"Wouldn't mind if I do."
The man dressed in cyberpunk clothing took a step forward, his boots making a dull sound against the polished stone floor. The faint glow woven into his jacket pulsed softly, not dramatically—just enough to draw the eye. He looked calm, focused, like someone who already expected things to go his way.
Before he could reach the altar—
"Out of my way."
The shove wasn't subtle.
The ordinary-looking man pushed past him with a grin that was half excitement, half arrogance. He looked like he didn't belong here at all—hoodie, jeans, scuffed sneakers—but his confidence filled the space around him.
"I'll go first," he said loudly, glancing around as if daring anyone to stop him. "I mean, come on. I'm finally here. I'm gonna be a hero. A real one."
A few priests exchanged looks but said nothing.
He pressed his palm flat against the crystal.
For a moment, nothing happened.
The silence stretched just long enough to feel uncomfortable. Kanzaki Ryu's smile twitched, his fingers flexing against the smooth surface.
Then the crystal began to glow.
Not explosively. Not violently.
It warmed into a steady gold, light spreading slowly through the veins etched inside it. Symbols rose from the surface, rotating lazily before settling into a clear panel above the altar.
---
Name: Kanzaki Ryu
Species: Human
Rank: B
Level: 15
Occupation: Radiant Vanguard
Skills:
• Hero's Momentum — Strength increases after defeating enemies
• Bravery Amplification — Reduced fear and mental pressure
• Golden Appeal — Strong natural charm
Goddess' Blessing:
Fated Harem Authority — Women are instinctively drawn to him, emotionally and physically
---
A ripple of murmurs spread through the temple.
"Level fifteen already…" "A B-Rank at summoning… that's not bad at all." "He's definitely blessed."
Kanzaki let out a laugh, scratching the back of his head. "Huh. B-Rank, huh?" He glanced at the blessing line and grinned wider. "Well… that part's perfect."
A couple of priests coughed politely.
The elder priest stepped forward, folding his hands inside his sleeves. His eyes lingered on the panel longer than necessary.
"A B-Rank Radiant Vanguard," he said slowly. "While not rare, it is still respectable. A-Ranks are… uncommon. You are well within expectations for a summoned hero."
Kanzaki clearly heard praise instead of measured approval.
Before anyone else could speak, the cyberpunk man moved forward again, irritation written plainly on his face.
"My turn."
He didn't wait for permission.
The moment his hand touched the crystal, its glow shifted sharply. Green light spread through it faster this time, brighter, more intense. The priests closest to the altar stiffened, some stepping back instinctively.
The panel that appeared was larger, more detailed.
---
Name: Adrian Vale
Species: Augmented Human
Rank: SS
Level: 30
Occupation: Arc-Tech Executor
Skills:
• Overclocked Cognition — Drastically enhanced thought speed
• Tech Assimilation — Immediate understanding of foreign technology
• Energy Conversion Field — Damage converted into usable energy
Goddess' Blessing:
⚙️ System Synchronization (Perfect) — Rapid growth and system mastery
---
The temple went quiet.
Not awkward quiet.
Stunned quiet.
Several priests stared openly now, no longer bothering to hide their reactions.
"SS…" "At summoning…?" "Level thirty… this shouldn't be possible."
Adrian pulled his hand away, glancing at the panel once before turning around.
"As expected," he said flatly. "I'd have been annoyed with anything lower."
No one laughed.
The respect in the room shifted—heavily, unmistakably—toward him.
Next, the dark-skinned woman stepped forward.
Natasha Rowland didn't smile. She didn't hesitate. Her posture was straight, movements controlled. She looked like someone used to fighting for her life, not admiring miracles.
The crystal glowed purple under her touch.
---
Name: Natasha Rowland
Species: Human
Rank: S
Level: 78
Occupation: War Huntress
Skills:
• Predator Instinct
• Battle Adaptation
• Vital Strike
Goddess' Blessing: Survivor's Grace — Fatal damage reduced once per battle
---
Several priests nodded approvingly.
"A frontline-type… dangerous." "She'll last."
Lin Xue followed.
She moved quietly, robes flowing softly around her ankles. When she placed her hand on the crystal, it responded gently, glowing jade-green instead of flaring.
---
Name: Lin Xue
Species: Human
Rank: S
Level: 59
Occupation: Spirit-Bound Cultivator
Skills:
• Heaven-Grade Qi Circulation
• Spirit Sense
• Flowing Blade Art
Goddess' Blessing:
Harmonized Growth — No cultivation bottlenecks
---
Four panels.
Four powerful heroes.
The priests were smiling now, relief clear on their faces.
And then—
"…Next."
Misaki stepped forward.
No one looked at her.
She placed her hand on the crystal.
It stayed blue.
Seconds passed.
Then the light dulled.
A faint red panel appeared, flickering slightly.
---
Name: Horishino Misaki
Species: Human
Rank: F
Level: 1
Occupation: Burdened Vessel
Skills:
• Pain Resistance (Minor)
Goddess' Blessing:
None
---
"…An F-Rank?" "No blessing?" "What even is that occupation?"
Kanzaki snorted, not bothering to lower his voice. "So she's basically useless."
A priest looked uncomfortable but said nothing.
The elder priest cleared his throat. "…The Goddess' will is absolute."
He turned away from Misaki as if the matter was settled.
---
The Royal Palace
The palace was overwhelming.
High ceilings. Gold-lined pillars. Light pouring through stained glass windows that depicted battles and saints. Everything gleamed.
The King rose from his throne as the four heroes approached.
"Welcome," he said warmly. "Saviors of our world."
He greeted each of them personally.
Praise for Adrian's power.
Respect for Natasha's experience.
Interest in Lin Xue's cultivation.
Then his gaze drifted—briefly—to Misaki.
His brow furrowed.
He glanced at the elder priest.
The priest shook his head.
"…Very well," the King said quietly, turning away.
"Allow me to introduce my daughters."
Princess Amelia stepped forward first.
Tall, mature, and openly seductive, her dress hugged her body shamelessly, deep neckline drawing the eye. Her smile was confident, practiced, dangerous.
Princess Emily followed, shorter but no less tempting—her curves accentuated by a playful, revealing gown. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and entitlement.
Their attention snapped immediately to Kanzaki.
"Oh?" Amelia said, slipping an arm around his. "You're… interesting."
Emily giggled, leaning in close. "I like confident men."
Kanzaki grinned, clearly enjoying himself.
Adrian looked away, jaw tight. "…I should've picked the seduction skill," he muttered.
The King clapped his hands.
"Tonight, a feast will be held in your honor. You will remain in the palace."