CHAPTER 77

Sanctuary

✦ ✦ ✦

After saying goodbye to Adil, I headed down to the first-floor tavern to honor my promise to the local children, regaling them with the tale of how we defeated the dark spellcaster in the woods.

The kids sat spellbound, listening as if they were hearing a grand heroic saga.

Even after the story ended, they swarmed my table, begging for more. They held me hostage for nearly an hour, and only after recounting story after story was I finally able to escape upstairs.

“Yaaawn…”

The moment I reached my room, I collapsed onto the soft mattress.

My body was thoroughly exhausted, but my mind was far too hyperactive to let me sleep. My thoughts kept looping back to the confidential conversation I had shared with Adil earlier.

A secret chamber built underground by Lord Bellium himself…

Connecting all the dots, the odds were high that whatever had bound me to this realm wasn’t located in the central statue above, but hidden far beneath the cobblestones within that secret vault.

What kind of place could it be?

I couldn’t be certain, but it was likely a sacred vault created by Bellium to preserve his personal relics, legacy, and the ancient history of Elysium.

Perhaps something resting in that chamber was responsible for granting me that strange, divine surge during the wyvern attack two days ago. There was even a strong possibility that the catalyst that dragged me into this dimension was resting down there right now.

One question sparked another in an endless chain, leaving me tossing and turning in bed until the morning sun peeked through the window frames.

✦ ✦ ✦

Having barely slept a wink, I woke up late the following morning and grabbed a delayed breakfast in the inn’s dining room.

Adil had promised to gather confidential historical records and meet me here first thing in the morning. Since he hadn’t shown up yet, organizing the restricted archives had probably taken longer than expected—or maybe he had fallen into a deep sleep from sheer exhaustion as well.

I finished my meal, ordered a hot cup of tea, and waited patiently.

Just as I raised the steaming teacup to my lips, the front door swung open, and Adil came hurrying inside.

He looked as if he had sprinted all the way from his home; the moment he crossed the threshold, he braced a hand against the doorframe, gasping heavily for air.

“Haa… Haa… I’m so sorry I’m late, Mr. Minjun!” Adil panted, looking at me with deep embarrassment. “Have you been waiting long?”

Thick, dark purple circles hung beneath his eyes, proving he hadn’t slept a single minute last night.

“Not at all,” I smiled, motioning for him to sit. “I just finished breakfast and was about to enjoy some tea. Would you like a cup?”

“I’d appreciate that immensely.”

After catching his breath, Adil ordered a mug of black coffee and sat across from me.

“Did you sleep well last night?” he asked.

“Honestly, no,” I admitted with a faint laugh. “I kept wondering what kind of mind-blowing secrets were buried down there, and I ended up staying awake almost all night. What about you?”

“I couldn’t sleep even though my body was screaming for it,” Adil chuckled. “I spent the entire night digging through sealed archives, trying to filter out every piece of information that might actually help you.”

Despite the severe dark circles carving into his face, his eyes shone with a brilliant, scholarly excitement that made it clear his sleepless night had paid off.

“Did you discover anything useful?” I asked, leaning forward.

“Of course!”

Judging by his proud smile, he had found something truly extraordinary.

“Let’s finish our drinks and head to my place,” Adil said eagerly. “I can’t wait to show you what I unearthed.”

✦ ✦ ✦

Once we finished our morning drinks, Adil led me directly to his residence to show me the organized documents.

Being the primary caretaker of Lord Bellium’s monument, his house was situated right near the central plaza. The interior was cluttered with stacks of ancient manuscripts, scrolls, and leather-bound books—clearly the aftermath of an intense, all-night research marathon.

“Please excuse the terrible mess,” Adil apologized, clearing a pile of parchment off a chair.

He led me into his private study, picked up several ancient texts alongside a freshly written notebook from his desk, and laid them out before me.

“First,” Adil began carefully, “after scouring every record available, I am afraid I found zero historical mentions of a realm called ‘Earth.’”

“Were there any records of other dimensions in general?”

“Regrettably, no. None of our oldest texts discuss alternate dimensions or interdimensional travel.”

My heart sank slightly. I had harbored a quiet hope that some ancient dragon text might have named my world.

Seeing my crestfallen expression, Adil quickly pivoted to brighter news.

“However! As I mentioned yesterday, I found concrete historical references that directly correlate with your personal experience—specifically regarding that mysterious Aura that only you could see two days ago.”

Adil flipped through his notebook until he found the right reference, then opened a massive, leather-bound ancient tome and turned it toward me.

“Look right here at this passage.”

Written in ancient, elegant lettering were the following words:

“If there arises one who witnesses the mysterious radiance that has yet to reveal itself to the mortal world, hesitate not. Lead that person to me at any time.”

“…When it says ‘radiance,’ could that mean…?”

“I am nearly certain it refers to the shimmering light you saw during the siege!” Adil nodded enthusiastically. “For tens of thousands of years, scholars have debated the true meaning of this passage. Thanks to you, we finally have the missing key!”

“Then, Adil… how should we interpret the phrase ‘lead that person to me’?”

“Based on cross-referenced records, I believe it means such an individual is granted absolute, divine permission to enter the lowest tier of the secret complex built beneath the statue: The Sanctuary.”

Connecting all the pieces, it seemed Lord Bellium had intentionally left a door open for someone like me tens of thousands of years ago.

My arrival in this world was no random fluke.

“Normally, anyone recognized as a citizen of Elysium can enter the upper levels of the Sanctuary,” Adil explained. “However, the lowest floor is entirely different. Even high-ranking residents are strictly forbidden from stepping foot down there. Only those who pass a sacred, ancient protocol may enter.”

“What’s resting down there?” I murmured under my breath.

Adil overheard me and answered softly, “At the absolute lowest level of the Sanctuary rest the holy physical remains of Lord Bellium.”

“Then the passage saying ‘lead that person to me’…”

“It literally means bringing that chosen individual directly before his dragon skeleton.”

Even though the dragon founder had passed away eons ago, the chosen one was meant to be brought directly before his physical vessel.

“So there really is a deep, pre-destined connection between Elysium and me,” I muttered, staring at the ancient text. “I just wish I knew why.”

It felt like I was reaching for a crucial answer, only for it to dangle inches beyond my fingertips.

“I feel the same way,” Adil agreed. “Oh, Mr. Minjun! Please take a look at this next line as well.”

Adil turned two pages, pointing his clawed finger at another short sentence:

“I shall grant that person another radiance.”

“In other words, this passage implies that Lord Bellium intended to bestow another divine power or gift upon the one who bore witness to the first light.”

“But Lord Bellium… passed away tens of thousands of years ago, didn’t he?” I asked, frowning slightly. How could a dead dragon grant a new power?

Yet, the more I thought about it, the less impossible it sounded.

Minos had left a sentient remnant of his will inside the Garden of Dragon Swords. It was entirely possible that Bellium had left behind a similar spiritual imprint to greet whoever answered his ancient call.

Almost as if reading my exact thoughts, Adil spoke up.

“A faint remnant of Lord Bellium’s soul still lingers on the lowest floor where his remains are enshrined.”

I gasped, my eyes widening. “Wait… really?!”

My hunch was actually true! A surge of intense excitement rushed through my veins.

If a piece of Bellium’s consciousness was still present, I might be able to speak directly with the dragon founder—just like I had spoken with Minos—and ask him why he brought me here!

However, my joy was short-lived.

“Unfortunately,” Adil continued with a heavy sigh, “due to the vast passage of tens of thousands of years, that soul remnant has become exceedingly faint. Honestly… it wouldn’t be surprising if it completely vanished tomorrow.”

His words instantly doused my rising excitement like cold water.

“Does that mean… I can’t talk to him?”

“It is impossible,” Adil shook his head sadly. “If it were possible to communicate with Lord Bellium’s spirit, I would gladly trade years of my own life just to ask him about our city’s lost history. But you shouldn’t hold out hope for a conversation.”

Adil’s expression matched my own disappointment. He explained that the dragon founder’s soul remnant was essentially in a deep, catatonic state—a fading ember that could no longer interact with the physical world.

“…That’s a real shame.”

“Even so, being in the presence of his remains will still grant you immense clarity,” Adil reassured me. “Is there anything else you’d like to know before we head out?”

“No, I think I’ve heard enough for now. If anything else pops into my head, I’ll ask while we’re down there.”

“Understood.” Adil bowed politely. “Ah, before we leave, do you happen to have those items from your world that the Elders requested yesterday? I can deliver them for you.”

Right, I had almost forgotten about the elders’ small request for dimensional trinkets.

“Yeah, I have them right here.”

I accessed my spatial storage ring and pulled out a handful of ordinary Earth items: a ballpoint pen, an LED keychain flashlight, a small metal zipper, and an empty plastic soda bottle. I gave Adil a brief explanation of what each item was used for.

Throughout my explanation, Adil’s eyes sparkled like a child opening Christmas presents, his pen flying across his notepad as he jotted down every single detail.

Satisfied, he closed his notebook and stood up. “Now then! Let me guide you to the monument, and from there, into the depths of the Sanctuary!”

✦ ✦ ✦

I walked beside Adil toward the central plaza where Lord Bellium’s colossal statue stood tall against the sky.

As we drew closer, my heart began to thud rhythmically against my ribs. At the same time, that familiar, bizarre sense of comfort and warm nostalgia wrapped around my soul—the exact same sensation I had felt the very first time I stepped into this city.

I took the opportunity to ask Adil about it.

“Adil, has anyone else ever reported feeling a strange, comforting nostalgia when standing near the statue or inside the Sanctuary?”

Adil paused, thinking carefully for a moment, before shaking his head. “No. In all our historical records, I have never once encountered a report of such a sensation.”

“I see…”

“It truly is fascinating,” Adil remarked, glancing at me curiously. “Even after hearing your description, I can’t quite fathom what that emotional link feels like.”

Neither can I, I thought bitterly. I couldn’t tell if I was closing in on the truth or just running in circles.

After walking around the massive base of the dragon statue once, Adil led me toward a small, innocent-looking stone building tucked behind the monument. From the outside, it looked like a standard break room for city maintenance staff.

Once inside, Adil locked the heavy wooden door, walked over to a corner, and rolled back a thick decorative carpet, revealing a concealed iron trapdoor that led down a dark flight of stone stairs.

I assumed going down those stairs would take us straight into the secret vault.

I was completely wrong.

Even after descending the winding staircase, we had to pass through multiple layers of magical barriers, stone checkpoints, and heavy enchanted vaults.

“The security down here is insane,” I noted, watching Adil align three complex brass keys into a glowing runic lock.

“It has to be,” Adil explained seriously. “Considering what is preserved down here, we cannot afford a single security flaw. It’s a bit tedious, but it keeps unauthorized intruders out.”

After unlocking the final runic door, Adil led me into a massive, mana-powered stone lift that plummeted deep underground.

When the heavy elevator finally grunted to a halt and the iron gates slid open, Elysium’s greatest secret unfolded before my eyes.

WOAH…

It looked as if someone had hollowed out a colossal subterranean mountain—creating a lair vast enough to comfortably house a massive clan of dragons—and transformed it into an underground fortress city.

Built by Lord Bellium himself tens of thousands of years ago, the architecture was ancient beyond belief, yet the vast halls were immaculate, glowing with luminous crystals embedded along the high vaulted ceilings.

“What do you think of your first view of the Sanctuary, Mr. Minjun?” Adil asked proudly.

“It’s… way bigger than I ever imagined,” I gasped, staring out over the subterranean bridges and stone spires. “Honestly, I’m in complete shock.”

Calling this a “secret chamber” was a massive understatement. I had expected a small, hidden room, but this was a sprawling underground metropolis.

Adil smiled warmly at my reaction. “The Sanctuary was constructed by Lord Bellium eons ago to ensure the absolute survival of Elysium’s citizens. As you know, our city was founded by exiles from all over the continent, which naturally drew intense hatred from neighboring kingdoms. Even with a living dragon protecting us, Elysium suffered relentless invasions during its early centuries.”

And so began Adil’s impromptu historical lecture as we walked along a wide stone walkway.

“Those invaders had some serious nerve,” I commented. “Unless they were dragons themselves, I can’t imagine anyone being stupid enough to attack a city ruled by an ancient dragon.”

Adil nodded solemnly. “History proves that mortal greed knows no bounds. Some invaders simply didn’t believe a dragon truly protected us, while others were high-priced assassins sent to wipe out specific exiled bloodlines.”

I guess reckless, suicidal people existed in every dimension. Still, considering Elysium was a sanctuary for those rejected by the world, it was probably inevitable that dark forces would come hunting for them.

“Because of those brutal early wars, Lord Bellium repeatedly witnessed innocent mortals being slaughtered,” Adil said softly, his voice echoing in the cavernous hall. “Legend has it that the tears of sorrow he shed for those fallen mortals hardened into the artifacts known as Bellium’s Tears—including the very one residing inside your heart.”

I stared at my chest in quiet shock. I had never imagined that the holy relic I absorbed carried such a deeply tragic, compassionate history.

“Do you think that legend is actually true?” I asked.

“The historical probability is extremely low,” Adil admitted with a faint smile. “Which is why we call it a legend.”

“Still… it’s a beautiful story.”

“Indeed. In any case, Lord Bellium created this subterranean Sanctuary so that our people would always have an impenetrable shelter. Though endless centuries of repairs have altered its layout, we take immense pride in preserving as much of the founder’s original design as possible.”

For the citizens of Elysium, this place was clearly their most sacred, cherished refuge. A profound sense of reverence washed over me as we walked deeper into the glowing cavern.

“Thanks to this Sanctuary,” Adil said, his voice ringing with deep pride, “Elysium has preserved its culture, people, and freedom for tens of thousands of years without ever being erased from the map.”

“You have every right to be proud of it,” I said earnestly. “A underground bunker built eons ago that still functions perfectly today is incredible.”

“It is our greatest source of pride,” Adil agreed, though his smile faded slightly. “Yet… it is also a somber reminder. Because even in modern times, every few decades, a crisis occurs that forces our people to flee down here once again.”

Hearing the quiet weight in his voice, I could only imagine how many desperate battles this city had fought just to exist.

“Well,” Adil said, shaking off his melancholy and pointing toward a massive, illuminated stone staircase leading deeper into the earth, “that’s enough history for now! Shall we go see the heart of the Sanctuary?”