Shin turned to Velzard and Shego as they stood near the newly formed village.
"Do you two want to head to the manor, or come with me to the temple?" he asked.
The two women exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them.
"We'll go with you," Velzard replied with a serene smile.
"Of course," Shego added with a smirk. "This place just got interesting."
Shin nodded. "John, take your family and begin preparations at the manor. Assign rooms, start organizing the kitchen and staff registry."
"Yes, my lord," John replied promptly, already moving with purpose.
With his new steward and household en route, Shin led his wives through the village streets toward the radiant marble structure at its heart: the Temple of the Pantheon.
As they walked, Shin's mind whirred with questions. "Heart, can I use the recruitment scrolls to summon only female villagers? Also, how do I get new buildings? And can I buy troops from the system store, or do I have to train them myself?"
Heart's cheerful voice echoed in all their minds, clear and melodic.
"Yes, big brother," she chirped. "You can customize your recruitment scrolls—summon only women, men, or a mix based on your current needs."
She continued, "As for buildings, the gods will explain that shortly. And yes, you can buy fully trained troops from the system store. They'll match your army's current strength level. But if you train them yourself, they may take longer to catch up… though they'll often have higher loyalty and potential."
"Got it," Shin muttered, absorbing the info just as the temple doors opened before them.
A brilliant white light engulfed them. The moment it faded, they found themselves standing before four radiant figures—Shin's chosen gods and goddesses.
At the forefront was Lilith, the sultry Goddess of Lust, draped in crimson silk and radiating sensual charm.
"Why didn't my future husband's first wife come from my camp?" she pouted, her amber eyes glinting as they roamed over Shin. "You're teasing me."
Before Shin could respond, a deeper, more resonant voice echoed through the hall.
"He's our husband, remember?" said Thrudd, the Dragon Goddess, her golden scales glimmering beneath a silver cloak. She cast a teasing look at Velzard. "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's lips curled in amusement. "Don't worry. I won't disappoint you—or him."
Then Aether, the God of Chaos and Shadows, turned his gaze toward Shego, eyes glowing with dark mischief.
"You're from my camp," he said, grinning. "Make me proud."
Shego smirked. "Oh, I plan to."
Finally, Hayato, the God of Weapon Mastery, stepped forward, his expression more serious than the others. A dark kimono clung to his lean, muscular frame.
"Enough banter," he said. "We summoned Shin here for a reason."
The other three exchanged glances, their flirtatious air momentarily replaced by solemnity.
Lilith sighed, then nodded. "He's right."
Shin folded his arms. "Alright. What do I need to know?"
Thrudd stepped forward, her voice losing its playful tone. "Shin… in the world of Alros, you are not alone. Other souls have also been reincarnated—chosen by rival gods, old enemies of ours. They're building kingdoms of their own."
Hayato picked up from there. "You've noticed that you and your territory are currently Level 1. As you grow stronger, so will your dominion. And eventually, you'll be able to expand your Pantheon—up to ten gods or goddesses total."
"Heart will explain the logistics when it's time," Aether added, stepping into the shadows behind the altar.
"But there's more," he continued. "With my power flowing through you, any enemy you defeat can be claimed. Conquer their will, rename them, and they'll gain a massive boost in strength—and become yours."
"Also," Aether said with a wicked grin, "every creature you kill can be absorbed into your Chaotic Shadow Army. Their strength becomes yours. Their will becomes your command."
Lilith glided forward, practically purring. "And husband… you'll gain special rewards when you take your wives' virginity—and greater ones when you impregnate them."
Shin blinked, caught between surprise and disbelief.
"Wait, rewards for…?"
Thrudd smirked. "Yes. This world thrives on legacy. And you'll need strong children to inherit your power and continue your line."
Hayato gave a firm nod. "Legacy is strength in Alros. You'll understand soon enough."
Thrudd raised her hand, conjuring an ethereal projection above the altar.
"For now," she said, "know this: All reincarnated lords receive a 30-day protection period. But the first 10 days will be marked by daily monster assaults."
Shin's expression sharpened.
"You'll be graded based on how many enemies you destroy and how well you defend your people," she added. "Losses and victories both matter. Based on performance, you'll receive treasure chests—containing buildings, resources, blueprints, scrolls, even powerful troops."
Lilith's voice turned teasing again. "Oh, and sugar… certain wives you summon will let you call others related to them. Just like how summoning Ri Shin brought his entire army."
She gave a slow wink. "So earn more Wife Gacha Tickets, and don't waste them."
Shin stood in silence, absorbing the information. The temple pulsed with divine energy, his destiny taking sharper shape with each passing moment.
"…Understood," he finally said, his voice quiet but filled with steel. "I'll rise to the top. I swear it."