Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Ancient Dragon Temple
Although it was smaller than his sword, its fiery edge would still be effective. He darted around, avoiding the gargoyle's deadly claws. The demon's screeches filled the temple, making it difficult to focus. He waited for the right moment. The gargoyle lunged again, its claws aiming to tear him apart.
Seojun rolled to the side, his Flame Dagger slicing through the air. The blade met the gargoyle's stone hide, the flames scorching the demon's flesh. The gargoyle roared in pain and flapped its wings, trying to regain its balance. Seojun pressed the attack, his movements agile and precise.
Each strike with the Flame Dagger hit the gargoyle's weak spots. The demon's stone skin cracked further, and dark energy leaked out. Huno continued to bark and snap at the gargoyle, distracting it and giving Seojun a crucial opportunity. The battle raged on, with Seojun dodging the gargoyle's fierce blows and striking back with the fiery dagger.
The temple shook with each impact, and the gargoyle's roars echoed through the ancient stone halls.
Seojun crouched behind a large boulder, breathing heavily. The gargoyle, a hulking demon with red eyes that glowed menacingly, roared and swung its massive claws in the dim light of the ancient temple. Seojun knew he couldn't rely on his usual sword techniques. Instead, he needed to adapt quickly.
"I've really gotten weak," he muttered, frustration evident. He glanced at the gargoyle's monstrous form, recognizing its weakness to fire. "Since the gargoyle's weakness is fire..."
He pulled up his status screen and scanned through his skills. A smirk formed on his lips as he found what he needed.
"This should do it," Seojun said with determination. Carefully emerging from behind the boulder, Seojun took a deep breath. He needed to act quickly.
He raised his palm, gathering a dark, fiery energy and muttered. "Dark Fireball"
A swirling orb of dark flames erupted from his hand, its blue and black flames swirling ominously. With a powerful throw, he launched the inferno at the gargoyle.
The Dark Fireball streaked through the air and struck the gargoyle's chest. The demon's eyes widened in shock as the dark flames enveloped it. The fire burned fiercely, crackling and hissing as it consumed the gargoyle's stone-like skin.
"Master, Fireball is so powerful" Huno whispered from a far away,
[Host Skills is 10x stronger than the normal spell so this just make sense,] The System replied.
The gargoyle staggered back, it's wings flapping wildly in a frantic attempt to put out the flames. It's deep red eyes blazed with a mix of rage and agony. The demon roared in pain as the dark fire continued to eat away at its defenses. Seojun watched intently, knowing this was his opportunity. The gargoyle's body cracked and weakened under the relentless assault of the dark flames.
Finally, the gargoyle began to fall, its body turning to stone as it descended. It hit the ground hard, breaking into pieces. The dark flames that had burned it away left scorch marks on the floor. The fog that had filled the temple started to clear up, revealing the inside of the ancient temple.
Seojun, catching his breath, saw the gargoyle's broken remains scattered across the floor. Huno, who had carried Alex and Alexa to safety, came back to Seojun, barking softly.
Ding!
[You have defeated the Sacred Temple Guardian. You are now the Sacred Temple Owner.]
Seojun noticed that Alex and Alexa were still asleep when Huno brought them to him. They were safe but unconscious.
[This is much better, Host. You can now move freely.]
Seojun agreed and carried Alex and Alexa into the temple.
As they entered the temple, the surroundings began to change. The temple was small but ancient, its walls covered in intricate carvings and faded murals.
Suddenly, torches along the walls lit up, their flames casting a warm, flickering light that illuminated the entire space.Seojun marveled at the transformation. The temple, though small, seemed to come alive with the light. He carried Alex and Alexa to the center of the room, where an altar stood ahead.
The altar was simple but elegant, made of stone and adorned with ancient symbols. In the middle of the altar was a stand with an eye mark engraved on it. He approached the altar, examining the eye mark. It seemed to pulse faintly, as if it held a hidden energy. Seojun placed Alex and Alexa gently on the ground beside the altar and approached the stand with the eye mark.
"What's this?" Seojun wondered, looking at the eye mark. It seemed to glow faintly. He reached out to touch it, trying to figure out what to do next.
[To use the altar, you must complete the ritual to be acknowledged as the temple's owner.]
"How?"
[You need to perform the ritual for the temple to recognize you. The details are as follows:]
A detailed holographic screen appeared in front of Seojun, showing the steps for the ritual:
1. Activation of the Eye Mark: Place your hand on the eye mark on the altar.
2. Offer a Sacrifice : Place an item or substance representing your intent and power.
3. Chant the Incantation: Recite the ancient words to bind yourself to the temple.
Seojun read through the instructions and thought, "Looks like I need to complete these steps to gain control of this place."
As Seojun prepared to perform the ritual, his system suddenly spoke.
[Host, place your palm above the altar.]
Seojun confused but complied, placing his palm over the eye mark on the altar. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his hand. Blood began to seep from his palm, dripping onto the eye mark.
"What the—"
[I'm sorry, Host.]
The temple began to tremble violently. Seojun struggled to maintain his balance as the altar's eye mark absorbed his blood. The entire temple shook, and a low rumble echoed through the small space.
In the center of the altar, a massive dragon skeleton began to emerge. Its bones were ancient and covered in dust, giving off an aura of forgotten power. The temple walls shifted, revealing grandiose carvings and hidden passages.
Ding!
[The temple has acknowledged you as its owner. The true appearance of the temple is now revealed.]
Temple Status:
- Name: Ancient Dragon Temple
- Rank: SS
- Description: A once-hidden sanctuary dedicated to the dragon spirits. Now revealed, it is a place of immense power and ancient secrets.
As the temple's true form settled around him, Seojun felt a renewed sense of purpose. The system spoke again, guiding him through the next steps.
[You can now proceed, Host.]