The warm afternoon sun cast golden rays over the newly formed village, bathing everything in an amber glow. The distant sound of hammers and saws rang through the air as John and the other settlers began their work, weaving life into a realm that was still drawing its first breath.
Standing near the edge of the central plaza, Shin turned to Velzard and Shego. The two women stood at ease, though both held the subtle tension of warriors assessing new terrain. The white-haired dragon empress radiated icy regality, her piercing blue eyes calm but curious, while Shego's emerald flames danced faintly along her fingertips—more a subconscious show of mood than defense.
"Do you two want to head to the manor," Shin asked, glancing toward the modest estate rising in the distance, "or come with me to the temple?"
Velzard and Shego exchanged a silent glance. No words were needed between them—just a subtle nod and the faintest smile.
"We'll go with you," Velzard said, her voice like glacial silk, serene but certain.
Shego smirked, folding her arms. "This place just got interesting. No way I'm missing the good part."
A satisfied nod was all Shin gave in response before turning to his steward. "John, take your family and begin preparations at the manor. Assign rooms, organize the kitchen, and start the staff registry."
"Yes, my lord," John replied without hesitation, already moving with the steady purpose of a man who knew his role. The other villagers followed him, a sense of order forming amidst the raw beginnings of their new home.
With Shego and Velzard flanking him, Shin strode toward the heart of the village. Rising ahead of them like a beacon of celestial purpose was a radiant marble structure—the Temple of the Pantheon. Its domed roof shimmered with embedded stardust, and the walls pulsed faintly with divine energy, as though the building itself breathed.
As they walked, Shin's thoughts turned inward. So much to do… so much to understand.
"[Heart,]" he called mentally, keeping his stride even. "[Can I use the recruitment scrolls to summon only female villagers? How do I get new buildings? And can I buy troops from the system store, or do I have to train them myself?]"
The bubbly voice of his System Spirit rang through his mind—and through the minds of the women beside him, playful and clear as ever.
"[Yes, big brother~!]" Heart chimed. "[You can customize your recruitment scrolls based on gender, age range, and even class preferences. Just focus on what you want and channel it through the scroll.]"
"[As for buildings—leave that to the gods. They're going to show off a little soon.]" A giggle followed.
"[And yes, you can purchase troops from the system store. They'll be instantly loyal and match your current military level. But if you train them yourself, they'll grow slower, but bond deeper. Some might even awaken special traits.]"
"Got it," Shin murmured aloud, just as the enormous temple doors groaned open.
A brilliant white light washed over them. The temperature dropped. Space seemed to fold inward—and when it snapped back into place, they stood in a vast, domed sanctum that stretched farther than it should have, defying mundane physics.
Four figures waited before the altar, each more divine than the last.
At the forefront stood Lilith, the Goddess of Lust, draped in flowing crimson silk that shimmered like blood in moonlight. Her amber eyes glowed with mischief and sultry longing, and every curve of her form pulsed with divine magnetism.
"Why didn't my future husband's first wife come from my camp?" she pouted, her voice like velvet wrapping a dagger. Her gaze swept over Shin with hunger. "You're teasing me, Shin… that's very naughty."
Before he could respond, another voice rolled through the chamber—deep, radiant, and filled with mirth.
"He's our husband, remember?" said Thrudd, the Dragon Goddess, her towering frame covered in golden-scaled armor beneath a silver cloak. Power thrummed in her voice like distant thunder. She turned to Velzard, lips curling in an amused smile. "You're one of mine, little one. Be sure to give our man a proper welcome before those lustful minxes get their claws on him."
Velzard tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Don't worry. I won't disappoint you—or him."
Then shadows stirred near the base of the altar as Aether, the God of Chaos and Shadows, emerged from the void. His eyes blazed with swirling galaxies, his presence both exhilarating and terrifying.
His gaze landed on Shego. "You carry my spark," he said with a sly grin. "Let them see what my chosen are capable of. Make me proud."
Shego chuckled darkly, green eyes glinting. "Oh, I plan to. Let's just say… I'm good at making an impression."
Finally, the last of the four stepped forward. Hayato, the God of Weapon Mastery, wore a dark kimono that clung to his lean, powerful form. His expression was stern, a warrior's calm beneath centuries of discipline.
"Enough posturing," he said, voice clipped and precise. "We summoned Shin here for a reason."
The air in the temple shifted. Flirtation gave way to solemnity as the gods and goddesses aligned themselves.
Shin folded his arms, facing them squarely. "Alright. What do I need to know?"
Thrudd stepped forward, her golden aura dimming slightly as she conjured a map of the continent above the altar. "In Alros, you are not the only soul to be reborn. Other reincarnates walk this world—champions chosen by rival gods. Enemies of ours. They're building kingdoms of their own. Your rise won't go unchallenged."
Hayato's voice followed like the ringing of a temple bell. "Your territory is Level 1 now. But as you grow stronger—so will it. With every level, you unlock more: new buildings, stronger troops, better economy, divine blessings… and eventually, you can expand your Pantheon. Up to ten gods or goddesses will be able to bless you directly."
"[I'll guide you through the logistics when the time comes~!]" Heart added cheerfully in his mind.
Aether stepped into the projected shadows of the map, voice low and seductive. "And here's where my gift comes in. Any enemy you defeat… can be claimed. Break their will. Rename them. Reforged in your shadow, they'll rise stronger—and yours."
He snapped his fingers, and silhouettes of beasts and warriors danced across the map.
"Every creature you slay can also be absorbed into your Chaotic Shadow Army. Their memories, instincts, and power become your weapons. Their legacy… becomes your dominion."
Lilith purred, sauntering closer. "And husband… you'll receive divine gifts for your intimate conquests. Take your wives' virginity? You'll get a Blessing of Unity. Impregnate them? Expect a Legacy Reward. The more divine your wife, the more potent the prize."
Shin's brow twitched. "…There are rewards for that?"
Thrudd chuckled. "This world thrives on legacy. Bloodlines hold power. The stronger your heirs, the more influence your lineage holds."
Hayato nodded gravely. "In Alros, legacy is everything. You'll understand once your first children are born."
Thrudd raised her hand, and a new image appeared above the altar—a calendar glowing with divine runes.
"All reincarnated lords receive a 30-day protection period," she explained. "But the first 10 days are trials. Every day, monsters will attack your village—growing stronger and more numerous. These assaults are a test."
"You'll be graded," Hayato added. "On kills. Defense. Losses. Strategy. Based on your performance, you'll receive chests—treasures that contain buildings, troops, scrolls, or rare resources."
Lilith leaned in, whispering playfully, "And darling… some wives come with their own entourages. Summon the right one, and you might unlock entire armies or bloodlines. Like Ri Shin bringing his generals. Keep those Wife Gacha Tickets coming… and use them wisely."
Shin stood still, absorbing it all. The divine energy of the chamber surged around him, humming with purpose, with promise… with pressure.
Velzard placed a calm hand on his arm, grounding him. Her ice-blue gaze was steady. "We'll rise together, Shin. This world… it's ours for the taking."
Shego stepped beside him, emerald fire burning in her eyes. "Let's make some noise. And break everything in our way."
A slow breath escaped him. The weight of legacy. The eyes of gods. The trust of wives. All resting on his shoulders.
"…Understood," he said at last, voice low but unshakable. "I'll rise to the top. I swear it."
The temple pulsed in response, the gods smiling as the light of destiny swirled behind him—growing ever brighter.