[Baldric Vinoer]

[Rank: C (Named)]

[Level: 51]

[Class: Mana Swordsman]

[Title: Low-Ranking Demon]

[Affiliation: Redinaum]

[Skills: ?]

[Special Abilities: ?]

[Strength: ?] [Endurance: ?] [Agility: ?] [Stamina: ?]

[Mana: ?] [Divinity: ?] [Affinity: ?] [Luck: ?]

'He doesn't seem hostile,' Taehyun thought, his eyes narrowed. 'But why would a demon suddenly show up here?'

A low-ranking demon named Baldric had appeared in the Dungeon Master's room. Taehyun watched him from across the table, his gaze tense.

"First and foremost, it is an honor to meet you," Baldric began, his voice smooth. "I am Baldric Vinoer, a low-ranking demon affiliated with Redinaum. You are the Player Taehyun Yoo, the Demon King Candidate, are you not?"

"You already know who I am," Taehyun countered flatly. "Why bother asking?"

"Ooof. Please, relax," the demon chuckled. "I assure you, I have no ill intentions. I only came to congratulate you on achieving C-rank and to inform you of an upcoming gathering in the Demon World."

"A gathering?" Taehyun's expression hardened. If Baldric was telling the truth, it meant he had to travel to the Demon World immediately. A gathering of Dungeon Masters, all assembled in one place, was a dangerous proposition.

"Indeed. We are extending invitations to all Players who possess a C-rank dungeon. The event is not far off, which is why I came directly to Balak."

In other words, they didn't even bother with D-rank Dungeon Masters.

"Is participation mandatory?" Taehyun asked.

"The choice is yours."

"And what do I gain from attending?"

"Information," Baldric replied, clasping his hands together.

Taehyun feigned deep consideration. He had already squeezed a fair amount of information about the continent out of Sebastian, but his knowledge of the Demon World and his fellow Dungeon Masters was still dangerously thin. He'd never even met another one. That ignorance could easily become a fatal weakness.

'Eventually, we'll all be forced to compete against each other. It seems I'm the only one in this region for now, but as I expand my territory, I'm bound to clash with other factions.'

Visiting the Demon World now seemed to offer far more benefits than risks.

"Fine," Taehyun declared. "I'll attend."

"Understood. I will add your name to the list. For now, here is your invitation." Baldric produced an ornate card. "In four days, using this will transport you to the Demon World."

After handing over the invitation, Baldric stood, bowed his head, and vanished with a faint smile, returning to his realm. Left alone, Taehyun examined the card.

[Invitation to Nikunbel's Mansion]

[Rank: ?]

[Restriction: C-rank Dungeon Master or higher]

[Description: An invitation to a gathering hosted by Duke Nikunbel. Any Dungeon Master of C-rank or higher is qualified to attend. Upon use, you will be transported to Nikunbel's Mansion.]

'So the Demon World has a noble hierarchy,' he mused. Three questions immediately sprang to mind. First, what connection did this Duke Nikunbel have with the Dungeon Masters? Second, how much influence did he wield over the competition for the Demon King's throne? And third, was he the mastermind behind the entire game?

'The other Dungeon Masters will be there to form factions or gather intelligence.' To survive, he needed allies more than enemies. They could be disposable pawns or a double-edged sword. Trust was an impossibility among strangers who were destined to kill each other. Alliances would be forged purely for mutual gain, and nothing more. Taehyun planned to make a few acquaintances and trade information.

'Of course, I'll set it up so that for every piece of information I offer, they'll give me two.' The others would likely try the same tactic, but making the attempt was crucial. He summoned Riel.

"I heard a demon from the Demon World came to visit," she said, her tone calm. "Did the conversation go well?"

"It did. He came about a gathering in the Demon World. It seems all the Dungeon Masters are meeting at Duke Nikunbel's mansion."

"That's wonderful. You can use this opportunity to observe the other Dungeon Masters and gather information."

"Exactly. The invitation says a Supporter can come along, so you'll be joining me."

"I understand." Riel nodded, her gaze drifting toward the wardrobe.

Taehyun tilted his head. "What is it?"

"Master, have you considered what you are going to wear?"

"No. Can't I just go in this?" he asked, gesturing to his simple white clothes.

A gathering at a ducal mansion was practically a formal ball. 'I shall have to prepare something for him myself,' she decided with a quiet sigh. 'If I leave it to him, he will show up in whatever is lying around.'

Taehyun just tilted his head, completely oblivious.

---

[Dungeon Name: Balak]

[Master: Taehyun Yoo]

[Rank: C]

[Location: A cave deep within the Silent Valley, on the western frontier of the Astral Continent.]

[Supporter: Riel of Healing (B)]

[Boss: Elite Superior Troll (2)]

[Mercenaries: None]

[Guardians and Keepers: None]

[Soldiers: Superior Orc (15), Superior Lizardman (10), Superior Fenrir (5), Superior Goblin (33), Superior Imp (21), Superior Wild Dog (13), Supreme Minotaur (2), Superior Minotaur (5)]

[Monsters: Superior Orc (15), Superior Lizardman (10), Superior Fenrir (5), Superior Goblin (33), Superior Imp (21), Superior Wild Dog (13), Supreme Minotaur (2), Superior Minotaur (5)]

[Servants and Maids: Dallas Village Residents (20)]

[Traps: Sticky Trap, Hunting Trap × 2, Arrow Trap, Deep Pit, Mana Nullification Trap]

[Installed Devices: Flower of the Abyss Landrozel, Madria's Bookshelf, Ghastly Spider Egg, Glittering Sack]

[Modifications and Changes: Hallway Alteration (Stage 1), Room Position Alteration (Stage 2), Hallway Length Alteration (Stage 2), Room Size Expansion (Stage 1), Forest Environment (Stage 1)]

[Rooms: 9]

[Dungeon Status: Balak, now set to a forest environment, is perfectly suited for its current soldiers. Its combat power has increased with soldiers befitting a C-rank dungeon and B-rank Trolls. The Crystal Sphere's magic has reached a sufficient level, increasing the dungeon's intrinsic magic capacity. The traps in each room have increased the damage dealt to raiders, and the Mana Nullification Trap minimizes the magic of mages. The altered room positions are sufficient to confuse enemies. Due to the B-rank Named Supporter Riel, the life recovery rate of the troops has increased.]

Both Balak's Crystal Sphere and the dungeon itself had reached C-rank, and the status description had updated to reflect its newfound strength.

'I'll deal with everything else after I get back from the Demon World.' Future goals were important, but the gathering took precedence. Taehyun changed into the formal suit Riel had laid out for him.

"Do I really have to wear this?" he grumbled.

"Yes, you absolutely must," Riel insisted. "It may be a gathering of Dungeon Masters, but it is highly likely to be a formal social event. Many other demons and NPCs will be there to observe you and the others."

"…Alright." It felt constricting, but he deferred to her judgment. Besides, Riel herself was wearing an elegant dress that suited the occasion perfectly. A faint blush crept up his neck as he complimented her. "It looks good on you, though."

"It looks amazing on you, too, Master," she replied with a gentle smile.

"R-right. Thanks."

Once they were ready, Taehyun stood beside Riel and tore the invitation in half.

[You have used the Invitation to Nikunbel's Mansion.]

[Transporting to the entrance of Nikunbel's Mansion.]

[Will Supporter Riel accompany you?]

[YES / NO]

'Yes,' he thought.

A magic circle flared to life, swallowing them both. When he opened his eyes, they were standing at the entrance of an opulent mansion.

'So this is the Demon World.' The sky was a bruised crimson, and five pale moons hung in the air like skeletal eyes. This was no ordinary place.

"Welcome," a guard greeted them. "May I have your name?"

"Taehyun Yoo."

"Confirmed. Please follow that gentleman." The guard gestured toward a waiting butler.

Taehyun and Riel followed the butler into the mansion. 'It's enormous.' Even the hallways were impossibly wide, their walls adorned with priceless art and lavish decorations. Countless servants bustled through the corridors, their movements silent and efficient.

"This way, please," the butler murmured, stopping at the end of the hall. He bowed deeply and retreated.

Taehyun gripped the handle of the massive door, swallowing hard against a dry throat. He could already hear the murmur of voices from within.

"Alright. Let's go in."

"Yes, Master."

The doors swung open, revealing a party hall of breathtaking scale. Taehyun's eyes widened. 'This isn't a gathering of Dungeon Masters… It's a royal ball.'

There had to be hundreds of people present. Forcing himself to remain composed, he guided Riel to an empty table nearby where they could sit comfortably.

"Oh my. A new face," a sultry voice purred. A woman in a stunning red dress glided toward them. "Are you a new player?" She casually offered him a glass of wine as she studied him.

"Shouldn't you introduce yourself first?" Taehyun retorted.

"Heehee. At least you're not a complete idiot," she laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm Mihye Han, a B-rank Dungeon Master. And you are?"

"Taehyun Yoo."

"Oh? Don't tell me you don't even know your own rank?"

"Why ask when you already know the answer?" he shot back. All new players were C-rank; it was a given. He needed to figure out her angle. 'She's confident enough to announce her B-rank status, which means she's been at this for a while. Is she just curious, or is she sizing me up as a threat?' It was likely the former. A B-ranker had little reason to be wary of a C-rank.

"Ahahaha! I like you," she declared. "See that group over there?"

"The one taking up three tables and shouting over each other?"

"That's them. All fresh-faced newbies, just like you. And they're foolishly spilling every last secret they have under the guise of 'exchanging intel.' Isn't it pathetic?"

The tables she indicated were filled with other C-rank Dungeon Masters. They were practically broadcasting their strengths and weaknesses for all to hear. Taehyun found them pathetic as well. 'Don't those idiots realize that veteran members are probably listening in? And even if they're in the same boat, they're still competitors. What's the point of revealing everything?' A true exchange of information required hiding your own cards while dangling just enough bait to hook your opponent.

"But you seem a little different," Mihye continued, her gaze analytical. "Not that you're impressive, but you at least have a brain. You've caught my interest."

"So it seems."

"Yeah. A little."

"In that case…" Taehyun let a smirk play on his lips, drawing out the moment. Mihye leaned in, her expression expectant. "…give me some information."

Mihye was silent for a moment.

The wine glass in her hand shattered. A chilling smile spread across her face as a palpable aura of killing intent rolled off her in waves. "You've crossed a line, little Taehyun."

"If you're not going to be useful, then get lost," he said, unfazed. "I'm not interested in you."

"…You really are amusing, you know?"

He could feel the eyes of everyone nearby turning toward them. Noticing the sudden hush, Mihye reined in her aura.

"What's wrong?" Taehyun taunted softly. "You can't attack me here, can you?"

"Nope. If I cause a scene, we both die," she admitted, her smile returning. "I tried to scare you a little, but you didn't even flinch."

"Why would I? It's obvious a fight here would benefit neither of us."

"Oh? Confident in your fighting skills, are we?" Mihye slid into the seat next to him, pressing her body against his. Riel's eye twitched almost imperceptibly, but Taehyun didn't notice, simply shrugging.

"We'd have to fight to find out." There was no need to reveal his class. A vague answer was the safest bet.

"Heehee. Alright. I'm feeling generous. This will be my spot for the night."

"Then I'll be counting on you for commentary throughout the party."

"Hey! You have a beauty like me by your side, and you're just going to use me for information?"

"Yep."

"Well, I guess I have no choice then." Despite his bluntness, Mihye didn't leave. If anything, she seemed more entertained, her dimples deepening.

'This woman is utterly insane,' Taehyun thought. 'I'll just have to ignore her and observe.'

As more Dungeon Masters arrived, the hall filled with a strange mix of demons and humans. 'Aside from the woman clinging to me, most of them left their Supporters behind. And the ones who did bring them…' While some appeared normal, others were nothing short of psychopathic. He saw Supporters on leashes, treated like pets, and others forced to attend completely naked. The sight made him sick to his stomach.

'Disgusting.' They were all so busy indulging their twisted desires. In one corner, a couple was openly having sex, completely oblivious to the world around them.

"Hmm. You just looked at them with disgust, didn't you?" Mihye whispered in his ear.

Taehyun said nothing.

"That's funny. I bet you've already had your way with that Supporter of yours. We're all the same, so why look at them like they're trash?"

Taehyun ignored her jab. Arguing would be a waste of energy. Time passed, and once all the expected guests had arrived, a figure began to descend the grand staircase from the second floor.

A voice boomed through the hall. "The host of this gathering, Duke Nikunbel, has entered."

A demon with magnificent blue horns appeared. It was the Duke himself.

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