Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World

Chapter 1131: Temple [2]

Michael closed the panel before turning his attention toward the temple itself. A second later he appeared directly at its entrance.

"If I'm going to use this in the future, I should at least see what's inside."

Without hesitation, he ascended the broad staircase leading to the entrance.

Each step was carved from flawless white crystal that reflected the surrounding light without a single imperfection.

Delicate golden veins ran naturally through every slab, pulsing faintly as though the temple itself possessed a heartbeat.

The massive entrance stood nearly fifteen meters tall.

Rather than ordinary doors, two enormous crystal gates stood open, their surfaces engraved with countless runes that continuously shifted and rearranged themselves. Every rune radiated a gentle golden glow.

Towering pillars flanked the entrance. Each was thick enough that dozens of people would struggle to wrap their arms around it. They rose high into the sky before curving gracefully into elaborate arches.

Intricate carvings covered every inch of their surfaces. Warriors clashing against terrifying beasts. Scholars studying mysterious tomes. Dragons soaring among stars.

Although the carvings were motionless, Michael could almost swear they were alive. Every figure possessed astonishing detail, as though frozen in the middle of a single moment in history.

Above the entrance rested a circular golden emblem nearly five meters across. Within it was an unfamiliar symbol resembling an eye surrounded by countless concentric rings.

Simply looking at it caused Michael's soul to tremble slightly, and he quickly withdrew his gaze.

Whatever that symbol represented, if it represented anything at all, was clearly beyond his current level of understanding.

Taking a slow breath, Michael stepped through the entrance.

The instant he crossed the doorway, his footsteps unconsciously came to a halt.

"…It's bigger."

From the outside, the Awakening Temple had appeared no larger than a heavy-sized chapel. Yet the space before him resembled the interior of a palace hall.

The ceiling stretched nearly a hundred meters overhead, disappearing into soft golden clouds that drifted lazily beneath an invisible sky.

Countless crystal chandeliers floated freely in the air without chains or supports, each resembling blooming flowers carved from condensed light. They illuminated the hall with a warm radiance that neither dazzled the eyes nor cast harsh shadows.

The hall itself extended for hundreds of meters. Rows of magnificent white pillars lined both sides, each one wider than an ancient tree and engraved with flowing golden runes that continuously shimmered beneath their polished surfaces.

The floor was fashioned from mirror-like white jade interwoven with intricate golden lines that formed an enormous magic formation spanning the entire temple.

Every few seconds, the formation emitted a soft pulse before fading once more, almost like the breathing of a living creature.

The air was extraordinarily pure. Every breath Michael took filled his body with refreshing energy. His accumulated fatigue seemed to melt away, while his mind became noticeably calmer and clearer.

Not a single speck of dust could be found anywhere in the temple.

The temple was immersed in absolute silence. Yet rather than feeling empty, it felt sacred.

Michael slowly turned around. The entrance remained exactly where it should have been, and nothing appeared abnormal. Yet the interior was undeniably dozens of times larger than the building he had seen from outside.

He smiled faintly.

"Definitely some use of void magic. I wonder when Wisdom and I would reach such a level."

This was different from a domain, even if a domain was also another dimension in itself.

The complexity of what the temple had achieved compared to a domain seemed to gap the latter in comparison across many levels.

Though Michael hadn't created a domain himself, he was almost always surrounded by those who had, so he had some frame of reference.

Suppressing his curiosity, Michael continued walking forward.

The enormous hall was surprisingly empty.

There were no chairs. No decorations. No murals. Only two gigantic statues stood proudly at the far end of the temple.

The statue on the left depicted an imposing warrior clad in layered armor.

Unlike ordinary knights, numerous weapons were strapped across the warrior's body.

A sword rested at his waist. A spear was slung across his back. A battle axe hung from one side. Several daggers lined his belt. It was as though every conventional weapon could be wielded by him.

Standing opposite him was another statue. A mage. The figure wore long flowing robes. A beautifully crafted wand rested within one hand while the other held an ancient scroll covered in unfamiliar runes.

Both statues radiated an indescribable pressure. Yet strangely, their faces remained blurry. No matter how hard Michael tried to focus, their appearances refused to become clear.

It was almost as though some mysterious force prevented anyone from seeing them.

Beneath each statue floated a circular blue vortex. The portals rotated slowly in complete silence.

Thanks to the information that had entered his mind earlier, Michael immediately understood their purpose.

"The two awakening paths."

The warrior represented the Physical Path.

Those who entered that portal would undergo physical trials. If successful, they would awaken a physical-oriented class. Knight. Warrior. Assassin. Guardian. Hunter. Or countless other possibilities.

Everything depended on the individual's performance during the trial. The better they performed, the stronger the class they obtained.

Outstanding performances could even reward additional gifts, like Traits, which in Michael's opinion were practically talents.

Although not identical, traits could significantly strengthen an awakener just as a talent would. Some enhanced physical ability, like Lily's. Others increased affinity toward certain weapons. Some even improved comprehension or granted passive abilities.

For many awakeners, acquiring an excellent trait could determine their standing among peers.

Michael then looked toward the second portal.

The Magical Path. Its principles were nearly identical. Those who entered would face trials centered around magic.

Successful challengers would awaken mage-type classes, while exceptional performers likewise had a chance of obtaining powerful traits.

"This really does reward ability."

There was no favoritism or guaranteed outcome. The temple merely provided the opportunity. What one obtained depended entirely upon oneself.