The next evening, the two viscounts each sent soldiers to confirm whether Claim's words were true. The time was set for when the light magic in Behetl was extinguished, just as they had been told, and their respective soldiers observed the area by the river downstream.

Absurdly enough, the soldiers of the two viscounts discovered each other from a distance.

'It's just as the Viscount said. We must report back immediately.'

'So those bastards were scouting. I have to report to the Viscount at once.'

The men leading the soldiers immediately took out their communication devices and reported to their viscounts. It was dark and hard to see clearly, but it certainly looked like a scouting mission. And so, the soldiers of each viscount returned to their domains.

---

"It was just as you said, my Lord. The men from the Perna domain were out scouting. It was dark and hard to see clearly, but I'm certain of it."

Just as promised, Claim had made Perna's soldiers conduct a reconnaissance. With this, he had deceived Viscount Perna and shown his loyalty. But Viscount Bedon was still suspicious.

'Still, it's hard to believe him after just one time.' He contacted Claim through the communication device.

"What is it? I'm busy right now," Claim's voice crackled through.

"Young Claim. Just as you said, the men from the Perna domain really did come to scout. With this, it's certain your words were not a lie."

"Yeah! I told you so, why don't you believe me? Have you lived your whole life being deceived?"

"Ahem. Still, it's hard to believe after just one time. Would it be possible for you to demonstrate your trustworthiness one more time?"

"Jeez. So annoying. Fine. I'll contact you again soon." Though annoyed, he couldn't refuse, given the amount of money offered.

Viscount Bedon smirked and put down the device. Originally, he had just intended to confirm his trust, but now it seemed possible to use Claim to create disruptions. If his credibility became perfect, he could continue to use him even after their deal was concluded. He could take over the Crowley Viscounty and, at the same time, eliminate the bothersome Viscount Perna.

'After the deal is done, I'll lay low for a while, then strike Perna in one go while taking the Crowley territories. Just thinking about it is thrilling!' If everything went according to plan, becoming a Count wouldn't be just a dream. And so, Viscount Bedon, filled with anticipation, waited for the next communication.

---

Meanwhile, Taehyun, disguised as Claim, had finished communicating with both viscounts. 'As expected, they don't believe me right away. Is this what it means to be a viscount? They're ridiculously cautious.'

Claim was currently in a double deal with the viscounts, so they would keep making these requests until they were absolutely certain. Until then, he had to keep up the act and steadily build their trust. Once they were convinced, they would finish the deal and try to go after each other, with Claim playing the role of the pawn caught in the middle. Even after the deal, they would not reveal that fact and would continue to ask Claim to act as a spy. Their final goal was probably a scenario where they took over the domain and simultaneously eliminated their rival.

'They're having a grand time, not even knowing they're the ones being deceived. Well, since the goldfish want it, I guess I have to keep playing along.'

And so, Taehyun continued to grant the two viscounts' requests.

"Th-This time too, there's no mistake. The color of the flag has definitely changed. But…"

"Ooh. It was just as you said. The shield bearers had all switched to oval shields. Still…"

"It's definitely true. Yes. No doubt about it. However…"

The two, having become extremely cautious, demanded the next favor each time, even while confirming the truth. Taehyun continued to deceive them both using Roquin, and their trust in him gradually deepened. By the time he had granted their sixth request, the two goldfish had completely swallowed the bait.

"Now I can finally trust you. I apologize for the trouble so far. I will send someone your way tomorrow."

"It was all true. I apologize for troubling you because I couldn't shake my suspicions. I will send someone your way tomorrow, so please confirm the promised Zen."

Finally, the two viscounts seemed convinced and were trying to give him the Zen first. For Taehyun, this was a most welcome development. The next day, he received the Zen from the raiders who came to visit.

"Please confirm."

"Ooh. No need to even count it. Tell Viscount Bedon I said thanks!"

"Please confirm."

"It's the exact amount! Tell Viscount Perna I said thanks!"

And so, Taehyun, disguised as Claim, instantly pocketed 40 million Zen and cemented the trust of the two viscounts.

"Now we just have to run away, right?" Roquin asked.

"No. For now, we need to leave the domain as it is. Right now, we just need to make the two viscounts withdraw their soldiers."

A few days later, Taehyun informed the viscounts about the domain. "I'll give you ownership the day I inherit it, so for now, take your soldiers back. The domain is yours anyway. I'll hand it over soon, so just pull back for now."

The two viscounts gladly agreed and sent their soldiers back to their own domains.

'I'm worried about Balak,' one thought, 'but it's not making a move, and the raiders from the association branch are on guard. I don't need to worry for now.'

'He said the day of inheritance is soon,' schemed the other, 'so I should send the soldiers back to prepare to strike him.'

And just like that, the soldiers guarding Lemagal and Behetl vanished, leaving only the raiders from the association branch. Taehyun set up one of Roquin's dolls as his double and returned to Balak.

---

[You have successfully returned to Balak.]

A familiar scene came into view: the Master Room, unchanged.

"Feels like I've been away for years," Taehyun remarked. Nearly two weeks had passed since he started acting as Claim in Behetl. During that time, Balak's dungeons had steadily thwarted raids, devouring raiders bit by bit. It could have been dangerous with him away, but Riel had fulfilled her duties as a Supporter, so no problems had occurred.

"Have you returned?" Riel asked, rising from her position before the screen. It seemed she had been fending off raiders until that very moment.

Taehyun nodded and checked the raiders on the screen. They were B-rank, but they were being mercilessly cut down by Grai's sword. "Was Grai always this strong? To be pushing back B-rank raiders like this."

"He has certainly gotten stronger," Riel confirmed, "but their stamina was drained to the limit by the B-rank soldiers. Ah, he has just killed the last one."

Just then, the Fire Dragon Sword pierced the last raider's heart. Taehyun checked the message that appeared before him and re-evaluated Grai. As Riel had said, the raiders' stamina had been depleted, but he had still faced B-rank raiders alone. It was no exaggeration to say he had become stronger.

'Could Guardians and Keepers also evolve?' The D-rank soldiers had been training continuously and had evolved to C-rank. If an evolution system existed for Guardians and Keepers, Grai might be able to evolve soon.

Taehyun received a brief report from Riel and checked Balak's status. "The Crystal Sphere's level has already gone up by two?"

"Yes. We occasionally found magic stones in the raiders' equipment, so I raised the level."

"Well done. You managed things very well while I was away."

"Thank you," she said softly. "But, Master Taehyun, was your plan successful?"

Instead of answering, Taehyun took out 40 million Zen from his inventory.

Riel gasped. "My goodness! Where did you get all this Zen?"

"I tricked two goldfish. With this, we can leave the domain as it is for a while. The two idiot viscounts think they've already got it and have even withdrawn their soldiers."

The soldiers stationed in Behetl and Lemagal had all returned to their posts. The raiders from the association branch were still there, but diverting their attention was simple. For now, he had to use Roquin's doll as a stand-in and focus on Balak again. As long as the two viscounts continued to believe in the deal, they wouldn't make a move for a while.

But Riel, still not understanding, asked again, "Isn't now the best time, with their soldiers withdrawn? I think we could expand our influence even further."

"No. If we make a rash move now, they might think Claim is connected to Balak. Besides, those guys are afraid of Balak's soldiers invading their own domains. If we move now, they'll definitely send their soldiers back." Even with the deal with Claim, it would be a different story if Balak mobilized its army. Not only would the domain they bought be in danger, but they wouldn't know how far Balak's influence would spread. They would surely break their promise to Claim and send their soldiers back to keep Balak in check. For now, he had to leave the domain alone and focus on strengthening Balak's forces.

"Then is the plan concluded?"

"No. I plan to swallow the Crowley Viscounty's domain along with the domains of the two viscounts. When that time comes, I can reveal that Claim was the Dungeon Master."

Viscount Bedon and Viscount Perna believed they could use Claim as a spy. They would surely try to eliminate each other while acquiring the Crowley domain. If he used that against them, he could swallow up both of their domains as well. Balak just had to wait and prepare.

Taehyun stood up and headed for the last room. 'First, I need to add one more Guardian.' Now that he had secured Zen, he had to increase the number of Guardians. To expand his influence throughout the West, Balak needed more core forces.

[You have used a Random Guardian Summon Card.]

[A summoning circle is being generated.]

[The summoning circle is generated near the Crystal Sphere, stabilizing the magic.]

A summoning circle formed before him. Taehyun watched as a figure materialized within.

[Super Success!]

[The A-rank Named Guardian 'Rabiz, Ruler of Space' has been summoned.]

A holy white robe, a tall pointed hat, and sky-blue hair framed a small figure. A young-looking female mage appeared before him. Taehyun was stunned by the A-rank message. 'I wasn't even hoping for an A-rank. Is this what they call a stroke of luck?'

Every Guardian and Keeper he summoned was of a higher rank than his dungeon. It was, quite literally, a stroke of luck. He watched Rabiz as she slowly opened her eyes.

"…Are you the Master?" she asked, her voice flat.

"Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine." Rabiz bowed her head mechanically. Taehyun looked down at her small form and checked her information.

[Rabiz, Ruler of Space]

[Rank: A (Named)]

[Level: 1]

[Class: Mage]

[Title: The One Who Rules Space]

[Affiliation: Balak]

[Loyalty: 50]

[Affection: 10]

[Obedience: 50]

[Skill: Summon]

[Special Ability: Teleportation Mana Circle]

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

[Mana: 18] [Divinity: 1] [Affinity: 1] [Luck: 1]

'Damn. How can her magic be 18 at level 1?!' As an A-rank Named Guardian, Rabiz's stats were extraordinary. Her other stats were at rock bottom, but her magic was a whopping 18. She was undoubtedly among the top tier of mages.

"What kind of skill is Summon?"

"It is a skill that allows me to bring a being affiliated with Balak to my location."

"And your special ability?"

"For a certain period of time, I can install a teleportation magic circle to move beings affiliated with Balak."

She answered each question in an emotionless voice. Taehyun nodded and decided to test her Summon skill. "Then, summon Balak's Supporter, Riel."

"Understood."

Mana flowed from Rabiz's hands. She instantly created a summoning circle, and Riel materialized within it.

"Oh my!" Suddenly summoned, Riel looked around in confusion. "Wh-What just happened?"

"…A miracle just happened," Taehyun said, a slow grin spreading across his face.

"Huh?!"

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