A new B-rank dungeon had appeared on the Astral Continent. Its name was Balak—the very same dungeon that had thwarted Sebastian's raid party when it was only D-rank. Previously known as a C-rank dungeon deemed unconquerable by the small city of Partren, it had now revealed its true strength.

"Hey, did you hear? Balak, that C-rank dungeon out west, just hit B-rank."

"I heard there was a massive brawl between Dungeon Masters on the Desolate Plains. Apparently, Balak wiped the floor with all of them."

"You know of Balak, don't you? The one that made a name for itself by crushing Sebastian's party back in its D-rank days. Word is, it's a B-rank now."

The news spread like wildfire through the Raider Association, and the eyes of raiders across the continent once again turned toward Balak.

"I never gave it a second thought as a C-rank, but now... it might be worth a visit."

"The loot has gotta be insane. We should plan a trip."

"I was always curious about the dungeon that beat Sebastian, but I wasn't about to waste my time on a C-rank. Now that it's B-rank, though... you interested?"

Even high-level B-rank raiders who had previously dismissed Balak began to consider a journey west. While some remained hesitant, the continent's focus was undeniably shifting. The local raiders in the West, paralyzed by their fear of Balak, had sought out other dungeons, only to find that the destruction of the anti-Balak alliance had left the region barren of C-rank targets. In the end, they had no choice but to turn their attention back to the one that remained—Balak. A new wave of raiders began to flow into the western territories, and a palpable tension once again settled over the land.

---

A single tap echoed across the polished wood. Then another—quick, sharp, followed by two deliberate taps in succession.

The air was thick with tension. A cold sweat trickled down the back of Gelix's neck. He watched the man across the table intently, his eyes tracking every minute movement.

His fingers drummed again, quick, measured—then stopped. Silence slammed down like a trap.

The finger that had been drumming a rhythm on the polished wood fell silent. It was just as Gelix, having already deciphered the pattern, had predicted. The man opened his eyes, his voice smooth and low.

"So... you're the branch manager from that small city, Partren, was it?"

His very first words dripped with condescension. There was no need to emphasize the "small city," yet he had done so deliberately. It was a classic opening gambit for someone who viewed their conversational partner as an inferior.

'Count Dinen. A nobleman who certainly understands his place in the hierarchy.'

Count Dinen Pradio. A high-ranking noble, long known as a keen observer of the political world. Despite knowing full well that Gelix was backed by the powerful Peyton Ducal Family, he treated him as a subordinate without a second thought. It was infuriating, but Dinen was a man who held the kingdom's politics in the palm of his hand. Anyone with political aspirations knew that the Count was the hidden pillar of the Raider Association. It was no exaggeration to say the entire continental network of associations revolved around him.

Gelix forced a pleasant smile and inclined his head slightly. "That is correct. I am Gelix, in charge of the branch in a small city."

"Indeed," the Count continued. "And what, precisely, was your reason for using that fool Baron Coris to arrange a meeting with me?"

Now he was openly disparaging the Baron. Gelix remained calm, slowly and methodically laying out his plans and intentions.

Count Dinen's fingers drummed the table again—tap… pause… tap. Gelix's eyes narrowed, tracing the rhythm. Tap—once. Tap—again, deliberate, controlled. Another… and again. The pattern unfolded like a code, each sound sharpening the silence between them.

A different pattern. He didn't know what it signified, but he knew the situation was not in his favor. Count Dinen's finger stilled, and he opened his eyes.

"Your plan is certainly... intriguing."

"I-is that so?" Gelix replied, caught off guard. He had prepared a counterargument for every possible rejection, but he hadn't expected the Count to show interest so readily.

'I'm a bit flustered, but this is for the best. If he's interested, I just need to seal the deal...'

Just then, Count Dinen tapped the table once more. "However."

"...What is it?"

"I hear a new B-rank dungeon has appeared in the West, has it not?"

The sudden mention of Balak made Gelix's expression tighten. The question was completely unexpected. Balak had nothing to do with this meeting. To bring it up now could only be a test. Gelix quickly smoothed his features and leaned forward.

"Yes. I believe it is a dungeon called Balak."

"Ah, I am aware of that much," the Count said, a faint smile touching his lips. "What is important is that this Balak has now been deemed unconquerable. Who, I wonder, would have made such a judgment?"

One corner of Count Dinen's mouth curled upward. It was a direct, pointed criticism of Gelix's own assessment.

'This bastard... he's testing me.'

This wasn't a subtle probe; it was an open challenge. He could no longer afford to play the long game. Gelix dropped his deferential posture, his gaze turning sharp and meeting the Count's.

"What is it that you want?"

"A man who gets to the point. Excellent," Dinen replied. "I am, as I said, interested in your plan. But I am not yet interested in 'you'. You'll have to show me something, won't you?"

Count Dinen let a sheet of paper drift onto the table. He then rose to his feet, looking down at Gelix.

"Conquer Balak. Can you truly call yourself a branch manager if you cannot even eliminate a single B-rank dungeon in the West?"

"...You are testing me."

"Take it however you wish. Conquer Balak first, then contact me again."

With that, Count Dinen swept from the room. Left alone, Gelix stared down at the paper on the table. It was a 'Raider Request Confirmation'. A document stating that several B-rank raiders had accepted a new contract.

Gelix's hand tightened around the paper, his teeth grinding together. He had meticulously arranged this meeting, only to have it complicated by Balak. Dinen was testing him, ordering him to conquer the very dungeon he himself had declared unconquerable.

'Balak is undeniably a nuisance. It was just a C-rank when I was targeting Myol, and now it's already B-rank. It's only natural that it would attract Dinen's interest.'

He had intended to simply observe and keep Balak in check, but that was no longer an option.

Draxler.

Shape.

Luckqueen.

Alex.

The names listed on the confirmation were among the most skilled B-rank raiders on the continent.

'So, he's provided me with the best cards and is telling me to figure out the rest.'

All he had to do now was assemble the rest of the raid party. From this moment on, the outcome rested solely on his shoulders. He was in the crucible.

'I was going to wait and see how much Sebastian grew during his contracted year, but I have no choice now. It's time for round two, Dungeon Master of Balak.'

To earn Count Dinen's acknowledgment, he had to conquer Balak. Clutching the confirmation form, Gelix began the journey back to Partren.

---

[The Billito Raid Party has been completely annihilated.]

With the news of Balak's B-rank status spreading, the frequency of raids had increased. He had just wiped out another C-rank party. This was the inevitable fate of those who, blinded by greed, dared to challenge a B-rank dungeon.

Watching the smooth defense, Taehyun reviewed his dungeon's information.

[Dungeon Name: Balak]

[Master: Taehyun Yoo]

[Rank: B]

[Location: Cave deep within the Valley of Silence, western frontier of the Astral Continent]

[Supporter: Riel of Healing (B)]

[Boss: Elite Mid-level Gargoyle, Elite Mid-level Werewolf, Elite Mid-level Centaur, Elite Mid-level Harpy]

[Mercenaries: None]

[Guardians and Keepers: Orc Swordsman Grai]

[Soldiers: Advanced Orc, Advanced Lizardman, Advanced Fenrir, Advanced Goblin, Advanced Imp, Advanced Wild Dog, Top-tier Minotaur, Advanced Troll, Advanced Wyvern, Mid-level Catapult Drake (Modified)]

[Monsters: Advanced Orc, Advanced Lizardman, Advanced Fenrir, Advanced Goblin, Advanced Imp, Advanced Wild Dog, Top-tier Minotaur, Advanced Troll, Advanced Wyvern]

[Servants: Dallas Village Residents]

[Traps: Sticky Trap, Hunting Trap, Arrow Trap, Deep Pit, Mana Suppression Trap, Rolling Stone, Wall Spike, Binding Net, Illusion Circle, Fire Trap, Sacrificial Coffin, Skill Suppression Trap, Radar Sealing Trap]

[Installed Objects: Abyssal Flower Landrozel, Madria's Bookshelf, Hideous Spider Eggs, Glittering Pouch, Thick Crate, Lesser Mana Turret, Mid-level Mana Turret, Mysterious Mana Powder, Merchant's Corpse, Lost Cat]

[Modifications and Changes: Corridor changes between rooms (Stage 5), Room position changes (Stage 3), Corridor length changes (Stage 4), Room interior expansion (Stage 7), Forest environment (Stage 3), Corridor remodeling between rooms (Stage 5), Corridor size expansion between rooms (Stage 6), Dungeon-wide scale expansion (Stage 4)]

[Rooms: 20]

[Dungeon Status: Upon rising to B-rank, Balak has undergone a tremendous evolution. The entire scale of the dungeon has grown, and its interior has expanded as well. It currently possesses soldiers, traps, and installed means befitting a B-rank dungeon. With this evolution, the modification and change statuses have also been automatically upgraded. Balak's Crystal Sphere currently shows an immense magic level, making the dungeon itself feel alive. Additionally, the Transmutation Circle is in operation, sharing Balak's magic.]

'Thanks to the evolution, I don't need to touch the modification statuses for now. I should focus on adding more traps and installations to prepare for B-rank raid parties.'

B-rank parties hadn't shown up yet, but it was only a matter of time before they started flocking to Balak. After reviewing the general information, Taehyun pulled up the detailed soldier roster.

[High-grade Orc (100)]

[High-grade Lizardman (70)]

[High-grade Fenrir (50)]

[High-grade Goblin (200)]

[High-grade Imp (120)]

[High-grade Wild Dog (60)]

[Top-tier Minotaur (50)]

[High-grade Wyvern (75)]

[High-grade Troll (75)]

[Mid-level Centaur (30)]

[Mid-level Werewolf (70)]

[Mid-level Gargoyle (40)]

[Mid-level Harpy (50)]

[Intermediate Catapult Drake - Modified (6)]

A total of one thousand soldiers. Every one of them had surpassed level 40. With their equipment, classes, and sub-ranks all optimized, defending against C-rank raiders was a simple affair, regardless of their numbers.

'The Zen is starting to pile up again. I should be able to summon five A-rank soldiers soon.'

With the addition of five A-rank soldiers, Balak's military power would be solidified even further. After finishing his review, Taehyun leaned back and watched the monitor leisurely. Riel, who had entered the Master Room, quietly offered him a cup of tea.

"Ah, thanks."

"Of course. By the way, Master Taehyun," she began, "now that you're B-rank, will you be summoning more Guardians and Keepers?"

"Now that you mention it, I can summon one more," he mused. "I'll add another after I summon the A-rank soldiers."

Dungeons could possess Guardians and Keepers starting from C-rank. The limit increased with the dungeon's rank. Now that Balak was B-rank, he would soon be able to add another powerful unit to his command structure. Taehyun drained his teacup and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Riel asked.

"Just heading to the labyrinth for a bit."

"I'll go with you."

Riel naturally linked her arm with his. 'Come to think of it, what's Riel's affection stat right now?' Taehyun gently extricated his arm and checked her information.

[Riel of Healing]

[Rank: B (Named)]

[Level: 45]

[Class: Priest]

[Title: Hands of Healing]

[Affiliation: Balak]

[Loyalty: 85]

[Favorability: 84]

[Obedience: 70]

[Skills: Battle Heal, Sublime Will, Increased Healing, Party Heal, Holy Serenade]

[Special Ability: Light of Healing (Active)]

[Strength: 1] [Endurance: 1] [Agility: 2] [Stamina: 4]

[Mana: 12] [Divinity: 19] [Affinity: 9] [Luck: 8]

Riel had certainly grown a lot. Her relationship stats, in particular, were surprisingly high. Taehyun let out a low groan, seeing her affection stat nearing 90. He glanced to his side, where Riel was pressing herself against him again. It wasn't that he lacked desire, but her escalating advances were becoming... complicated.

'Now that I think about it, I haven't felt frustrated once. Am I impotent or something?' His expression darkened for a moment. He quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought. 'No, I've just been too busy trying to survive to even think about it.'

And with that, Taehyun headed to the labyrinth, with Riel close by his side.

---

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