyun returned to the Magic Tower to claim his fifth legacy.

A post appeared on the superhuman community forum.

The superhuman community was buzzing over the Geolsu Clan incident.

It was too unbelievable to take at face value.

Mages inside the Magic Tower accepted it as par for the course with Kim Jehyun, but outsiders who hadn't witnessed his power firsthand were skeptical.

"So... you're saying Jang Gwangsu got taken out by that Magic Tower mage?"

"Yes. Our investigation suggests the rumors are true."

"...I thought that guy was decent—no troublemaker, surprisingly well-behaved for our clan."

Black Snake Clan's vice leader, Lee Hyunwoo, furrowed his brow and continued.

"Dig deeper into the timeline. Even for revenge, more justification wouldn't hurt."

A murderous glint flashed in Lee Hyunwoo's eyes as he spoke.

"What? The guy we sent to take out Kim Jehyun got taken out instead?"

"Yeah. Just got the call."

"Whoa... that kid's something else? So what's the plan?"

At Jeon Jung-sik's words, Jang Boyoung's eyes widened round.

Her already cute face became even cuter with the expression.

"Black Snake Clan seems poised to move, so we'll watch for now. If this sparks a clash between them and the Tower, it could work in our favor."

"Reaally? Ugh, too complicated for me! You handle it, oppa~. I'm swamped with research."

"I'm busy too. It'd be nice if you paid attention to this stuff sometimes."

"What? You calling me 'you'?"

"We're the same age. Forgot already?"

"...?"

"..."

Jang Boyoung bristled at Jeon Jung-sik's words, but question marks floated in her eyes at his response.

"Hehe."

"..."

"I-I gotta get back to work! Super busy!"

Jeon Jung-sik's lips twitched faintly as Jang Boyoung awkwardly slipped away.

"Hold up a sec. This is the passage to the 5th floor. Only those who passed the 5th floor Ascension Tower exam can enter."

Jehyun was stopped by the gatekeeper at the 5th floor entrance.

The gatekeeper initially thought Jehyun had taken a wrong turn—until Jehyun pulled out a silver pigeon seal from his pocket.

"Th-this is..."

"I heard this lets you go to any floor."

"Correct. Ah! Sorry, sir. Seems the temporary seal's registration lagged. My apologies. Please go right up."

The gatekeeper's attitude flipped 180 degrees upon seeing the silver seal.

The seal held immense weight in the Magic Tower. One of its privileges was involvement in the massive organization's operations—even personnel decisions.

In short, it symbolized power within the Tower.

Though Jehyun's was temporary, recipients almost always earned a full one later. He was a future power player.

'Plus... it's Kim Jehyun.'

The gatekeeper swallowed hard.

No one in the Tower could ignore the hottest rookie sensation.

He guided Jehyun with utmost courtesy.

Thus, Jehyun ascended to the 5th floor.

The sight captivated his eyes.

"Finally seeing this place for real."

Pre-regression, he'd only heard rumors.

The 5th floor's vibe differed sharply from below. It brimmed with mages' energy and vitality.

And for good reason—it was the most active floor in the Tower.

―Why so active?

'Cause... most Tower mages are 5th Circle.'

The average Tower mage power peaked at 5th Circle—they spent the longest ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠there.

Naturally, infrastructure built up around it.

'Even those who reach 6th or 7th often keep homes here.'

Jehyun planned to do the same once he got a place.

As he chatted with Alkasha and headed toward the legacy's pull, he noticed something odd.

'This legacy... seems near the central district?'

Past ones were in outskirts. This felt right in the city heart.

Jehyun tilted his head and walked that way.

Eventually, his steps halted before a 7-story building.

'The legacy's really here?'

Jehyun cocked his head and entered.

"Sorry, but general admission is up to the 4th floor."

Jehyun hit an unexpected snag.

The legacy pulsed from the top floor, but an internal curator blocked his path to the 5th.

"How do I get up there?"

"You need a 5th floor entry ticket."

"Hmm."

Jehyun sighed softly and pulled out the silver pigeon seal.

"Even with this?"

"Well... Sorry."

The curator's pupils shook at the seal.

Seal-holders were the toughest to deal with—he'd experienced their whims firsthand.

"No choice then. How do I get a ticket?"

"Ah! Of course."

The curator brightened at Jehyun's politeness.

Just as he began explaining ticket acquisition—

"Let that young man in under my name."

A familiar voice came from behind Jehyun.

"D-Director."

The curator's eyes bulged.

'Director?'

Jehyun turned at the title.

A familiar face stood there.

"We meet again so soon. Good to see you."

"...Song Jiseok."

It was the Tower Master's fifth disciple—Song Jiseok, who had recently entered secluded training.