Dragon God Temple
The Dragon God Temple―a place designed to accelerate the heir's growth.
"Accelerate growth?"
Kim Jehyun's eyes sparkled at those words.
―Indeed. The Dragon God Temple is a place created by concentrating the authorities of dragons. You can speed up your growth here.
"How exactly can it accelerate my growth?"
―The Dragon God Temple consists of various rooms. If you train in a room that offers the rewards you need, you'll achieve results incomparable to ordinary training.
"So, is there a place where I can level up quickly?"
―Of course. It's not just levels. There are rooms for magic, spirits, and later even for awakening the power of Dragon Words.
"Oh, really?"
For Kim Jehyun, who desperately needed rapid growth right now, obtaining the Dragon God Temple entry ticket was perfect timing.
―That's why I said you were lucky. Normally, it's only accessible after reaching stage 7...
"But I got the Dragon God Temple entry ticket from a progress treasure chest. Even after stage 7, can I only get them from progress treasure chests?"
―No. Once you reach stage 7, you'll receive one entry ticket at regular intervals. Mission reward treasure chests will also appear more frequently.
Alkasha floated around Kim Jehyun as it continued.
―From stage 7 onward, your growth rate will drop dramatically compared to now. How long would it take to inherit all the dragon's legacy otherwise? The arrangements for your growth are designed with even more focus after stage 7.
"Hoo..."
Kim Jehyun's eyes shone brighter than ever. Alkasha was addressing his very concerns.
―However, it's too early to celebrate. Opportunities are given, but how much you gain depends entirely on your ability. If you're lacking, you might not achieve meaningful results even with this support.
"Do you think I won't produce those results?"
―Hmph. I suppose we'll see once you try... Somehow, I have a feeling you'll exceed expectations. Still, experience it yourself and tell me.
"Haha, alright. Watch me."
Kim Jehyun replied confidently, then immediately pulled out the Dragon God Temple entry ticket.
―You're using it right now?
"Yeah. Since we're on the topic, might as well."
When Alkasha asked in surprise, Kim Jehyun waved the ticket and inquired.
"Can you enter the Dragon God Temple too?"
―No. Places under the dragons' authority are accessible only to you.
"Figured as much. Alright! Wait here. I'll be right back."
With that, Kim Jehyun activated the Dragon God Temple entry ticket.
His body was enveloped in golden light, then dissolved into particles of light and vanished somewhere.
Left alone, Alkasha spoke.
―Heh, I'm quite looking forward to seeing what happens this time.
* * *
"This is..."
Kim Jehyun realized he'd been transported somewhere after his vision went dark amid the golden light.
As his sight returned, he calmly surveyed his surroundings.
It was a space about 50 pyeong in size, entirely covered in gold. In the center stood a massive dragon statue, flanked by smaller dragon statues lined up on either side.
Drawn like a moth to flame, Kim Jehyun walked toward the enormous central dragon statue.
I shall explain the basics of the Dragon God Temple.
A voice emanated from the dragon statue into Kim Jehyun's ears.
The statue promptly explained the temple's purpose and functions, mostly mirroring what Alkasha had said.
Then, a system window appeared before him.
Please select a room from the following:
1. Room of Training - Level 1+
2. Room of Points - Level 30+
3. Room of Treasure Chests - Level 40+
4. ???? Room - Level 60+
5. ???? Room - Level 70+
6. ???? Room - Level 75+
7. ???? Room - Level 80+
8. ???? Room - Level 90+
9. ???? Room - Level 99+
Kim Jehyun carefully read the list floating before him. There were more rooms than expected.
'There are still hidden rooms.'
Some were obscured by ????.
Alkasha had mentioned rooms for magic and Dragon Words, but his current level was too low to reveal them.
'Anyway, only three options are available to me now.'
At his level, he could only enter up to the third room, the Room of Treasure Chests.
'But just from the names, I can't tell what they offer...'
Kim Jehyun looked at the statue and asked.
"Is there no way to know how training works in these rooms or what rewards they give?"
Please wait. Checking assimilation rate.
'Assimilation rate? What's that?'
As he pondered, white light burst from the massive dragon statue's eyes.
Shwaaa.
White beams poured toward Kim Jehyun.
"...!"
Startled by the sudden event, he hastily summoned a shield and manifested Dragon Scales.
But as the white beams swept over him, nothing happened to his body.
Shaaaa.
The statue's eyes flickered.
Assimilation rate confirmed. High assimilation rate above threshold detected. Conditions met.
Hearing the voice again, Kim Jehyun awkwardly dismissed his shield and Dragon Scales.
'Not an attack. Warn a guy next time.'
As he grumbled inwardly in embarrassment, the voice continued.
Upon selecting a room, you may use the Preview function once, for first-time use.
'Preview?'
Kim Jehyun looked puzzled at the term.
Preview function activated.
'Select Room of Training.'
Kim Jehyun chose the first room. He'd realized it was for leveling up.
Monsters appropriate to the heir's level will appear.
Entering room shortly.
With those words, Kim Jehyun's vision filled with pure white light.
* * *
Rumble rumble rumble.
The ground shook violently. From all directions across the vast open plain, monster hordes swarmed like armies of ants.
They came from every direction—360 degrees, north, south, east, west. Not just the ground; the sky was filled with countless flying monsters.
"Holy shit..."
A curse escaped Kim Jehyun's lips at the sight.
The numbers surpassed even an army's scale. Tens of thousands? Laughable. Just what he could see numbered in the millions, maybe tens of millions.
If more lurked beyond sight, it could reach billions.
'And the monsters are at least B-rank minimum.'
This must be what they meant by monsters matching his level.
The problem was their sheer numbers. Even if all were B-rank, it was overwhelming—and plenty of A-rank and higher were mixed in.
'They expect me to handle this?'
No chance. That was his assessment.
Still, he powered up and prepared for battle. If he somehow cleared them all, who knew how many levels he'd gain? He might even surpass stage 6 in one go.
'They're coming.'
The monsters closed in. Just as he was about to unleash his prepared magic―
Preview function ended.
He was back where the dragon statues stood.
"...!"
Only then did Kim Jehyun understand the preview—a way to check a room before committing.
'So that's what it meant.'
He previewed the other accessible rooms.
The Room of Points was an arena-like space with four iron-barred entrances at the cardinal directions, pulsing with powerful monster auras. Killing them likely granted points.
The Room of Treasure Chests was a labyrinth teeming with mighty monsters guarding the familiar treasure chests from mission rewards.
'No wonder it's for accelerating growth.'
Kim Jehyun fully grasped the Dragon God Temple's purpose. These rooms could be challenged repeatedly. Sustained training here would yield tremendous speed.
It shortened the agonizingly long path to transcendent power.
"For now, maybe aim for the Room of Points."
After previewing, he pondered. It seemed the most feasible. But points weren't his top priority—leveling via the Room of Training was.
He hesitated longer.
If you do not use a room now, you may re-enter later.
Kim Jehyun looked up at the statue.
"Re-entry is possible? The entry ticket doesn't vanish?"
The entry ticket vanishes after using one room. It remains valid until then.
"...!"
His expression brightened. He'd consult Alkasha first, then decide.
As he chose to leave, his body was bathed in light again.
* * *
Flash!
Golden particles gathered where Kim Jehyun had vanished, reforming his figure. He was back.
―Huh? You finished using a Dragon God Temple room already? At this pace... Heh, words like 'impressive' don't even apply anymore.
Alkasha muttered at his quick return, too astonished to react strongly. It assumed he'd conquered a room, shattering expectations as usual.
―You really are... inhumanly ridiculous...
"Not at all. I postponed conquering the rooms."
―...What?
Alkasha trailed off, then questioned blankly.
"Here's what happened..."
Kim Jehyun explained his Dragon God Temple visit.
―What? Preview? Such a function exists? And that many monsters... Normally, they'd match what you can handle.
Preview was news to Alkasha too. Though not omniscient, hearing it tied to high assimilation rate, it accepted Kim Jehyun could trigger it.
―Perhaps the monsters reflect that assimilation rate too.
"High assimilation rate causing problems?"
―Yes. Your potential is absurd, even to me. It might scale the rooms higher overall.
"No way..."
Kim Jehyun looked baffled. High assimilation hindering him?
―But conversely, high risk, high return. Conquering one properly means greater rewards.
"Still, solo? Impossible against those numbers."
He recalled the swarming horde, awed.
"Spirits seemed summonable, at least... With a frontliner to tank and hold aggro, my firepower could've handled it."
A dedicated tank could let him clear the legion more easily.
Then, his phone vibrated.
'Golem Faction Leader?'
It was Choi Deok-hwan.
Kim Jehyun answered.
Kim Jehyun's eyes lit up.
'Wait... a golem.'
He asked Alkasha.
"Alkasha, you said Soul Collect could link to a golem, right?"
―Yes, correct.
"Then... the 3rd Generation Golem could fully manifest the abilities from collected souls?"
―Yes. But why ask suddenly?
"Hold on. Got a great idea. That counts as my ability, so usable in the Dragon God Temple, right?"
―Pr...obably. Don't tell me you're thinking...
Alkasha trailed off, catching on.
"This could work perfectly."
Kim Jehyun grinned. Even if the sky fell, there was always a way through.
This was that moment.