Chapter 3 – Template: Shadowkhan!
"Y-You! Out! Now!!"
Finally, Hephaestus realized just how ridiculous—and embarrassing—her behavior had been.
She was a goddess. A goddess, for heaven's sake! What was she doing, getting all flustered in front of a mortal guy like some teenage girl?
Unforgivable.
The moment her voice rang out, Akira bolted. He leapt from the bath, water splashing everywhere, and dashed toward the outer room—clothes dripping, hair soaking, and dignity hanging by a thread.
Meanwhile, back in the bath, Hephaestus placed a hand over her chest, trying to calm her heart, which was still thudding violently in her ribcage.
The warmth she'd just experienced lingered on her cheeks.
But no matter how soft that moment had felt, she was still a goddess. She needed to regain her composure—now.
She ended her bath early, grabbed a fresh towel to dry off, and wrapped herself in a crimson robe before stepping out.
On the other side of the room, Akira—still drenched—took a deep breath and pulled up the system window inside his mind.
— — —
[Status]
Name: Shin Akira
Identity: Interdimensional Traveler
Level: 0 (Power Sealed)
Template Inheritance: Not Selected
Complete Template: Enkidu (100%)
Talent: None
Skill: None
Equipment: Boosted Gear (Sealed)
Item: Phoenix Tear ×1
— — —
His entire power set was currently sealed, rendering him no stronger than an average human.
Though similar to the gods of Orario who descended with sealed divinity, Akira could technically unlock his powers at will.
But what shocked him was this:
Even the Boosted Gear—his Longinus-class Sacred Gear—was sealed.
Seriously?
That gear was a legendary weapon in his original world. Having it sealed too felt like a slap in the face.
The only thing that had slipped past the restriction was a single Phoenix Tear—a rare resurrection item that could save him from death once.
He sighed, muttering internally, "I should've brought more… This world's gonna be brutal."
And then—
[Ding!]
[Prototype World Detected. Would you like to begin Template Inheritance Selection?]
"Let's do it."
This was the reason he'd come here. Securing a strong legacy, a foundation for survival and growth—that was his top priority.
If he could obtain a powerful inheritance, gaining influence in this world… and even approaching someone like Hephaestus, wouldn't be impossible.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations. You have obtained Template: King of the Shadowkhan]
Akira froze.
King Shadowkhan…? Wait… Don't tell me—
— — —
[Template Inheritance: King of the Shadowkhan – 0%]
Original Name: Tarakudo
Title: Supreme Ruler of the Shadowkhan
Classification: Ancient Dark Legacy – Demonic Soul Artifact
Description:
This inheritance originates from Tarakudo, the sovereign of the Shadow Realm and one of the Eight Demon Sorcerers. As the absolute ruler of the Shadowkhan, Tarakudo commanded nine shadow legions, each with unique traits and terrifying powers.
— — —
Akira blinked.
No way… Tarakudo?!
The name hit like a memory bomb. He knew that name—knew that face—from the animated show of his childhood.
Jackie Chan Adventures.
Tarakudo, the king of shadows. A villain who ruled legions of powerful, immortal ninjas born from darkness.
And now… Akira had inherited his legacy.
His status immediately updated:
— — —
[Updated Status]
Name: Shin Akira
Identity: Interdimensional Traveler
Level: 0 (Power Sealed)
Template Inheritance: Shadow King (0%)
Complete Template: Enkidu (100%)
Talent: None
Skill: None
Equipment: Boosted Gear (Sealed)
Item: Phoenix Tear ×1
— — —
At 0% inheritance, he had yet to gain any powers or abilities from Tarakudo.
But if this world followed Danmachi's rules… that would change.
Slaying monsters. Gaining Excelia. Progressing through battle.
And this was Orario—the dungeon capital of the world.
The labyrinth was right beneath his feet.
…Only problem was, he had zero combat power right now.
Then, soft footsteps echoed down the hallway.
Hephaestus reappeared, now properly dressed in a deep red robe. Her expression was calm—far more composed than before.
"What's your name?" she asked flatly.
"Shin Akira," he answered respectfully, bowing slightly.
He knew very well that hiding things from a god in this world was pointless. Lying would only make things worse.
"Where are you from?"
"A place called Japan."
"Japan?" Her brow twitched slightly.
"Yes."
She didn't recognize the name, but didn't press the issue. After all, this world was vast, and she wasn't the only deity granting Falna across distant lands.
"…And why did you appear in my bath?"
"I… don't know," he admitted. "I think I was forcibly transported."
"Transported?" she narrowed her eyes.
"Yeah… like, uh, teleportation."
"Who sent you?"
"…I don't know that either."
Nothing. No answers.
Hephaestus wanted to be angry—but she could tell he wasn't lying. Even the inflection in his voice was honest.
She could sense deception when she heard it. But Akira… he really was just a victim here.
"…So, you barge into a goddess's private bath. Saw everything. And now you have nothing to say for yourself?"
"I'll take responsibility. If… you'll allow it."
Her breath caught.
For a second, she almost blurted yes.
She had never had a partner. Not in the heavens. Not in this world.
But she forced herself to hold back. A goddess still had pride.
"Hmph. Do you even know who I am?"
"Not entirely."
"I'm a goddess. And you're a mortal. You think you can just marry a goddess?"
"So… all this is just over now?"
"'Over'?" She scowled. "You think it's that easy?"
She clicked her tongue. Men like this didn't come around often. And she had no intention of letting him slip through her fingers that easily.
"Then… what do you want from me?"
"…Join my Familia," she said simply. "Become part of my family. From today forward… you're mine."
That was what she truly wanted.
If he was under her roof, under her protection, she could guide him… and maybe, just maybe, something more than Familia could bloom between them.
The gods had no need to follow mortal rules. They lived by their own whims.
"…Family?"
"Yes. That means 'my child.'"
"…So if I'm your… 'child'… can we do things like… y'know…"
The words left his mouth before he could stop them.
And the moment he realized what he'd just said—Akira wanted to melt into the floor.
Damn it, stupid mouth…
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