It took quite a bit of time to calm Baek Lang down.  

After an hour of a special massage session, she finally seemed satisfied and returned to her wolf form.  

Just when I thought I could take a break, the Red Dragon came over and asked for the same treatment, so I ended up repeating the whole process.  

...But it was worth it.  

By stroking both the Red Dragon and Baek Lang, I’d accomplished my initial goal: getting them to join the Cult of the Great Lizard God.  

I’d rather not think about how much I suffered to make that happen.  

"Grrrr..."  
"Rrrrr..."  

The Red Dragon and Baek Lang let out low growls.  

Hearing these sounds meant they’d reverted to their original forms, no longer appearing as humans.  

The reason I wanted them to return to their natural forms was because it’s problematic if they stay human in various ways.  

A lizard lying beside two collared women... it’s a scene that even a lizard’s mind—and certainly a human’s—would find a bit weird.  

Even if I wasn’t the one who put those collars on them, the ends of the leashes were in my hand, making it impossible to explain.  

If anyone saw us, they’d assume I was some depraved lizard and come for my head immediately.  

...Although, I’d probably get frozen or burned before they even got close.  

"Iiiiyahoo!"  

In the distance, I felt as if I could hear the howls of the two-horned beasts.  

It was getting scary.  

What exactly are those creatures?  

*Whoosh.*  
*Crackle.*  

"Geeeeng…"  

They were laughing at the poor lizard caught between fire and ice.  

Still, I couldn’t feel too bad.  

After all, as I’d mentioned before, I’d finally succeeded in getting these two spirit beasts to join the cult.  

Though the process took some roundabout ways, it seems Baek Lang and the Red Dragon were getting along better as a result.  

"Rrrr..."  
"Arrrr..."  

...They’re baring their teeth, but now that they’re in the Cult of the Great Lizard God, they won’t fight each other directly.  

Especially not in front of the god they now serve.  

"Gekek!"  

Letting out a courageous cry, I waited for the message from my favorite status window.  

With two spirit beasts joining the cult, it was only natural that I’d receive some kind of reward.  

…It’s taking a while today, though?  

*Whoosh.*  
*Crackle.*  

If it keeps going like this, I’ll end up as a half-dried lizard.  

[The Cult of the Great Lizard God has been promoted from a Lesser Lizard Religion to a Mid-Rank Dragon Religion!]  

Finally!  

From a Lesser Lizard to a level this high?  

But given the power of the new followers that just joined, it’s only reasonable.  

Plus, I am now a mid-tier dragon myself.  

[Achievement unlocked: Incredible Feat Recognized by the Blasting Dragon!]  

An achievement, huh.  

When I defeated the Guardian of the Volcano, there was nothing, but now they’re finally giving me something.  

…Blasting Dragon?  

The name sounds intimidating.  

I don’t know who it’s referring to, but it’s probably just a way to describe the difficulty of my achievement, like surprising a Raptor or shocking an Allosaurus.  

If it includes “Dragon,” then it’s likely a top-tier achievement.  

[With fewer than ten members, you have achieved the status of a Mid-Rank Dragon Religion.]  

"Gekek."  

The Cult of the Great Lizard God was indeed quite small for a religion.  

Officially, there were only four followers.  

[A great amount of Divine Energy has accumulated in your religion.]  

Oh-ho.  

So the reward is Divine Energy?  

That’s a very welcome reward.  

When I fought the Biikjo after getting trapped by the Inmyeonjo, I was only able to win thanks to using Divine Energy.  

Since leveling up restores all my health, Divine Energy is an invaluable resource that’s good to have in large amounts.  

But this can’t be the end.  

I skipped several levels, so there should be an incredible reward coming up.  

[You can now declare your Domain.]  

[Followers within your Domain will have enhanced power.]  

[The Divine Energy will increase based on the number of followers within the Domain.]  

"Gegegek!"  

Now, this is getting serious.  

Domain declaration?  

[You can declare your Domain in the current area.]  

[Would you like to declare this area as your Domain?]  

I don’t fully understand, but this is an opportunity I can’t pass up.  

As a male lizard, claiming territory is instinctual.  

Territory Expansion.  

"Gek!"  

I let out a resounding cry.  

[Dragon Gate (Volcano) has become your Domain.]  

Nice!  

…Well, I’m not sure how nice it is, but it doesn’t seem like a bad thing.  

The power boost for followers in the Domain alone makes it pretty useful.  

And my followers in this volcano are Baek Lang and the Red Dragon.  

Already powerful spirit beasts, now they’ve become even stronger here.  

…If they ever fight each other, what will happen to me?  

For now, I’ll put that worry aside and take a closer look at what I’ve gained.  

A mid-rank dragon religion, abundant Divine Energy, and a Domain.  

At this point, I feel more like a dragon than a lizard.  

Maybe it’s time to delve deeper into religion.  

Dragons are revered as gods in some Eastern cultures, after all.  

Maybe religion is one of the conditions to become a true dragon.  

"…Gek."  

**Status Screen**  

__________________________  
**Cult of the Great Lizard God**  

Mid-Rank Dragon Religion.  

A religion that venerates the faith of the Great Lizard and worships the Komodo. It has close ties with the Small Dragon Faith and the Queen of Serpents Faith.  
Though small in numbers, it boasts strong faith and combat power.  

Members:  
First Follower: 【Atercopus lv30】  
Second Follower: 【Antelacomartus lv30】  
Third Follower: 【Tang Soyoung】  
Fourth Follower: 【Volpithon lv30】  
Fifth Follower: 【Baek Lang lv75】  
Sixth Follower: 【Red Dragon lv135】  
__________________________  

At a glance, it doesn’t look too different.  

But wait, is the Red Dragon’s level really 135?  

No wonder she’s so insanely strong.  

Not only is she a mid-tier dragon species, but her level is that high.  

…So what does that make me, who managed to fight her to a draw?  

Let’s see if there are any other changes.  

Since Domains are related to religion, there’s bound to be something new.  

Just as I was checking my status screen—  

[A great amount of Divine Energy has been accumulated. The effects of the Cult of the Great Lizard God are enhanced.]  

[The Cult of the Great Lizard God can be restructured.]  

[Would you like to restructure the Cult of the Great Lizard God?]  

Restructure?  

Let’s think with a cool lizard head.  

What could restructuring mean?  

So far, this status window has never harmed me.  

The closest was when I recruited Shishak.  

…But in the end, that was a huge benefit for me.  

Let’s trust it this time as well.  

"Gekek!"  

*Flash!*  

The messages I’d been seeing blurred momentarily before reappearing in a new format.  

A flood of messages suddenly filled my vision.  

"Geeeek!"  

Is it too much information at once?  

My head hurts.  

[Divine Energy for the Cult of the Great Lizard God is insufficient.]  

…Huh?  

The headache came from the sudden drain of Divine Energy.  

"Gekekek!"  

Did restructuring use up my Divine Energy?  

"…Gek."  

Well, that’s just great.  

"…Why have you been staring off into space for a while now?"  

Baek Lang looked at me with a concerned expression.  

"Gek. Ge-e-ek!"  

I’m frustrated.  

My precious Divine Energy was drained all at once.  

Shouldn’t it have warned me if it was going to use Divine Energy?  

…Still, the status screen usually has good reasons for its actions.  

Let’s check the facts first.  

__________________________  
**Cult of the Great Lizard God**  

Mid-Rank Dragon Religion.  
A religion that venerates the faith of the Great Lizard and worships the Komodo. It has close ties with the Small Dragon Faith and the Queen of Serpents Faith.  
Though small in numbers, it boasts strong faith and combat power.  

[Domain]  
Swamp (Lower Region), Queen of Serpents Temple, Dragon Gate (Volcano)  

[Members]  
Priestess: 【Nephela Jurassica lv30】  
Right Guardian: 【Atercopus lv30】  
Left Guardian: 【Antelacomartus lv30】  
Serpent Princess: 【Volpithon lv35】  
Divine Healer: 【Tang Soyoung】  
Follower: 【Baek Lang lv80】  
Follower: 【Red Dragon lv140】  
________________________

__  

It looks like a lot has changed.  

First, the Domain.  

I thought the volcano was my only Domain, but apparently other places are included as well.  

The lower region of the swamp is a place I conquered, and the Queen of Serpents’ Temple…  

Maybe it’s considered part of my Domain because we’re allies?  

Then again, the Queen of Serpents’ Domain covers half the jungle.  

…I’m not sure.  

In any case, it seems I can have multiple Domains instead of just one.  

Though there are probably conditions.  

Just because I go to a Dragon Gate guarded by an icy bird doesn’t mean it’ll become my Domain.  

I’d have to defeat it to claim ownership.  

…Once I have some free time, maybe I’ll visit the other Dragon Gates.  

The more Domains I have, the better.  

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to make the spider sisters’ territory my Domain.  

Tus, Pus, and Nephela Jurassica are there with Tang Soyoung.  

…But that might be difficult.  

Since it’s the Celestial Demon Sect’s territory, I can’t just declare it my Domain without permission.  

I’d definitely clash with Baek Yeon-Yeong.  

Maybe if I wagged my tail adorably, she’d overlook it, but she’s not the only one in the sect.  

There’s also that fearsome leader Tang Soyoung mentioned, who could tear a lizard like me in half.  

It’s best to avoid upsetting him.  

For now, this is all I can confirm about my Domain.  

My followers are empowered, and I benefit from it as well.  

The levels of Shishak, Whitey, and Yonyong, who reside in my Domain, have each increased by five.  

It seems the higher their level, the more effective it becomes.  

I can expand my Domain under certain conditions.  

Expanding it or relocating the spiders to my Domain would grant them benefits too.  

Having reviewed this, let’s look at the members.  

…Why do they all have such grand titles?  

It makes sense for Nephela Jurassica to be the Priestess.  

…But why are Tus and Pus the Right and Left Guardians?  

I recalled the past.  

When I first practiced breathing techniques, Tus and Pus guarded me.  

Right.  

They deserve those roles.  

Shishak has a fitting title, so there’s no issue there.  

She’s actually the daughter of the Queen of Serpents, so being called the Serpent Princess feels right.  

Now, looking at Tang…  

…Why is she the Divine Healer?  

This I cannot allow.  

"Gekek."  

Did my precious Divine Energy go to waste on that?  

Tus and Pus can have their titles; they were my first followers, after all.  

But Tang Soyoung as the Divine Healer?  

Too much.  

Being a mere doctor would suffice.  

[Divine Healer Tang Soyoung has been demoted to Doctor Tang Soyoung.]  

I was just saying, not that I meant to…  

[Divine Energy used on Tang Soyoung has been refunded.]  

"…Gek?"  

So this is how it works?  

"Gekekek."  

I let out a devious lizard laugh.  

It seems I can invest Divine Energy into my followers’ titles in the cult.  

This way, my Divine Energy won’t be wasted on meaningless titles.  

Their titles, like mine, probably come with some effect.  

If it consumes Divine Energy, the effect must be substantial.  

My mind was racing.  

The value of Divine Energy has increased immensely.  

Now, it’s not just for leveling up—I can use it in numerous ways.  

For example, if I designate the Red Dragon as the Great Guardian, her combat power will surge.  

And I’d receive those benefits directly.  

What if I recruited a random beast on the road and assigned it an appropriate title?  

That could benefit me too.  

It’s time to fully utilize the Cult of the Great Lizard God.  

Looking around, I saw flowers blooming on the volcano.  

A place this good to live in, despite being a volcano.  

The religion’s rank has risen, and I have loyal followers.  

"Gekekekek…"  

I’ll create an impressive nest, invite my followers here, and bring in new members.  

Starting with Baek Lang’s siblings and those two-horned beasts wandering nearby, I’ll gather general followers continuously.  

Then, Divine Energy will accumulate naturally, and it may elevate me to the highest rank of dragons.  

"Geggeggegegek!"  

I know what I must do.  

I’ll bring everyone I’m connected with here.  

And one by one, I’ll conquer the remaining Dragon Gates, gradually expanding my Domain until I become a true dragon.  

"Gehehehek."  

A giddy laugh escaped me.  

"…Are you sick? Want me to freeze you?"